How many hours a week should I study for the pre-primary course?
Plan about 5 hours a week for the Certificate (120 hours over 6 months), the Diploma (200 hours over 10 months) and the PG Diploma (240 hours over 12 months), and about 6 to 7 hours a week for the Integrated PG Diploma (480 hours over 18 months). Add time with children if you can.
What this means in practice
These numbers come from dividing published course hours by the duration. Some weeks will be lighter and some heavier, especially when assignments are due.
A sample weekly plan
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1 hour of reading and notes
- Saturday: 2 hours of assignment work
- Any day: 15 minutes trying one activity with children
Staying on track
Use a simple tracker, set mini-deadlines, and study with a friend or online group for motivation.
What to do in each study session
Use a simple pattern: read a section of the module, write three key points in your own words, and note one activity you could try with children. Every few sessions, work on your assignment. Short, regular sessions with this pattern help you remember more than long, irregular ones. Keep a tracker of hours so you can see progress toward your course total.
Practical next steps
- Divide your course hours by the number of weeks.
- Block study time in your calendar.
- Review your progress every month.
Common follow-up questions
Is 5 hours a week enough?
For most levels, yes, if you study regularly.
Can I study only on weekends?
Yes, but plan 4 to 5 hours each weekend.
Sources
Course facts from APTTI's published course pages, checked 10 October 2026. Editorial policy.