CAPM? vs PMP?: The Differences You Need To Know

The choice between Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)? vs Project Management Professional (PMP)? is a big one. The CAPM? and PMP? certifications are both specialized credentials offered by Project Management Institute (PMI)?.

When you know the differences between the CAPM exam and the PMP exam, you can make the best decision for you and your career. You’ll be able to choose the right certification — whether that is preparing for the PMP certification or opting for CAPM. The choice you make should be the one that aligns with your personal goals for your career path.

In this article, we’ll look at the differences between PMP and CAPM certifications so you’ll have all the information required to make the perfect choice for you.

What is CAPM Certification?

The CAPM certification is an entry-level certification offered by PMI? for practicing and aspiring project managers.

The credential is aimed at project managers who have limited or no practical experience in the field of leading and managing projects. You might have some experience in a project environment, perhaps as a team member on a larger project, or through helping out with project work.

The CAPM exam focuses on testing your knowledge of project management concepts, processes and terminology.

The main difference, at this point, between CAPM and PMP certifications is that the PMP exam requires you to apply your knowledge. You have to have project management experience in order to be able to sit for the exam.

That makes the PMP certification perfect for people who are in a project management role already, leading and managing teams to deliver projects.

But what if you’ve got some practical experience but don’t feel you’ve really got the background to apply for the PMP exam? Don’t worry, PMI has defined guidelines about eligibility, so let’s look at those next.

What Are the Requirements of the PMP and CAPM Certifications?

In order to apply for the PMP exam, you must be able to demonstrate your prior project management experience.

The criteria are as follows:

• If you hold a Bachelor degree, you need at least 4,500 hours of project experience over 3 years
• If you are a high school graduate, you need at least 7,500 hours of project experience over 5 years.

Regardless of your schooling, you must also be able to demonstrate that you’ve undergone 35 hours of formal PMP project management education, like The PM PrepCast which will provide the hours and the certificate of evidence that you need.

The CAPM eligibility criteria are different. They are as follows:

• You need to hold a high school diploma, secondary diploma or the global equivalent
• You need 1,500 hours of professional experience on a project team OR 23 contact hours of formal education.

How Are the Exams Different?

While both the CAPM and PMP exams use A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge - (PMBOK? Guide) as the primary text, the exams are different. Here’s how.

Area PMP CAPM Number of questions 200 150 Duration of exam 4 hours 3 hours Number of non-scoring questions 25 15 Format of questions Multiple choice Multiple choice Method of exam Computer-based Computer-based

Both exams use the multiple choice format and the tests are computer-based (although in some special circumstances it may be possible to request a paper test).

Both exams have some non-scoring questions. These are questions that PMI is testing for inclusion in future exams. You won’t know which questions carry marks and which are the non-scoring questions, so the most important thing is to make sure you answer all questions to the best of your ability.

How Much Do the CAPM and PMP Exams Cost?

There is a difference in price between the CAPM and PMP exams.

Applying for the PMP certification costs $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-PMI members.

Applying for the CAPM certification costs $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-PMI members.

How Long Is My CAPM Certificate Valid For?

Once you have successfully passed the CAPM exam, it will be valid for 5 years. The 5 years starts at the point that you pass the exam, so from your exam date.

By contrast, the PMP certificate is only valid for 3 years.

How Do I Renew My CAPM Certificate and PMP Certificate?

There are differences with how you renew each certificate. Once your certificate is up for renewal, you have to apply for recertification.

With the CAPM certification, you have to take the exam again after the 5 year period is up.

If you hold the PMP certification, there’s no need to take the exam ever again! Instead, you have to prove your commitment to continuous professional development by documenting your development over the 3 year period. This is done by taking part in the Continuing Certification Requirements program and recording Professional Development Units.

By the time your CAPM certificate is up for renewal, you will have most likely amassed enough project management experience to apply for the PMP exam. You could take the CAPM exam again, but it would be a better career choice to go for the PMP exam if you are now eligible. If you are eligible and still interested in a career as a project manager, upgrading to the PMP certificate at this point would be a good choice.

What Are the Benefits of CAPM vs PMP Certification?

When you’ve made a plan to get your CAPM certification is recognized to distinguish you from other candidates in the market. There are career benefits that come with holding a CAPM certification including:

• Recognition of your achievement from an industry professional body
• Respect from your project management peers
• Greater confidence in your abilities, both personally and from your colleagues
• The possibility of career progression and/or a higher salary at work.

The PMP certification also has benefits to you as an individual:

• Professional recognition from the industry and your peers
• Salary survey research shows higher salaries for PMP certification holders compared to non-certificated project managers
• Assurance that you understand and have experience of project management processes
• Achieving an internationally-recognized certification could help you gain a new role and greater professional responsibility.