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The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification is a globally recognized credential for entry-level project managers with little to no project management experience.
Earning the CAPM certification validates your knowledge and skills in project management fundamentals. It signals to potential employers that you can competently fulfill foundational tasks and responsibilities involved in a project manager role. This article overviews key CAPM certification requirements and the credential’s various cost components.
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a great certification for those looking to get into project management As one of the most widely-recognized project management certifications, CAPM opens doors to lucrative project management careers across many industries
If you’re interested in getting CAPM certified this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know from eligibility requirements to study tips and exam details.
An Overview of CAPM Certification
The CAPM certification is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It’s an entry-level credential that covers the fundamentals of project management.
Here’s a quick rundown of key CAPM details
- Designed for professionals new to project management or looking to switch careers
- Tests your knowledge of project management principles and processes
- Based on PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)
- Globally recognized across industries
- Fulfills the project management education requirements for the PMP certification
Overall, CAPM is a great way to get started in project management and lay the groundwork for further certifications like PMP down the road.
CAPM Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CAPM exam, you must meet these prerequisites:
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Secondary degree: High school diploma, associate degree or global equivalent
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Project management education: 23 hours of project management education completed by the exam date
The 23 hours can be fulfilled through formal project management courses offered by PMI chapters, employers, colleges or training companies. PMI also offers a project management basics course that satisfies the requirement.
Once you meet these prerequisites, you can apply to take the CAPM exam through PMI’s website.
Studying and Preparing for the CAPM Exam
With thorough preparation, the CAPM exam is very manageable. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
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Review the exam outline: This breaks down the topics covered, so you can focus your studies appropriately.
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Read the PMBOK Guide: This is the primary reference for the exam. Read the key sections and take notes.
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Take practice exams: Testing your knowledge with practice questions helps reinforce what you’ve learned.
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Use study aids: Flashcards, study guides and courses can supplement your self-study.
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Join a study group: Studying with others helps you stay accountable and focused.
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Make a study schedule: Block out regular study sessions over 1-3 months to prepare.
On average, you’ll need around 100 hours of study time to pass the CAPM exam, so make sure to budget accordingly!
What’s on the CAPM Exam?
The CAPM exam is 150 multiple-choice questions. You have 3 hours to complete it.
Questions are based on the PMBOK Guide sections on:
- Project integration management
- Project scope management
- Project schedule management
- Project cost management
- Project quality management
- Project resource management
- Project communications management
- Project risk management
- Project procurement management
- Project stakeholder management
You’ll need to understand these processes, tools and techniques to pass.
Registering for the CAPM Exam
You can register for the CAPM exam on PMI’s website. Follow these steps:
- Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements
- Submit an online application
- Pay the exam fee ($225 for PMI members, $300 for non-members)
- Receive your eligibility ID to schedule an exam date
- Book your exam at a local test center
You can take the computer-based exam nearly any day of the year by appointment. Test centers are located across the globe.
What’s the CAPM Exam Format?
Here’s what to expect on exam day:
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Arrive early: Show up 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
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Check in: Provide your eligibility ID and get set up at a workstation.
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Tutorial: Take a few minutes to get familiar with the computer testing interface.
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Exam: You’ll have 3 hours for the 150 multiple-choice questions.
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Survey: After finishing, complete a short survey about your experience.
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Score report: You’ll get your pass/fail result immediately after the exam.
Be sure to carefully read all instructions to have the smoothest testing experience possible.
CAPM Exam Passing Score and Retakes
The passing score is set at 70%. This equates to answering around 106 questions correctly.
If you don’t pass on your first try, you can retake the exam twice within your one-year eligibility period. The retake fee is $150 for PMI members and $200 for non-members. Make sure to thoroughly review your weaknesses before attempting the exam again.
Maintaining Your CAPM Certification
Once you pass the CAPM exam, you are certified for a five-year period. To renew your certification, you must earn 15 professional development units (PDUs) per credential cycle.
There are many ways to earn PDUs, such as:
- Completing project management courses
- Attending seminars and conferences
- Volunteering in a project management role
- Publishing articles or papers
Keep track of your PDU activities to stay in good standing when it comes time for renewal.
Why Earn CAPM Certification?
Here are some of the top reasons to get CAPM certified:
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Prove your skills: Demonstrate your knowledge of core project management principles to employers.
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Enhance your résumé: Getting CAPM certified makes you more attractive to hiring managers.
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Advance your career: CAPM helps open up new job opportunities and higher salaries.
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Gain confidence: Mastering the fundamentals builds confidence in your PM abilities.
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Prep for PMP: CAPM fulfills the education requirements for the PMP certification.
Overall, CAPM is a smart first step to launch your project management career and establish your expertise in the field.
Is CAPM Certification Worth It?
CAPM is absolutely worth it for project management newcomers. It provides knowledge you can apply right away in entry-level PM roles.
According to PayScale, CAPM certification holders earn a median salary of $72,000 per year. The credential can give you a pay boost and help you land that first job or promotion.
Additionally, the exam cost is relatively low compared to other certifications. And the skills you gain will serve you throughout your career.
For those looking to get their foot in the door in project management, CAPM offers an affordable, beginner-friendly certification to help you succeed.
Final Steps for Earning Your CAPM
If you’re ready to move forward with CAPM certification:
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Complete project management education: A PM basics course satisfies the 23-hour requirement.
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Apply for the exam: Submit your eligibility application through PMI’s website.
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Study and prepare: Create a study plan and devote 1-3 months to review key concepts.
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Pass the exam: Use practice exams and study aids to feel fully prepared.
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Add CAPM to your credentials: Update your resume, LinkedIn and business cards to showcase your new certification.
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Look for PM opportunities: With your CAPM in hand, start applying to entry-level project management roles.
Stay motivated throughout the process, and you’ll be CAPM certified before you know it!
Do I have to be a PMI member to earn CAPM certification?
You do not have to be a PMI member to earn CAPM certification. You must meet the prerequisites and pay the exam fee to earn the certification. However, the exam is cheaper ($225) with PMI membership. It costs $300 for nonmembers. Certification renewal is cheaper for PMI members as well.
What Is CAPM Certification?
CAPM certification is a beginner-level professional designation administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It recognizes project practitioners’ knowledge and competency in their field’s fundamentals, including processes, frameworks, methodologies and best practices. CAPM is ideal for entry-level professionals, project team members and project managers seeking to advance their knowledge and implement best practices in their work.
The CAPM certification can serve as a stepping stone toward a career in the field and the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. If you’re debating between earning the CAPM vs. PMP, consider pursuing the CAPM first.
Several components factor into the total CAPM certification cost. Below you’ll find a breakdown of mandatory fees and other expenses associated with the CAPM certification process.
Exam Fee: $225 for PMI members and $300 for nonmembers
Reexamination Fee: $200 for PMI members and $150 for nonmembers
The exam fee is mandatory and must be paid online directly to PMI. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you must pay a reexamination fee to take the test again.
Once a candidate’s application to take the CAPM exam is approved, they have one year and three attempts to pass the test. If a candidate is unable to pass the CAPM certification exam within the one-year eligibility period, they must wait one year from the date of their last attempt to resubmit their application for the CAPM credential.
In preparation for the CAPM exam, you’ll likely sign up for a training course or bootcamp. A CAPM bootcamp or course typically provides 23 hours of project management education in three to four days. Self-paced and live, instructor-led options are available. Both formats can fulfill contact hour requirements for certification.
The cost for CAPM training varies depending on the program. Prices usually start at around $450, but some programs cost as little as $200 and others charge $3,000 or more. The official CAPM exam prep course from PMI is self-paced and costs $350 for PMI members and $400 for nonmembers. PMI also offers a project management basics course for the same price.
How to get CAPM/PMP certified in 2 weeks l 2023
Is a CAPM worth it?
You’re the only one who can determine if a CAPM is worth it. Here are a couple points to consider: Will project management be your main job, or just part of it? Studying for the PMP is a huge undertaking. You’ll also have to have 60 professional development units (aka continuing education) every 3 years to maintain your PMP.
How hard is the CAPM exam?
The CAPM Exam is achallenging exam – it has 150 questions over the course of 3 hours. So, if you don’t prepare for it, and you slack off, you will be surprised. So, make sure you study for it. Just because it’s an “associate” exam doesn’t mean it won’t be challenging or have tricky concepts.
How to prepare for the CAPM exam?
Make sure to eat a good breakfast or at least a snack before the exam. Drink some water too; you don’t want to be dehydrated during the exam.” Ready to Get Certified? Now you’ve read through this CAPM exam prep guide with expert tips, we hope you are feeling positive about the next steps for your career journey to becoming certified.
