These tests are administered by the Project Management Institute, which also grants certifications for various levels of project management, including the PMP®, CAPM®, PgMP®, PfMP®, PMI-ACP®, PMI-PBA®, PMI-RMP®, PMI-SP®, and OPM3® Professional Certification. The field of project management is one that is expanding quickly, so if you want to succeed, you must be familiar with the top three certifications, which are PMP®, PRINCE2®, and CAPM®.
People who want to become project managers frequently struggle with choosing between the CAPM®, PMP®, and PRINCE2® project management certifications. The three project management certifications that are most sought-after and highest paying, despite their extreme differences It is essential for a candidate seeking certification to be aware of the distinctions between each certification and plan their next move accordingly.
PMP vs CAPM
Why get a CAPM certification?
People pursue the CAPM certification to kickstart their project management careers. Employers frequently view a CAPM certification as a minimum requirement as the project management industry expands. The CAPM is a certification that can strengthen your resume wherever you might look for project management work and can lend authority to your work experience as PMI’s certifications continue to gain popularity. The CAPM is accessible to the majority of people interested in a career in project management due to its minimal requirements.
What is CAPM certification?
The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification, which attests that holders have a sufficient understanding of project management to start a career in the field. Additionally, it could assist project managers already on the job to demonstrate their capacity to oversee bigger projects.
For those interested in project management, the CAPM certification is well-known as a popular entry-level credential. The requirements for earning this certification include:
What is PMP certification?
Additionally, PMI offers the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. It attests that the earner is qualified to manage bigger projects because they are qualified due to their education, experience, and mastery of the role. The PMP’s requirements are more stringent than those of the CAPM, though they may vary depending on your prior project management education. However, obtaining PMP certification requires passing a 200-question multiple-choice exam regardless of your educational background.
The additional prerequisites for a PMP certification for those with a four-year degree are:
The prerequisites for a PMP for those without a four-year degree are:
Why get a PMP certification?
The PMP certification is helpful for those who want to advance their project management career. It covers more material than the CAPM certification, so as you study for the test, you can pick up additional project management skills. Because employers are aware that the certification has strict requirements, including it in your resume can help. Additionally, it demonstrates to potential employers your commitment to project management, especially when coupled with the necessary expertise. Additionally, these increased requirements make it easier to find project management jobs with higher salaries.
Key differences between CAPM and PMP certifications
The CAPM and PMP certifications can both advance your project management career, but there are some significant differences between the two. The PMP’s more stringent requirements are the most significant of these variations. The two certifications do differ in a few other ways, including the following:
1. Financial cost
The CAPM certification costs less than the PMP. Earning the CAPM costs $300 for non-members of the PMI while only costing $225 for members. The PMP costs $555 for non-members and $405 for members.
2. Exam difficulty
Because the CAPM was created by the PMI for beginning project managers, it is less challenging than the PMP exam. The CAPM exam primarily focuses on professional terminology and only covers a portion of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide. The five process groups outlined in the PMBOK are the primary focus of the PMP exam, which assesses your knowledge of all facets of project management. These process groups are:
The CAPM exam does not include questions designed to test your knowledge of real-world project management scenarios, while the PMP exam not only includes questions designed to test your knowledge of additional material.
3. Renewal requirements
The CAPM certification is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed. You have the option of taking the exam once more to renew your certification after five years or opting to take the PMP exam to obtain a higher certificate.
The PMP certification lasts three years. You must acquire 60 Personal Development Units (PDUs) over the course of those three years in order to be eligible to apply for recertification. A PDU is one hour spent either advancing your education or assisting others in their project management education. Personal Development Units are divided into two categories by the PMI: educational and giving back to the industry.
Examples of Educational PDUs include:
Examples of Giving Back to the Profession PDUs include:
4. Intended exam takers
By highlighting the intended exam takers for each certification, the PMI distinguishes between the CAPM and PMP certifications. The CAPM was created with inexperienced project managers or project management students in mind. For working professionals who already have a lot of experience as project managers and want to advance their careers, they developed the PMP certification.
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FAQ
What is better PMP or CAPM?
Project managers may wonder why they should pursue PMP certification when CAPM certification is more available, less expensive, and requires less time and experience. The answer is straightforward: The PMP is the most significant, industry-recognized certification for project managers.
Is it worth to get CAPM?
For project managers and executives alike, the CAPM Certification serves as a crucial stepping stone. According to market research, project management expertise will be more in demand across almost all industries by 2020, with nearly 1 57 million new positions will be created globally.
Can I be a project manager with CAPM?
With approximately 1. The demand for qualified project management expertise is high, there are 57 million new jobs created annually, and earning the CAPM certification is a great way to start a fulfilling career in project management.
