PMP Vs CAPM: What Are Their Similarities And Differences ?

Learn the differences between PMP vs CAPM and choose the right certification for your career goals. This guide provides an in-depth comparison of the two certifications, including their eligibility criteria, exam formats, and benefits. Discover how CAPM vs PMP certifications can give you a competitive advantage in the job market and advance your career in project management. By the end, IT Exams will help you have a better understanding of these certifications and be able to make an informed decision about which one to pursue.

What Are PMP And CAPM Certifications?

PMP

The Project Management Institute (PMI) awards Project Management Professional Certification, generally known as PMP certification, to professionals who satisfy specified academic and experience requirements. Professionals must complete a variety of prerequisites before applying for certification. Following the acceptance and approval of an application, the candidate must pass a rigorous and extensive exam to become a certified associate in project management.

While this form of certification is not required for most jobs or corporate positions, it is a widely recognized accreditation that adds credibility and strength to any résumé. The accreditation was intended to set a standard for project management across sectors and geographies. Obtaining a PMP certificate is one of the various ways a professional may demonstrate to a future or present employer their competence and devotion to their job.

CAPM

CAPM certification, which stands for Certified Associate in Project Management, is a Project Management Institute (PMI) certification that gives workers sufficient project management skills to start a career in the industry. CAPM certification is mostly considered an entry-level certification, and it is appropriate for people who are interested in project management but have little or no experience.

CAPM certification can help you receive a 35-hour education requirement exemption for PMP as an active CAPM credential holder, which is advantageous for people just starting out in project management. It also allows you to demonstrate your capacity to handle larger projects and additional responsibility by applying your project management abilities in your present work. CAPM certification is frequently a minimal requirement for project managers, and it may strengthen your CV and lend credibility to your job experience.

What Are The Similarities Between PMP Vs CAPM?

Both certificates are based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) of the Project Management Institute, which is a foundation of project management methods and best practices.

To be certified in any certification, students must pass a multiple-choice exam. Both certifications cover the following exam topics: project integration management, project scope management, project schedule management, project cost management, project quality management, project resource management, project communications management, project risk management, and project stakeholder management.

Before taking the test, candidates must meet the eligibility conditions for both certifications. The PMP requires 3-5 years of project management experience, but the CAPM requires a secondary degree (high school diploma or global equivalent) and 1,500 hours of project experience, or 23 hours of project management teaching.

Both certificates require candidates to renew their certification on a regular basis in order to demonstrate their commitment to the project management profession and to stay up to date on revisions to the PMBOK framework.

What Are The Differences Between PMP Vs CAPM?

While PMP (Project Management Professional) and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) share some similarities, there are several key differences between these two certifications, including:

CAPM vs PMP Exam Requirements

What are the prerequisites for taking the CAPM versus PMP exam? Because the CAPM certification test is targeted at entry-level individuals with little to no project management experience, there are fewer rules for qualifying for it. PMI expects test candidates to satisfy the following CAPM requirements:

• Secondary education (equal to a high school diploma, an associate’s degree, or the worldwide equivalent)
• By the time you appear for the test, you should have completed 23 hours of project management study.

Consider attending a test preparation course to complete the 23-hour education requirement. Our Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification course, for example, prepares you for the exam and fulfills the academic requirement.

Meeting PMP test criteria, on the other hand, takes more time and effort. PMI provides two options for becoming eligible to take the PMP exam:

• Option 1
  • Secondary education (equal to a high school diploma, an associate’s degree, or the worldwide equivalent)
  • 60 months of project management
  • CAPM Certification OR 35 hours of project management education
• Option 2
  • a four-year diploma
  • 36 months of project management
  • CAPM Certification OR 35 hours of project management education

CAPM vs PMP exam

The content and complexity of the CAPM and PMP tests vary. The CAPM is a knowledge-based exam that examines candidates on project management theory and methods. It is less challenging than the PMP exam. The PMP certification includes the actual use of project management tools and practices. The CAPM focuses on content from the PMBOK Guide, but the PMP tests you on knowledge beyond the PMBOK Guide.

CAPM exam

The CAPM assesses you on PMBOK Guide topics. The proportion of each chapter covered in the exam is as follows:

• Introduction to Project Management: 6%
• Project Environment: 6%
• Role of the Project Manager: 7%
• Project Integration: 9%
• Project Scope: 9%
• Project Schedule: 9%
• Project Cost: 8%
• Project Quality: 7%
• Project Resource: 8%
• Project Communication: 10%
• Project Risk: 8%
• Project Procurement: 4%
• Project Stakeholder: 9%

PMP exam

The PMP exam covers topics from the PMBOK Guide as well as other content. The subjects presented are basically divided as follows:

• People: 42%

Questions regarding managing conflict, leading a team, helping team performance, drafting project agreements, supporting virtual teams, and other people-related subjects are included in the people section.

• Process: 50%

The exam’s process section examines the techniques utilized to complete a project. This covers managing communications, identifying risks, involving stakeholders, budgeting and scheduling, quality management, establishing scope, and a variety of other subjects.

• Business: 8%

For the business component of the test, you’ll need to understand topics such as project compliance planning and management, assessing project benefits and value, addressing external variables that affect project scope, and enabling organizational transformation.

CAPM vs PMP exam cost

The PMP certification test is more expensive than the CAPM certification exam. Non-PMI members pay $555 for the PMP, whereas non-members pay $300 for the CAPM. Here is a breakdown of their expenses.

A PMI membership costs $129 per year, plus a $10 one-time application fee.

CAPM cost:

• PMI members pay $225 ($364 total, including membership and application fees).
• Non-PMI members pay $300.

PMP cost:

• PMI members pay $405 ($544 total, including membership and application fees).
• Non-PMI members pay $555.

Renewal requirements

CAPM and PMP certificates are valid for three years and need a certification renewal fee for both members and non-members. Earning 15 Personal Development Units (PDUs) for CAPM and 60 PDUs for PMP before applying for recertification is the key difference. A PDU is one hour spent either advancing your knowledge or assisting others in learning more about project management. The PMI categorizes Personal Development Units as follows:

Educational

Educational PDUs include the following:

• Participating in professional lectures or webinars
• Completing educational programs approved by the PMI
• completing additional education that the PMI does not give
• Attending project management-related events
• completing further project management reading

Giving back to the profession

PDUs in this category include the following:

• Creating project management blogs, instructive videos, and other online content
• Giving project management presentations at conferences, professional organization meetings, and other events
• Volunteering with project management organizations, notably the PMI

CAPM vs PMP salary

In general, PMP holders earn more than CAPM holders.

According to Payscale, the average US pay for CAPM holders is $67,000 in July 2022, whereas it is $111,000 for PMP holders. According to Ziprecruiter, CAPM holders earn an average US salary of $91,735, whereas PMP holders earn $115,898.

What Jobs Can You Get With PMP And CAPM?

PMP® certification opens the door to a wide range of employment. Here are some of the careers pursued by PMP® certified professionals:

• Associate Project Manager: This is an entry-level role in which you collaborate with other project managers to manage a project. – $58,775
• Assistant Project Manager: This is another entry-level role where you will work alongside experienced project managers to complete tasks and learn the ins and outs of project management. -$58,172
• Contract Project Manager: As a contract project manager, you will not have the same obligations as a full-time project manager. As a contract project manager, you must adapt to new settings and work effectively with strangers.-$79,577
• Business Project Manager: This is a corporate role in which you will deal with clients, consult on other business initiatives, and work with company infrastructure. – $83,140
• IT Project Manager: This role allows you to deal with servers, computers, and complete networks, as well as manage and construct computer systems.-$1,342,427
• Construction Project Manager: As a Project Manager in the construction business, you will be responsible for supervising construction projects.-$86,492
• Project Coordinator: This entry-level role focuses on lighter activities such as planning and organization to support the primary project managers.-$48,319
• Product Manager: This role is responsible for a certain product’s manufacture, promotion, and price.-$102,119
• Software Project Manager: This is a profession similar to IT project manager, except it focuses on software updates. In this job, you would oversee the development and enhancement of existing and new software.-$90,152

With your CAPM certification, a variety of doors will open when you’re ready to start a new career or enhance an existing one.  In project management, you can consider pursuing positions like the following.  Keep in mind that these aren’t the only career paths that are possible with a CAPM.

• Junior project manager – This is an entry-level role in which you plan and organize projects and direct and lead teams for a company, but you’ll likely work under the direction of a senior project manager. – $72,200
• Senior project manager – This is an entry-level role in which you use your previous experience and high-level skills to lead more than one project at once or lead more complex tasks. – $104,400
• Technical project manager – This is an entry-level role in which you work on various projects, ensuring they’re completed correctly, while also acting as an expert when it comes to technology needs and requirements. – $113,000
• Associate project manager – This is an entry-level role in which you will likely assist higher-level project managers and program managers, working on a variety of tasks to help complete large projects. – $67,000
• Program manager – This is an entry-level role in which you come up with a strategy for a program, and you oversee multiple projects to ensure a business initiative is met. – $92,000
• Project Coordinator – This is an entry-level role in which you take care of smaller aspects of bigger projects while working under the direction of a project manager to help complete projects within budget and on deadline. – $55,000
• IT Project Coordinator – This is an entry-level role in which you compile project status reports, coordinate project schedules, and analyze systems requirements. – $68,000

How To Prepare For The PMP Or CAPM Exam

PMP

Study resources:  There are several study resources available to use when getting ready for the PMP test. Books, online classes, practice tests, and study aids are some of them. The PMBOK manual, which is the main source of information for the PMP test, should be studied first, according to the advice. To further aid in comprehending the test material, online courses, and study groups may be a great resource. It may also be helpful to incorporate PMP practice tests into your study regimen because they enable the detection of weak points and the corresponding reorganization of your study strategy.

Tips to study: Making and following a study timetable is essential for efficient studying. You should provide enough time for each topic and take regular breaks to prevent fatigue. Using different study methods like note-taking, flashcards, and diagrams can help to reinforce the content. Understanding ideas is equally as essential as memorizing the facts.

Taking-test strategies: Understanding the test structure, time-management techniques, and tactics for completing multiple-choice questions can considerably improve your chances of passing. Pace yourself during the exam and avoid spending too much time on difficult questions. When in doubt, rule out the bad possibilities first, then pick the best option from the ones that remain.

CAPM

Study resources: When preparing for the CAPM exam, there are various study resources available, such as study guides, online courses, practice exams, and books. The primary reference for the exam is the PMBOK guide, and supplementing your study with online courses and study groups can lead to a better grasp of the content, while practice tests help identify areas of weakness and enable adjustments to your study plan.

Tips to study: Effective study tips for the CAPM exam include prioritizing comprehension of the material rather than memorization, creating a study schedule with sufficient time for each topic, taking breaks to avoid burnout, and utilizing diverse study techniques like note-taking and flashcards. Joining study groups or online courses can also aid in gaining a deeper understanding of the exam content.

Taking-test strategies: During the exam, employing certain strategies can enhance your chances of success, such as familiarizing yourself with the exam format, managing time wisely, and adopting effective approaches to tackle multiple-choice questions. Proper pacing is essential during the exam, avoiding spending excessive time on difficult questions, and when unsure of an answer, eliminating obviously incorrect options first before selecting the best choice from the remaining options.

PMP vs CAPM: Which Certification Should You Choose?

It might be difficult to decide if a CAPM or PMP certification is better for your career as a project manager. Simply said, if you match the PMP certification requirements, it is unquestionably the best option. Even if you fulfill some but not all of the standards, it’s probably worth your time to study for the PMP test.

Here are some factors to consider while deciding between the CAPM and PMP exams. You can decide whether to seek a CAPM or a PMP certification based on how you answer some of these questions.

CAPM versus PMP Exam Cost

How much money are you willing to spend on a certification? While both examinations might be costly, the PMP exam can cost between $180 and 255 more depending on your PMI membership level. You must also evaluate the potential training expenditures associated with meeting the education requirement. However, the increased initial expense is offset by a higher average compensation while becoming a PMP.

Before making a choice, check with your company to see whether they are willing to fund the cost of the exam. Because obtaining a PMP certification benefits your firm as a whole, many employers will cover the entire exam expense for its project managers.

CAPM versus PMP Certification Holder Jobs

As a PMP certification holder, you will be qualified for full-time project management employment that pays more and involves managing projects of all sizes. In jobs such as program manager, project manager, and project controller, you will be more likely to oversee larger, more complicated projects with larger budgets.

You will most likely be qualified for employment such as assistant project manager, project coordinator, or project management associate if you have a CAPM certification. Coordinating intra- and inter-team scheduling, as well as promoting good communication, are more frequent in these jobs.

Salary Comparisons of CAPM and PMP

After obtaining a PMP, you might expect a wage rise, especially in specialized industries. According to the PMI Earning Power Salary Survey, PMP credential holders make 20% more than non-PMP certificate holders. However, the income increase that comes with a CAPM certification is definitely worth the time and effort.

Regardless matter the choice you select, obtaining either certification will boost your career and make you a more capable and competent project manager.

Read more >> CAPM Vs Google Project Management: Which Is The Better Approach For Your Project?

FAQs

How do I know which certification is right for me?

Choosing between the PMP and CAPM certifications might be difficult. Consider the following aspects when deciding whether certification is best for you:

• Level of experience: If you have at least three years of project management experience, the PMP certification may be a better choice for you. CAPM, on the other hand, maybe the finest option if you are just starting out in your profession.
• Long-term professional objectives: Think about your long-term career objectives and how each qualification corresponds with them. PMP certification is widely recognized and frequently necessary for senior project management jobs, whilst CAPM certification can assist you in establishing a foundation in project management.
• Exam difficulty: The PMP exam is regarded as more demanding than the CAPM test. If you are confident in your project management expertise, the PMP certification may be a suitable choice for you. CAPM, on the other hand, maybe more suited if you are still learning the foundations.
• Cost: PMP certification costs more than CAPM certification. Consider your budget and if the certification is worthwhile for you.
• Industry acceptance: The PMP and CAPM certifications are both accepted in the industry. However, among senior project management professionals, the PMP is more generally recognized and regarded.

What is the passing score for the PMP exam?

The PMP test passing score is not a fixed number. The test is graded using a sophisticated system that considers the difficulty of the questions as well as the number of questions successfully answered. The exam review board determines the passing score, which is not made public. However, it is widely acknowledged that in order to pass the test, students must properly answer around 61% of the questions.

How long does it take to prepare for the PMP or CAPM exam?

The time it takes to prepare for the PMP or CAPM test depends on a variety of factors, including your degree of expertise, familiarity with project management principles, and the amount of time you have available to study.

Candidates generally spend between 3 and 6 months studying for the PMP test. This involves reviewing the PMBOK Guide, enrolling in a PMP prep course, practicing with sample questions, and designing a study regimen that works for them.

Candidates who are new to project management may need to devote extra time to prepare for the CAPM test, which normally takes 2 to 4 months. Candidates who are already familiar with project management principles, on the other hand, may be able to study for the CAPM test in as little as a few weeks to a month.

What are some study resources for the CAPM or PMP exam?

There are several study materials available to help you prepare for the PMP or CAPM test. Here are a couple of such examples:

• The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide serves as the major reference for both the PMP and CAPM examinations. It comprises the essential project management ideas, techniques, and processes.
• PMP or CAPM test prep courses: Many training organizations provide courses to help applicants prepare for the PMP or CAPM examinations. These courses, which may be taken online or in person, address subjects such as best practices in project management, exam-taking tactics, and example questions.

There are various study materials and publications available that cover PMP or CAPM test topics in depth, provide example questions and answers, and offer exam success recommendations.

• Exam practice: Exam practice is an important aspect of exam preparation. Several online resources provide practice questions that mimic the style and level of difficulty of the actual test.
• Participating in a study group or an online forum may give additional support and motivation, as well as access to peer assistance and guidance from experienced project managers.

Final Words

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