2 Jun 2021

CAPM Certification -An Overview

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What is CAPM?

CAPM stands for Certified Associate in Project Management. It is a certification awarded to qualifying candidates by Project Management Institute (PMI.org), who meet specific requirements and pass an examination.

CAPM is the 2nd most popular certification after PMP, offered by PMI. Like others, it is an internationally recognized certification by PMI. It is acceptable and in-demand across many disciplines, sectors, and industries.

Special and unique about CAPM certification is that students of undergraduate programs can also apply for this certification. PMI started CAPM Certification in 2003, and as per PMI Today, there are above 46 000 active Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential holders.

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Difference between CAPM and PMP

A common question asked is What is the difference between CAPM and PMP. Here are some of the significant differences.

CAPM is for entry-level professionals or fresh career aspirants. Even undergraduate students may pursue it. PMP certification is for those who demonstrate specific years of working experience in Project Management.

CAPM, along with fresh graduates and students, is for Project Support staff, who are project team members and facilitate and provide support to Project work. On the other hand, the PMP certification is for the professionals who direct and lead project work.

In a Project, Team CAPM are responsible for a specific skill area ( like Estimating, Procurement, Accounting, Contract Administration, Drafting, Technical, IT, office administration, etc.) They Contribute to the project as a subject matter expert. Becoming a CAPM is an excellent way to raise your career to the next level.

CAPM Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria or Requirement based on two major items: 1. Education, 2. Project Management Training

The minimum education requirement is a Basic School diploma, associate degree, or global equivalent. Training Requirement is having 23 hours of training in Project Management. There used to be an experience requirement, which stands removed now as of August 2019.

You may receive 23 Hours of Training from an employer, PMI Authorized Training Partner or Registered Education Provider, a training company, a university college academic course, or a continuing education course.

The training requirement is waived for Candidates upgrading from CAPM to PMP.

CAPM Exam Fee

The fee varies based on the candidate’s PMI membership status. Members fee is US$ 225, while for non-members is US$ 300.

Student Bundle

The minimum education requirement is a Secondary School diploma, and no experience is required to qualify for CAPM. Undergraduate students wishing to choose a Project management career path after completing the degree may consider it.

Students in 4-Years Degree Program can do CAPM certification ahead of start of career. — Student Bundle

In a 4-years degree program, students are illegible to apply for CAMP certification, even during studies. Student Bundle Program combines PMI Membership and CAPM Exam Fee as one package.

Having CAPM certification before entering the workforce is an achievement and has many advantages. Students can boost their knowledge, career opportunities and network with world-leading project professionals in advance.

CAPM Exam Outline

PMI publishes the CAPM certification exam content outline. PMI updated the CAPM exam content outline in May 2018. The percentage of questions in the exam is based o Chapters of the PMBoK 6th Edition.

Exam Content Outline for PMP has changed since January 2021. However, there is no confirmation when the Exam Content Outline for CAPM will change. Therefore, the Content Outline for the CAPM exam is still valid.

CAPM Exam

There are two options to take the Exam. The first is Center Based Testing or CBT. In it, candidates have the option to sit in the exam at a local Pearson VUE Testing Center. There are approximately 5000 centers worldwide and delivering around 16 million certification exams yearly.

The second option is Online Proctor Testing or OPT, to take the online exam from home or office. Monitoring during exam done via webcam and microphone. You need a computer with a webcam and mic and have a reliable internet connection.

PMP® Exam is Available in 14 Languages. Exam Time is 3 Hours, and the exam consists of 150 questions. Types of Questions include Multiple Choice, Multiple Correct Choice, and matching.

The exam performance report is immediately available after the closing of the exam. Candidates who pass receive a printed copy of the preliminary test result and an overall pass/fail status.

Upon passing the exam, you get an elegant certificate; a digital version of the certificate is available for downloaded from the PMI website. You may also get a digital badge from PMI partner web Acclaim, which you can share on LinkedIn or Embed in your email signature.

The online Certification Registry automatically lists the names of PMI’s certification holders. This feature allows search and verification of certification holders.

You are authorized to use the CAPM designation in block letters after your name on business cards, personal letterhead, resumes, and websites and in your email signature.

Good Luck