In previous articles, we covered various project management certifications, including the PMP certification and MBA programs. In this article, we aim to introduce you to another globally recognized certification, the CAPM exam (Certified Associate in Project Management), which is specifically designed for individuals who are new to project management and looking to build a foundation in this field.
The Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM (offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a globally recognized certification. This credential is designed for individuals who are new to the field of project management and wish to acquire the necessary skills for entry-level project management positions. The CAPM can be the first step on the professional path in project management and demonstrates your commitment to the field without requiring extensive experience. If you take pleasure in ensuring organization and guiding team members on a project, you might consider pursuing a career as a project manager.
Obtaining a CAPM certification equips job seekers for foundational project management positions. You will understand the fundamentals of project management and receive certification in established frameworks and methodologies.
Here’s what you should know about achieving a CAPM certification.
 What is the CAPM certification?
The CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management (certification is an entry-level credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This valuable certification is designed for individuals looking to start a career in project management or enhance their knowledge and skills in this dynamic field. The CAPM certification specifically prepares candidates for entry-level project management positions and is administered by PMI, a leading global organization in project management.
By earning the CAPM certification, you can gain a competitive edge in the job market, demonstrating your commitment to project management principles and methodologies. Whether you are a recent graduate or seeking a career change, the CAPM is an excellent stepping stone toward becoming a successful project manager.
CAPM Certification Cost
| Item | Cost |
| CAPM Exam Fees | |
| – Non-PMI Members | $300 |
| – PMI Members | $225 |
| PMI Membership Fees | |
| – Annual Membership Fee | $129 |
| – One-time Application Fee | $10 |
| Total Cost for New Members | $364 |
| Membership Benefits       | |
| – PMBOK Guide Download | Complimentary |
| – Reduced Fees for Other Certifications | Available |
| – Access to Project Management Job Board | yes |
| Student Bundle Cost | $257 |
| – Membership Fee | $23 |
| – CAPM Exam Cost | Included |
| Additional Tips | |
| – Discuss Bulk Purchase Agreements | With Faculty |
| – Consider Employer Coverage for Costs | Yes |
Is the CAPM worth it?
Whether the CAPM is worth it depends on your career goals and current experience in project management. Here are some factors to consider:
Pros:
- Entry-Level Credential: It can help you stand out when applying for entry-level project management positions.
- Foundation of Knowledge: Provides a solid understanding of project management principles and terminology.
- Career Advancement: Earning the CAPM can be a stepping stone to more advanced certifications like the PMP.
- Networking Opportunities: Being a PMI member can give you access to a network of professionals in the field.
 Cons:
- Limited Experience Requirement: If you already have significant experience, the CAPM might not add much value compared to more advanced certifications.
- Cost: Consider the financial investment versus potential job opportunities or salary increases.
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In summary, if you’re new to project management or looking to enhance your credentials, the CAPM can be a worthwhile investment. If you already have substantial experience, you might consider focusing on more advanced certifications.
Average CAPM salary (CAPM salary 2024)
The CAPM certification prepares you for entry-level project management jobs, such as project coordinator and junior project manager. Project management is a high-demand skill and a growing field. The job outlook for professionals in this area is expected to grow by 7%, while the project-oriented job market is projected to increase by 33%, with a need for nearly 88 million new roles by 2027.
On average, a Certified Associate in Project Management in the United States earns around $68,000 annually.
As of September 14, 2024, the average hourly wage for a CAPM in the United States is $44.27. While ZipRecruiter reports hourly earnings as high as $67.07 and as low as $30.05, most CAPM salaries currently fall between $39.66 (25th percentile) and $50.00 (75th percentile) across the country.
CAPM vs PMP differences?
| Feature | CAPM | PMP |
| Target Audience | New project managers or those seeking to enter the field | Experienced project managers |
| Experience Requirement | No prior experience required; 23 hours of project management education | 3–5 years of project management experience; 35 hours of education |
| Education Requirement | Secondary degree (high school diploma) or higher | Bachelor’s degree or global equivalent; secondary degree (with more experience) |
| Focus | Fundamental project management concepts, tools, and techniques | Advanced project management practices, leadership skills |
| Exam Format | 150 multiple-choice questions | 180 multiple-choice questions, including scenario-based questions |
| Validity | No continuing education required for renewal | 60 PDUs required every three years for renewal |
| Certification Fee | Generally lower than PMPÂ | Higher certification fee |
| Career Impact | Entry-level positions | Higher-level project management roles, potential for increased salary |
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What is the Structure and Content of the CAPM Exam?(CAPM Exam Structure)
Understanding the types of questions and subjects featured in the CAPM exam is crucial. This knowledge will aid your study efforts and increase your chances of passing. By familiarizing yourself with the material, you can concentrate your study time effectively and ensure you are prepared for the assessment. Specific details regarding the 2023 CAPM exam are outlined below:
Updated CAPM Exam Structure
The primary modification in the new exam structure is the shift from knowledge areas to domains and tasks typically associated with each domain. The exam is now divided into four main sections. Specific breakdown includes:
- Fundamentals of Project Management and Core Concepts: 36% of questions
- Predictive and Plan-Based Methodologies: 17% of questions
- Agile Frameworks and Approaches: 20% of questions
- Business Analysis Frameworks: 27% of questions
The CAPM exam format consists of 150 questions, and candidates have three hours to complete it. There is a 10-minute break after answering the first 75 questions.
Updated CAPM Exam Content
The domains also influence the changes in exam content. Below is a summary of the content modifications by domain:
- Domain 1: Covers principles and fundamentals of predictive and agile project management.
- Domain 2: Assesses your understanding of both predictive and adaptive project management methodologies.
- Domain 3: Introduces agile and other adaptive development methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), and more).
- Domain 4: Contains material about business analysis, including techniques for gathering and validating requirements.
Based on the content changes in the exam, the 2024 CAPM Exam Content Outline highlights several question formats, including:
- Matching Questions: Two columns of concepts that need to be matched.
- Hot Spot Questions: A graphic will be shown where you click on a designated area containing the correct answer.
- Animated Video Multiple Choice Questions: You will view an animated scenario and select one answer from several options.
- Comic Strip Multiple Choice Questions: You must read a comic strip scenario and choose one answer from multiple choices.
How many years is the CAPM certification valid for?
How do I maintain my CAPM certification? Unlike the PMP, CAPM doesn’t require earning Professional Development Units (PDUs). However, the CAPM certification is valid for five years. In the fifth year, you’ll need to retake and pass the exam to renew your credential.
CAPM certification Preparation Tips
1.Review the PMBOK Guide:
Latest Edition: The PMBOK Guide is essential for understanding the framework of project management. Currently, familiarize yourself with the latest edition, which includes updated terminology and processes.
2.Key Knowledge Areas:
Study the ten knowledge areas, such as Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, and Risk Management. Each area has associated processes, inputs, outputs, and tools/techniques.
3.Process Groups:
Ensure you understand the five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing, and how they interact with the knowledge areas.
4.Use Supplementary Study Materials:
Books: Look for CAPM preparation books that offer practice questions, summaries, and real-world applications. Titles by Rita Mulcahy and Andy Crow are popular choices.
5.Online Courses:
You can use online platforms for your training. We at CourseInUse are here to help you prepare for this exam with our experienced instructors.
6.Flashcards:
Create or purchase flashcards to help reinforce key terms and concepts.
7.Create a Study Plan:
Timeline: Determine your exam date and work backward to create a study schedule. Allocate time each week for focused study on different knowledge areas.
8.Daily Goals:
Set specific daily or weekly goals, such as finishing a chapter, completing practice questions, or revising a process group.
9.Break It Down:
Divide your study sessions into manageable chunks (e.g., 25-30 minutes with breaks) to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
10.Join Study Groups:
Collaboration: Find local or online study groups where you can share knowledge, discuss concepts, and quiz each other.
11.Discussion Boards:
Utilize platforms like Reddit or PMI’s community forums to engage with others preparing for the exam. This can provide motivation and additional insights.
12.Practice with Sample Questions:
Mock Exams: Regularly take full-length practice exams to simulate the test environment. Review your answers to understand your mistakes.
13.Question Banks:
Use reputable question banks that offer randomized questions to cover a wide range of topics and formats.
14.Analyze Performance:
After each practice test, identify weak areas and prioritize them in your study sessions.
15.Review Exam Day Procedures:
What to Bring: Confirm what materials are allowed on exam day (e.g., identification, personal items). Most testing centers provide scratch paper and pencils.
17.Location & Timing:
Know the location of your exam center and plan to arrive early to reduce anxiety. Familiarize yourself with the route and parking options.
18.Exam Rules:
Understand the exam rules, such as breaks, and how to handle questions or issues during the test.
19.Resources:
- PMI Website: Regularly check the PMI website for updates on the CAPM exam, study resources, and membership benefits.
- Online Forums: Engage in discussions with fellow CAPM candidates for tips, insights, and moral support.
- Study Time:
Most candidates spend between 6-12 weeks preparing for the CAPM exam, depending on their familiarity with project management concepts and study habits.
To register for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam, follow these steps:
How to register CAPM?
1.Ensure Eligibility
Before registering, make sure you meet the CAPM eligibility requirements:
–  Education: You need a high school diploma, an associate’s degree, or the global equivalent.
– Project Management Education: You must complete 23 hours of project management education (which can be obtained through courses from PMI or other approved providers).
2. Create a PMI Account
– Visit the PMI website and create a personal account if you don’t already have one.
– With this account, you can access all PMI resources and track your certification progress.
3. Submit Your Application
– Log into your PMI account and fill out the CAPM application form. You’ll be required to provide:
– Your educational background.
– Proof of completing 23 hours of project management education.
– General personal information.
– Double-check your information for accuracy before submitting. PMI will review your application, and this process typically takes about 5 days .
4. Application Approval
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email from PMI with further instructions, including a payment link.
5.Pay the Exam Fee
– Pay the exam fee through your PMI account.
– PMI members get a discount.
– Â Fee for PMI members: $225 USD
– Fee for non-members: $300 USD
– Consider becoming a PMI member before paying, as it saves you money and offers access to resources.
6.Schedule Your Exam
After payment, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam. The exam is available both online (proctored) and at a Prometric Testing Center.
– Online Proctored Exam: You can take the exam from home, but ensure you meet the technical requirements (stable internet, webcam, quiet environment).
– In-person Exam: If you prefer taking the test at a testing center, choose a convenient location from the available Prometric centers.
7.Prepare for the Exam
– After scheduling your exam, focus on your exam preparation. Use CAPM study guides, practice exams, and resources provided by PMI.
– You can reschedule your exam if needed, but be mindful of PMI’s rescheduling policy to avoid additional fees.
8.Take the Exam
– On the day of the exam, log in at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time for online proctoring or arrive at the test center early.
– The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and lasts 3 hours.
9.Get Your Results
– After completing the exam, you’ll get immediate feedback (if online) or receive results within a few days (for in-person testing).
10.Maintain Your Certification
Once you pass the exam and become CAPM certified, remember that the certification is valid for 5 years. You can either retake the exam at the end of the five years or earn PDUs (Professional Development Units) to maintain your credential.
Conclusion
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a highly valuable certification for those aiming to break into the project management field or expand their project management expertise. It is more attainable than the PMP and provides international recognition, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. With thorough preparation, the CAPM can serve as a powerful credential in advancing your project management career.
