CAPM vs PMP : What should you apply for?

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) are the most sought after certifications in the field of project management. Consequently, the two PMI certifications are often compared with each other. This blog focuses on CAPM vs PMP and includes all the factors to help you decide which certification is the right fit for you.

CAPM vs PMP- Eligibility

CAPM- Certified Associate in Project Management

CAPM certification is an entry level certification and is the best choice for any professional who aims to begin as a proficient project manager or wants to shoulder bigger responsibilities and projects. The eligibility criteria for CAPM certification is very basic. You only require a high school diploma and 23 hours of project management training before you take the CAPM exam.

PMP- Project Management Professional

The PMP certification is for an experienced project manager who aims to be among the top elite project management professionals. Unlike CAPM, the PMP certification signifies that your knowledge in the field of project management is thorough. It enhances and gives credibility to your project management skills and experience.

To be eligible to take the PMP exam, you must have a high school diploma along with 60 months or 5 years of project management experience.

If you possess a four-year degree, you must then have 3 years of experience in project management.

Additionally, you must also have 35 hours of project management training or should have qualified the entry level CAPM exam.

CAPM or Certified Associate in Project Management	PMP or Project Management Professional
You are eligible to take the CAPM exam if you have: Secondary high school education or associate’s degree. And 23 hours of Project management training.	If you have a 4-year degree you require: 3 years of project management experience and, 35 hours of project management training or CAPM certification If you have a high school or an associate’s degree, you will require: 5 years of project management experience and, 35 hours of project management training or CAPM certification

CAPM vs PMP: Exam Content Outline (ECO)

CAPM Exam Content Outline (ECO)

Being an entry level certification, the Exam Content Outline (ECO) for CAPM focuses on the fundamental basics of project management. The exam content of the CAPM exam is currently based on PMBOK 6th edition. However, the CAPM examis scheduled to change in January 2023. The exam will now include questions from four domain areas:

Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies
Agile Methodologies
Business Analysis Framework

In the CAPM certification the questions focus on the core concepts and basic knowledge in project management.

PMP Exam Content Outline (ECO)

The PMP exam is based on the PMBOK 7th edition and the PMI Authorized PMP Exam Prep(which is scheduled for an update in January). The PMP exam asks questions based on real life project management scenarios. The PMP exam includes questions on:

People: This section comprises 42% of the PMP exam. It includes questions on:
- Managing conflicts
- Leading and creating a high performing team
- Collaborating with the Stakeholders, etc.

Process: This section of the PMP exam includes topics such as:

Determining appropriate project methodology
Managing communications
Managing risks
Engaging Stakeholders
Planning and managing budget
Managing the quality of product deliverables
Planning and managing project’s scope
Managing project’s closure, etc.

Business Environment: This section comprises 8% of the PMP exam. It contains practical questions on:

Planning and managing project compliance
Evaluating and delivering project benefits and values
Addressing and evaluating the impact of business environment changes on the scope of the project
Supporting and facilitating organizational change.

In CAPM vs PMP, while the questions in CAPM exam focus on the basic understanding of project management, questions in the PMP exam cater to the real-life management scenarios and test the professional on their management abilities.

CAPM vs PMP: Which one should you apply for?

Both CAPM and PMP are extremely popular certifications by the Project Management Institute (PMI). While CAPM initiates a professional to the world of project management, the PMP certification signifies in-depth knowledge and expertise of the professional in the field.

While considering CAPM vs PMP, apply for CAPM if you have no prior experience but aim to begin an ambitious and successful career in project management. CAPM is the certification that opens doors for infinite career opportunities.

Apply for PMP if you are an experienced project manager who aims to drastically boost their career and gain global credibility and acknowledgment.

CAPM vs PMP: Comparison at a glance

CAPM	PMP
An entry-level certification with minimal and basic eligibility requirements	An advanced certification for seasoned project managers who aim to further advance their career
The exam questions assess the professional on the principles and core concepts of project management	PMP exam questions examine the professional on real-life project management scenarios.
Number of exam questions: 150 (135 scored)	Number of exam questions: 180
Duration of the exam: 3 hours	Duration of the exam: 3 hours 50 minutes
CAPM exam fee: $300	PMP exam fee: $555
To stay CAPM certified, you will require 15 PDUs	To stay PMP certified, you will require 60 PDUs

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