Difference between PMP & CAPM: Which one you should choose?

PMP vs CAPM

Are you confused with PMP & CAPM certification?

When it comes to Project management certifications, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and Project Management Professional (PMP)® are two of the specialized credentials provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

It is necessary to know the difference between PMP & CAPM to choose the appropriate certification as per your career goals.

All growth-oriented organizations aim for the timely and successful execution of projects. It requires experienced, well-trained, and certified project managers who can follow scientific approaches.

31% of projects end up not meeting their desired goals. Approximately 50% of them are not completed on time or within the allotted budget. (Source: PMI.org)

Project manager’s role is imperative to the success of any project. He/She is responsible for handling projects from planning to completion.

Project management certifications demonstrate strong credibility, skills, and knowledge about project management and boost your career prospects.

Businesses across industries are always hunting for certified project managers who possess the right expertise, qualifications, and skills to leads and understand the project.

Difference between PMP & CAPM

Let’s understand the difference between PMP & CAPM (Project Management Professional (PMP)®, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®) in terms of prerequisites, suitability, exam costs, format, difficulty levels, and benefits.

PMP & CAPM: Explained

PMP:

• Most popular and important industry-recognized certification for Project managers.
• A global certification that lets you work in any industry, location, and methodology.
• Makes you understand the global language of project management and also connects you to a worldwide community of professionals, organizations, and experts.

CAPM

• Validates your fundamental knowledge, terminology, and processes for effective project management.
• It recognizes your knowledge of the professions at a global standard.
• Certification makes you stand out in the job market at an entry-level and qualifies you for a significant role in the project management team & through the process.

PMP vs CAPM: Prerequisites/Suitability

PMP

• Secondary degree (could be a high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent) + 7,500 hours experience in leading & directing a project along with 35 hours of PMP education or A 4-year degree program+ 4,500 hours experience in leading & directing a project along with 35 hours of project management education.

Appropriate for?

• Experienced professional performing duties under general supervision and responsible for all aspects of the life of the project.
• Those who are leading and directing cross-functional teams for delivering projects within the constraints of budget, schedule, and resources.

CAPM

• Secondary degree (could be a high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent) + 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education.

Appropriate for?

• Ideal for recent community college graduates are willing to acquire a credential that shows their commitment to a project management career.

PMP vs CAPM: Exams Costs

1. PMP Certification Exam cost:

• PMI Member: $405
• Non-member: $555

Try this free PMP practice exam to know how good you are at managing project.

2. CAPM Certification Exam Cost:

• PMI Member: $225
• Non-Member: $300

PMP vs CAPM: Exam Format

PMP

• 200 Multiple Choice Questions
• Exam Duration: 4 Hrs
• Must earn 60 professional development units or PDUs every three years to maintain PMP.

CAPM

• 150 Multiple Choice Questions
• Exam Duration: 3 Hrs
• Must retake the exam every five years to maintain CAPM

PMP vs CAPM: Difficulty Levels

• PMP is more challenging to achieve than CAPM. Its covers the PMBOK® Guide, but also includes questions designed to test your knowledge for handling real-world project management scenarios.
• CAPM exam is less rigorous than the PMP. Questions are derived from the PMBOK® Guide. It’s an entry-level certification who are interested to pursue their career as project management.

Conclusion

CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) could be a better option for college graduates, career changes or anyone who want to pursue their career as Project Management. PMP (Project Management Professional) accreditation is suitable for experienced professionals.

Whichever project management certification you choose, you will be a certified project manager.

Now you can choose the best project management certification for yourself.