Earning the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is a great way for those new to the project management field to demonstrate their knowledge of project management concepts, principles and terminology. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know as you consider pursuing the CAPM certification.
What is the CAPM Certification?
The CAPM certification is an entry-level credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) for professionals with less than 12 months of project management experience. The CAPM exam tests your knowledge of the processes, terminology and concepts found in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide.
While less involved than the prestigious Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, the CAPM is still globally recognized and signals to employers that you grasp the foundations of effective project management.
Key Benefits of Earning the CAPM
Here are some of the main advantages of holding the CAPM credential:
- Demonstrates knowledge of project management principles
- Enhances credibility and shows commitment
- Sets you apart from uncertified applicants
- Provides higher earning potential
- Opens up more job opportunities
- Allows you to move up to the PMP certification
CAPM Exam Overview
The CAPM exam contains 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 3 hours. Of the 150 questions, 15 are pretest questions that do not count towards your score. The remaining 135 questions relate directly to the five project management process groups and 10 knowledge areas covered in the PMBOK Guide.
The exam is computer-based and administered at PMI-approved testing centers worldwide. It is also available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Korean and Russian.
Breakdown of Content on the CAPM Exam
Here is an overview of the major project management concepts covered on the exam:
Project Management Process Groups
- Initiating
- Planning
- Executing
- Monitoring and Controlling
- Closing
Project Management Knowledge Areas
- Scope Management
- Schedule Management
- Cost Management
- Quality Management
- Resource Management
- Communications Management
- Risk Management
- Procurement Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Integration Management
You will need to understand how these process groups and knowledge areas intersect and how specific inputs, tools, techniques and outputs apply to each one.
CAPM Requirements and Eligibility
To qualify for the CAPM exam, you must have:
- A high school diploma or global equivalent
- AND 1,500 hours of project experience working on a project team
OR
- A high school diploma or global equivalent
- 23 hours of formal project management education
This education requirement can be met by holding another PMI credential like the PMP, taking a CAPM exam prep course or completing 23 contact hours of project management training.
There are no waivers or exceptions made to these CAPM eligibility requirements.
How to Apply for the CAPM Exam
Follow these key steps when preparing to take the CAPM exam:
1. Check you meet the eligibility criteria
Confirm you have either 1,500 hours of project team experience or 23 education contact hours before applying.
2. Review the handbook
Read the CAPM handbook available on PMI.org so you understand all policies and procedures for taking the exam.
3. Submit your exam application
Provide information on your eligibility and background through PMI‘s online application system.
4. Pay exam fee
The CAPM exam costs $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members.
5. Schedule your exam
Select a date and testing center location once approved by PMI. Give yourself enough time to properly prepare through self-study or an exam prep course.
6. Take the CAPM exam
Bring valid ID and confirmation email with your PMI eligibility ID to the test center.
7. Get your results
You will receive a pass/fail notification immediately after completing the exam. If you pass, certification typically takes 5-10 days.
Studying for the CAPM Exam
Since the CAPM exam covers a broad project management framework, most candidates need a structured study plan to retain all the material effectively. Here are some recommended study resources:
- PMBOK Guide – Primary source for CAPM exam content
- Online courses – Provide quizzes, mock exams and interactive learning
- Study groups – Opportunity to discuss concepts with peers
- Flashcards – Condense processes, inputs, tools and outputs
- Practice tests – Gauge exam readiness and identify weak areas
Aim for consistent, focused study time over a period of 5-8 weeks leading up to your scheduled exam date.
What to Expect on Test Day
Follow these best practices when preparing for your date at the testing center:
- Arrive early to get settled in
- Present valid ID per check-in requirements
- Leave prohibited items secured in a locker
- Carefully read all instructions before starting
- Answer each question before moving forward
- Flag questions to review if unsure
- Take the full time allotted to review marked items
- Avoid overanalyzing questions during the exam
Stay calm and trust your preparation process. Reread confusing questions thoroughly and use deductive reasoning to choose the most likely right answer.
CAPM Exam Results
Your CAPM exam result will be shown as soon as you complete the exam. The passing score is set by PMI at 70% across all forms of the test. Your score is calculated by totaling the number of correct answers.
If you pass, PMI will mail your CAPM certificate within 5-10 business days. Certification is valid for 5 years based on your exam date.
If you fail on your first try, you can retake the exam after a mandatory 30-day waiting period. Use this time to identify weak areas and improve your test readiness through additional study resources.
Maintaining Your CAPM Certification
To keep your CAPM current after passing the exam, you must earn 15 professional development units (PDUs) every 3 years. PDUs demonstrate your ongoing commitment to staying updated on project management best practices and emerging methodologies.
Activities that count as PDUs include:
- Completing project management courses/webinars
- Attending project management seminars, events or chapter meetings
- Delivering presentations on project management topics
- Authoring books, articles or papers related to the field
Document all PDU earning activities in case PMI conducts an audit of your certification.
CAPM Salaries and Job Opportunities
Earning your CAPM opens doors to new job opportunities and increased earning potential. The average salary for a CAPM holder is $77,000 in North America, with high growth in industries like IT, construction, consulting and finance.
Here are some typical job titles appropriate for candidates with a CAPM credential:
- Project Coordinator
- Project Analyst
- Project Administrator
- Associate Project Manager
- Project Management Assistant
- Project Control Specialist
Top global companies like Deloitte, Accenture and PriceWaterhouseCoopers actively recruit CAPM certified talent to build out their project teams and serve client needs.
Should You Take the CAPM or PMP Exam?
If you have limited project management experience, the CAPM is likely the better starting point to validate your foundational knowledge before attempting the tougher PMP certification later on.
However, the PMP exam does cover more advanced project management frameworks like program management, Agile approaches and strategic alignment. It also requires 3-5 years of progressive project experience leading teams through full initiatives.
Focus first on passing the CAPM exam to signal you grasp core methodologies. Over time, the CAPM can serve as a stepping stone to bridge the experience gap needed for the PMP credential down the road.
Conclusion
Earning your CAPM certification positions you for success as you embark on a career in project management. The CAPM exam assesses critical terminology, processes and best practices that hiring managers want entry-level professionals to demonstrate from day one. Use this guide to set expectations, craft a prep plan and boldly add CAPM to your credentials.
