What is CAPM Certification?


If you are planning to kick-start your journey in the field of project management, then the CAPM Certification might be the one for you. The CAPM course helps candidates learn different skills that are necessary for entry-level project management positions. Most aspiring project management professionals know about the PMP certification by PMI. However, CAPM is an equally beneficial certification designed for entry-level candidates who wish to start their careers in the field.

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification is offered by the Project management Institute (PMI) as an entry-level credential for candidates who wish to enter into project management. CAPM Certification is given to candidates who pass the exam that focuses on project management concepts, terminology, and processes. The candidates who earn the CAPM Certification can demonstrate their commitment to project management as a professional and add credibility to their resumes.
In this guide, let's take a closer look at everything you need to know about the CAPM Certification.

Download PMI-CAPM Certification Guide

Who should apply for CAPM Certification?


You should apply for the CAPM Certification, if:

  • You wish to enter into the field of project management.
  • You require more project management experience.
  • You are a project manager, but don't meet the PMP’s prerequisites.
  • You want to apply for PMP certification down the line.

Is CAPM worth it?


After understanding what is CAPM Certification, you might be wondering whether this certification is worth your time and efforts. Here is what you can expect from CAPM Certification.

Benefits Of CAPM Certification

Becoming a certified associate in project management validates the associate’s knowledge and experience along with their abilities to handle challenging responsibilities. Acquiring a CAPM Certification opens up opportunities for candidates in nearly every industry. Here are some benefits of a CAPM Certification:

  • Global and better career opportunities - There is an increasing demand for candidates with project management skills in almost every organization and industry. Earning a CAPM Certification will allow candidates to bag good career opportunities globally as CAPM is a globally recognized certification.
  • Personal growth and professional development - CAPM Certification is a path towards personal growth and professional development among candidates. The learning journey of the CAPM Certification course fosters confidence and competence among the candidates, making them aware of best practices to manage and lead challenging projects.
  • Increased salary prospects - A CAPM Certification is likely to increase the candidate’s salary by 25%. While the salary depends on various factors such as industry, job description, and country, the certification adds value to any resume. The average salary of a certified associate in project management can range from Rs 5,47,000- Rs 2,000,000 in India.


CAPM Salary and Jobs

CAPM salary as per job roles

CAPM Certification can help you get into various entry-level project management jobs where the salary can vary for different job roles and different countries. Here is everything you need to know about the CAPM salary in different countries and as per different job positions.

A CAPM can work in different job roles such as project coordinator, project manager, program manager, junior project manager, and so on. Here is the salary structure as of 2021 for a CAPM in different job roles.

Job Role Salary Per Annum (USD)
Project Manager $74,997
Junior Project Manager $51,341
Project Analyst $60,440
Project Coordinator $50,827
Program Manager $80,000
Project control specialist $76,117


CAPM salary in various countries

The CAPM demand is highest in the USA, UK, India, Canada, and Australia. Here is the salary structure of CAPM as per country.

Country Currency Salary Per Annum (USD)
USA USD 60,000-126,000
UK CAD 30,000-60,000
India INR 547,000-2,000,000
Canada GBP 58,000-109,000
Austrailia AUD 80,000-152,000

What does a CAPM do?


The CAPM exam requires candidates to demonstrate skills in five functional processes of the PMBOK framework. These include the following:

  • Start a project - The project manager lays down the objectives and scope of the project.
  • Plan and budget - it involves developing an action plan for setting up a budget and determining project deliverables. A CAPM helps in estimating the costs per process and cost of the project.
  • Execute the project - Different work teams execute individual assignments. The project manager keeps a track of the progress.
  • Control and track - A project manager must have the flexibility and problem-solving skills to ensure the project teams adhere to set budgets and deadlines.
  • Finish and close - Certified associate in project management collaborates with the project manager for verifying the completion of the projection.

What are the qualifications for the CAPM Certification?


To be eligible for the CAPM Certification, you will need to have the following qualifications:

  • Secondary degree (High school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent)
  • Requirement of 23 hours of project management training/education completed before sitting for the exam.

Application Process for CAPM exam

Here is everything you need to know about the CAPM exam application process.


What is the CAPM exam application process?

If you want to take the CAPM exam, you have to go through an application process by providing all the necessary details to verify that you meet all the requirements for the exam. The application process starts as soon as you start filling the application form. Here are some highlights you need to keep in mind during your application process.

  • You have to complete your application within 90 days once you start.
  • On submission, it takes up to 5 days to review your application for completeness.


What are the few steps to follow?

You can go through the entire application process in the CAPM handbook. You can expect the following steps for your application process.

  • Check your eligibility - The first step before starting your application process is to check whether you are eligible for the CAPM exam. You can check the eligibility criteria mentioned above or here.
  • Fill out the application form - If you are eligible to apply for the CAPM exam, you can start filling out the application form. You can easily find the application form online on the PMI website. You can take up to 90 days to fill out your application form. You need to fill out two different sections of the application form including a general education section and a section for your project management experience. After filling out the entire application form, you must recheck the information before you submit it for approval. Finally, go through and agree with the PMI Code of Ethics and professional conduct before submitting the form.
  • CAPM Application Completeness Review and Fee Payment - After submitting your application form, PMI can take up to 24 hours-5 days to review your application form. On successful completeness review, you will get a confirmation email. After which you can pay your exam fees and schedule the exam.
  • CAPM Audit - There are chances that PMI may select your application for an audit. The audit process is a way for PMI to quality-check your application. However, the audit process is completely random and PMI may or may not select your application for an audit. You will receive an email if PMI selects your application for an audit. You might have to submit copies of educational certifications, experience certifications, among other requirements. The PMI audit process usually takes up to 5-7 business days. After the audit process, you will receive an email either for rejection or acceptance of your application form.
  • Schedule the CAPM exam date - If PMI does not select your application for an audit, then you will receive a confirmation email with a code to schedule your CAPM exam date.

CAPM exam cost


The cost structure for the CAPM exam as of November 2021 is as follows:

  • PMI members: $225
  • Non-PMI members: $300

The candidates can become PMI members by opting for a membership plan that costs $129 a year along with a one-time $10 application fee. PMI membership comes with its perks for the candidates such as access to the project management job board, complimentary download of the PMBOK guide.

CAPM exam format and Syllabus


  • CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions revolving around 13 chapters of the sixth edition of the PMBOK guide.
  • Candidates get 3 hours to complete the examination.
  • The exam is available in 13 different languages.

Here is the weightage for each chapter of the PMBOK guide:

Sections Percentage of questions
Introduction to Project Management 6%
Project Environment 6%
Role of the Project Manager 7%
Project Integration 9%
Project Scope 9%
Project Schedule 9%
Project Cost 8%
Project Quality 7%
Project Resource 8%
Project Communication 10%
Project Risk 8%
Project Procurement 4%
Project Stakeholder 9%

Training for the CAPM exam


You have the option of self-studying or you can opt for different CAPM training courses.

  • PMI is offering their official CAPM training course for $350 (PMI members) and $400 (non-members)
  • Techcanvass offers valuable training courses to candidates interested in the field of project management.

CAPM recertification process


PMI offers a renewal process for CAPM Certification that allows candidates to keep the CAPM certificates valid even after the expiration of the validity and without retaking the exam. Candidates can renew their certificates by earning 15 professional development units (PDUs) within 3 years of the certification cycle.

Here are the steps you need to follow for CAPM Certification renewal.

  • Earn 15 PDUs within 3 years of the certification cycle.
  • Navigate to your PMI profile and enter your PDUs.
  • Pay the renewal fees
    $60 (PMI members)
    $150 (Non-PMI members)

CAPM vs PMP


CAPM PMP
  Who is it for?   Entry-level project management candidates Candidates with 3 or more years of project management experience.
  Eligibility requirement   Secondary degree along with 23 hours of project management experience 4 year degree with 36 months of project management experience, or 60 months experience with a secondary degree along with 35 hours of project management training for both.
  Exam format   150 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours 200 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours
  Exam cost   $225 (PMI members) and $300 (PMI non-members) $405 (PMI members) and $555 (PMI non-members)
  Average salary (USD)   $80,000 $112,000

Conclusion


The CAPM Certification can be your first stepping stone to build your career in the field of project management. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the CAPM Certification and start your journey as a certified associate in project management.

If you have any queries, let us know in the comments below.

CAPM FAQs


How to get CAPM Certification?
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To get your CAPM Certification, you can apply for the CAPM exam on the official PMI website. However, make sure you pass the eligibility criteria before applying for the CAPM exam.

How long does it take to get CAPM Certification?
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CAPM exam preparation can take up to 8-10 weeks and after sitting for the CAPM exam, you can expect to receive the confirmation email within a week or two. You will get the physical certificate within 4-6 weeks.

Is CAPM better than PMP?
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Both CAPM and PMP are equally beneficial. However, a PMP certification is better known, more prestigious, and generally helps you earn a higher salary in comparison to a CAPM Certification.

Is CAPM hard to pass?
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CAPM is based on the PMI framework, which allows candidates to easily study for the exam. Therefore, passing the CAPM exam is not difficult if the candidates follow the right study material and memorize all the important information.

Does CAPM increase salary?
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A CAPM Certification usually increases the candidate’s salary by 25%, making them earn an average of $88,000 (USD) annually.

Do you put CAPM after your name?
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It is optional, but you can put CAPM after your name to demonstrate that you are a certified associate in project management.

What is a good CAPM score?
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PMI does not disclose any fixed passing marks for the CAPM exam. However, aiming for 61%-70% can help you clear your CAPM exam.

How long should I study for CAPM?
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The preparation for the CAPM exam depends on the candidate’s ability to understand the concepts. However, it is recommended to invest 6 or more hours every week preparing for your CAPM exam. In total, it usually takes up to 8-10 weeks for CAPM preparation.

How long does CAPM Certification last?
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The CAPM Certification remains valid for 5 years from the time of passing the CAPM exam.

How to renew expired CAPM Certification?
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To renew an expired CAPM Certification, you have to earn 15 professional development units (PDUs). You have to then enter the PDUs in the CCR system and pay the renewal fees.

What do I learn in the CAPM Certification preparation?
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CAPM Certification preparation focuses on project management concepts, terminology, and processes.

What kind of jobs can you get with the CAPM Certification?
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Acquiring a CAPM Certification can help you get different job opportunities for different roles such as business analyst, project coordinator, service project manager, customer service supervisor, etc.

How many professional development units (PDUs) do I need to maintain my CAPM Certification?
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To maintain your CAPM Certification, you have to earn 15 PDUs in a three-year cycle.

I've earned a CAPM Certification, now what?
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After earning a CAPM Certification, you can apply for various entry-level project management jobs such as project coordinator, junior project manager, project analyst, and so on.

If I take CAPM Certification, after how many days/years can I take PMP certification?
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There is no specific wait time for giving the PMP certification, given you pass the eligibility criteria for the PMP certification exam.

Where can I take the CAPM Certification exam?
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You have the option of giving the CAPM Certification exam from the comfort of your home or you can go down to the allotted testing center.

How to apply for CAPM Certification?
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You can apply for the CAPM Certification by filling out the application form, which is available on the PMI website.

CAPM Certification What if you fail an exam?
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You have three attempts to clear your CAPM exam in a year. However, if you fail in all three attempts, you have to wait for an entire year to reapply for the examination.



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