CAPM vs. PMP: Choose the Best One for You?

Project management is one of the world’s fastest-growing professions. Project management is a lucrative career choice, with the average project manager salary exceeding $75,000 per year, according to Glassdoor. Furthermore, it can lead to exciting and engaging work in various industries. So it’s no surprise that many aspiring project managers seek project management certification to advance their careers.

Assume you are considering your project management certification options. In that case, the Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) and the Certified Associate in Project Management Certification  (CAPM) are two popular and in-demand certification options. Both certifications are offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), and understanding the differences between them is critical in deciding and selecting the right course that fits your career goals. However, it can be challenging to identify the differences and make an informed decision when comparing the PMP versus CAPM.

In this article, let’s look at the differences and see if the CAPM or PMP is right for you.

What is PMP Certification?

The PMP certification is a globally known credential that is sought after by organizations all over the world. The certification was developed in response to a need for a more efficient method of establishing the project manager’s credibility. This certification validates a project practitioner’s ability to lead teams and direct projects in various work settings. The certification process assesses the candidate’s soft skills to effectively lead teams, their understanding of the processes and technical aspects involved, and understanding of the business and organizational strategy associated with projects.

What is CAPM Certification?

The Certified Associate Project Management (CAPM) credential is an entry-level qualification. Earning a CAPM certifies that you are familiar with the fundamental concepts, terminology, and processes of effective project management. It is intended for those with no prior project management experience. However, it is an excellent starting point for any individual interested in a career in project management. CAPM candidates may also work on projects and want to formalize their project management skills. Project coordinator, team leader, project contributor, or business analyst are all possible roles.

The certification is also a good choice for second or third-year university students or recent graduates. Project coordinator, meeting planner, event organizer, and project control officer are examples of entry-level positions that require this certification (PCO). The eligibility and certification processes are less demanding than those of the PMP.

Benefits of the CAPM and PMP Certifications

CAPM and PMP certifications each have their own set of advantages. So let us investigate each of them.

If you want a CAPM certification, you should know that it will increase efficiency and help you stand out in the industry. The following are a few of the advantages of the CAPM course:

◉ A renowned professional body in the industry has recognized your success

◉ Your peers and project management professionals will respect you

◉ Increased self-assurance in your abilities

◉ Progression in one’s career

◉ Possibility of earning a higher salary at work Less expensive than PMP certification

If you have decided to pursue the PMP certification, you will benefit in the following ways:

◉ Professional acknowledgment from your peers and the industry as a whole

◉ Increased knowledge and experience in the project management process

◉ Higher pay than non-certified project managers

◉ A broader range of career options

◉ increased professional accountability

◉ Greater acceptance than CAPM certification

CAPM vs. PMP Exam Requirements

PMP Exam Requirements

What are the prerequisites for taking the CAPM vs. PMP exam? If you are wondering how to get PMP certification, then you are on the right track. You must meet the following PMP certification requirements before applying to take the exam.

◉ A four-year or bachelor’s degree is required

◉ Have 36 months of experience in leading projects

◉ Earn CAPM certification by completing 35 hours of project management education or training

Alternatively, if you meet the following requirements, you can fulfill the application requirements:

◉ A high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent) is necessary

◉ Have 60 months of experience leading projects

◉ Earn CAPM certification by completing 35 hours of project management education or training

CAPM Exam Requirements

There are some guidelines for qualifying for the CAPM certification exam because it is meant for entry-level experts with little project management experience. However, PMI requires CAPM exam applicants to meet the following requirements:

Option: 1

◉ Educational Background: Secondary diploma (high school diploma / global equivalent)

◉ Project Management Experience: 1,500 hours of professional experience in a project group

Option: 2

◉ Educational Background: Secondary diploma (high school diploma / global equivalent)

◉ Project Management Education: 23 contact hours of formal education

What to Expect? CAPM vs. PMP Exams

Before taking any certification, every individual is worried about the exam cost, format, and timings, so read this section carefully to get a clear picture of it.

The CAPM and PMP exams are designed by PMI and administered by Pearson VUE; neither allows reference materials while taking the exam, and the exams cover some of the same topics. However, each exam has its own set of characteristics.

Parameter	CAPM	PMP
Exam Format	Exam Type: Multiple choice Number of Questions: 150 questions per paper: 135 scored, 15 unscored Exam Duration: 3 hours Type: Closed book exam Result: The passing score is determined by psychometric analysis	Exam Type: MCQs, multiple responses, matching, hotspot, etc. Number of Questions: 180 questions per paper, 175 score Exam Duration: 230 Minutes Type: Closed book exam Result: The passing score is determined by psychometric analysis
Exam Fee	$225 for PMI members $300 for PMI non-members	$405 for PMI members $555 for PMI non-members
PDUs	35 PDUs	No PDUs provided

The PMP exam is more difficult than the CAPM, but both are rigorous. The CAPM is a knowledge-based exam that assesses a candidate’s knowledge of project management theory and processes. The PMP certification includes the practical application of project management tools and techniques. In addition, the CAPM only covers material from the sixth edition of the PMBOK Guide, whereas the PMP tests you on knowledge beyond that.

CAPM Exam Syllabus

The CAPM assesses you on concepts covered in the sixth edition of the PMBOK Guide. The percentage of each chapter covered in the exam is shown below:

1. Introduction to Project Management: 6%

2. Project Environment: 6%

3. Role of the Project Manager: 7%

4. Project Integration: 9%

5. Project Scope: 9%

6. Project Schedule: 9%

7. Project Cost: 8%

8. Project Quality: 7%

9. Project Resource: 8%

10. Project Communication: 10%

11. Project Risk: 8%

12. Project Procurement: 4%

13. Project Stakeholder: 9%

PMP Exam Syllabus

The PMP exam covers material from the PMBOK Guide – seventh edition and additional material. The topics covered are broadly divided as follows:

1. People: 42%

Questions on managing conflict, leading a team, assisting team performance, negotiating project agreements, supporting virtual teams, and other people-related topics are included in the people section.

2. Process: 50%

The exam’s process section covers the strategies used to complete a project. This includes managing communications, assessing risks, engaging stakeholders, budgeting and scheduling, quality management, determining scope, and various other topics.

3. Business: 8%

For the business part of the exam, you’ll need to understand project planning and management, evaluate project benefits and value, address external factors that impact project scope, and support organizational change.

Salary Comparison of PMP and CAPM

To be eligible for the PMP exam, candidates must meet stringent requirements, which many employers value highly. As a result, PMP-certified professionals may be able to compete for positions with competitive pay. According to a salary survey by PMI, PMPs earn a median annual salary of $123,000 in the United States. According to PMI’s salary survey, PMPs worldwide report median annual salaries 16% higher on average than their non-PMP-certified peers. In the United States, the average salary increase is 32%. Your salary can be affected by various factors, including your level of education, experience, location, and job title.

According to Payscale, the average CAPM certification salary is around $68,000 annually. Furthermore, PMI’s salary survey shows that entry-level project managers earn relatively high salaries. In the United States, professionals with less than three years of project management experience earn a median annual salary of $78,280. Remember that your earning potential is affected by various factors, including your education level, location, company or organization size, certifications, and experience.

Exam Hints

Getting ready for the CAPM and PMP exams shouldn’t make you nervous. Here are the three ways most followed ways that you can do to prepare for success:

1. Create a Study Plan

It is best to plan to study frequently in the weeks or months leading up to the exam. Make time for work, school, socializing with friends and family, and taking care of yourself.

2. Find a Support Group

Share your goal with others so that they can assist you in staying on track. If you work full-time, ask your manager or boss if you can study during work hours. Your success benefits your employer as well!

3. Find Out More About the Exam

PMI offers excellent resources to assist you in preparing for these certification exams. Examine the CAPM vs. PMP exam content and components to understand what to expect

CAPM vs. PMP Certification

Project managers may wonder, “Why would I pursue PMP certification when CAPM certification is more accessible, affordable, and requires less time and experience?” The answer is very simple: the PMP is the world’s most important, industry-recognized project management certification.

Project management professionals work in almost every country in a variety of industries. When hiring project managers, many employers require PMP certification because PMPs have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to lead complex projects and direct project teams. As a result, when more than one-third of their project managers are PMP-certified, organizations complete more projects on time and within budget. However, PMPs do more than add value to their organizations; according to PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey, project managers with a PMP certification make 25% more than those without one.

While CAPM certification isn’t as widely known as PMP certification, it demonstrates knowledge of PMI’s project management framework and project management processes, which can help candidates compete for jobs with those without certification. Furthermore, CAPM-certified employees have a working knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide, which is an excellent starting point for pursuing PMP certification.

Source: invensislearning.com

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What is the CAPM Certification?

The CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification is one of the most popular certifications for entry-level professionals in project management, and in today’s blog post, we will discuss this credential.

The job market is highly competitive these days. Organizations are looking for cost-cutting measures and improving the efficiency of their processes. They are very particular about who they hire for an entry-level job.

Many applicants who apply have little or no experience. In these cases, employers scrutinize an applicant’s education and certification.

If you haven’t yet gained a lot of experience and are interested in project management, you should earn this important credential. Achieving a recognized certification can help you stand out from the crowd.

There are many organizations offering credentials for project professionals. However, among all, the CAPM certification is the most popular.

In this blog post, we will discuss the CAPM certification in detail.

What is the CAPM Certification?

CAPM stands for a Certified Associate in Project Management. This is an entry-level certification for professionals interested in project management, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), USA.

According to PMI, “The CAPM certification offers recognition to practitioners who are interested in or are just starting a career in project management, as well as project team members who wish to demonstrate their project management knowledge.”

You can go for this certification if you have experience in other fields and want to move into project management. A CAPM certification is a great avenue to begin a new career.

How to Get the CAPM Certification

To earn the CAPM certification, you will have to pass a computerized test. The duration is 3 hours, and you have to answer 150 multiple-choice questions. The test does not penalize wrong answers.

Once you pass the test, you can add the CAPM title to your name and signature.

This certification is valid for three years. If you want to renew it, you must complete CAPM CCR Cycle, i.e., earn 15 PDUs in three years and report to PMI. This will extend your CAPM credential for an additional three years.

The CAPM exam eligibility period is one year from the date PMI approves your application. You have three attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t pass the exam in these attempts, you cannot apply again for one year.

Who Can Apply for the CAPM Exam?

As this certification is for entry-level professionals, anyone who has a high school diploma or secondary degree can apply.

Benefits of the CAPM Certification

Employers recognize the importance of project management. They want to improve efficiency and maximize their effectiveness.

This certification shows employers that you know the best practices used in the industry. They will trust in your abilities.

Having the CAPM certification shows your commitment to learning new skills. It shows that you understand project management terminology and its processes.

A CAPM title on your resume increases your visibility on the job portals for entry-level positions, making you a more appealing candidate. This certification is valid across all industries and recognized throughout the world.

It demonstrates that you have gone through a rigorous process to achieve this credential, revealing your tenacity and ability to manage projects. It shows your commitment to learning and gaining new skills and will help you take your career to the next level.

Most importantly, the CAPM Certification will boost your self-confidence and customer confidence in your organization.

What is Next After the CAPM Certification?

The CAPM certification is for entry-level professionals. Once you achieve this, the next step is to gain more experience. As soon as you become eligible for the PMP exam, apply for it.

The PMP certification is the most valuable certification for experienced project professionals. It is highly regarded and will help you take your career to the next level.

Having a CAPM certification will help you with your PMP exam preparation. You will have gone through the PMBOK Guide and already understand project management concepts. Having gained this self-confidence, passing the PMP exam will not be very difficult for you.

Source: pmstudycircle.com

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What is the CAPM Exam Structure?

Today we will talk about the CAPM exam structure.

Many future Project Management Associates ask: What is the CAPM Exam Structure? How is it laid out? What should I expect during the test?

The CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification is the most popular credential in project management for professionals with little or no experience. It validates your knowledge and understanding of project management terms.

This certification establishes your credibility by showing that you have undergone a rigorous training process and computer-based exam to earn it. Once you pass this test, you are a CAPM.

As you prepare for the CAPM,  it’s helpful to understand the structure of the CAPM exam.

The test comprises multiple-choice questions with no negative marking. In other words, it does not deduct points for wrong answers, so there’s no penalty for guessing. 

CAPM Exam Structure

The CAPM exam has 150 questions, of which 15 are pretest questions. The marks for these pretest questions will not be added to your total score. These 15 questions are randomly inserted, and you cannot differentiate these questions from the real questions. These are used to test the validity of future examinations.

The exam duration is three hours, with no scheduled breaks. If you pause for a few moments, the exam clock will continue to tick. Prepare to be seated for the duration.

Breaks are not allowed during the online proctored test for any reason. Leaving your desk will terminate the exam. Eating, drinking, smoking, and chewing gum are also prohibited during the exam.

Now, let’s focus on the CAPM exam structure. 

The CAPM exam is based on the PMBOK Guide. The percentage of questions from each chapter of the PMBOK Guide 6th edition are as follows:

The questions are evenly distributed throughout all chapters. Therefore, pay attention to the entire PMBOK Guide. Don’t skip any concepts. Move on to the next chapter once you have a good command of the current one.

Language Aids

The CAPM exam is available in 13 different languages at no additional cost to you if English is not your first language.

The CAPM Exam

You will watch a tutorial session before the test. This will explain how the test process works and how to navigate the exam environment: for example, how to select an answer, how to mark a question for later review, etc. The tutorial duration is fifteen minutes.

Once you finish the tutorial, your test will start. Please note that you cannot make any notes with you during the tutorial or test for proctored-based tests. For a center-based test, you can make notes during the exam.

After you complete all the questions and submit your answers, you will be asked to fill out a survey, and then you can see your results. The duration of the tutorial and the survey are not added to your three hours of exam time.

Source: pmstudycircle.com

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PMI Certifications: How Many Certification Courses Does the PMI Offer?

Today we will talk about PMI certifications.

When I passed my PMP exam in 2010, PMI offered only a few other certifications: PMI-RMP, PMI-SP, and PgMP.

These days, that number has grown dramatically. The PMI offers seven certifications in addition to the PMP certification, and a few more are under the process of launching.

If you have passed the PMP exam, you might be thinking about expanding your skills and wondering what other certifications have to offer.

To give you an idea about these other opportunities, this blog post will cover additional PMI certifications found here.

PMI Certifications

PMI offers eight certification courses:

1. CAPM

2. PMP

3. PgMP

4. PfMP

5. PMI-ACP

6. PMI-PBA

7. PMI-RMP

8. PMI-SP

Besides these certifications, PMI is launching new Agile certifications; you can find more details by clicking here.

CAPM (Certified Associate of Project Management)

This PMI certification is for entry-level professionals. It has lenient eligibility requirements, and you can apply for it even if you don’t have project management experience.

The CAPM certification is valid for three years and requires 15 PDUs to renew it for a further three years.

PMP (Project Management Professional)

This is the most sought-after certification for project professionals. If you are in project management, you should definitely go for this certification. This credential will help you take your career to the next level and requires the following prerequisites:

If you have a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate degree, or the global equivalent), a minimum of five years or 60 months of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience is required.

If you have a four-year degree or equivalent, a minimum of three years or 36 months of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience is required.

If you have a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree from a GAC-accredited program or global equivalent, you should have a minimum of two years or 24 months of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience.

This certification is valid for three years. You can renew it by earning 60 PDUs in three years and notifying the PMI. This is known as the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) cycle.

PgMP (Program Management Professional)

You can apply for this certification if you are managing similar projects.

To apply for this certification, you should have a diploma or a bachelor’s degree. Diploma holders need 6,000 hours of project management experience and 10,500 hours of program management experience.

If you have a 4-year degree, you will need 6,000 hours of project management experience and 6,000 hours of experience in program management.

This certification is valid for three years. You can renew it for another three years after completing the CCR program.

PfMP (Portfolio Management Professional)

You should go for this certification if you are managing diverse projects or programs.

To apply for this certification, you should either hold a diploma or a bachelor’s degree.

The portfolio management experience requirement for diploma holders is 10,500 hours and 96 months of professional business experience.

If you have a 4-year degree, you will need 6,000 hours of portfolio management experience and have 96 months of professional business experience.

If you have a 4-year degree, you will need 6,000 hours of project management experience and 6,000 hours of experience in program management.

This certification is valid for three years. You can renew it for another three years after completing the CCR program.

PMI-ACP (PMI–Agile Certified Practitioner)

This certification is for Agile professionals and is the second most popular PMI certification after the PMP.

To apply, you should hold a secondary degree and have 1,500 Agile project management experience hours. Additionally, you should have 2,000 hours of experience in project management. 

This certification is valid for three years. You must earn 30 PDUs in Agile practice to renew for a further three years.

PMI-PBA (PMI Professional in Business Analysis)

This certification is for business analysts.

If you have a secondary degree, you should have 7,500 hours of experience in business analysis. For a bachelor’s degree holder, the requirement is 4,500 hours.

The necessary project management experience is 2,000 hours, and you also have to attend a 35 contact hours training program in business analysis.

This certificate is valid for three years. You can renew it for a further three years after earning 60 PDUs in business analysis topics.

PMI-RMP (PMI Risk Management Professional)

You should go for this certification if you want to take your career to the next level in risk management.

Diploma or degree holders can apply for this certification. If you have a diploma, you should have 4,500 hours of experience in risk management. If you are a degree holder, the requirement is 3,500 hours. 

The training program is 40 hours long for diploma holders and only 30 hours for those with 4-year degrees.

This certification is valid for three years. You can renew it for a further three after completing the CCR program, which includes earning 30 PDUs in risk management.

PMI-SP (PMI Scheduling Professional)

This certification is for professionals working in project planning and scheduling.

You will need a diploma with 5,000 hours of experience in project scheduling. Afterward, you must attend 40 contact hours of training in scheduling management. Then you will be eligible for this certification.

If you have a 4-year degree, you should have 3,500 hours of experience in project scheduling. Then you should attend a 30 contact hours training program in scheduling management.

This certificate is valid for three years. To renew it for another three, you will have to earn 30 PDUs in scheduling management.

Source: pmstudycircle.com

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CAPM Requirements: CAPM Certification Exam Eligibility Criteria

If you are interested in applying for the CAPM certification, you should understand the CAPM requirements. Knowing the CAPM eligibility requirements is the first step towards becoming a CAPM.

However, before we discuss the CAPM eligibility criteria, let us first understand the CAPM certification.

More Info: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

CAPM stands for “Certified Associate in Project Management”. This is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) in the USA to professionals interested in project management but who have little or no project management experience.

PMI is a global body that awards many project management certifications, and the CAPM certification is one among many.

However, having experience is beneficial, which I will explain in the next section.

CAPM Requirements

You have to fulfill two eligibility requirements to apply for the CAPM certification exam:

1. Education

2. Training

CAPM Requirement #1 – Education

You must hold a secondary diploma (often a high school diploma) or any global equivalent to be eligible for the CAPM exam.

CAPM Requirement #2 – Training

You have to attend a formal 23 contact hours training program in project management.

Should I Attend a PMP Training Instead of CAPM Training?

I used to recommend that CAPM aspirants attend PMP training instead of CAPM training because if they apply for the PMP exam in the future, they won’t have to attend another training for the PMP exam. (Please note that the contact hours never expire.)

Now things are different.

PMI waived the 35 contact hours requirements for active CAPM holders in April 2019. Therefore, even if the PMP is your goal after the CAPM exam, choose a CAPM training program instead of a PMP training program.

If you are looking for a CAPM training program, I recommend you join the CAPM Prepcast online training program to save time and money. This is an affordable CAPM training program developed by world-famous training expert  Cornelius Fichtner.

FAQ on CAPM Eligibility Requirements

Now we can discuss some frequently asked questions about the CAPM requirements.

#1.  I don’t have project management experience. Can I apply for the CAPM exam?

Yes, you can.

The CAPM exam is for professionals who do not have project management experience. If you have a high school diploma, you can apply for the CAPM exam after getting 23 formal contact hours of CAPM training in project management. 

#2. Can only Registered Education Providers (REPs) or Authorized Training Providers (ATP) Provide the CAPM Training?

No, this is not correct.

You can attend the training through seven methods. These methods are:

A. PMI Registered Education Providers (REPs)

B. PMI Authorized Training Partners (ATPs)

C. PMI chapters

D. Employer/company-sponsored programs

E. Training companies or consultants (e.g., training schools)

F. Distance-learning companies, including an end-of-course assessment

G. University/college academic and continuing education programs 

The following do not satisfy the educational requirements: 

◉ PMI chapter meetings

◉ Self-directed learning (e.g., reading books, watching instructional videos, or sessions with coaches or mentors)

#3. Can I apply for the PMP exam after passing the CAPM exam?

If you are an active CAPM, you get only one concession: you don’t have to attend any training.

Now, if you have the required project management experience, you can apply for the PMP exam.

#4. When will my CAPM training expire?

Please note that your CAPM training never expires. Once you complete the training and earn contact hours, you can apply for the CAPM exam at any time in your life.

Source: pmstudycircle.com

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Career in Project Management

All industries and professions need projects for their growth, survival, and innovation. So, the project management profession will always be in demand, and if you intend to grow your career in this profession, you have made the right choice.

More Info: PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Project management is a vast field, and you will have many career opportunities in this profession, and project manager is one of them.

This blog post will give you a general idea about developing your career path in project management.

Let’s get started.

A Career in Project Management

Before we discuss a career in project management, let us understand the terms project and project management.

As per the PMBOK Guide, a project is a temporary endeavor to create a unique product, service, or result. They are undertaken to fulfill objectives by delivering a deliverable. A deliverable is a unique and verifiable product or result; it can be tangible or intangible.

Project management is an application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques for project activities to meet the project requirements.

In project management, you will have many career opportunities; let’s start with a career as a project manager.

Career as a Project Manager

Regardless of industries, qualified project managers are in the highest demand, which will continue to rise.

Project managers are in charge of projects, and they are responsible for completing the project. 

Their job responsibilities include:

◉ Developing a project management plan

◉ Recruiting the project team

◉ Carrying out the project work

◉ Monitoring and controlling the project work

◉ Delivering the project deliverable

◉ Closing the project

Project managers have the support of their team members to complete these tasks. The team members include subject matter experts such as planning engineers, quality control personnel, construction supervisors, foreman, site engineer, and construction workers.

As a project manager, you should have many skills. The most important skills are leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.

The other essential skills are:

◉ Problems solving skills

◉ Organization skills

◉ Leadership skills

◉ Analytical skills

◉ Risk management skills

According to some PMI surveys, the demand for project managers is rising, and the industry will have 22 million job openings through 2027.

All industries need projects and project managers, though they are very common in construction, oil, and gas, IT industries, etc.

Project managers get a good salary, and all professionals in this profession want to become a project manager. According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a mid-level project management position is about 77,000 USD per year, ranging from 22,000 USD to 174,000 USD.

To become a project manager, you must have enough experience in different roles in the project. For example, if you have several years of experience as a project engineer, planning engineer, site engineer, etc., you can get promoted to assistant project manager and then project manager.

The experience required depends on the industry. The construction and oil and gas industries require more experience than the IT field.

A project manager’s job is very challenging. All projects are unique and project managers have to start each project from scratch with limited resources.

They must be updated with the latest advancements in project management to stay ahead..

They may be required to have some globally recognized certification, such as PMP or PRINCE2.

Other Career Opportunities in Project Management

In project management, some other key roles are:

◉ The project coordinator or expeditor

◉ Project planner

◉ Site engineer

◉ Quality manager

◉ Risk manager

◉ Foreman/supervisor

◉ Worker

The Project Coordinator or Expeditor

The project coordinator or expeditor plays a vital role in project management. You can also call them the project manager in waiting. Sometimes, they are known as project administrators.

These people help project managers with administrative tasks and sometimes can replace them in their absence. Their main role is to ensure that day-to-day activities are moving as planned so the project manager can take care of high-level tasks and issues.

Project Planner

For small organizations, advanced knowledge of excel will be sufficient. However, to work in big organizations as a project planner, you must know special planning software such as Primavera or MS-Project.

You can also go for some global certification like PMI-SP. This certification is from Project Management Institute (PMI) the USA, for scheduling professionals.

Site Engineer

You will find a site engineer with construction projects. These professionals stay on the site and help site workers carry out construction activities.

For this position, you will require a diploma or engineering degree in a civil or mechanical discipline.

Quality Managers

Quality personnel includes quality assurance and quality control.

Quality assurance professionals ensure that the developed procedures are correct and as per the standard guidelines and company policies.

Quality control people ensure that the project management team is following the right procedure and deliverables are defect-free.

For quality assurance, you can go for the ISO lead auditors course, and for quality control, you can look for ASQ.org.

Risk Manager

This is a specialized field and suitable for professionals who have enough project management experienced and are involved with risk management.

If you are interested in risk management and want to grow your career in this field, you can go for the PMI-RMP certification.  This is a globally recognized certification for risk management professionals.

Foreman/Supervisor

The foreman works under site engineers and deals with construction workers to carry out day-to-day construction activities.

The education qualification is a diploma and experience in the relevant field.

Workers

Workers are at the lowest position in the hierarchy. They carry out the construction work and report to the foreman or supervisors.

No education qualification is required for this position, though physical fitness is essential as the work may require physical labor.

How Certification Helps in the Project Management Career Path

It is a simple truth that certified project managers get a higher salary than non-certified project managers. Many organizations have made it necessary to have a globally recognized project management certification to apply for the project manager position, which you may notice on job portals.

If you live in the UK, Australia, or Europe, PRINCE2 is a good choice.

However, for the rest of the world, the PMP certification is the best choice. 

How to Start Your Career in Project Management

Project management has a lot of career opportunities. You should identify your interests and skills and then move into project management.

Let us start with educational qualifications. Usually, you will be required to have at least an undergraduate degree to apply for the project manager position.

If you want to pursue your career in the construction field, it should preferably be an engineering degree. In the IT industry, computer engineers or any other global equivalent would be sufficient.

Now, let’s look at experience. Let us assume that you have no experience, but you want to grow your career in project management.

In this case, I would recommend you go for the CAPM certification. Requirements for the CAPM certification are lenient, and it does not require project management.

Having a CAPM certification shows that you have the required knowledge and dedication to move into project management.

Also, if you have experience in different fields and want to advance your career in project management, you can go for the CAPM certification.

After getting this certification, you can apply for an entry-level position in project management and get some experience.

Now, once you earn the required project management experience, you can go for the PMP certification. It will boost your career in project management.

For the IT industry, certifications such as Agile/Scrum will also be helpful.

Source: pmstudycircle.com

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PMP vs CAPM

In this post, I will explain PMP and CAPM certifications, the difference between these two certifications, their eligibility requirements, etc.

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PMP vs. CAPM

The PMP and CAPM certifications are offered by Project Management Institute (PMI), USA, and help professionals grow their careers in the project management profession.

Read More: PMI Certifications

The PMP certification was launched in 1984, while the CAPM certification came into existence in 2003. 

Both certifications provide you with insight into project management and open new career opportunities for professionals working in project management. 

Though the same institute offers both certifications in project management, the target audience for the PMP and CAPM certifications is different.

Before we move on to the difference between these two certifications, let us understand the PMP and CAPM certifications.

What is the PMP Certification?

The PMP stands for Project Management Professional and is for professionals who have experience in the project management profession. This certification is awarded after passing a rigorous computer-based examination in a controlled environment.

The PMP certification is valid for three years. To renew it for a further three years, you must earn 60 PDUs and report to the PMI.

Failing to do so will suspend your certification for one year. At this time, you must earn and submit 60 PDUs; otherwise, your PMP credential will expire, and you will have to re-apply again to become a PMP.

What is the CAPM Certification?

The CAPM stands for Certified Associate in Project Management. This certification is for professionals who have little or no experience in project management but are interested in building their careers in the profession. 

This certification is awarded after a professional pass the computer-based certification exam in a controlled environment.

The CAPM certification is valid for three years. To renew it for a further three years, you must earn 15 PDUs and report to the PMI.

If you don’t submit these PDUs, your CAPM credential will be suspended for one year. At this time, you must earn and submit 15 PDUs; otherwise, your CAPM credential will expire, and you will have to re-apply again to become a CAPM.

Now that you know the PMP and CAPM certifications details let’s discuss the differences between these two certifications.

PMP vs. CAPM: Eligibility Requirements

Let’s start with the educational requirements.

The minimum educational qualifications are the same for both certifications. You must have at least a secondary diploma (high school diploma or global equivalent).

There is no difference between the PMP and CAPM certification regarding educational qualifications.

Now we come to experience.

The CAPM certification requires no experience.

The PMP certification requires project management experience according to your educational qualifications.

◉ If you have a secondary degree (high school diploma), you must have five years of project management experience in the last eight years.

◉ If you have a four-year degree, you must have three years of project management experience in the last eight years.

◉ If you have a bachelor or postgraduate degree, you must have two years of project management experience in the last eight years.

The last eligibility requirement for both certifications is formal project management education.

Both certifications require you to attend a training program regardless of your educational qualifications and experience.

For the CAPM certification, you have to attend a 23 contact hours CAPM training program, and for the PMP exam, you must attend a 35 contact hours PMP training program.

Note that if you are an active CAPM, you won’t have to attend a PMP training program; you can directly apply for the PMP exam.

PMP vs CAPM: Exam Fee

The CAPM certification exam fee is cheaper than the PMP certification exam fee.

The fee for the CAPM certification exam is 300 USD for non-PMI members and 225 USD for PMI members. If you fail the CAPM exam, the reexamination fee for PMI members is 200 USD and 150 USD for PMI members.

The fee for the PMP certification exam is 555 USD for non-PMI members and 405 USD for PMI members. The reexamination fee for PMI members is 375 USD and 275 USD for PMI members.

So you can say that the PMP exam is costlier than the CAPM exam.

PMP vs. CAPM: Exam Structure

The CAPM exam has 150 multiple choice questions, and the duration is three hours. The exam has no scheduled breaks. However, if you take a break, it will be counted towards your exam time.

But, if you are attempting the exam from home, no breaks are allowed. Even chewing gum is not allowed. 

The CAPM exam will test your understanding of the PMBOK Guide. There is no negative marking, and each question carries one mark.

The PMP exam has 180 questions, and the duration is 230 minutes. In the exam, you will see four types of questions:

1. Multiple choice with a single response

2. Multiple choice with multiple responses

3. Fill in the blanks

4. Answer selection

The exam has three sections with two ten-minute breaks. The first break will appear after you complete the 60th question and review all of your answers. The second break will show up when you have completed the 120th question and answers. 

Note that once you review your responses and start your break, you cannot return to the questions from the previous section of the exam. 

When you come back after the break, you will have the remaining allotted time to complete the next part. In total, you will have 230 minutes to answer 180 questions. 

The examination is preceded by a tutorial and followed by a survey, both of which are optional and can take 5-15 minutes to complete. The time taken by the tutorial and survey is not included in the examination time. 

The PMP exam is based on the PMP exam content outline and tests your knowledge under real-world situations. There is no negative marking, and each question carries one mark.

PMI does not disclose the passing marks for PMP and CAPM certification exams.

PMP vs. CAPM: Certification Renewal

Both certifications require renewal every three years.

For the CAPM certification, you must earn 15 PDUs every three years and report to PMI to renew your CAPM certification for the next three years.

For the PMP certification, you must earn 60 PDUs every three years and report to PMI to renew your PMP certification for the next three years.

If you fail to renew your certification, your credential will be suspended for one year. At this time, you must earn and report PDUs to PMI. If you still don’t submit PDUs during this suspension period, your certification will expire, and to regain the credential, you have to apply for the certification exam again.

PMP vs. CAPM: Target Audience

The PMP and CAPM certification have different target audiences.

According to the PMI, “If you’re an experienced project manager, responsible for all aspects of project delivery, leading and directing cross-functional teams, then the PMP is the right choice for you.”

The CAPM certification is for professions with little or no project management experience.

According to the PMI, “Regardless of your career stage, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) ® is an asset that will distinguish you in the job market and enhance your credibility and effectiveness working on — or with — project teams.”

PMP vs. CAPM—Which One is Better?

These two certifications serve a different audience, so you cannot compare them.

Experienced professionals go for the PMP certification, and professionals who have just started their careers can go for CAPM certification.

If you don’t have experience in project management, you cannot apply for the PMP exam, and so your only choice is the CAPM certification.

But if you have the required project management experience, the PMP certification is the best option for you.

Here is where this post comes to an end. However, let us review a few FAQs before the conclusion.

A Few FAQ on PMP vs. CAPM

#1. Which exam is tougher?

Passing either of these exams is not easy. However, if you compare the difficulty level of the PMP and the CAPM certification exam, the CAPM certification exam is comparatively easier.

This is because the CAPM exam is based on the PMBOK Guide, and if you understand only one guide, you will pass the exam.

However, in the PMP exam, you will be tested against real-world scenarios and PMBOK Guide concepts, so it is tougher.

#2. Can I upgrade to the PMP exam from the CAPM exam?

Once you have earned the required experience, you can apply for the PMP exam. Being an active CAPM, you won’t be required to attend any training.

After applying for the exam, you will have to pass it.

There is no other concession except for the relaxation of the training requirements.

Source: pmstudycircle.com

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PMP® vs. CAPM® Certification: What’s Best For You?

Global organizations are in dire need of skilled project managers. More than 2 million new project-oriented positions will need to be filled worldwide each year between now and 2027, according to a 2017 report by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

For those striving to grow their career in project management, gaining in-demand skills through a project management certification is your next step in enhancing your credibility and effectiveness.

Two Certificates: Unlimited Potential

The Project Management Institute offers two specialized certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP)® and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®.

Both are credited with helping advance career potential. However, to determine which certification is best for you, consider your experience level along with your project management goals and intended career path.

Project Management Professional (PMP)®

PMP® certification is recognized around the world as a professional certification that demonstrates a project manager’s expertise and skills while providing individuals with a standardized, detailed set of project management best practices.

Benefits of PMP® certification include higher project completion rates and increased salaries, according to the PMI.

Ideal candidates

Experienced project management professionals leading complex projects and those who are responsible for all aspects of project delivery, including working with cross-functional teams.

Prerequisites for the PMP® Exam

◈ A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent)
◈ 7,500 hours leading and directing projects
◈ 35 hours of project management education

OR

◈ Four-year degree
◈ 4,500 hours leading and directing projects
◈ 35 hours of project management education

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®

By earning a CAPM®, you are demonstrating to your team and employer that you are ready to manage larger projects, take on more responsibility and build on your project management skills.

Becoming a Certified Associate in Project Management will help you develop new job skills and knowledge and understand basic project management concepts, as well as how to apply tools and techniques to project management processes.

Ideal candidates

Entry-level project managers or those interested in a career in project management.

Prerequisites for the CAPM® Exam

◈ Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent)
◈ 1,500 hours of project experience

OR

◈ 23 hours of project management education completed by the time you sit for the exam

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PMP vs CAPM: Which Certification is Right for Me?

Difference between PMP and CAPM certifications: Project Management Institute (PMI) offers two levels of certification - Project Management Professional (PMP®) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) - for project managers, depending upon their experience, education and training. So which certification is right for me, you may ask. In this article, I’ll review the differences between PMP and CAPM certifications in order to help aspiring candidates make the right decision.

PMP vs CAPM: Comparison Chart

Let’s start with a head-to-head comparison of PMP and CAPM. After that, we’ll address other questions such as - which certification is better and which is more popular.

	CAPM	PMP
Overview	CAPM certification is designed for project team members, entry-level project managers and qualified undergraduate or graduate students. CAPM is also suitable for anyone switching into Project Management Profession but is not qualified for PMP Certification. CAPM demonstrates a good knowledge of Project Management terminology, concepts and methodology.	PMP certification is meant for experienced Project Managers who want to gain credibility and recognition for their knowledge and skills in Project Management, and want to advance their project management career.
Who should apply?	Candidates for the CAPM credential contribute to projects as subject matter experts and team members. They may also serve as project sponsors, facilitators, liaisons or coordinators.	Those who lead and direct cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget, and scope.
Eligibility Criteria	To qualify for the CAPM Exam, you need: a. Secondary Education + 1500 hrs of experience on a Project Team OR b. Secondary Education + 23 hrs of formal Project Management education	To qualify for the PMP Exam, you need: a. High School Diploma or a global equivalent + 60 months / 7500 hrs of PM experience + 35 hrs of formal Project Management education OR b. Bachelor's degree or a global equivalent + 36 months / 4500 hrs of PM experience + 35 hrs of formal Project Management education
Exam Fee (USD)	a. $300 for non-PMI members b. $225 for PMI members	a. $555 for non-PMI members b. $405 for PMI members
Allotted Examination Time	3 hours	4 hours
No. of Exam Questions	135 Scored + 15 Pretest = 150 Total	175 Scored + 25 Pretest = 200 Total
Difficulty Level	Considerably less difficult than the PMP Exam	Generally considered to be difficult (a subjective matter)
Type of Questions	Objective-type; Mostly direct questions based on PMBOK Guide content.	Objective-type; Mostly situational questions.
Application Mode	Online and paper-based	Online and paper-based
Subject to Audit?	Yes	Yes
Validity	5 years	3 years
Renewal	Retest after 5 years. Details: a. Submit the online application in the 5th year b. Take the exam within the 5th year c. No need to submit eligibility info again d. Not subject to audit again	Earn 60 PDUs during the 3 year certification cycle.
Number of credential holders (as of Mar 31, 2017)	33,383	761,905
Recognition / Market Value	CAPM was introduced in 2003 and is a relatively new certification. It is steadily gaining popularity. It might not get you a Project Manager job, a promotion or a steep pay-hike immediately, but it certainly demonstrates your seriousness about pursuing Project Management as a career. It provides you a step in the door into Project Management.	PMP was introduced in 1984 and has been the premier certification in the field of Project Management for many years. It's well recognized across the world and many companies use it as a pre-requisite for Project Manager positions.

Which certification is more popular - PMP or CAPM?

As you can see from the number of PMPs and CAPMs (760K vs 33k), PMP is far more popular than CAPM. I have been running a survey of visitors of this blog, and based on the responses, PMP is at least 6 times more popular than CAPM.

Which certification is more valuable - PMP or CAPM?

PMP has undoubtedly more value than CAPM in the market as PMP affirms your knowledge and experience in the field of project management, whereas CAPM only proves your knowledge and not experience. This isn’t to say that CAPM has no value. CAPM is great for those who have no or little experience in project management, and are looking for a foot in the door to the world of project management.

Which certification is right for me - PMP or CAPM?

The answer to this question depends upon your project management experience.

If you have 3 years or more of project management experience, you should definitely go for PMP. This one is a no-brainer.

If you have 1-2 years of project management experience, you should wait it out until you have attained 3 years of project management experience, and go straight for PMP instead of spending your money and energy on CAPM.

But if you have less than 1 year of project management experience, or no project management experience at all, or as I said above, you are looking for a foot in the door to project management, then CAPM is the right certification for you. However, don’t stop at CAPM and graduate to PMP once you’ve attained the required 3 years of project management experience.

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Mnemonics for PMP and CAPM Certifications

Does PMP Certification require memorization? PMP and CAPM aspirants use mnemonics heavily to memorize everything from Process Groups to Knowledge Areas, Process Names to ITTO’s, and much more. According to Dictionary.com, Mnemonics are something intended to assist the memory, as a verse or formula. Most of us have used mnemonics in some form or another, for exams, work, or other purposes. I still remember the mnemonic - B B Roy of Great Britain has a Very Good Wife - that I learned during my engineering degree program more than 15 years ago. It was used to recall color code sequence for resistors. And who doesn’t remember the acronym (a form of mnemonic) VIBGYOR for the seven colors of the rainbow.

List of Mnemonics for PMP

In this post, I’m not going to share much information with you. Instead, I’m going to invite you - the readers - to share your favorite mnemonics for PMP and CAPM certification exams. I’ll start by sharing mine that I created for my PMP certification way back in 2007. I’ve kept it secret all these years (I know it sounds selfish). It is 100% original and I bet you’ll not find any reference to it preceding this post.

Mnemonic to remember 10 Project Management Knowledge Areas

I used this mnemonic to remember the names of 9 Knowledge Areas in the correct sequence. Later with PMBOK® Guide, 5th Edition, Project Stakeholder Management was added as the 10th Knowledge Area and I updated the mnemonic accordingly. The original mnemonic was:

Saw The Charming Queen Holding Cream Rose Petals

corresponding to the 9 Knowledge Areas:

• Integration
• Scope
• Time
• Cost
• Quality
• Human Resource
• Communications
• Risk
• Procurements

With the addition of Project Stakeholder Management in PMBOK Guide, 5th Ed, I updated the mnemonic to:

Saw The Charming Queen Holding Cream Rose Petals Sexily

• Integration
• Scope
• Time
• Cost
• Quality
• Human Resource
• Communications
• Risk
• Procurements
• Stakeholder

Mnemonic to remember SPI, CPI, SV, and CV Formulas

People find it hard to remember whether EV goes in the numerator or denominator for SPI / CPI formulae, and whether it comes first or later in the SV / CV formulae. The formulae are:

SPI = EV / PV
CPI = EV / AC
SV  = EV - PV
CV  = EV - AC

The simple mnemonic that I devised to remember it to mentally associate EV with EVerest, yes Mount EVerest, which is the highest mountain in the world. EVerest is always on top (numerator) in SPI / CPI formulae and comes first in the SV / CV formulae.

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