CAPM Certification – 100% All Details Covered – Read Now

Are you looking for information about CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification? If yes, you are reading the right article. In this article, we will provide you with the details of CAPM certification. Project Management Institute is a world-known accreditation body. They are famous for their certification offerings. PMI offers various project management professional certifications. These certifications cover various levels. All these certifications have their associated criteria. Therefore, the aspirants who plan to sit in the exam, need first to fulfill the respective criteria in order to become eligible to sit in the relevant exam.

Hint: This post includes links for Free CAPM Certification Prep materials. Do not skip the post.

The most popular certification offered by PMI is PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. However, PMP certification has a criterion that includes experience as a vital parameter to become eligible for the PMP Exam. This raises a crucial question for those who want to start their career in the project management field. PMI has been considerate enough for the fresh aspirants. So, PMI also offers CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification.

What is the CAPM Certification?

CAPM certification is specifically designed for people who are either just started their project management profession or are planning to acquire the essentials of project management knowledge with no prior experience. If you are any of them, you must read the article to get an overview of CAPM certification.

CAPM is a global recognition of project management knowledge of certified professionals. This is a recognition that they can take up on projects and complete them within the project constraints like time scope and budget.

Nonexperienced individuals who are interested in the project management field can reap benefit from CAPM certification. CAPM validates the holder’s professional knowledge. CAPM certification holders can play a vital role in project teams whilst gaining hands-on experience. This gives them a great boost in their professional careers right from the start. And they can develop their competence in the practice of project management.

CAPM Certification Requirements

In order to sit in the CAPM Exam, you must fulfill the CAPM Exam criteria. PMI has spelled out certain criteria for CAPM Exam. These criteria set a considerate baseline that distinguishes aspirants with respect to their education. In addition to the education level,  you must have earned 23 project management training hours. These are termed as Professional Development Units (PDUs). The criteria, in summary, includes the following:

• Education – Secondary diploma (high school diploma / global equivalent)
• Project Management Education – 23 contact hours of formal education

As far as the degree is concerned, you must at least attain a high school degree or its equivalent. The most important second factor is that you should attend a comprehensive training program. This training program earns you 23 contact hours. This training program will also help you to understand the foundation-level knowledge of the project management framework. Furthermore, these training programs enable you to prepare for the CAPM Exam. You get a guided roadmap that enhances your chances to qualify for the CAPM Exam.

Attend our 100% Online & Self-Paced One-Hour Free CAPM Training.

CAPM Certification Cost

There is a certain cost associated with the CAPM certification and its benefits and that includes both direct and indirect costs. In other words, we can say that there is tangible as well as the non-tangible cost associated with the CAPM Certification. You should have the following factors in mind about CAPM certification cost:

• Education: This is the cost generally you have already invested at the time when you consider CAPM certification.
• Training: The second criterion is the training. So you need to consider the cost associated with the project management training that fulfills 23 contact hours of training.
• Exam Preparation Cost: This is a non-tangible cost that you spend on your self-study and practice. In other words, this is the time you spend for your preparation out of your schedule.
• Exam Fee: Once you fulfill the CAPM Exam criteria, you will register for the CAPM Exam
• Renewal Fee: If you qualify for CAPM certification, you are certified for a period of five years. To continue with your certification you need to renew every five years in case you do not want to proceed with a certification of the upper levels.

CAPM Certification Training Cost

CAPM training is mandatory for the aspirants as set out by PMI to sit in the exam. So you must acquire the required training that fulfills 23 hours of training. Here you can also plan to attend project management PMP training that can earn you 35 hours. However, it is not a must for CAPM aspirants to attend PMP training. It is your choice as per your feasibility.

The training will get you aligned with the PMBoK. You will cover the latest trends, project management processes, knowledge areas, tools, and techniques. Also, these courses are helpful as they focus on the preparation for the CAPM exam. This way, you can learn good tips and tricks along with activities and mock-ups.

There are several training providers that are offering various training programs in different formats. Now the question is which training provider and which training format to choose? There are certain points you should keep in mind to consider these options. These points include:

• Does the training fulfill the PMI requirement of 23 PDUs?
• Are the trainers experienced?
• What is the success rate of the training prover?
• What study material I will get in the course?
• Are there any practical exercises planned in the course?
• Will I get a flavor of the actual exam environment?
• What is the cost of the training program?
• Is there any flexibility in the training in terms of schedule and location?
• Is the training course easily available when I require to attend or should I wait for the next upcoming session?

CAPM Certification Training Formats

Many training institutes have broadened the outreach by providing the training programs in different formats. These formats include in-person classroom training, virtual classroom training, and e-learning. This means that the cost of training is subject to the training format you choose for your preparation.

In-person classroom training format

In the in-person training format, the instructor conducts the training on specific premises on scheduled date and time. Once you register for this CAPM exam course, you must attend these classroom training sessions to complete your training course. In these training formats, you have no flexibility in terms of venue and time. However, you get face to face interaction with the course instructor. Some aspirants find this format effective and opt for this format. But if you skip any class you need to cover the gap but you missed your interactive class session.

Virtual online training format

Another option for the CAPM Exam training is a virtual online training format. In this option, the instructor conducts the sessions online. Though you need to follow the schedule to attend the classes, however, you get flexibility in terms of location as you do not have to travel to specific premises. And you can join this online class from the location of your choice. All you need is internet and login credentials to connect to your class. Many aspirants find this option feasible for them.

E-learning online training format

E-learning format is another option for the aspirants to choose from. In this format, you will get flexibility in terms of time as well as the venue. In other words, you do not need to travel to any specific premises. Moreover, you are not time-bound to start your training sessions. Many aspirants with their busy schedules where they find it difficult to follow time-based constraints, they prefer this training format. In addition to this, since the training providers are globally providing the training sometimes the aforementioned formats cause pressure on aspirants to attend the sessions in some odd times. In these scenarios, the e-learning format is the best option.

Moreover, the e-learning format is offered at a much lesser cost while fulfilling the requirements completely. Therefore this format is gaining more popularity.

Master of Project Academy offers CAPM training for a reasonable price. We have several enrollment options starting at $62 / month. Finally, the Master of Project Academy has a 99.6 percent first-attempt success rate and has a very good refund policy.

Enroll in our CAPM exam simulator once you complete your CAPM study. You can take a look at Free CAPM Exam Simulator Demo.

CAPM Certification Exam Preparation Time

This is a non-tangible cost, some people even do not consider it as cost. This is the time spend on your preparation. Time has value and you are spending your valuable time which could have been invested in other activities. Hence, this is a cost factor. Generally, aspirants spend around three months to get ready for the CAPM Exam.

Once you complete your CAPM Exam training course, you move to the next level. This is the self-study period. And it has a vital role in your success. You really need to take full measures for preparation and readiness assessment for the CAPM Certification Exam.

How much time is required for self-study and preparation?

In this preparation time, all your study materials and the study roadmap that you define or acquire during your CAPM certification training will help you. Usually, you get the idea of the roadmap during your training program as you have all the contents. As you know what to complete, you can follow this training plan after the completion of your actual training. This is based on the understanding and knowledge you have gained through the CAPM training. Because now you already know the complete framework and foundation of the Project Management area.

The duration of your preparation is subject to time you can spend every week. If you have a good understanding of the project management principles, then you can complete your preparation with an earlier time frame. However, in this period, you have to critically assess your preparation by practicing the mock-up exams. And based on your performance in these mock-ups, you can identify your gaps and strengths. Then you will cover your gaps and reinforce your strengths.

Online course options offer you the best platforms that can help you in your preparation time. Because you can go through your course or specific topics as much as possible. So you can improve your study roadmap with an online course.

CAPM Exam Fee

The CAPM Exam fee is subject to various factors. The main factor is your PMI membership as the exam fee varies if you are a registered member of PMI or not. Other factors are the scenarios whether you attempting in the exam for the first time or you are appearing for the re-exam. In addition to this, the price changes if you have already scheduled the exam and now you want to reschedule due to certain circumstances. All these scenarios impact the CAPM exam fee.

For CAPM Exam, the fee structure is as follows provided you are a member of PMI or not:

For CAPM re-examination, the fee structure is as follows. This is also subject to PMI membership:

For CAPM renewal, the fee structure is as follows. This is also subject to PMI membership:

PMI membership offer benefits

The initial PMI Individual membership will cost you 139 USD. Later on, you will pay a yearly fee of 129 USD to renew your membership. The interesting part of this membership is the advantages offered by PMI to PMI members.

• The most vital one is the PMI membership saves you a certain cost at the time of CAPM Exam payment as depicted above section.
• In the case of renewals and re-attempts, PMI membership will save a certain cost as depicted in the above section.
• Free access for downloading standards, guides, and other valuable material related to project management. That also includes the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK)
• Access to webinars and events
• Access to a variety of templates that you can find helpful in your project management activities

CAPM Certification Exam Structure

The CAPM exam is simpler than the PMP exam because it follows the PMBOK more closely since CAPM certification is primarily focused on the beginner level professionals. Therefore it does not aim to assess the practical job experience. The Project Management Professional exam is “experience-based” but the Certified Associate in Project Management exam is “knowledge-based”.

There are 150 questions for the CAPM certification exam, and you have three hours to complete it. 15 of the 150 questions are known to be pretest questions. Pretest questions do not impact the score and are used as an efficient and legitimate means of testing the validity of future questions in the exams. All pretest questions are randomly placed during the test.

It is a general perception that one can pass the CAPM Exam if they score above 61%.  However, no one can guarantee the accuracy of this. Therefore, we suggest that you should aim for a relatively higher percentage like 70% to qualify for the CAPM certification.

The structure of the CAPM exam is aligned with PMBoK. So this is the case for the CAPM Exam structure. The success in the exam requires the learning of project management fundamentals as spelled out in PMBoK. PMBoK extensively elaborates project management framework. It includes organizational context and projects, project life cycles, project management framework, project management processes, and project management knowledge areas.

Enroll in our CAPM exam simulator once you complete your CAPM study. You can take a look at Free CAPM Exam Simulator Demo.

The main learning objectives of the CAPM Exam includes the following:

Introduction to Project Management (6%)

Candidate should have an understanding of five project management process groups and processes within each of these groups. In addition to this, the candidate should know the relationships among the project, program, portfolio, and operational management. Also one must be able to define a typical project lifecycle and the importance of tailoring for different projects.

Project Environment (6%)

This learning objective focuses on the factors and assets that may impact the project outcome. Organizational systems, Project Management Office, and the hierarchy of projects, programs, and portfolios is also included in this learning objective.

Role of the Project Manager (7%)

This learning objective includes an understanding of the primary functions of project managers. In addition to this, the candidate is supposed to identify the major elements of the PMI triangle. Furthermore, the candidate must recognize the differences between leadership and management.

Project Integration Management (9%)

PMI expects CAPM candidates to have a good understanding of project management processes in the Project Integration area. One must be able to identify the inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs of each of the processes. Aspects of project change management are also included. Furthermore, the CAPM Exam expects that the candidate should be able to identify tailoring considerations in project integration management.

Project Scope Management (9%)

PMI expects CAPM candidates to have a good understanding of project management processes in the Project Scope Knowledge area. One must be able to understand the processes within Project Scope Management that include the inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs of each of the processes. Furthermore, Work Breakdown Structure for product and project scope. Furthermore, the CAPM Exam expects that the candidate should be able to identify tailoring considerations in project Scope management.

Project Schedule Management (9%)

Another learning objective of the CAPM Exam includes candidates to have a good understanding of project Schedule management processes in the Project Schedule Knowledge area. One must be able to understand the processes within Project Schedule Management that include the inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs of each of the processes. Furthermore, the candidates must be able to solve simple network diagrams and perform basic scheduling calculations. Moreover, candidates should be able to identify considerations for agile/adaptive environments in the project schedule.

Project Cost Management (8%)

As per this learning objective, the CAPM Exam candidate should understand project cost management processes. Along with their inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs for each of the processes. The candidates are further required to have key concepts in project cost management once you have considerations for agile/adaptive environments. Furthermore, a basic forecast and earned value methods are included.

Project Quality Management (7%)

This learning objective addresses the need for project quality management knowledge area along with inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs. Furthermore approaches to adapting qualify management and quality tools for continuous development are the key learning objects of the CAPM Exam.

Project Resource Management (8%)

Resource Management processes along with inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs are addressed in the knowledge area. This area focuses on the techniques for developing a team, managing conflict, and resolving resource-related problems. Furthermore, the candidates must have a good understanding of the resource management plan and data representation techniques related to project resources.

Project Communication Management (10%)

This learning objective addresses the processes related to communication management. Candidates must have a good understanding of inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs related to each of the processes within the communication management knowledge area. Furthermore, the candidates should recognize the dimension of communications and components of the communications management plan.

Project Risk Management (8%)

As per this learning objective, one should have a good understanding of Risk management processes. For this sake, they should be able to identify inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs of each process. In addition to this, the candidates should be able to perform simple risk calculations. And they should also recognize when and how to adjust risk based on the project environment.

Project Procurement Management (4%)

Procurement Management is another learning objective of the CAPM Exam. The candidate should have an understanding of the procurement management processes. And they should be able to identify the inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs for each of the Procurement management processes. Furthermore, the candidates are expected to identify various types of contracts, agreements, and source selection methods.

Project Stakeholder Management (9%)

As per this learning objective, one should have a good understanding of Stakeholder management processes. For this sake, they should be able to identify inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs of each process. In addition to this, the candidates should be able to recognize key stakeholders’ roles and needs. Besides, the candidates should be able to identify the key concepts and benefits of stakeholder management.

CAPM Certification Exam Dates and Application

As there are no certain dates, your CAPM Certification exam date is subject to your application processing and registering.

How to apply for the CAPM Exam?

Before you proceed with the registration of the CAPM Exam, you need to ensure that you meet the certification eligibility requirements and you have the necessary requirement to fill in your application. You need to provide your valid email as this will be your primary mode of communication with PMI.

In the application, you need to provide the information regarding your education as well as Project Management training.

• Record your Degree information on the application
• Record your Project Management Training on the application.

You must ensure that you have these criteria fulfilled prior to submitting the application. Then you can submit your application. When you fill in your application, there is an equal likelihood that your application will be selected for audit. This depends on the random selection of the applications by PMI. So what you fill in the application must have evidence so you can respond to the audit in case your application is selected.

What if my application is selected for audit?

You can submit your online application to register for the CAPM Certification. The applications are subject to audits that are randomly selected for the same purpose. In case your application is selected for an audit, you will get a notification through email. In this case, you will have to submit supporting documentation that includes copies of your high school diploma or equivalent. You will also have to submit the copies of your certificates that fulfil the PMI contact hours requirement. Furthermore, you can send your completed audit forms by regular postal mail or express courier service to the address. You have to send all materials at one time, in the same envelope. Once you submit the required documentation, the audit should take about five to seven business days to complete.

What if I am eligible to sit in the exam?

PMI processes applications in a timely manner. Applications are processed within  24 hours. The time is also subject to the selection of your application for the audit. In case of an audit, the time will depend on your response to the audit and further processing by PMI to further assess.

Once your application is approved, you need to pay the fees as discussed in the CAPM Exam fee section. You can make payments through Credit Card, Wire, Check, or Money Order. The online mode is the fastest for further processing.

Once your certification fee has been received by PMI, they will send you an email notification with PMI eligibility ID and scheduling instructions. Once your application is approved by PMI to sit in the exam, you are eligible for a duration of one year in which you can appear in the exam. You may also take the examination up to three times within this time period.

CAPM examination is delivered by PMI’s testing partner Pearson VUE (Online proctored and center-based test). PMI recommends that you schedule the examination as soon as you select a date, and at least three months before the expiration of your eligibility period. Moreover, PMI cannot guarantee to reserve seating at the testing centers or available time for an online proctored test appointment.

CAPM Certification Renewal

Once you qualify for your CAPM Certification Exam, your certification cycle begins. This certification cycle ends after five full years. On completion of this period, you need to renew your CAPM Certification.

During the last year of your certification cycle, you must apply for recertification and take the exam. There is no extension of the CAPM certification.

You can identify the renewal cycle of your CAPM Exam certification from your CAPM certificate as well as the online certification system. For instance, if you have passed your examination in January, your certification ends on 14 January 2025.

At the time of renewal of your CAPM Certification, you do not need to provide the eligibility information again on your renewal application as was the case with the original application. The certification system already has the information that you provided at the time of your first-time application. In addition to this, your renewal application is not subject to the audit process since only initial time applications are randomly selected for the audit of the application.

For CAPM renewal, the fee structure is as follows. This is also subject to PMI membership:

We suggest that you should consider PMP rather than renewing your CAPM Certification. By this time you have fulfilled the pre-requisites to sit in the PMP Exam. Which should be your next level of the career.

CAPM Certification Benefits

To its certificate holders, CAPM certification offers many advantages.

Available for the freshers

• You do not need the experience to sit in the CAPM certification exam. So it is a good option for fresh professionals who want to pursue their careers in the project management field. Hence if someone is non-experienced, they do not need to wait to qualify for the PMP Exam. So you get validation of your knowledge of Project Management Framework and you start your career by obtaining the required skills that are globally recognized.

Global validation of knowledge

• CAPM Certification Exam is completely based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBok). PMI revise PMBOk on regular basis. So whenever you prepare for the CAPM Exam, your knowledge set is built upon the latest process groups, tools, and techniques. So you are on top of the latest trends in the field of project management.

You are in the limelight

• You are in the limelight once you obtain your CAPM certification even at the start of your career. Companies are looking for the best talent at all levels. Recruitment agencies as well as companies need to fill their job vacancies. So, they like to hire someone who has a validated skillset to fill in the vacancy. As project management is a critical factor to ensure project success.

Advancement in Salary

• CAPM certification becomes your brand. As you have shown your commitment and focus towards your career growth employers rate such employees as high performers with value addition on their profile. Therefore, you get a hike in your salary as well. The CAPM certified professionals are in more demand. They get around 20% higher salary as compared to non-certified professionals.

More Opportunities

• Even internally in the organizations, whenever project teams are built, the profile of the team members is considered for the right jobs. Since CAPM is a value-adding badge to your profile therefore, CAPM credential holders are likely to get more opportunities as compared to their non-certified peers.

Upcoming Trends and Demand

• The market research and trends also indicate that project management skill is in higher demand in almost all organizations. This demand is likely to result in the creation of many new positions in the coming years. Obviously, any such demand will require certified professionals whether they are PMP or CAPM certified professionals. Once you obtain CAPM certification and further pursue your career your chances of moving up get higher.

Summary

In this article, we provided you with the details of CAPM certification. We discussed various aspects of the CAPM certification examination. We included requirements to sit in the CAPM Exam. Also, we discussed the cost factors associated with CAPM certification preparation and examination such as costs for education, training, exam preparation, examination fee, and renewal fee. We also shared various training formats. You can choose the format that suits you best.

Furthermore, we discussed the CAPM Certification Exam structure and learning objectives spelled out by PMI. In addition to this, we shared with you the idea of CAPM application, application audit, and exam schedule. Finally, we shared with you certification renewal and CAPM certification benefits.

Hope the article helped you to find details of the CAPM Exam.

Attend our 100% Online & Self-Paced One-Hour Free CAPM Training.