PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) offers recognition to practitioners with little or no project experience and it can be applied to on-the-job experiences. CAPM is a valuable stepping stone for those who are starting their career in project management to demonstrate their understanding of project management knowledge.
Project Management Institute, PMI is a US nonprofit professional organization for project management based in Pennsylvania, USA. PMI improves organizational success through its internationally respected certifications and professional development courses.
CAPM is the basic level of the three formal credentials from PMI- you can earn each certification individually. You need to pass the exam to earn the certification, and candidates studying for the examination will certainly want to include the PMBOK® Guide as one of their references.
By having this certification, you will have a better knowledge of the following topics:
- Managing a Project, which includes (project life cycle and project stakeholders)
- Project Integration Management
- Managing the Project Scope, time, cost, quality, and risks
- Managing Project Human Resources, Communications, Procurement, and stakeholders
- The exam strategies to avoid common pitfalls.
CAPM Exam Prerequisites
According to PMI, there are two possible sets of prerequisites for the exam:
- A 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 schedule the exam
Study Materials
- Review the CAPM handbook
- Test yourself with CAPM Sample Questions
- Enroll in a formal study course offered by PMI chapters or Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.s).
- Review A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition.
Registration Process
- Application submission
- Audit process
- Payment
- Examination
- Recertification every 5 years
CAPM Exam Details
Questions: 150 multiple choice questions
Duration: three hours
Cost:
- Member: US$225
- Non-member: US$300
CAPM Renewal
Once you pass the CAPM exam, you are certified for a period of five years then you have the option to pursue recertification or, if you are eligible, apply for any other PMI certifications.
- Submit the online CAPM application
- Affirm PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the PMI Certification
Application/Renewal Agreement - Submit the recertification fee.
- Schedule, sit for and pass the CAPM examination
- Receive a new certificate