Project management can be a lucrative career choice. But if you want to advance in your profession and open doors to other exciting opportunities within a variety of industries, you will want to consider gaining a project management certification.
The Project Management Institute offers both the Project Management Professional certification (PMP Certification) and the Certified Associate in Project Management certification (CAPM Certification). If you want to become qualified in project management, you need to know the differences between each accreditation so you can plan your next step.
An Overview of the PMP Exam
The PMP exam is the gold standard of project management certifications. But that means it is very difficult to pass. You need to be prepared for just how hard the PMP exam is, but with a lot of planning and hard work, it is possible to achieve the certificate.
The examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that are designed to test your knowledge and problem-solving abilities. It is based on the principles and concepts outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide. Some questions are situational, while others are theoretical. You will have four hours to complete the exam.
An Overview of the CAPM Exam
The CAPM exam is an entry-level certification for project practitioners. The test is designed to demonstrate your fundamental knowledge of effective project management, including its terminology and processes. As with the PMP exam, the CAPM test is based on content found in the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide.
However, unlike the PMP exam, the CAPM test focuses more on your understanding of concepts and principles. The CAPM examination is far from easy. However, in comparison to the PMP test, it is far less challenging. The CAPM exam lasts for three hours. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.
How do the prerequisites of the two exams compare?
To be eligible for the PMP exam, you will need a high school diploma or an associate’s degree or equivalent qualification, as well as 35 hours of education in project management and 7,500 project experience. Alternatively, you can have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification as well as 35 hours of education in project management and 4,500 project experience.
For the CAPM exam, you will need a high school diploma or associate’s degree or equivalent qualification and 1,500 project experience, or 23 hours of education in project management.
Which certification is better for the real professional world?
Whether a PMP or CAPM exam course is best for you depends on your level of experience. But it is also important to know what each certification can do for you in the real career world, as that can help you determine whether the PMP or CAPM exam is best for you.
Once you have obtained a PMP certificate, you will be qualified for management positions where you manage projects of all sizes and complexities.
You will be expected to lead the projects to their conclusions, on time and within budget. With a PMP certificate, you can gain positions like project manager, program manager, or project controller in a wide variety of industries.
A CAPM certificate allows you to start at entry-level. You will be qualified for positions like project coordinator and junior business analyst.
In such roles, you would apply your skills to do things like coordinate teams and enable effective communication. A CAPM certification does not allow you to take charge of large projects with big budgets immediately.
However, if you already have considerable experience in technical processes, having a CAPM certificate could help to propel you to a leadership position more quickly.
