CAPM vs PMP is like comparing apples to oranges. These are two different certifications. There are some similarities but mostly they are dissimilar.
Should you compare apples to oranges? It seems inappropriate as they are distinct fruits. But sometimes it becomes necessary to contrast them.
Everyone has different motivation and priorities. So, it is better to understand the difference between CAPM and PMP certification before opting for one.
PMI has created CAPM and PMP credential for two separate set of audiences. The exam curriculum is similar for both the tests but the eligibility criteria is entirely different.
Let’s take a detailed view of similarities and differences.
CAPM vs PMP
Target Audience and Eligibility Requirements
CAPM is an entry level exam for budding project managers. It can be taken by professionals having secondary diploma (or global equivalent) even if they do not have any formal job experience. You can check my other post for complete details about CAPM eligibility requirements.
PMP is meant for experienced project managers. It can be taken by professionals having at least a few years of formal project management experience. You can check my other post for complete details about PMP eligibility requirements.
Exam Fee
There is a substantial difference in the exam fee. PMI charges $300 and $555 for CAPM and PMP respectively. PMI members get some discount on this fee. I have written 2 other articles to provide details about cost of CAPM and cost of PMP. You can refer to them for complete details.
Exam Curriculum
Both CAPM and PMP exams are based on PMBOK Guide’s content. However, there is some difference in their approach.
PMBOK Guide is the standard for project management. It is published by PMI. It divides the whole project management in 10 Knowledge Areas (KA) and 5 Process Groups (PG).
CAPM is entirely based on the content of the PMBOK Guide. The questions come directly from the Project Management (PM) concepts discussed in the guide. The test is based on 10 KA and other PMBOK Guide chapters. The following figure provides information on the percentage of questions coming from the each chapter of the PMBOK Guide.
PMP mostly follows the content of the PMBOK Guide. But, it also tests a few other concepts that are not covered in the Guide. It is based on the Role of Project Manager as described in the Exam Content Outline.
PMP is one of the toughest exams. It tests the candidate on the application of PM knowledge. Most of the questions are situational and tricky. The test is based on 5 PG. The following figure provides information on the percentage of questions coming from each PG.
Exam Pattern
Both CAPM and PMP tests comes as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).
CAPM is a 3 hours exam with 150 MCQ. Out of these there are 15 pre-test questions.
PMP is a 4 hours exam with 200 MCQ. Out of these there are 25 pre-test questions.
Difference Between CAPM And PMP Certification
| CAPM | PMP | |
|---|---|---|
| Stands For | Certified Associate In Project Management | Project Management Professional |
| For | Entry level professionals looking for a career in project management. | Experienced project managers. |
| Eligibility | A secondary diploma AND ( 1500 hours of professional experience in PM OR 23 hours of formal PM education. ) |
( A secondary degree with 7500 hours of PM experience OR A four-year degree with 4500 hours of PM experience ) AND 35 hours of formal PM education. |
| Fee |
|
|
| Exam Duration | 3 hours | 4 hours |
| No. of Questions | 150 | 200 |
| No. of Pre-test Questions | 15 | 25 |
| Basis | Knowledge Area based | Process Group based |
| Type of Questions | Direct – From the PMBOK Guide concepts. | Situational – Application of the PMBOK Guide concepts. |
| Validity | 5 years | 3 years |
Final Thoughts – Which Is The Best Certification For You?
You would have noticed that one certification is not necessarily better than the other. PMI has created them for different audience.
CAPM caters to entry level professionals who want to pursue a career in project management whereas PMP is oriented towards experienced project managers who want to enhance their knowledge, skills, and reputation.
You should opt for PMP if you are eligible for it. Otherwise you should take the CAPM exam. If you are contemplating on PMP but are not eligible for it, you should go for the CAPM first. It will give you immediate career benefits and prepare you partially for the PMP exam.
Over To You
Which certification are you planning to pursue?
Are you eligible for the PMP credential? If not, are you contemplating of doing CAPM?
Please leave a comment.
Nice article very clearly explained
Thanks.