PMP vs CAPM
The Project Management Institute's (PMI) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) qualifications both boost credibility and provide individuals with an opportunity to expand their abilities, lead larger projects, and progress their careers. Understanding the distinctions between CAPM and PMP certification is crucial for matching the certification to a person's chosen career path. The CAPM is considered more entry-level, while the PMP is deemed professional level. The qualifications for the CAPM test are less stringent, and the exam is less complex and less expensive than the PMP. The PMP certification, on the other hand, is more well-known, renowned, and likely to get you higher pay.
CAPM and PMP Certifications Benefits
A CAPM certification demonstrates that you have a sound conceptual understanding of project management concepts. A PMP certification validates your abilities and ability to consistently apply project management principles to real-world scenarios. A CAPM certification might be beneficial if you are just beginning your project management career. Alternatively, you may already have project management expertise and wish to be considered for full-time positions. A PMP will assist you in obtaining roles with better pay and degrees of autonomy and responsibility in this situation.
Exam Requirements CAPM VS PMP
The following are the requirements for the CAPM certification exam:
Option 1:
- A four-year diploma.
- 36 months of project management.
- CAPM Certification or project management education/training of 35 hours.
Option 2:
- High school diploma.
- CAPM certification or project management education/training of 35 hours.
- 60 months of project management.
The following are the requirements for the PMP certification exam:
Option 1:
- Secondary education is required.
- 7,500 hours of project management and direction.
- 35 hours of project management training.
Option 2:
- Four-year diploma.
- 4,500 hours of project management and direction.
- Project management education for 35 hours.
What to Expect: CAPM vs PMP?
Both the CAPM and PMP tests are produced by PMI and administered by Pearson VUE; none permits reference materials while taking the exam, and the exams cover some of the same subjects. However, each exam has its own set of characteristics.
While both tests need significant study, the CAPM exam is regarded as less demanding than the PMP exam. This is due to the CAPM's intended audience of entry-level project managers and those interested in a career in project management. The PMP test is more difficult, but it comes with industry-wide benefits like a 20% increase in average compensation
Can a CAPM be converted to a PMP?
While this is an excellent question, the quick answer is no. While you cannot upgrade your CAPM to a PMP, preparing for and getting a CAPM can assist you in pursuing a PMP. You can also put your CAPM project management education hours toward your PMP test requirement. In other words, if you currently possess a valid CAPM certification, PMI will waive the 35-hour project management education requirement.
PMP vs CAPM: Renewal of Certification
Both certificates must be renewed every three years. To renew your CAPM certification for the following three years, you must earn 15 PDUs every three years and submit them to PMI. To renew your PMP certification for the following three years, you must earn 60 PDUs every three years and submit them to PMI.
If you do not successfully renew your certification within the time, your certificate will be cancelled for one year and you will have to repeat the certification test to restore the credential.
Which Is Better: PMP or CAPM?
You cannot compare these two credentials because of the diverse audiences they serve.
Professionals with more experience pursue the PMP certification, while those just starting out want the CAPM certification. If you lack project management expertise, you cannot sit for the PMP test, leaving you with just the CAPM credential. However, if you already have project management expertise, the PMP certification is the ideal option.