CAPM vs PMP: Which Certification is Better?

PMP Vs CAPM

Yad Senapathy, PMP March 21, 2023

CAPM and PMP are two of the qualifications offered by a professional project management body named PMI or Project Management Institute. CAPM stands for Certified Associate in Project Management. It is a certification program designed to prepare newcomers for careers in project management. PMP, on the contrary, is denoted as a Project management Professional, a credential for project managers who have gone through a number of years working in the same field. The CAPM is suitable for novice project managers whereas, the PMP, is appropriate for Project managers who have at least three years of experience.

The needed specifications to acquire a CAPM certificate include a 23-hours spent managing project coursework on top of secondary education. On the contrary, the requirements for a PMP certification include 36 months of project management employment while possessing a four-year degree, or 60 months with a secondary degree, and 35 hours of training in project management. The latter is allowed to be replaced with CAPM for specific situations. Additionally, there are specific amounts that must be paid in order to acquire such certificates, on top of these requirements.

The payment for taking these certifications varies from each other, depending on whether the examinees are a member of the PMI or Project Management Institution or not. The total fee for a CAPM certification for PMI members reaches $364, including fees for joining and applying. The assessment alone amounts to $225 for PMI members, while it is charged $300 for non-members. Alternately, the total cost of PMP credentials for PMI members, comprising the application fees for enrollment, amounts to $544. It charges $405 for the exam alone. Non- PMI members who wish to take the PMP assessment are ought to pay $575.

PMI members are charged a lower examination fee since they are already paying $139 per annum and an additional paid-once enrollment fee of $10. Examinees who are enrolled in an accredited program that leads to a degree are qualified for the student package, which is quite economical. The payment for the student program goes around $257 in total, including a $32 fee for PMI membership and a $225 fee for the CAPM certification test.

What is CAPM?

A lot of people have been asking, “what is CAPM certification?” CAPM is an abbreviated word for Certified Associate in Project Management which is among the certifying qualifications delivered by PMI or the Project Management Institute. The CAPM is crafted for individuals who want to obtain a thorough understanding of how to handle projects. It is usually taken up by aspirants with no previous related employment who are going to handle upcoming occupations in project administration. It functions as a springboard for individuals who are currently firing up in their project management careers. Accordingly, examinees who are successful on the assessment for a CAPM Certification are worthy of taking up higher qualifications, just like project management professional or PMP credentials, for instance.

Who Can Take CAPM Certification?

The CAPM certification is suitable for entry-level project management candidates. It is a type of qualification that involves an assessment to prepare those individuals who are novices in the practice of handling projects. Most of the aspirants for CAPM are not work-ready and need proper coaching in order to handle upcoming occupations in project administration. The PMI or project management institute which hosts such an examination is equipped to discuss what is cap certification as well as its scope.

What are the Requirements before Applying CAPM Certification?

Listed below are the requirements before applying for a CAPM Certification.

  • Accomplished 23 hours of project management training: Aspirants for a CAPM certification are obliged to have completed a coaching program in project administration which covers at least 23 hours. Project management training is usually obtained through formal education in a university or college. However, CAPM aspirants are able to acquire training from other various pathways when a college education is not attained. These pathways include a company-funded project management-focused training course or a self-paced learning program with a digital credential affirmed by the PMI. The PMI itself has prepared an online learning program for project administration, which aims to help examinees in providing the initial requirement easier and faster.
  • High school diploma or similar certifications: Aspirants need to have secured a diploma from high school or a second degree, which often comprises finishing 12 years of formal education. Candidates who fail to present such documents are expected to submit corresponding certifications like GED or general education, development TASC or test assessing secondary completion, HiSET or high school equivalency test certificate, or other international counterparts.
capm vs pmp

How Much is the CAPM Certification Cost?

The cost of CAPM certification is determined depending on whether or not the examinees are affiliates of the PMI. The CAPM assessment usually amounts to $225 for PMI affiliates and 300 for non-members. Nevertheless, the total charge for a CAPM credential normally reaches $364 for PMI clients, which accounts for the cost of joining and applying. Affiliates of the PMI or Project Management Institute are assessed with a lesser examination fee, since they already pay $139 annually and a $10 one-time application fee.

How Long Does the CAPM Certification Exam Take?

The CAPM certification exam has a three-hour time limit in total. The examination is composed of 150 questions pertaining to fundamental practices and ideas for project administration. There are 15 questions that serve as pre-test items and are not counted against the final score. However, candidates are going to encounter the pre-test questions at any time because they are dispersed periodically during the assessment. Therefore, examinees must approach every question as though it is scored.

How Much is the Salary of a Certified CAPM?

The salary of a certified CAPM as of July 2022 is $67,000 according to Payscale. A higher average was reported by ZipRecruiter, which indicates that CAPM holders earn an average US income of $91,735. The CAPM salary however varies as impacted by other variables like geography and employment history. CAPM certification is designed for people who are just firing up their careers in project management. Consequently, the wages they receive are expected to be lower than those who possess higher-level qualifications and more sufficient work experience.

What Job Profiles require CAPM Certification?

Listed below are some of the job profiles that require CAPM certification.

  • PMO operational support analysts: One of the job profiles that require a CAPM certification is PMO operational support analyst. The abbreviation PMO stands for Project Management Office, which hosts all management procedures within a project. The PMO operational support analyst is responsible for providing supplemental aid to the PMO lead analyst in handling different project matters, which is why it is crucial for them to obtain a CAPM certificate.
  • Marketing communications coordinators: The marketing communications coordinator is another example of a job title that makes use of CAPM certification. Marketing communications coordinators are in charge of creating and putting into practice marketing communication strategies that promote a company's goods or services. Being able to handle budgets and timelines is one of the project management abilities that are useful in such a position, which poses a great advantage for CAPM certificate holders.
  • Business analyst consultants: Another example of a job profile that utilizes CAPM certificates is the Business analyst consultant. Business Analyst consultants assist firms in improving their procedures, procedures, and systems through analysis, problem-solving, and strategic planning. They frequently work on initiatives that entail putting new technology or procedures into place, and generally cooperate with stakeholders from across the organization to make sure the project fulfills business requirements. Business analyst consultants who hold a CAPM certification have a great edge in understanding project management principles.
  • Member relations administrators: Member Relations Administrators are good examples of job titles that utilize CAPM certifications. These are professionals who work with member-based organizations, such as trade associations, professional societies, or other groups, to manage their memberships, interact with members, and advance their organizational objectives. Handling events and activities and implementing new systems or processes are two circumstances where having a fundamental understanding of project management concepts and practices, as shown by a CAPM certification, is helpful.
  • Senior IT technical project managers: Senior IT technical project managers are seasoned experts who often display a high level of project management ability. They must possess both technical proficiency in the area of IT and a thorough understanding of project management ideas and practices. The capacity to manage stakeholders, budgets, timelines, and risks, as well as outstanding communication and leadership skills, are additional requirements for such a job description, which is why CAPM certification is thought to be a must. Senior IT technical project managers are great examples of jobs with CAPM certification.

What is the Coverage of the CAPM Certification Exam?

The coverage of the CAPM certification exam normally revolves around the contents of the PMBOK Guide. The abbreviated word PMBOK stands for Project Management Body of Knowledge. It is the complete set of procedures, industry-accepted standards, terminologies, and directives that the project management sector considers to be the norm. The candidates' understanding of project management theory and procedures is tested on the knowledge-based exam for CAPM.

capm exam

The percentage of how much of each chapter is covered in the examination is broken down as follows; Project Management Overview: 6%, Environmental Impact: 6%, Project manager’s function: 7%, Integrating the project: 9%, Project Range: 9%, Project Timetable: 9%, Project Overhead: 8%, Project Excellence: 7%, Project Asset: 8%, Project Transmission: 10%, Project Threat: 8%, Project Acquisition: 4%, and Project Collaborator: 9%.

Can I take the CAPM Certification Exam without Any Experience?

Yes, people are viable to take the CAPM certification exam without any prior work encounters. The PMI or Project Management Institute does not necessitate previous employment in project management as it is a foundational credential. Most CAPM aspirants are known to have lesser knowledge and minimal exposure to project administration matters compared to higher PM certificate-bearers. Nevertheless, examinees for CAPM assessment are obliged to possess training or knowledge from the past regarding project administration for at least 23 hours before they are able to take the exam. Having a diploma of an accomplished secondary education is necessary to go through the assessment for the CAPM credential as well.

Can I be a Project Manager After Passing the CAPM Certification Exam?

Yes, people are viable to become project managers after passing the CAPM certification exam. The project manager needs to possess ample knowledge of the procedures and principles of project administration, which is what the CAPM certification proves. Passing such an examination empowers individuals to be equipped with the fundamentals and abilities necessary to succeed in the position. There are some firms that even demand or prefer candidates to have a CAPM certification before being given consideration for a project manager function.

Nevertheless, some employers require aspirants with prior employment in project administration such as handling teams overseeing projects or working in a particular area, consequently acquiring a higher PM qualification or degree is a great advantage to further strengthen one’s credentials and make a more appealing candidate.

Does CAPM Certification Need Renewal?

Yes, CAPM certification needs renewal. Certified Associate in Project Management or CAPM holders must update their accreditation after three years. However, they need to additionally acquire a PDU or Professional Development Unit along with their CAPM certificate renewal to keep it functional. PDUs are credits for ongoing learnings that exhibit one’s dedication in projecting development in terms of professional management. CAPM bearers are required to obtain 15 PDUs to keep their credentials usable. CAPM-certified individuals are guaranteed to be knowledgeable on the most recent innovations and ideal techniques in project administration by PDUs. It is vital to remember that the CAPM certification normally expires for not renewing it before the deadline, thus requiring CAPM bearers to undergo and succeed in the assessment again. Hence, maintaining track of one's certification expiration date and making preparations to acquire the necessary to avoid deactivation of one's certificate.

What is PMP?

PMP is an abbreviated word for Project Management Professional. It is the most requested qualification from the Project Management Institute. PMP is a globally regarded accreditation known as the benchmark for project administration, which equips project managers in handling more complicated and extensive projects.

A lot of project managers ask about “what is PMP certification?” PMP certification is a qualification crafted specifically for experienced project managers who have already invested at least three years in the same field. The majority of aspirants seeking the PMP or Project Manager Professional Certification aim to gain advanced competence in handling projects and land higher-paying job titles by acquiring such a certification.

Who Can Take a PMP Certification?

The PMP certification is appropriate for project managers in the field who already have a minimum of three years of project management experience. It involves an examination that qualifies aspirants to handle bigger projects in the future. The PMP certification is a great avenue for project handlers who want to increase their skill set and job market competitiveness. Nevertheless, there are some specific prerequisites for taking such an exam which often involve cost, entry-level competency, or a completed training course.

What are the Requirements before Applying PMP Certification?

Listed below are the requirements before applying for a PMP certification.

  • Education in project management for 35 hours: Candidates who are holders of a CAPM certification already, are exempted from such a requirement. The 35-hour education requirement helps to ensure that PMP applicants have a thorough understanding of project management principles and best practices. It is viable to be completed through various options including live classes, online learning, webinars, and independent study. The education must include a range of project management-related topics, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and project closure, which are all outlined in the PMBOK, the PMI's standard reference for project management.
  • Working experience in project management for 36 months, if the examinee is a degree holder: Candidates for the PMP certification who have completed a four-year degree in project management are required to have real-life work experience for 3 years. Experience in leading and directing project tasks, as well as in project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and project closing, must be presented. It is attainable to get project management expertise in a variety of sectors, including construction, technology, healthcare, finance, and more. Examinees are required to outline each project they have worked on, including the start and conclusion dates, the project's goals, their involvement in the project, and their duties. A manager or supervisor who is able to attest to such project participation and the number of hours worked is required to vouch for their work experience.
  • Working experience in project management for 60 months, if the examinee is a diploma holder: PMP certification candidates who fail to get a tertiary degree in project management, need to have a working experience in project management for 5 years. Candidates who fall on such a requirement are those who have at least completed a high school education, an associate's degree, or the equivalent in another country.
    PMP candidates must have exposure to managing project tasks from such working experience, which typically involve project initiating, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and project closure. The candidate's work experience must be attested by a manager or supervisor who is able to confirm their involvement in the project and the number of hours put in.

How Much is the PMP Certification Cost?

The cost for the PMP certification actually varies whether the examinees are PMI members or not. The Project Management Professional certification normally amounts to $405 for the members of the PMI, while it is charged $575 for non-PMI affiliates. The certification often costs more for PMI members than their usual fees, when membership and the application cost are included. The total fee rockets to $544 in such cases. It is the same reason why Project Management Institute members are given a lower charge compared to non-members.

Affiliates of the Project Management Institute are obliged to pay $139 as a yearly due and a $10 one-time application cost. Fortunately, there is a discounted bundle that is way more economical than other alternatives. It is made for potential candidates who are currently enrolled in an accredited program that leads to a degree. The student package generally costs $257 in total, which includes $32 for PMI membership and $225 for the CAPM exam certification.

How Long Does the PMP Certification Exam Take?

The PMP certification exam needs to be completed within 360 minutes, equivalent to 3 hours and 50 minutes. The examination is normally composed of 180 questions. The 180 exam questions were chosen in a spontaneous manner from a list of inquiries that addressed each of the five sections that comprise the process of managing projects which includes; commencing, concepting, carrying out, overseeing, and closing. The Project Management Body of Knowledge or PMBOK, the industry-standard manual for handling projects produced by the PMI, is additionally connected with the exam questions.

pmp exam

How Much is the Salary of a Certified PMP?

The salary for a certified PMP revolves around $111,000 to $115,898, on average.

Professionals who have successfully acquired a PMP certification get greater opportunities to land higher paying positions and eventually earn more PMP certification salary. The percentage of PMP-certified individuals who reportedly have earned more income after acquiring such a credential jumped to 68%.

Earning credentials such as the PMP certification result in better-paying job titles or promotions at one’s existing position. Certified PMP holders who are currently employed in the event of such accomplishment are allowed to ask for a certain raise from the management. However, such a raise is relatively impacted by other variables like geography and real-life competence. Project managers are asking, “How long does it take to get PMP Certification?” The answer for that is 8 to 12 weeks. The PMP credential is made available within such a time frame, after submitting an application to PMI. However, the availability of the credential occasionally depends on the submitted requirements and level of preparation of the examinees in order to pass the exam.

What Job Profiles require PMP Certification?

Listed below are some of the job profiles that require a PMP certification.

  • Project Coordinator: Project coordinators assist project managers in keeping track of the progress of their teams during a project. These professionals collaborate with the team to establish timelines and keep track of the project's progress, using tracking tools like spreadsheets. Professionals who hold a PMP certification have higher chances of landing such a position. The average salary for project coordinators is $47,159 annually.
  • Portfolio and a Program Manager: Project planning, monitoring, and reporting are tasks that must be completed by a project portfolio manager or PPM. Executives typically give PPMs instructions on specific projects, which are then combined into a single solution. PPMs are normally charged with tasks such as managing the corporate governance framework and giving guidance on matters requiring executive scrutiny, which makes a PMP certification relevant to such a position. The average wage for portfolio and program managers is $82,719 annually.
  • Project Director: A project director is in charge of managing every project inside a business. These experts keep track of finished projects and are informed of ongoing and planned tasks. They create the operational plans needed to manage various projects and supervise their progression through completion. They are able to handle several projects with the help of a PMP certification. Project directors’ average salary normally amounts to $88,310 every year.
  • Product Owner: A product owner is in charge of controlling the product backlog and helping the product development team finish the project on time. They establish the objectives for the finished product and continuously drive development in that direction. The clients are able to meet with the development team or interact with product owners if they need to know anything about the project. The same reason makes a PMP certification important for product owners. Product owners’ mean wage usually reaches $100,905 per year.
  • Project Manager Consultant: The responsibility of a project management consultant is to help businesses manage their projects. They collaborate with other experts who apply their knowledge to project management's many facets, including budgeting, scheduling, and marketing. A PMP manager oversees and directs the others as they advance the project if there are multiple project managers involved. Professionals are able to operate independently as project management consultants for businesses or as a consultant for businesses, with a PMP certification. The mean salary for Project Manager Consultants is $106,426 per annum.
  • Engineering Project Manager: These professionals are engineers who manage projects and at the same time are in charge of designing solutions to address problems in the real world. They work with other specialists to deliver on-time solutions on a daily basis. The engineering project manager is one subject matter expert whom people consult with. They require their assistance with a variety of activities, such as supervising a product's development from beginning to end and ensuring that it complies with client requirements. Client feedback and ongoing updates are used to accomplish such tasks. The average compensation that Engineering Project Managers normally get every year is $107,081.

What is the Coverage of the PMP Certification Exam?

The PMP certification exam covers tools and methods for project management in its actual application. It is a type of examination that not just assesses one’s understanding of the PMBOK or Project Management Book of Knowledge Guide but evaluates knowledge beyond the principles indicated in the manual. The PMP certificate exam has the same number of items as the CAPM exam, however, it differs in the topic and difficulty of each question.

The contents covered in the PMP certification exam are composed of the following; people: 42%, process: 50%, and enterprise: 8%. The questions included in the people section pertain to managing conflict, leading a team, enhancing team performance, establishing project agreements, assisting virtual teams, and other people-related subjects. On the other hand, the queries in the process section primarily cover the project execution strategies. Subsequently, it talks about a variety of subjects, such as managing communications, risk assessment, including stakeholders, budget and schedule planning, quality management, and scope determination.

Moreover, the last category, which is the enterprise section, asks about ideas for planning and managing project compliance, evaluating project benefits and value, addressing external factors for their impact on project scope, and enabling organizational change.

Is a Bachelor Degree needed for PMP Certification?

Yes, a bachelor's degree is needed for a PMP certification. One’s eligibility to qualify for a PMP credential is affected by whether a person has a bachelor's degree or not. An accomplished four-year course in project management is one of the primary prerequisites to submit before a person is allowed to take up the assessment for the PMP credential. Nevertheless, some aspirants who are not able to attain such an education are given consideration to be able to qualify for the exam.

These examinees are just required to present or submit a copy of their high school diploma or any equivalent document representing a completed secondary education. It is worth noting that a bachelor’s degree is just one of the necessities for a PMP certification. Candidates must additionally have invested three years or more of experience in project administration, and 35 hours of project management education, in addition to a bachelor's degree.

Do All Project Manager Professionals have PMP Certification?

No, not all project manager professionals have a PMP certification. The PMP certification is a type of credential that many professionals aim to acquire. Possessing a PMP qualification is highly recognized in various fields of project administration around the globe. However, it is not always necessary in landing a job as a Project Manager Professional or be able to manage a successful project. There are a lot of project managers who have succeeded in their careers even without acquiring a degree in project administration or a PMP certification.

Many project managers who have a great deal of project management experience are able to successfully lead teams and produce productive results. Their corporate exposure to handling projects has aided in the development of their skills and abilities on How to become a Project Manager, which are useful as a PMP certification. Some project managers place a higher priority on producing results than earning certificates. They believe that managing projects and producing effective results for their customers or companies is a better use of their time and energy. Furthermore, both the costs of the certification exam and the time spent studying for it make earning a PMP certification an exorbitant endeavor.

Is PMP Better than CAPM?

Yes, PMP is better than CAPM in various aspects. One of the aspects where the PMP certification is more advantageous than the CAPM is in terms of salary compensation. The typical US pay for PMP bearers is $111,000 per annum, as stated by Payscale. It is a lot higher compared to the CAPM holders’ annual salary which is $67,000. Higher wages were reported by ZipRecruiter with PMP holders earning an average US income of $115,898 while CAPM holders earning around $91,735 per year. Furthermore, a PMP credential is preferable compared to CAPM when it comes to industry demands. There are about 42240 US job advertisements on indeed.com, that specified the need for PMP credentials while there are just 1,943 that pertained to CAPM certification as of July 2022.

What are the Advantages of a CAPM Certification?

Listed below are the advantages of a CAPM certification.

  • Requires no prior project management employment: Aspirants who decided to take the CAPM exam are not obliged to have previous job experience in handling projects. The qualification in CAPM is suitable for newcomers to the project administration field or who have little prior expertise. Aspirants are able to show dedication to the project administration industry and develop a solid comprehension of project administration methods and principles by earning a credential in CAPM.
  • Requires no postgraduate or postsecondary study: There are no postgraduate or post-secondary requirements for obtaining a credential in CAPM. The sole prerequisite for taking the CAPM certification assessment is secondary graduation instead. It is either in the form of a high school diploma or an international equivalent. However, holding a tertiary degree is anticipated to be beneficial for a project management position, especially those that are related to the project management discipline like business engineering or information technology.
  • Projects one’s dedication to establishing a project management profession: Earning a credential in CAPM shows one’s dedication to pursuing a project management profession. It plainly reveals an individual’s drive to enhance their project management abilities and knowledge by pursuing the CAPM certification. Employers and coworkers are going to see it as proof of commitment to pursuing a career in the sector. Aspirants are able to establish their credibility as project management experts and prove dedication to upholding the highest standards of quality by achieving the certification.
  • Reveals behavioral characteristics and capacity for growth: Taking a credential in CAPM indicates growth potential and specific behavioral traits in terms of dedication. Sufficient dedication is needed to pursue a certification like CAPM including time and effort. Candidates must be eager to learn new things and broaden their understanding of project management concepts and procedures when wanting to pursue a certification like the CAPM. They must be extremely meticulous to correctly understand project management terms and ideas in order to pass the CAPM exam.
  • Provides comprehensive experience in all facets of fundamental project management: Candidates are able to show that they have a solid understanding of project management and that they are dedicated to expanding their expertise in such an area by passing the CAPM exam. Integration, scope, project time management, cost, quality, resource management, communication, risk management, and procurement, are just a few of the many project management topics covered in the exam. Includes a less strenuous examination: The examination for CAPM is less intricate and less in-depth than the PMP exam, but still covers a wide range of project management topics. It is composed of 180 multiple-choice questions, which have a 3-hour time limit.
  • Prepares professionals for the PMP exam: The CAPM exam is the precursor of a higher project manager certification, which is the PMP. The CAPM exam provides strong building blocks for project management strategies and guidelines by covering project management subjects similar to those covered in the PMP exam. Aspirants who achieve the CAPM certification are able to utilize it to show their dedication to the field of project management, acquire practical project administration knowledge, and boost their confidence before pursuing a credential in PMP.

What are the Advantages of a PMP Certification?

Listed below are the advantages of a PMP certification.

  • Adds professional credibility: Acquiring a qualification in PMP puts additional credibility on one's resume. The certification proves that the person has a high degree of expertise in project management and has surpassed the demanding criteria established by the PMI. The PMP credential is seen as a sign of professional accomplishment and sets people apart from their peers.
  • Guarantees project management experience: Aspirants must fulfill certain qualifying requirements such as having at least 3-5 years of expert project administration knowledge in order to be eligible for the PMP certification, depending on their level of education. Such a requirement guarantees that the candidates possess a sufficient background in handling certain projects PMP aspirants are able to show that they have a thorough understanding of project management principles, tools, and techniques, by completing the PMP test.
  • Improves payscale: Professionals with the PMP certification reportedly receive more money than those without. A lot of businesses appreciate the PMP certification and frequently look for applicants who have it. There are greater prospects for career growth and higher remuneration as a result of the rising demand for PMP-certified workers.
  • Widens partnerships and job prospects: A ton of networking chances and career opportunities are available for professionals with a PMP certification. The continual education and professional development requirements of the PMP certification allow for the use of new tools and training opportunities. Networking with other project management professionals, industry leaders, and potential employers often results from these opportunities, which are able to boost a person's career.
  • Provides international qualification: The PMP certification is a highly regarded credential that is applicable worldwide. It is very beneficial for those who collaborate on worldwide project teams due to the fact that it establishes a common language and framework for handling projects. Obtaining a credential in PMP shows potential employers that a candidate has an extensive experience in project administration. It is particularly useful for global corporations that need to standardize processes across numerous locations.
  • Builds professional confidence: The training required before taking up the PMP certification test makes sure that candidates fill in any knowledge gaps between their current knowledge base and the library of project management tools and practices. Passing the exam allows candidates to feel more accomplished and are acknowledged for their skills in the field.
  • Provides expandable knowledge: The gathered information from PMP certification is viable to be expanded upon and applies to many different sectors. Candidates who complete the PMP certification process develop a thorough understanding of project management principles, tools, and strategies that they are able to use in a variety of professional settings. Additionally, people are kept abreast of the most recent project manager certification trends and best practices as a result of the certification's continued education and professional development requirements.

What are the Disadvantages of a CAPM Certification?

Listed below are some of the disadvantages of a CAPM certification.

  • Receives lower acknowledgment in contrast to PMP certification: The CAPM is usually not given the same weight as PMP in the industry. The CAPM certification is made for people who are novices in the sphere of project management and shows a solid grasp of its core ideas. However, employers frequently place a greater value on the PMP certification, as it illustrates a person's capacity to oversee complicated projects and use best practices in project administration.
  • Has a lower value than PMP certification: The more sophisticated qualification coined as the project management professional or PMP is more highly regarded in the sector than the less advanced CAPM certification. It is primarily due to the fact that the CAPM certification is intended for those who are just beginning their careers in project administration. Those with more exposure to project administration have a tendency to not find it to be as beneficial.
  • Involves considerable studying: The CAPM certification requires substantial study to prove one's comprehension of key project administration concepts. The credential exam comprises a number of topics that require focus and take a lot of time to complete such as project integration, scope, schedule, cost, quality, human resources, procurement of communications, risk, and stakeholder management.

What are the Disadvantages of a PMP Certification?

Listed below are some of the disadvantages of a PMP certification.

  • Requires much preparation: The project management professional or PMP credential has the drawback of requiring extensive study in order to pass. People need to devote many months to studying for the exam, either enlisting in PMP preparation classes or using study resources like textbooks, practice exams, and online courses.
  • Does not nurture adaptability: One of the drawbacks of the PMP certification is the lack of common sense necessary to adapt to various circumstances. It has the potential to not adequately equip people in dealing with the particular difficulties and complexity that are going to appear in actual project management situations, since it places a lot of emphasis on conventional project administration approaches. The abilities which are frequently needed for an exceptional project administration include project management approaches together with technical expertise, communication ability, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
  • Costs much: The PMP credential has the drawback of having quite an expensive fee and requiring intensive time and effort. People must fulfill specific academic and experience requirements in order to apply for the certification, which normally takes several years to complete. Additionally, the cost of the PMP certification exam is relatively higher than the CAPM credential test, with costs ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
  • Includes one-sided framework: The framework utilized in the PMP certification is just one of many that are used globally. It is anticipated that not every organization or project is going to find the PMP credential compatible with their unique demands and requirements, although it is well-known and respected in the field. It is because it has the potential to not provide a thorough understanding of every project management framework or how to use them in various circumstances.

How Much Is the Average Salary of a Certified CAPM Project Manager?

The average salary of a certified CAPM project manager is $68,000 annually. The CAPM certification is a globally acknowledged credential that provides professionals with a competitive edge in searching for employment and making one’s resume stand out. Employers see it as a proof of one’s project-handling capabilities, especially when it comes to managing their positions, duties, and responsibilities. However, the mean wage for CAPM-certified professionals does not necessarily depend on the title alone. There are some other factors that influence the variability of such salary compensation such as the degree of education, the location, and professional experience.

How Much is the Average Salary of a Certified PMP Project Manager?

The average salary of a certified PMP project manager is $123,000 every year. It is 32% higher than their non-certified counterparts. Such a rise in the mean salary of PMP-certified project managers is caused by a number of project management skills that they possess. These skills include one’s ability to lead a team efficiently, aptness to cut project costs and boost business revenues, capacity to facilitate job distribution and scheduling that is project-oriented, and potential to bring a greater return on investments to the organization.

What is Required to Maintain the Certification?

There are a few things to prepare and go through in order to maintain project management certifications, such as the CAPM and the PMP. These things include the renewal of credentials and the acquisition of PDUs or professional development units. The renewal for both certifications takes place after 36 months of acquiring one.

However, these credentials differ when it comes to the number of PDUs required for continuation. CAPM certification bearers are obliged to obtain 60 PDUs within the cycle of three years. These 60 PDUs are divided up into the following classifications, namely; a minimum of 35 PDUs for education and 25 maximum PDUs for giving back. Alternately, PMP credential bearers are mandated to earn 15 units of professional development or PDUs. These 15 PDUs are divided up into the subsequent classifications, which are; a minimum of 9 PDUs for education and 6 giving back PDUs at most.

Is the CAPM useful for PMP Certification?

Yes, the credential on CAPM is useful for a PMP certification. It is because the CAPM certification encompasses the expertise and abilities that are relevant to the procedure of acquiring a PMP certification. These skills specifically include recognizing, assessing, and responding to project risks, which are obtained using the methodology that is discussed in the CAPM certification. The CAPM is basically a financial model that aids in forecasting the expected return on an investment or the systematic risk. Project managers are able to utilize the CAPM to determine a project's cost of equity in order to determine a project's overall cost of capital and assess its financial feasibility. Thus, comprehending the CAPM is crucial to project risk management and is pertinent to the PMP certification exam.

Is CAPM and PMP globally recognized?

Yes, the project management certifications CAPM and PMP are both widely accepted. The project management institute or PMI is the pioneering promoter of the CAPM accreditation, which is developed for aspirants who are new to project administration or have minimal previous employment in project administration. A lot of businesses all across the globe accept and respect the CAPM qualification as a way of proving a foundational apprehension of project management abilities and jargon. The project management institute or PMI offers a different accreditation that is superior to CAPM which is called the PMP certification. It is dedicated to seasoned project managers who have proven a high level of proficiency in the field of project administration. A PMP role is undeniably among the most esteemed and well-respected accreditations in the project management sphere. Both accreditations are highly regarded by employers and are expected to boost a project manager's chances for employment, particularly in businesses that post a great emphasis on professional accreditations and project administration best practices.

Can I convert a CAPM to a PMP Certificate?

No, it is not viable to convert a credential in CAPM for a PMP certificate. It is because these credentials are not on an equal footing, but rather hierarchical. The CAPM is the most basic qualification or the founding certification in project administration, while the PMP certification is an advanced level. Candidates are not allowed to plainly convert a CAPM credential for a PMP certification, however, they are able to upgrade it into a higher qualification by taking up and completing the PMP certification assessment. A great starting point towards achieving a PMP certification is earning a certificate in CAPM.

Nevertheless, there are specifications before being able to go through the PMP credential exam. The PMP certification has stricter experience requirements compared to the CAPM certification. Some of these requirements indicate that a person must have worked for no less than three years in managing projects, have a bachelor's degree, or 5 years of experience managing projects without a bachelor's degree. Moreover, a specific number of hours spent managing and coordinating project tasks must be included in the experience.


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