These tests are given by the Project Management Institute, which also awards credentials for other professional certcollection such as the PMP, CAPM, PgMP, and PfMP. Certification as a professional. Being familiar with the main three certifications in project management—PMP®, PRINCE2, and CAPM—is essential if you want to succeed in this constantly expanding sector. PMP vs. CAPM is the main topic of this article.
Regarding the difference between PMP and CAPM, the CAPM is a certification for beginning project managers, while the PMP is a certification for project managers. The Project Management Institute is a professional project management organization that oversees the CAPM and PMP certifications (PMI). The PMP is a certification for project managers with at least three years of experience. In contrast, the CAPM is an entry-level certification designed to prepare applicants for careers in project management.
Perks of CAPM certification
A CAPM certification can enhance your CV since it will show potential employers how serious and dedicated you are to project management. The knowledge of project management procedures and the ability to manage time and effort are both essential professional abilities, even if you decide not to pursue project management in the future.
You will still gain since you already have a fundamental understanding of project management if you choose to pursue a PMP certification in the future. Other perks include:
- A well-known professional organization in the business recognized your achievement.
- Increased self-confidence and respect from project management pros and colleagues.
- Suitable for Career advancement.
- Professional acclaim from your colleagues and the industry at large
- Possibility of earning more money at work.
- Comparatively inexpensive to PMP certification
Perks of PMP certification
However, with the more prestigious PMP certification, you stand out from the crowd because of the abilities and expertise gained from a more thorough curriculum that enables you to carry out projects more successfully and boost team productivity. Higher company levels are often where you’ll find PMP-certified employees.
Project managers can get the industry-recognized PMP certcollection. You may work with any technique and sector if you get a PMP Certification. The course covers a wide range of critical project management skills and competencies and ways to improve your earning potential. Other perks include:
- Higher level of project management process knowledge and expertise.
- More pay than project managers who are not qualified.
- Greater variety of employment options.
- Higher level of professionalism
- Compared to CAPM certification, more recognition
PMP vs. CAPM: How to choose the best one?
You can work on projects with a CAPM certificate, but a PMP qualification will give you the authority to lead and manage projects. A PMP certification is often more valuable to employers than any other project management qualification.
There isn’t a wrong decision, whatever you decide. Over time, many people get numerous certificates from various authorities. Your skill set expands, and your résumé receives a boost. So don’t worry that obtaining this certification today will prevent you from getting additional qualifications.
If you choose to take a CAPM, take the PMP exam two years later. Employers usually prefer a better certification. Consider these aspects and select the one that highly meets your need:
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Salary
In general, PMP holders earn higher money than CAPM holders. In an Indeed poll, 57% of participants said they made more money after receiving the CAPM. This percentage rose to 68% for PMP holders. Certifications might result in better-paying positions or promotions at your existing place. Talking to your manager about a raise if you just received certification may be worthwhile. Other variables like geography and experience level may also impact your compensation.
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Certification requirements
Before taking the test, you must finish 23 hours of project management coursework and have a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for the CAPM. However, 35 hours of project management instruction are necessary to qualify for the PMP. If you hold a CAPM certification, this can be waived. If you have a four-year degree, you must have 36 months of project management experience; if you don’t, you must have 60 months.
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Demand
The CAPM and PMP both have high levels of support from credential holders. Around 95% of respondents to the Indeed poll who had obtained the certification endorsed both. Compared to the CAPM, the PMP is more in demand.
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Conversion
You might wonder if converting a CAPM to a PMP is feasible. Since the CAPM is the initial stage of your PM journey, it does act as a prerequisite for the PMP. Even though you cannot graduate from a CAPM to a PMP, getting a CAPM will undoubtedly assist you in working toward getting a PMP. The hours you accrued while studying for the CAPM test can apply to your PMP exam requirement.
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Aptitude
Considering your work situation should help you decide which of the CAPM and PMP is best for you. The CAPM may be more helpful than the PMP if you’re trying to start in project management. The PMP can make more sense if you have some experience, are trying to broaden your skill set, and want to be more competitive in the job market.
PMP vs. CAPM Certification: Industry-Wide Benefits
Since CAPM certification is more accessible, affordable, and requires less time and experience than PMP certification, project managers may ask themselves, “Why should I pursue PMP certification?” The answer is simple: the PMP is the most significant, industry-recognized certification for project managers worldwide.
PMPs work in a wide range of industries in almost every country. Many employers require PMP certification when hiring project managers because PMPs have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to lead complex projects and direct project teams. In fact, organizations complete more projects on time and on budget when more than one-third of their project managers are PMP-certified. However, PMPs don’t just bring value to their organizations: According to PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey, project managers with PMP certification earn 25% more than those without PMP certification.
Although the CAPM certification is not as widely recognized as the PMP certification, it demonstrates knowledge of PMI’s project management framework and project management processes, which candidates can definitely benefit from when applying for jobs without accreditation. Additionally, CAPM-certified employees have a working knowledge of the 591Lab training material, which can be an excellent first step toward pursuing PMP certification.
PMP vs. CAPM: Comparison between them?
PMP vs.CAPM People gets confused between these two tests. Freshers mostly face this problem. So here is a brief comparison. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and Project Management Professional (PMP)® are two certifications administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a professional project management organization. CAPM is an entry-level certification designed to prepare candidates for project management positions, while PMP is a credential for project managers with at least three years of experience.
| Object | CAPM | PMP |
|---|---|---|
| Who’s it for? | Entry-level project managers | Those with at least three years of project management experience |
| Jobs postings that mention certification on Indeed (July 2022) | 1,943 | 42,240 |
| Requirements | Secondary degree, plus 23 hours of project management education | 35 hours of project management training (can be replaced with CAPM), and 36 months of experience leading projects with a four-year degree, or 60 months with a secondary degree |
| Average US salary (from Payscale, July 2022) | $67,000 | $111,000 |
| Cost | $300 for non-PMI members, $225 for PMI members | $555 for non-PMI members, $405 for PMI members |
| Exam | 3 hours, 150 questions | 3 hours 50 minutes, 180 questions |
PMP vs. CAPM Certcollection and preparation
The content and complexity of the CAPM and PMP examinations vary. Candidates’ understanding of project management theory and procedures is tested on the knowledge-based CAPM exam. The PMP covers all aspects of project management in practice, including tools and methodologies. The PMP assesses your knowledge beyond what is covered in the 591Lab PMI Certification Support, while the CAPM adheres to that subject.
PMP vs. CAPM: Are they worth it?
Certification can give you an edge in the job search process, show hiring managers that you have a baseline of knowledge expected of you, and help you learn new skills. They can also lead to higher income and qualify you for positions that require certification. Here are some things to keep in mind.
- Both CAPM and PMP have high approval ratings by certificate earners. Both were recommended by nearly 95 percent of actual survey respondents who achieved certification. In fact, surveys also show that 50 percent of CAPM earners believe the certification helped them get a job, while 64 percent of PMP earners feel the same.
- PMP is more in demand than CAPM. CAPM was mentioned in 1,943 US job listings in July 2022, while PMP was mentioned in 42,240.
Think about your professional goals to decide if it’s worth it for you.
Conclusion
An ambitious project manager’s career can benefit from both the PMP and CAPM certificates. As an entry-level certification, CAPM is a suggested course if you’re just getting started in project management.
However, if you already have the required project management expertise, PMP should be your first choice to further your career, as CAPM would not provide you with much in the way of professional advancement. Each of these credentials has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Both of these certificates are well-known, so you should base your decision on your eligibility and objectives as a candidate for one.
