If you already have years of experience leading projects, look at the PMP. If you are new to project management, or do not yet have that experience, look at the CAPM. Both come from the Project Management Institute (PMI). The deciding factor is usually your experience, not which sounds more senior.
PMP and CAPM side by side
Who it suits: the PMP suits people who lead and direct projects. The CAPM suits people starting out in project work.
Experience: the PMP needs 24 to 60 months of leading projects, depending on your education. The CAPM has no experience requirement.
Education: the PMP has routes from secondary school to a degree. The CAPM needs a secondary degree or equivalent.
Training: the PMP needs 35 hours. The CAPM needs 23 hours, completed before the exam.
Exam: the PMP has 180 questions in 240 minutes. The CAPM has 150 questions in 3 hours.
Keeping it active: the CAPM needs 15 professional development units (PDUs) over three years. The PMP has its own requirement, which PMI publishes.
CAPM eligibility requirements, and choosing by experience
No project experience: the CAPM is the route open to you now.
Some project work, but you were not leading: the CAPM, while you build experience that can count later.
Leading projects, but short of your PMP requirement: you could wait and apply for the PMP, or take the CAPM now if a credential would help you sooner. See the PMP requirements.
You meet the PMP requirement: the PMP is the natural choice, and you do not need the CAPM first.
How the CAPM can lead to the PMP
The CAPM is not required before the PMP, but it can save you a step. If you hold an active CAPM and meet the education and experience requirements, PMI waives the 35 training hours for the PMP.
Your experience still has to come from leading projects, and holding the CAPM does not reduce the months you need. Keep records of your projects from the start, because you will need the dates and descriptions when you apply.
How the exams differ
The CAPM tests your knowledge of project management basics, including business analysis and agile approaches. The PMP tests how you would act as a project lead, across three domains: People, Process and Business Environment. Its scenario questions assume you have real experience to draw on, which is why the new PMP exam can feel difficult without it.
A practical test
Look at the last two years of your work and ask who made the decisions on scope, schedule, budget and risk. If that was you, start with the PMP requirements. If you supported the person who did, the CAPM may be the better first step.
Training in Doha
Leaders Training Centre offers PMP training and CAPM training, and is a PMI Authorized Training Partner. Talk to an advisor if you are unsure which fits your experience.
Sources
- PMP
- CAPM
- Project management
