PMP Vs. CAPM: Let's Know the Difference

If you're looking for a way to develop your project management skills, increase your value to employers, and boost your salary, earning a project management certification is excellent. The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and the Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications are two top-rated options among professionals. But how do they compare? We break down the key factors below.

Difference between CAPM and PMP

The CAPM is considered an entry-level certification, and the PMP is a professional certification. The PMP has more prerequisites than the CAPM, and it's more difficult and expensive to obtain. However, it's generally regarded as better quality and earning you a higher salary.

CAPM Vs. PMP Exam Prerequisite

Prerequisites of the CAPM exam is

Although the requirements for CAPM certification are not as stringent as those for PMP certification, aspiring candidates must meet two essential needs to be eligible to sit for the certification exam.

1. Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent)
2. 23 hours of project management education completed by the time you sit for the exam.

The CAPM credential requires only a high school diploma or equivalent, so it's ideal for boosting your resume if you don't have many project management-related experience or don't have a four-year degree.

While the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a good option for career-changers, you must have 23 hours of project management education before taking the exam. You can get this education online, allowing you to fulfill the education requirement without disrupting your professional or academic obligations.

Prerequisites for the PMP exam are:

1. Four-year degree
2. 4,500 hours leading and directing projects
3. 35 hours of project management education

OR

1. A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent)
2. 7,500 hours leading and directing projects
3. 35 hours of project management education

Although the PMP requires four years of postgraduate education, job candidates with a bachelor's degree tend to fare better.

Compared to CAPM—which requires 1,500 hours of work experience in general project management—PMP candidates must have 7,500 hours of experience leading and directing projects to qualify for the credential. In comparison, bachelor's degree holders need only 4,500 hours of experience.

CAPM and PMP exam cost

Project managers who pursue certification through the Project Management Institute have made an excellent long-term investment in their careers.

The PMI's certification tests are not cheap, with the cost for members of the PMI to take either of the two required tests set at $225 for the CAPM exam and $300 for non-members.

 It costs $405 for members of the PMI to take the PMP exam and $555 for non-members.

Exam Tips for CAPM and PMP exam

Preparing for the CAPM and PMP certification exams should be exciting, not intimidating. Here are three ways to prepare:

• It's good to plan to study regularly in the weeks before your test day. That way, you'll be sharp and prepared come exam time.
• Share your goal with friends and family so they can encourage you to reach it. If you're working full-time, ask your boss if you can study during work hours. This will help you both succeed!
• Prepare for the CAPM or PMP exam by using the resources provided by PMI. Familiarize yourself with the exam topics and components and learn about the best way to get certified.

Can you convert CAPM into PMP?

You may be asking: Can I convert a CAPM to a PMP? Unfortunately, the short answer is no.

However, although you can't take a CAPM exam and receive a PMP certification, having the CAPM is a step toward becoming certified. By applying the project management education hours you received for your CAPM to your PMP application, you may be able to waive the 35-hour prerequisite.

People who earn a Certificate in Project Management (CAPM) can go on to make the Registered Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and, later on, a higher salary if they gain more project management experience.

CAPM and PMP Certification Renewal

Previously, CAPM and PMP holders needed to retake their certification exams every five years to maintain their status within the Project Management Institute. However, the Project Management Institute recently amended these requirements; now, both CAPMs and PMPs can retain their certifications by earning a set minimum of professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

PDUs are one-hour blocks of time learning, teaching others, or volunteering. To maintain your professional certification, you must earn many PDUs during a 3-year cycle. For example, 15 PDUs earn you your certification for CAPM certification holders for another year. Likewise, 60 PDUs make you your certificate for PMP certification holders for another year.

CAPM or PMP, Which to Choose?

If you want to become a PMP-certified professional, it can be tricky to determine whether the CAPM or PMP certification is best for you. As a general rule of thumb, if you meet the requirements for the PMP exam, it's probably right for you. However, even if you meet some but not all of the needs, it might still be worth working toward getting certified.

Here are some factors to help you decide between the CAPM and PMP certification programs.

CAPM and PMP Career Path

If you're starting your path to project management, the CAPM can help you make a good impression on prospective employers and show your qualifications. For those with more experience and a firm grasp of project management fundamentals, the PMP certifies that you've mastered the field. It's also a ticket to higher earning potential.

You may want to pursue CAPM certification if you are interested in becoming a team leader, if you are interested in a promotion and a raise, or if you are hoping to increase your responsibility in your current role. In addition, you may use the CAPM as a supplemental certification for your current position. The benefits will undoubtedly outweigh the cost of the program.

Job Option for CAPM and PMP

Having earned a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, you will be able to work as a full-time project manager. You may find jobs managing projects of all sizes and budgets, including projects in larger organizations with more complex tasks.

A CAPM certification will give you the qualifications you need to take on positions in project management, such as assistant project manager, project coordinator, or project management associate. These roles all involve coordinating schedules, facilitating effective communication, and more.

Salary for CAPM and PMP

There are certification programs that can help you to earn a salary increase by increasing your skills in specialized fields. For example, the PMI Earning Power Salary Survey shows that people with a PMP certification made 20% more than those without the certification. However, people with a CAPM certification were also satisfied with their salaries, and they earned even more money than PMP holders did.

Cost for PMP and CAPM 

Suppose you're looking to get into the Project Management field. In that case, you probably already know that there are two certifications you can obtain the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and the Project Management Professional (PMP). However, before jumping at whichever one seems more manageable, you should know that the PMP certification has a higher pass rate and leads to a higher income (all things being equal with experience and such).

PMI members can purchase a record of Credentials for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification for $255, which is more expensive than taking the exam without a membership.

Before you decide whether to get a PMP certification, check with your employer about getting the cost for the exam covered. Many employers pay PMP certification exam fees for their project managers.

Are CAPM and PMP worth it?

Certifications can help you get hired, lead to higher salaries, and open up new opportunities. They are also a great way to improve your skills or learn something new while earning a credential.

PMP and CAPM certifications both offer benefits to certified project managers. If you're willing to put in the work, becoming PMP certified can help you get a new job, while CAPM certification doesn't require much effort.

More than 1,700 job postings on Indeed.com mentioned the Capital Asset Pricing Model in September 2021, while more than 19,000 mentioned the Project Management Professional certification.

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Please visit our website for more information on how iCert Global can help you achieve your project management certification goals.

https://www.icertglobal.com/

We provide instructor-led classroom and online training across the globe, followed by Corporate Training for enterprise workforce development.

Project management certification courses by us across the globe:

PMP Certification

CAPM Certification

PgMP Certification

PMI-RMP Certification