Comprehensive CAPM Certification Requirements: Essential Guide!

What Is CAPM Certification?

Paving the way to entry-level project management positions for candidates with lesser experience, a CAPM certification is the credential earned from the prestigious Project Management Institute (PMI). Referred to as Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), the certification is proof of a candidate’s possession of foundational knowledge and skills in the industry. It contributes to showcasing the candidate’s enhanced eligibility for different roles in the field. 

CAPM evaluates candidates' knowledge and capabilities by testing them against the latest frameworks and methodologies, principles, best practices and techniques used in the industry. The certification exam is based on the CAPM project management course. Further, it offers global recognition and acceptance. 

CAPM Certification Exam

The CAPM certification exam has been updated. The overall duration for candidates to take the exam is around 3 hours, and they must answer around 150 questions. It can be taken in different languages, including English. The recent updates in the exam include: 

• Business Analysis Frameworks 
• Agile Frameworks/Methodologies 
• Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies 

CAPM Certification Eligibility Requirements

The CAPM certification eligibility requirements to take the exam are as follows: 

• You must possess a secondary degree, which can be any among the following: GED or General Educational Development, high school diploma or global equivalent
• Before taking the exam, you should also have completed a 23-hour Project Management education course. (PMI offers a CAPM Exam Prep Course to help meet the eligibility criteria). 

Application Process for CAPM Certification

The application process to take the CAPM certification exam is quite simple. The following steps should be followed for a smooth and effortless application process: 

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria 

The foremost step is meeting the CAPM certification requirements. For beginners or candidates planning to take the exam for their future goals, getting a secondary degree or GED is essential. This should be followed by enrolling in a 23-hour course to meet eligibility. 

Step 2: Prepare for the Exam 

The exam preparation will be done using the course mentioned in Step 1. However, we recommend leveraging the additional study materials available from PMI, which are listed in the next section. 

Step 3: Register for the Exam 

Now, you will have to register for the exam using the link. Here, click on ‘Apply for Your CAPM’ to begin the application process. You can also apply offline, but it is a comparatively time-consuming process. On the application, you must fill in general information and experience-based details. The application remains open for completion for 90 days. 

We recommend you fill out the form actively and review it thoroughly, as there remains no scope for editing after submission. After submission, the online process will take around 24 hours for review, which will take 8 to 10 days if applied offline. The review will accompany communication via email from PMI in case of any queries on your information. 

If there are no concerns, you will get the confirmation email directly. You will be required to pay the fees listed in the later section and schedule the exam at your convenience and with the availability of slots. 

Step 4: CAPM Audit 

It is a mandatory process where candidates are selected randomly. The selected candidate will be informed about the same via email and must provide the requested documents for audit. The candidate gets a time of around 90 days. The audit may also involve connecting with your previous employers for verification; hence, it is recommended that you inform them about the application. 

Step 5: Appear for the Exam

CAPM is an online test to take at Pearson VUE testing centers. Attempt the same at the selected slot. While there are no predetermined passing marks or percentages, scoring around 61% to 70% is recommended to clear the exam. 

Step 6: Maintain the Certification 

After passing and gaining the certificate, you must remain active in learning. To keep your certification active, you must earn PDUs as required for the CAPM exam. 

Learn from a course that has been designed to help you ace your PMP exam in the first attemp! Check out our PMP Certification Training Course today!

How to Prepare for the CAPM Exam?

After fulfilling the CAPM certification eligibility requirements, you can take either of the two strategies to prepare for the CAPM exam. One is to self-study, and the other is to take instructor-led training. 

Self-study: Self-study requires completing the 23-hour PMI course by oneself. It helps to prepare for the exam, fulfills the eligibility criteria, aids in skill development and clarifies the candidate's fundamentals. 

Instructor-Led Training: This is a commonly preferred approach from PMI Authorized Training Partners. Here, candidates get guidance and mentorship. It is also available in two forms: online and offline. However, online instructor-led programs offer more flexibility in continuing education or doing a job and learning simultaneously. 

Additional Sources: Candidates can also take help from the freely available PMI resources for further guidance. It includes: 

• PMI certification handbook 
• Study reference guide 
• Exam content outline and specifications 
• CAPM exam official certification guide 
• Sample questions 
• Latest edition of the PMBOK guide 

The CAPM Exam content outline and certification handbook are available in different languages. 

Financial Aspects of CAPM Certification

There are multiple financial aspects to taking CAPM certification. They are listed as follows: 

Course Fees: The training course from PMI costs around INR 18,921 for PMI members and INR 22,960 for non-PMI members. Alternatively, you can take a course at the institute of your choice.

Exam Fees: The exam-based fee structure goes as follows: 

• Members are required to pay INR 12,956 
• Non-members are required to pay INR 17,220 

Retake Exam Fees: The candidates are open to three retake attempts yearly. However, failure in the first attempt will require you to pay a retake fee to apply for a second and third attempt. The fee for members is INR 8,610, and for non-members is INR 11,480. 

Membership Fees: This is a non-mandatory or voluntary option. The PMI membership allows lower examination payments and is available at INR 9,840 per annum. It comes with different perks, including access to opportunities to earn free PDUs essential for maintaining PMI certifications. It offers AI assistance, PMI Infinity, premium project time-savers, and more. 

Renewal Fees: The CAPM certification is valid for three years. After this, the candidates are required to renew their certification. This can be done by earning the required PDUs, which are 15 for CAPM. It comprises nine education minimum PDUs and six giving-back maximum PDUs. After completing the earned PDUs, candidates can apply for certification renewal with a fee payment of INR 3,444 for PMI members and INR 8,610 for non-PMI members. 

Possible Discounts: Considering the high amounts, the PMI also offers discounts on bulk purchase agreements of schools. You should contact the institute you are enrolled in to learn about the possibility of a concession. Similarly, working professionals can contact their employers to seek assistance or coverage of the training and examination fee. 

What Career Paths Are Available With CAPM Certification?

Meeting the CAPM certification eligibility requirements and earning the certificate opens the gates for multiple career paths. Here are the ones you can try for yourself: 

Analytics 

Project managers are needed to fill various vacancies in Analytics. Based on the current scenario and the necessity for prediction, they are essential to companies. They are required for budget, time and expense management and associated assessments. The certified individuals use data to identify issues and offer preventive strategies while also contributing to progress tracking and improvements. The job profiles here include Business Analyst, Consultant and Project Analyst. 

Project Management 

It is the prime role for any certified CAPM certification holder. They are responsible for the successful and seamless completion of projects with minimum hurdles. They oversee all the activities and processes while optimizing and enhancing the tasks to improve the outcomes and benefits concerning costs and resources. The associated job roles include Project Manager, Delivery Manager and Resource Manager.

Industries 

Projects in different industries require professionals to oversee their project completion. The arising challenges require someone with knowledge of fundamental principles and skills to tackle them. Project Managers with engineering backgrounds are highly welcomed across the respective industries. The job roles in the industry include planning engineer, budgeting analyst/cost estimation and project engineer. 

Other Job Roles 

A few other positions where CAPM certified individuals can apply for include: 

• Deputy project manager
• Agile project manager 
• Project Coordinator 
• Acquisition program analyst 
• Management and program analyst 
• Project control analyst 
• Enterprise Architect 
• IT project manager
• Infrastructure program manager 
• Project management consultant 

Conclusion

CAPM certification is a globally recognized and accepted exam that offers individuals to work in entry-level positions. To help the candidates prepare for the same to ace their field, Simplilearn proudly presents itself as an Authorized Training Partner with PMI. 

Offering our established expert guidance, industry-level knowledge, PDUs, simulation assessments and many questions, we provide much more to the enrolled candidates. Further, our course includes an exam pass and a 100% money-back guarantee in PMP Certification Training. 

The PGP Project Management Certification Training Course is a postgraduate program offered in collaboration with UMass Amherst. It provides hands-on experience to candidates and industry-aligned content, along with 146 PDUs. There is more to learn and gain. Make your rational choice now by assessing your needs. 

FAQs

1. Can I take CAPM with no experience?

Yes, CAPM is an entry-level certification that does not require experience but project management knowledge. 

2. Can I retake the CAPM exam if I fail?

Yes, you have three opportunities to take the exam in one year. Remember that you will be required to pay the retake exam fee.  

3. Who is eligible for CAPM certification?

The candidates who have earned a secondary degree and learned from the 23-hour project management course are eligible for CAPM certification. 

4. How much experience is required for CAPM certification?

No practical experience is required to take the CAPM certification exam. 

5. What is the cost of a CAPM exam?

The CAPM exam fee is INR 12,956 for members and INR 17,220 for non-PMI members. 

6. Do I need PMP if I have CAPM?

No, you don't need PMP after clearing CAPM. However, if you wish to appear for PMP certification, CAPM will fulfill part of your eligibility criteria. 

7. Can a fresher do CAPM certification?

Yes, CAPM certification is for fresher candidates willing to make a career in project management.

8. Can I get a job after CAPM?

Yes, CAPM can help you get a job. The article discusses a few of the possible roles and opportunities.