The Professional Advantages of the CAPM® Certification

What Is the CAPM Certification? Requirements and More

A foundational certification offered by the project management institute is the CAPM certification. Professionals who wish to broaden their views and comprehend the responsibilities of a project manager can pursue this Certified Associate in Project Management credential. Anyone who completes the necessary certification exam is awarded a certificate. It entails being an expert in various areas, including management procedures, terminology, and concepts.

Why Is CAPM So Popular?

The CAPM certification program's objective is to provide applicants with a thorough understanding of the vocabulary, organizational principles, project life cycle, and numerous processes essential to effective project management. You will receive a project management credential that is globally recognized if you obtain PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification. Your CAPM certification will show prospective employers worldwide that you are knowledgeable about a range of global project management methods and terminology.

What Do You Learn in CAPM® Certification?

With CAPM®, professionals will learn to align their work with the standards required by project management teams. Individuals having a CAPM® certification get higher credibility among employers, PMP® credential holders, peers, and project managers. The course structure will require learning the basics of:

• Project and organization lifecycle
• Project management processes
• Project scope management
• Project integration management
• Time and cost management
• Quality management
• Human resource management
• Project risk management
• Communications management
• Procurement management
• Stakeholder management

The CAPM® Certification Exam

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have three hours to answer them. The certifications offered by PMI—including CAPM®—are de facto standards and validate a candidate’s skills in initiating, developing, managing, and running large-scale projects.

Holders of the CAPM® certification can demonstrate competency, education, and learning experience to potential employers. Attaining the CAPM® credential opens up a wide range of opportunities for professionals.

Read more: Certification Process and Eligibility Overview for CAPM

CAPM Prerequisites

You must have completed a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree, or the equivalent in another country) and 23 hours of project management coursework by sitting for the exam to qualify for the CAPM. In addition, every three years, CAPM holders must acquire 15 PDUs to keep their certification active.

Eligibility Criteria for CAPM® Certification

Like any other certification, there are eligibility criteria. CAPM® candidates need to have:

1. At least a high school diploma certificate or any global equivalent.
2. 1,500 hours of project experience or a minimum of 23 hours of project management training prior to the examination.

Benefits of CAPM® Certification

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification is an entry-level credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI)®. It is designed for individuals looking to advance their careers in project management or those just starting in this field. The CAPM® certification validates an individual's understanding of effective project management's fundamental knowledge, terminology, and processes. Here are some of the key benefits of obtaining the CAPM® certification:

1. Recognized Worldwide

The CAPM® certification is recognized and valued globally. It demonstrates your commitment to project management excellence and your ability to work effectively on or with project teams. This global recognition can open doors to opportunities worldwide.

2. Enhanced Career Opportunities

Holding a CAPM® certification can significantly improve your job prospects and potential earnings. Many employers look for this certification when hiring for project management and related roles, as it assures them of your foundational project management knowledge and skills.

3. Foundational Knowledge

The certification process equips candidates with essential knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices. This foundational knowledge is critical for effective project management and can be applied across various industries and job roles.

4. Professional Growth

Earning the CAPM® certification can be a stepping stone to more advanced certifications in project management, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. It lays the groundwork for further professional development and specialization in the field.

5. Networking Opportunities

As a CAPM® credential holder, you gain access to a global community of project management professionals. This network can provide valuable resources, mentorship opportunities, and connections that benefit your career.

6. Increased Earning Potential

Certification can lead to higher salaries and better compensation packages. Studies and surveys have shown that certified project management professionals often earn significantly more than their non-certified counterparts.

7. Improved Project Performance

The knowledge and skills gained through the CAPM® certification process can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your project management abilities. This can lead to successful project outcomes, increased customer satisfaction, and the potential for career advancement.

8. Commitment to the Profession

The CAPM® certification demonstrates your dedication to the project management profession and your willingness to invest in your development. This can enhance your professional credibility and reputation within the field.

9. Structured Approach to Project Management

The certification educates candidates on PMI’s framework, which provides a structured approach to project management. This can help organize tasks and resources more efficiently, leading to successful project completion.

10. Risk Management

The CAPM® curriculum includes training on risk management, which is critical for anticipating and mitigating potential project challenges. This knowledge can help in minimizing project risks and in making informed decisions.

CAPM Cost

The exam costs $300 for non-PMI members and $225 for PMI members. Applicants may repeat the CAPM exam if they don't pass the first time. The exam can be retaken at $150 for PMI members and $200 for non-PMI members.

It is not necessary to be a PMI member to take the exam. In addition to a one-time $10 application fee, membership costs $129 annually. It comes with a personal copy of the PMBOK flagship book, which details industry norms and accepted best practices for project management.

Stepping Stone to the PMP® Credential

Earning your CAPM certification can be a stepping stone to becoming a certified PMP.  The Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is the most globally recognized and respected project management certification available. Earning your PMP® credential can help you:

• Demonstrate that you have the experience, education and competency to lead and direct projects
• Enhance your career opportunities by giving you a competitive edge when applying for jobs
• Increase your earnings potential by earning a higher salary than non-certified project managers
• Boost your credibility and professionalism by holding an internationally recognized project management credential

The Project Management Institute (PMI)®, the world’s leading project management organization, offers the PMP® credential. To earn your PMP®, you must first meet PMI’s eligibility requirements and then pass the PMP® Exam.

Average Pay after CAPM Certification

With an average yearly salary of $101,103, the PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is regarded as one of the highest earning qualifications.

Candidates' salaries vary based on their expertise and work type. For example, a candidate with less than one year of experience will earn a median annual pay of $51,610, and with ten years or more of experience, that salary would rise to $77,914.

Opportunity in Versatile Job Profiles

CAPM-certified professionals can look forward to various job opportunities across different industries. Here are some common roles and areas where CAPM certification can enhance career prospects:

1. Project Coordinator/Project Manager Assistant: Assists project managers in organizing and controlling project activities. This role is a stepping stone to more advanced project management positions.
2. Junior Project Manager: Oversees small projects or aspects of larger projects, ensuring completion on time and within budget. This role is often a learning and development platform for future project managers.
3. Business Analyst: Although primarily focused on analyzing and improving business processes, CAPM knowledge can be beneficial for understanding project management principles that relate to business analysis.
4. Project Scheduler: Focuses on planning, scheduling, and tracking project timelines and milestones using project management software. A solid understanding of project management fundamentals is crucial for this role.
5. Project Consultant: Provides expert advice on project management practices and methodologies. This role may involve working across various industries and with different types of projects.
6. Operations Manager: While not strictly a project management role, understanding project management principles can benefit operations managers who oversee ongoing business activities and may manage internal projects.
7. Project Quality Analyst: Ensures project deliverables meet the required standards and customer satisfaction. Knowledge of project management processes is important for implementing quality control measures.
8. Risk Analyst: Identifies and assesses project risks and recommends mitigation strategies. Understanding project management processes is essential for effective risk analysis.
9. Change Management Coordinator: Helps manage the change processes within projects, ensuring that changes are smoothly implemented and that project objectives are met despite changes.
10. IT Project Coordinator: Specifically focused on IT projects, this role involves coordinating project activities, resources, and information technology implementations.

Average CAPM Salary [Updated 2024]

A professional's salary will increase by 25% with CAPM certification. Although it depends on several variables, including the job description and the country, accreditation is unquestionably advantageous for any resume. Therefore, candidates who have certifications may be able to demand more salaries than non-certified experts.

The USA, UK, Canada, India, and Australia have the highest demand for a CAPM®. Here is a list of these countries' average salaries for Certified Associates in project management.

Country	Currency	Salary per annum
United States of America	USD	67,000 - 126,000
Canada	CAD	67,000 - 129,000
India	INR	647,000 - 2,000,000
United Kingdom	GBP	40,000 - 80,000
Australia	AUD	87,000 - 159,000
New Zealand	NZD	69,000 - 87,000
South Africa	SAR	324,000 - 428,000
UAE	AED	104,000 - 144,000
Germany	EUR	40,000 - 60,000

Source

A CAPM® can perform a variety of jobs requiring leadership and teamwork. Analyst, project coordinator, and project manager are a few of these positions. The salaries for the top CAPM® job roles are displayed in the table below.

Job Role	Salary per annum (in USD)
Project Manager, Information Technology	80,000 - 110,000
Project Engineer	70,000 - 100,000
Business Analyst	71,000 – 108,000
Project Coordinator	55,000 – 91,000
Program Manager	80,000 - 112,000
Project Manager, Engineering	75,000 - 105,000

Source

CAPM vs. PMP

The CAPM certification is an associate-level certification offered by PMI for persons interested in project management or who are fresh to project management and have little or no practical experience. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is for individuals already employed in a project management position and with a minimum of 4,500 hours of experience managing project teams.

Aspect	CAPM	PMP
Target Audience	Entry-level project managers or individuals seeking to enter the project management field.	Experienced project managers seeking to validate their expertise and experience in the field of project management.
Prerequisites	Secondary diploma (high school diploma or the global equivalent). <br> - 23 contact hours of project management education.	A four-year degree, 36 months of leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education; <br> OR <br> - A high school diploma, 60 months of leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education.
Exam Focus	Fundamental knowledge of project management and its processes.	Advanced project management knowledge, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing projects.
Experience Required	No professional project management experience is required, but 1,500 hours of project team experience can be an alternative to the educational requirement.	Significant project management experience is required, demonstrating leadership and project direction.
Maintenance	Requires recertification every 5 years by retaking the exam or meeting continuing education requirements.	Requires earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every 3 years to maintain certification status.
Global Recognition	Recognized globally as a solid foundation in project management.	Recognized globally as the gold standard in project management, indicating extensive experience and knowledge.
Career Impact	Suitable for individuals looking to establish credibility early in their project management career.	Aimed at experienced project managers looking to advance their careers, potentially leading to higher-level management roles and increased salary.
Salary Impact	Can lead to entry-level positions in project management with a competitive edge over non-certified individuals.	Often leads to higher salary prospects and roles with greater responsibility compared to non-certified peers and those with only foundational certifications.

Conclusion

Project management is a well-established field. However, the recent advancements in job technicalities and the rise of responsibilities make the position highly flexible. It makes CAPM® certification a bar for employers seeking to recruit able professionals. If you are looking for substantial advancement in your career, CAPM® is the ideal bet. Simplilearn offers the PMP® Certification Training Course to help aspiring project managers get the necessary education to get CAPM-certified.

FAQs

1. How much does CAPM certification cost?

The CAPM exam cost for certification is $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-PMI members. The exam retake fee (if you apply again) is $150 for PMI members and $200 for non-PMI members. Registration isn't compulsory. However, if the candidate wishes to take it, there will be a $10 application fee and a $129 annual membership fee. 

2. What is the difference between PMP and CAPM certification?

Certified Associate in Project Management or CAPM certification is suitable for freshers, while candidates with bachelor's degrees and experience preferably opt for Project Management Professional or PMP certification. The fees for non-PMI and PMI members for CAPM certification are $300 and $225, respectively. In contrast, the PMP certification exam requires $555 and $405 from non-PMI and PMI members.

3. Is the CAPM exam hard?

The candidates are required to answer 150 multiple-choice questions in three hours duration. With certification courses and comprehension from training, people can present their knowledge and applicability, thus easily clearing the tests. 

4. Why is CAPM® certification high in demand?

Better work opportunities, high pay, room for professional growth and massive value to your resume are some of the benefits associated with CAPM® certification, consequently increasing its demand. In addition, the proper training and ability to efficiently handle the projects are evident from the certification, making the candidate a suitable choice for various companies. 

5. What are the prerequisites for CAPM®?

For the CAPM® certification, the preliminary educational requirement is a secondary degree in the form of a high school diploma, associate's degree or any other equivalent depending upon the country. Additionally, 23 hours of project management coursework is required. After clearing the exam, 15 PDUs are required in three years to maintain the active status of certification.