CAPM Vs PMP – Which Project Management Certification Is Better?

Regardless of the industry, there is an endless demand for qualified project managers that exercise their expertise in favor of the organizations. With project management being the need of the hour, it makes a profitable choice for an individual’s career. The profession is growing rapidly and has created millions of jobs over the years.

Often, people can only think about PMP Certification or Project Management Professional certification. However, the eligibility criteria of this certification often obstruct the ability to get a desirable qualification. Therefore, the PMI or Project Management Institute, the professional body for project management, offers CAPM or certified associates in project management.

Individuals without prior experience have the total liberty to acquire the CAPM certification. Today, both certifications hold immense importance and popularity. Nevertheless, there is a significant difference between the two. To have a better understanding of the two, we will analyze and distinguish between the two credentials.

Hopefully, by the end of this blog, you will be able to make a better decision in favor of your career.

Defining The Difference Between CAPM And PMP

The first step is to have a basic understanding of the two certifications. For this purpose, let us see what they mean.

What Is A CAPM Certification?

Some candidates aspire to become project managers but have no previous experience. PMI, therefore, administers the CAPM certification for entry-level positions in the field of project management.

Members of a project team and project managers keen on learning about project management and its implementation in their daily schedule can get the best out of this certification. Having this certification offers individuals the chance to gain higher-paying jobs.

Requirements:

To be eligible for CAPM, you must possess a secondary degree. It could be a high school degree or an associate degree. Also, you must have a minimum of 23-hour education in project management. To earn the certificate, passing the CAPM exam is necessary.

Also Check: CAPM Certification: Cost, salary, training, and benefits

What Is A PMP Certification?

Recognized on a global level, establishments worldwide desire individuals with PMP certification. The PMI offers this certification to satisfy the requests for optimizing the approaches to build the credibility of project managers.

You can illustrate your expertise to your employers and ensure them of your capability of running a successful project with a PMP certification. It involves three methods, hybrid, predictive, and agile.

Requirements:

• For the PMP certification, there is a list of requirements, including:

• A bachelor’s degree or a degree of 4 years.

• Possess a CAPM or education in project management for a total of 35 hours.

• Experience working on top projects for 3 years minimum.

You may otherwise fulfill the requirements for PMP application if you have:

• Experience working on top projects for 5 years or 60 months.

• A secondary degree, such as an associate degree or a high school certification

• A 35-hour education in project management or a CAPM certificate.

PMP Examination In Opposition To CAPM Exam

The PMP exam consists of 180 questions, and candidates are given 3.8 hours to complete the exam. The paper consists of various kinds of questions, including fill-in-the-blanks, MCQs, matching, hot area, and multiple responses.

The PMP examination centers on three essential spheres. The process makes up fifty per cent, and people make up forty-two per cent. And the remaining eight per cent is on the business environment. For detailed information regarding the topics and exam structure, you can check the PMI's outline for the latest examination.

Unlike the PMP's 180 questions, the CAPM consists of 150 MCQs, and candidates get a maximum of 3 hours to finish the test. For every correct answer, the candidate receives one mark each. Additionally, there is no negative marking for wrong answers.

As of 2023, the exam’s primary areas will include-

• Agile methodologies or frameworks

• Predictive methodologies based on plan

• Frameworks for business analysis

• Core concepts and basics of project management

You can check with PMI to get an update on the outline of the CAPM exam. 

Certification Cost

The certification cost for both credentials relies on if you are a PMI member. For PMI members, the CAPM certification costs $225, and the PMP certification costs $405. However, for those who are not PMI members, the CAPM will cost $300 and $555 for the PMP certificate.

If the candidates fail to pass the exam, the cost of retaking the examination for CAPM certification is $150 for the existing members. For the non-members, it is $200.

Benefits of PMP Vs CAPM Examination

If you want to increase the weight of your resume, PMP aids in propelling your career forward and powers your potential gains. A PMP credential indicates your authentic knowledge to the employers. Here are a few of its benefits.

• A PMP credential aids in outdoing your competition when applying for positions in various industries. These include construction, publishing, finance, manufacturing, information, and insurance. Demonstrating your expertise, you can apply for advanced designations.

• It helps sharpen and add to your skill set, along with the latest field knowledge and approaches. You can learn skills like resource management, conflict resolution, organization, communication, team management, strategic decisions, leadership management, etc.

• It opens up a window for competitive salaries, given a PMP-certified individual fulfills high standards valued by the employers. In comparison to a non-certified candidate, a PMP offers an annual salary, generally 16% more.

Also Check: How PMP Certification is Beneficial For Your Career Growth?

A CAPM certification indicates your competitive nature to employers. It showcases your project management understanding and experience acknowledged by the industry. The benefits offered by this certification include:

• The strict guidelines of the CAPM certification indicate the candidates possess professional expertise and skills regarding project management processes, standards, principles, etc. It demonstrates your capability to fulfill your job requirement.

• It gives you a competitive edge and enables you to pursue positions as a program manager, junior, associate or technical project manager, and project coordinator. You can learn to handle teams successfully for all work settings at the entry-level.

• A CAPM-certified candidate can earn $68K annually on average. Individuals can boost potential gains even as entry-level employees.

Conclusion

A CAPM and PMP certification are great options for adding value to your resume. To perform better and gain confidence, to begin CAPM is an excellent choice. For more experienced candidates in need of a better package, a PMP certification works excellently.