PMP vs. CAPM Certification: Different Project Manager CredentialsPMP vs. CAPM Certification: Different Project Manager CredentialsPMP vs. CAPM Certification: Different Project Manager Credentials

Increased earnings, enhanced work opportunities, greater competency and knowledge — these and other potential benefits often motivate individuals to pursue professional certifications. Many employers view professional certifications as confirmation that a candidate possesses the specific skills they’re looking for. Project management certifications, for instance, can help prospective employers verify that an applicant understands industry standards.

Business professionals interested in project management should consider the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certifications. Understanding the differences between the PMP vs. CAPM certifications allows individuals to make the best decision about which to pursue.

The Project Management Institute (PMI), a leading professional association for project managers, created the PMP certification. Many consider this the gold standard when it comes to project management certifications, and some employers may prefer or require PMP certification for new project managers.

The designation recognizes project managers with extensive experience and proven track records leading teams and achieving project goals.

To obtain certification, professionals need to demonstrate highly developed skills in key areas of project management. More specifically, they should show they can:

The PMP exam asks comprehensive questions to measure knowledge of concepts core to project management, such as the triple constraint. The triple constraint states that cost, time, and scope impact the success of every project, and to successfully manage projects, professionals need to balance these constraints by making tradeoffs. For example, to stay within budget, a project manager might need to limit a deliverable’s scope.

Additional topics covered by the exam include:

The PMI also issues CAPM certification. Tailored for those beginning their project management careers, the CAPM helps professionals demonstrate that they possess the skills needed for entry-level project manager positions. The certification often serves as a useful tool for professionals who hope to break into a project management career.

Students, recent graduates, and professionals looking to assume responsibilities in more complex projects stand to gain from pursuing this certification. Additionally, because the certification focuses on developing a strong project management foundation, professionals can use the CAPM as the perfect stepping stone toward earning a PMP certification later down the line.

To obtain CAPM certification, individuals need to demonstrate knowledge of core competencies in project management. This involves building a foundational knowledge of concepts laid out in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, also referred to as the PMBOK Guide.

The CAPM exam tests candidates’ skill levels in five essential project management processes. These include:

Individuals mapping out their career and educational paths can benefit from comparing degree programs, professional certifications, and job descriptions. They may consider the differences between business management vs. business administration degrees or project manager vs. program manager roles. Understanding how PMP and CAPM certifications differ also helps people plan strategically.

The PMP and CAPM each serve a unique purpose and come with their own requirements. Additionally, the certifications have varying costs, and holders of the two certifications can expect varying job opportunities.

As PMP and CAPM certifications target professionals at different stages in their project management careers, the requirements for each vary accordingly.

PMP Certification Requirements

To earn PMP certification, candidates need both a specified amount of training and real-world experience. Professionals can earn their PMPs in one of two ways.

Individuals holding a bachelor’s degree are eligible for the PMP certification exam if they also have:

Individuals holding a high school diploma or associate degree are eligible for the PMP certification exam if they also have:

CAPM Certification Requirements

Requirements for CAPM certification are less rigorous. To take the CAPM exam, candidates need a high school diploma and an associate degree or the global equivalent. They also need to have completed 23 hours of project management education.

Professionals seeking project management certifications should also consider the monetary investment required. In addition to the expense of obtaining the necessary training and education, candidates need to pay to take the PMP and CAPM exams.

PMP Certification Cost

Fees for PMP candidates as of December 2022 are as follows:

CAPM Certification Cost

Fees for CAPM candidates as of December 2022 are as follows:

Both PMP and CAPM certifications can expand job opportunities. The PMP has the potential to help candidates compete for the most competitive project management roles in top organizations across the globe, while the CAPM certification can help professionals land entry-level project management roles and distinguish themselves from other candidates.

PMP Certification Jobs

Jobs with PMP certification requirements or preferences may include:

CAPM Certification Jobs

Jobs with CAPM certification requirements or preferences may include:

PMP vs. CAPM Salaries

Both project management certifications can increase a professional’s earning potential, but those with PMP certifications stand to earn significantly more than individuals with a CAPM. Those with PMP certifications earned annual median salaries of approximately $113,000, according to December 2022 Payscale data, while those with CAPM certifications earned median incomes of around $69,000 a year.

Planning a career in project management? Consider PMP vs. CAPM certification requirements, job opportunities, and salaries in the process. Aspiring project managers also need the right education to pursue the project management certification best for them. Discover how Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program prepares graduates to launch successful careers in project management. 

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Sources

Entrepreneur, “4 Benefits of Earning a Certification in Your Field of Expertise”

LinkedIn, “Benefits You Can Get After PMI CAPM Certification”

LinkedIn, “Why You Should Spend Money to Get a PMP”

Payscale, Salary for Certification: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Payscale, Salary for Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Institute, “Ahead of the Curve:  Forging a FutureFocused Culture”

Project Management Institute, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Project Management Institute, Project Management Professional (PMP)

ProjectManager, “The Triple Constraint in Project Management: Time, Scope & Cost”

TechTarget, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)