CAPM Certification
Learn about the PMI CAPM certification, its requirements, exam, certification process and preparation options. Find out how the CAPM can support a career in project management.
The CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) for people who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of project management.
Unlike the PMP®, the CAPM does not require professional project management experience. It is designed for people who are starting their careers in project management, working in project-related roles, or looking to formalise their knowledge through an internationally recognised certification.
What is the CAPM certification?
What does CAPM mean?
CAPM stands for Certified Associate in Project Management. It is a professional certification developed by the PMI to validate knowledge of fundamental project management concepts, practices and approaches.
What is the CAPM certification?
The CAPM is an entry-level project management certification that assesses knowledge across several areas of project management, including predictive approaches, Agile frameworks and methodologies, and business analysis.
The certification is awarded by the PMI after candidates meet the eligibility requirements and pass the CAPM exam.
What is the PMI?
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a professional organisation focused on project management, with standards, certifications, publications and resources used by project professionals worldwide.
What is the CAPM certification for?
The CAPM can help professionals demonstrate a structured understanding of project management concepts and practices. It can be relevant for people beginning their careers, professionals working in project environments and those who want to develop a foundation before progressing towards more advanced project management responsibilities.
Who is the CAPM certification for?
The CAPM may be suitable for people who are:
- Starting a career in project management
- Working as part of a project team
- Moving into a project-related role
- Developing project management knowledge
- Preparing for a career progression in project management
Professional project management experience is not required.
What are the CAPM certification requirements?
The CAPM has specific eligibility requirements established by the PMI.
Candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a secondary degree or equivalent
- Complete 23 hours of project management education before taking the exam
Unlike the PMP, the CAPM does not require professional project management experience.
Is project management education required?
Yes. Candidates must complete 23 hours of project management education before taking the CAPM exam.
This education is separate from individual study and exam preparation. It provides the formal learning required for CAPM eligibility.
How do you get the CAPM certification?
Obtaining the CAPM certification involves several steps:
- Check the CAPM eligibility requirements.
- Complete the required 23 hours of project management education.
- Submit the application to the PMI.
- Schedule the CAPM exam.
- Take and pass the exam.
- Obtain the CAPM certification.
The exam can be taken online under supervision or at a Pearson VUE test centre, subject to the options available when scheduling.
What is the CAPM exam like?
The CAPM exam consists of 150 questions and has a 180-minute time limit. Fifteen of the questions are unscored pretest questions, while 135 questions contribute to the exam score.
The exam covers four content areas:
CAPM exam domain | Weight |
Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts | 36% |
Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies | 17% |
Agile Frameworks/Methodologies | 20% |
Business Analysis Frameworks | 27% |
The CAPM exam therefore covers more than traditional project management concepts. Candidates should also understand Agile approaches and business analysis.
The PMI Exam Content Outline defines what is assessed in the exam. The PMBOK® Guide is an important PMI reference, but the CAPM exam should not be viewed simply as a test of the PMBOK® Guide.
How much does the CAPM certification cost?
The total cost of obtaining the CAPM can include the exam fee, project management education and preparation materials or training.
The exam fee is determined by the PMI and may vary depending on factors such as PMI membership and the candidate’s location. Candidates should check the current PMI fees when applying.
Is PMI membership required?
No. PMI membership is not a requirement for taking the CAPM exam. Candidates can compare the applicable exam and membership costs when deciding whether membership is worthwhile for them.
How long is the CAPM certification valid?
The CAPM certification is valid for three years.
To maintain the certification, CAPM holders must earn 15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) during each three-year certification cycle.
What are PDUs?
PDUs, or Professional Development Units, are used by the PMI to measure continuing professional development activities.
How many PDUs are required for the CAPM?
CAPM holders need 15 PDUs during each three-year certification cycle to maintain the certification.
CAPM vs PMP
The CAPM and PMP are both project management certifications from the PMI, but they are designed for different professional profiles.
CAPM | PMP | |
Professional experience | Not required | Required |
Main purpose | Demonstrate foundational knowledge | Validate professional project management experience and competence |
Target audience | People starting or developing a project management career | Experienced project professionals |
Exam | CAPM exam | PMP exam |
The CAPM can therefore be relevant earlier in a project management career, while the PMP has specific professional experience requirements.
CAPM or PMP: which applies to my profile?
The choice depends primarily on your education, professional experience and career objectives.
The CAPM may be relevant if you are developing your project management knowledge and do not yet meet the experience requirements for the PMP.
CAPM vs project management course
A CAPM certification and a project management course are not the same thing.
A course provides education and helps develop knowledge and skills. The CAPM is a professional certification awarded by the PMI after meeting its eligibility requirements and passing the certification exam.
A project management course can therefore be used as part of CAPM preparation, but completing a course does not, by itself, award the CAPM certification.
CAPM vs PMBOK
CAPM is a certification, while the PMBOK® Guide is a PMI publication that provides a body of project management knowledge and guidance.
The two therefore serve different purposes. The CAPM involves an examination and certification process, while the PMBOK® Guide is one of the references that can support project management learning and exam preparation.
Content assessed in the CAPM exam is defined by the PMI’s Exam Content Outline.
Is the CAPM certification internationally recognised?
The CAPM is a PMI professional certification and is intended to demonstrate project management knowledge in an international professional context.
Its value in a particular role or organisation can depend on the employer, industry, country and other professional qualifications or experience.
Is the CAPM certification relevant in Portugal?
The CAPM can be relevant to professionals in Portugal who are starting or developing a career in project management, particularly when working in organisations or environments where PMI certifications and project management practices are recognised.
As with any professional certification, its relevance depends on the requirements of the role and the expectations of the organisation.
How to prepare for the CAPM exam?
Preparing for the CAPM exam involves understanding the exam content, developing the required knowledge and practising how to apply it to exam questions.
Individual study
Individual study can be a useful starting point for understanding what will be assessed in the CAPM exam and identifying areas where further preparation is needed.
It can include reviewing the official exam content, studying relevant PMI references, revising project management concepts and answering practice questions.
However, individual study does not replace the 23 hours of project management education required for CAPM eligibility. This education must be completed before taking the exam and provides the formal learning required by the PMI.
For candidates who already have some project management knowledge, individual study can complement formal education and help focus preparation on areas that require further work.
CAPM preparation training
A CAPM preparation course can provide a structured approach to the exam, helping candidates understand the content assessed and practise applying project management concepts.
Training can also provide opportunities to work through questions, clarify difficult topics and identify areas that require additional study.
Practice questions and exam simulations
Practice questions help candidates become familiar with the type of reasoning required during the exam and assess their level of preparation.
Exam simulations can also help with time management and identify topics that need further review.
CAPM training
XPM Consulting offers CAPM training designed to help candidates develop project management knowledge and prepare for the CAPM exam.
CAPM certification course
Our CAPM course combines structured project management training with preparation for the CAPM exam.
Frequently asked questions about CAPM certification
Is the CAPM a certification or a course?
The CAPM is a professional certification from the PMI, not a course. Training courses can help candidates prepare for the CAPM exam.
Can I get the CAPM without experience?
Yes. Professional project management experience is not required. Candidates must meet the PMI eligibility requirements, including 23 hours of project management education.
Is the CAPM required to work in project management?
No. The CAPM is a professional certification, not a mandatory requirement for working in project management.
Can I take the PMP after getting the CAPM?
Yes. The CAPM does not prevent you from applying for the PMP. You must still meet the specific PMP eligibility requirements.
Can I take the CAPM exam online?
Yes. The CAPM exam can be taken online with remote proctoring or at a Pearson VUE test centre.
Where can I take the CAPM exam?
You can take the exam online or at a Pearson VUE test centre, depending on the options available when you schedule your exam.
What happens if I fail the CAPM exam?
If you fail, you can retake the exam. The PMI allows up to three attempts within the one-year eligibility period, subject to the applicable conditions.