CAPM vs PMP Certification: Which is Right for You?
- Posted on: 2023-05-07
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The CAPM is a certification for those with little to no expertise in project management, whereas the PMP is a certification for project managers with at least three years of relevant work experience.
Which one is better for you, the CAPM or the PMP?
A professional organization for project management known as the Project Management Institute (PMI) offers two credentials: the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and the Project Management Professional (PMP)®. Both of these certificates may be obtained by passing the required exams. The CAPM is an entry-level certification that aims to prepare individuals for careers in project management, whereas the PMP is a certificate for project managers who have at least three years of experience in the field.
The following is a summary of how the two compare.
| CAPM | PMP |
Who's it for? | Entry-level project managers | Those with at least three years of project management experience |
Jobs postings that mention certification on Indeed (October 2022) | 1,738 | 34,231 |
Requirements | Secondary degree, plus 23 hours of project management education | 35 hours of project management training (can be replaced with CAPM), and 36 months of experience leading projects with a four-year degree, or 60 months with a secondary degree |
Average US salary (from Payscale, October 2022) | $68,000 | $111,000 |
Cost | $300 for non-PMI members, $225 for PMI members | $555 for non-PMI members, $405 for PMI members |
Exam | 3 hours, 150 questions | 3 hours 50 minutes, 180 questions |
Let's take a look at the necessary steps, the associated prices, and any other pertinent information for each.
CAPM vs. PMP certification requirements
The following criteria must be met to be eligible for the CAPM:
23 hours of completed education in project management are required before you may take the test.
A diploma from high school or its equivalent is required.
The following criteria must be met to be eligible for the PMP:
35 hours of training in project management are completed. If you hold the CAPM certification, you can get this requirement dropped.
If you have a bachelor's degree, you must have a minimum of 36 months (three years total) of experience leading projects. If you have a high school diploma, an associate's degree, or the worldwide equivalent, you must have a minimum of 60 months (five years total) of experience leading projects.
CAPM vs. PMP test cost
Exam fees for the more advanced PMP certification are more than those for the less advanced CAPM certification. Both the PMP and the CAPM include fees of $555 and $300, respectively, for those who are not PMI members. A rundown of their expenses may be seen here.
Take note that the annual membership charge for the PMI is $129, in addition to the one-time application fee of $10.
The cost of the CAPM is $225 for PMI members (for a total of $364 including the membership application fee and membership).
$300 for those who are not PMI members
The price of the PMP is $405 for PMI members, or a total of $544 with the membership and application fee included.
$555 for those who are not PMI members
CAPM vs. PMP salaries
PMP holders, on average, receive a higher salary than CAPM holders.
According to Payscale, as of July 2022, the average income in the United States for CAPM holders is $67,000, while the average compensation for PMP holders is $1111,000. According to ZipRecruiter, the average income for CAPM holders in the United States is $91,735, while the average compensation for PMP holders in the United States is $115,898.
Is the CAPM or PMP more valuable from a financial standpoint?
In a poll conducted by Indeed, 57 percent of respondents stated that they were better able to support themselves financially after receiving the CAPM. This percentage rose to 68 percent for those who held a PMP certification. Certifications can open the door to higher-paying employment or even salary hikes to the one you already have. If you have just obtained a certification, it may be worthwhile to contact your boss about the possibility of a pay increase. Your income may also be affected by other factors, such as your level of experience and your location.
Are the CAPM and PMP certifications worth it?
Certifications can provide you an advantage in the process of searching for a job, demonstrate to hiring managers that you have a foundational understanding of what is required of you, and assist you in learning new abilities. They might also result in increased wages and qualify you for employment that requires certification to be hired. The following are some factors that should be kept in mind.
Both the CAPM and the PMP have received very positive feedback from those who have earned the certificates. Both were recommended by around 95 percent of those who had acquired the certification and had participated in the Indeed poll. Indeed, polls revealed that fifty percent of CAPM certificate holders believed the certification assisted them in finding employment, whereas sixty-four percent of PMP certificate holders held the same belief.
The PMP is in more demand than the CAPM at the moment. In July of 2022, the CAPM was referenced in 1,943 job ads in the United States on the website Indeed, while the PMP was cited in 42,240 job posts.
To determine whether or not it is worthwhile for you, think about where you want to go with your career.
Which one should you obtain, the CAPM or the PMP?
Both the CAPM and the PMP serve distinct functions; the one that you choose to obtain should be dependent on the conditions of your work life.
The Certified Associate in Project Management may serve you better (and be easier to handle) if you're just starting in the world of project management. If you already have some experience, are trying to broaden your skill set, and want to be more competitive in the job market, then the Project Management Professional certification might be a better choice for you.