Navigating the job market can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the workforce. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help your career along, no matter what industry you choose. One beneficial path to consider is getting a CAPM certification.
However, you need to know the CAPM requirements for this designation before choosing it as part of your career development. This helpful guide covers everything you need to know about the CAPM training courses, why this certification is beneficial, how to get it, and other pressing questions you may have.
What Is a CAPM Certification?
The term CAPM stands for Certified Associate in Project Management. It is an entry-level step for anyone who wants to enhance career prospects by adding credibility to their training. A CAPM certification introduces the principles of project management, the methodologies, and its industry practices.
Obtaining a CAPM is the first step in moving toward a profitable project management career as you gain experience in the workplace. If you want to be a Project Management Professional (PMP), you’ll start by getting a CAPM certification.
CAPM Requirements
Like other reputable courses, there are specific requirements you need to reach before you can receive the CAPM certification. However, because it’s an entry-level designation, you’ll find it easier to satisfy the criteria.
To be eligible for a CAPM certification, you’ll need:
- High school diploma, GED or equivalent, or a secondary degree such as an associate’s, a bachelor’s, or higher global equivalent
- Complete 23 hours of project management training or education or 1,500 hours of project management experience
It’s critical to note that you’ll have to submit an application into the PMI upon completion to schedule your certification exam.
CAPM Training Course
So, how do you get the necessary education or training for a CAPM certification?
You’ll have to find a reputable institute offering the CAPM coursework. Several choices are available, from local schools to online learning platforms, making it simple to register for one that fits your schedule.
Depending on where you live, a local college or university may offer the coursework to fulfill the CAPM requirements.
In addition, we have the perfect online course for you to get started below.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Students will be able to: Understand how project management impacts businesses; build a charter; create a project management plan; create a budget; and create other management plans after successfully completing this training course.
- 13 Training Hours
- 48 Videos
- 13 Topics
- 252 Practice Questions
Do You Meet the CAPM Requirements?
Contact the Project Management Institute for more information if you’re unsure about meeting all the CAPM requirements necessary to take the certification exam. They can offer guidance on your eligibility based on your work experience or education.
CAPM Prep
Preparing for the CAPM exam can be stressful. That’s why many courses provide practice tests and sample exam questions. This way, you can take your time with CAPM prep to gain the confidence you need before attempting the certification exam.
Of course, every institute will be unique, so you should explore what each one offers for CAPM prep work to help you be successful. Your chosen course may have a lifetime membership to the database or limit you to the sample questions available.
Remember to select a CAPM training course that suits your budget and provides everything you’ll need to pass the certification.
Often, you can find additional sample exams at a low cost to gauge your readiness for the big test. So, dozens of other options are available if you want some extra practice.
CAPM Training Course Details
Preparing for the CAPM can be daunting, but knowing what to expect can help calm those nerves.
The CAPM prep exam consists of 150 questions, which you must complete within a three-hour limit.
You’ll take this certification test on a computer and receive your grade immediately after finishing the exam. A successful passing grade will enable you to get your CAPM certificate, which will remain valid for three years. It’s important to note that you’ll have to renew this certification every three years for it to stay active.
Some specific areas the CAPM training course covers include:
- Communications management
- Human resource management
- Procurement management
- Project integration management
- Project and organization lifecycle
- Project management processes
- Project scope management
- Project risk management
- Quality management
- Stakeholder management
- Time and cost management
CAPM Costs
Although the training costs for your CAPM will vary between learning institutes, the Project Management Institute (PMI) sets the price for the exam.
PMI is the industry leader in approving and administering project management certifications, like the CAPM and the PMP. So no matter where you complete your education, you’ll still have to apply to them to write the test.
The CAPM costs will differ depending on whether you’re a PMI member or not. Moreover, a $139 annual membership provides additional tools and resources for anyone building a career in project management.
The price for writing the CAPM exam with PMI is $225. However, they charge a re-testing fee of $150 if you aren’t successful the first time.
CAPM Application Requirements
Applying to the Project Management Institute to write the CAPM certification is simple.
You’ll need to gather all your necessary information and use their website portal to submit your application. These details include:
- Full name and contact information
- Education details, including school name and address, completion year, and field of study
- Project Management education details to fulfill the 23 hours of training or outline your 1,500 hours of work experience
The application process is quick, and you can be approved instantly. Still, it can take three to five days to receive approval from PMI to write the exam. After acceptance, you can then pay the exam fee and schedule to write the CAPM certification within one year.
You can take the test at a local testing center or
If you cannot complete the exam within the year of your application, you’ll need to reapply. In addition, you can rewrite the test up to three times during this period should you need another chance.
Upon receiving a passing grade, PMI administers your certificate, which is recognized and accepted globally.
FAQs
Explore these common questions if you need more information regarding the CAPM certification.
Q: Do I need to receive a CAPM before getting a PMP certification?
A: No, obtaining a CAPM designation is not a prerequisite for reaching your PMP certification. However, many individuals starting their project management career find it helpful to receive a CAPM first before working toward the PMP certification.
Q: Will I make more money by taking a CAPM training course?
A: While there isn’t a set amount professionals will make after completing CAPM certification, the demand for trained professionals is high throughout several industries. As a highly coveted position, candidates find the salary to be upward of 25% more than if they didn’t have certification. Consequently, 57% of individuals reported making more money after they completed the CAPM training course.
Q: What kind of job can I get with a CAPM certification?
A: Many industries recognize CAPM as a reputable designation. After completing a CAPM training course, some popular job prospects include business analyst, project coordinator, associate project manager, project manager, senior project manager, deputy project manager, and director of project management.
You may also be qualified to hold these positions based on your education and experience:
- Acquisition program analyst
- Project controls analyst
- Project consultant
- Enterprise architect
- IT project manager
- Support technical manager
- Infrastructure project manager
- Project controller
- Program delivery coordinator
- IT project coordinator
Final Thoughts
Project management can be a rich and rewarding career, but you’ll need the right tools in your arsenal to get started. As a first step, CAPM can give individuals the necessary skills to thrive in their chosen field. With that in mind, knowing the CAPM requirements and the associated training courses can ensure you’re ready from the get-go.