PMP vs CAPM
Compare PMP and CAPM project management certifications. Senior PM vs entry-level - which PMI certification is right for you?
PMP (Project Management Professional)
PMI
CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)
PMI
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | PMP (Project Management Professional) | CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | PMI | PMI |
| Difficulty Level | Expert | Foundational |
| Exam Duration | 230 minutes | 180 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $405-$555 USD | $225-$300 USD |
| Exam Format | 180 questions | 150 questions |
| Prerequisites | 3-5 years PM experience + 35 hours education | 23 hours PM education (no experience required) |
| Validity Period | 3 years (60 PDUs) | 3 years |
| Ideal For | Senior project managers, program managers | PM assistants, team members, career changers |
| Salary Range | $115,000 - $165,000 | $55,000 - $85,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
PMP (Project Management Professional) Focus Areas
- Predictive
- Agile
- Hybrid PM
- People
- Process
- Business Environment
CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Focus Areas
- PM Fundamentals
- PMBOK Guide
- Predictive
- Agile Basics
Our Recommendation
PMP is the gold standard for experienced PMs, CAPM is the entry point for beginners.
Choose PMP (Project Management Professional)
Choose PMP if you have 3+ years of project management experience.
Choose CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)
Choose CAPM if you're new to PM or don't meet PMP requirements yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)?
PMP is the gold standard for experienced PMs, CAPM is the entry point for beginners.
What are the salary differences between PMP (Project Management Professional)?
PMP (Project Management Professional) typically offers salaries around $115,000 - $165,000, while CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) offers $55,000 - $85,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose PMP if you have 3+ years of project management experience. Choose CAPM if you're new to PM or don't meet PMP requirements yet.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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