what is the capm

The CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification is one of the most popular certifications for entry-level professionals in project management, and in today’s blog post, we will discuss this credential.

The job market is highly competitive these days. Organizations are looking for cost-cutting measures and improving the efficiency of their processes. They are very particular about who they hire for an entry-level job.

Many applicants who apply have little or no experience. In these cases, employers scrutinize an applicant’s education and certification.

If you haven’t yet gained much experience and are interested in project management, you should earn this important credential. Achieving a recognized certification can help you stand out from the crowd.

There are many organizations offering credentials for project professionals. However, among all, the CAPM certification is the most popular.

In this blog post, we will discuss the CAPM certification in detail.

What is the CAPM Certification?

CAPM stands for Certified Associate in Project Management. This is an entry-level certification for professionals interested in project management, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), USA.

According to PMI, “The CAPM certification offers recognition to practitioners who are interested in or are just starting a career in project management, as well as project team members who wish to demonstrate their project management knowledge.”

You can go for this certification if you have experience in other fields and want to move into project management. A CAPM certification is a great avenue to begin a new career.

How to Get the CAPM Certification

To earn the CAPM certification, you will have to pass a computerized test. The duration is 3 hours, and you must answer 150 multiple-choice questions. The test does not penalize wrong answers.

Once you pass the test, you can add the CAPM title to your name and signature.

This certification is valid for three years. If you want to renew it, you must complete CAPM CCR Cycle, i.e., earn 15 PDUs in three years and report to PMI. This will extend your CAPM credential for an additional three years.

You can take the CAPM test from your home or at a Pearson VUE center.

The CAPM exam eligibility period is one year from the date PMI approves your application. You have three attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t pass the exam in these attempts, you cannot apply again for one year.

Who Can Apply for the CAPM Exam?

As this certification is for entry-level professionals, anyone who has a high school diploma or secondary degree can apply.

You have to attend a 23 contact hours training course. This course should explain project management fundamentals and should be aligned with the PMBOK Guide and CAPM exam content outline.

Benefits of the CAPM Certification

Employers recognize the importance of project management. They want to improve efficiency and maximize their effectiveness.

This certification shows employers that you know the best practices used in the industry. They will trust in your abilities.

Having the CAPM certification shows your commitment to learning new skills. It shows that you understand project management terminology and its processes.

A CAPM title on your resume increases your visibility on the job portals for entry-level positions, making you a more appealing candidate. This certification is valid across all industries and recognized throughout the world.

It demonstrates that you have gone through a rigorous process to achieve this credential, revealing your tenacity and ability to manage projects. It shows your commitment to learning and gaining new skills and will help you take your career to the next level.

Most importantly, the CAPM Certification will boost your self-confidence and customer confidence in your organization.

What is Next After the CAPM Certification?

The CAPM certification is for entry-level professionals. Once you achieve this, the next step is to gain more experience. As soon as you become eligible for the PMP exam, apply for it.

The PMP certification is the most valuable certification for experienced project professionals. It is highly regarded and will help you take your career to the next level.

Having a CAPM certification will help you with your PMP exam preparation. You will have gone through the PMBOK Guide and already understand project management concepts. Having gained this self-confidence, passing the PMP exam will not be difficult for you.

To apply for the PMP exam, you must attend a 35 contact hours training program in project management. A bonus of holding a CAPM certification means you are exempt from attending the training.

Summary

A CAPM certification is a great start to excel in your project management career. The eligibility requirements for CAPM certification are not tough and you can apply for this certification without experience. The CAPM certification helps you build a solid foundation for your career. 

Are you interested in building your career in project management? If yes, how about the CAPM certification? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

I recommend you visit www.pmi.org, download the CAPM Handbook, and read it for more information on CAPM certification.

Fahad Usmani, PMP

I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.