Project management is one of the growing fields with high demand for project management professionals globally. If you are considering getting a project management certification to enhance your career in the project management domain, then two of the most important certification options that you can opt for are CAPM certification and PMP Certification.
Both PMP and CAPM are industry-recognized credentials offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). To earn these certifications, a candidate has to clear the eligibility criteria for the respective certification and then pass a comprehensive exam. In this guide, let’s compare the CAPM and PMP certifications to help you decide which one is right for you.
CAPM vs PMP
CAPM certification is an entry-level credential for candidates who want to begin their careers in the project management domain, while the PMP certification is a professional and advanced-level certification for candidates with project management experience.
CAPM Eligibility Requirements
To opt for the CAPM certification, you will have to meet the following requirements:
- Secondary degree
- 23 hours of project management education/training completed before sitting for the exam.
PMP Eligibility Requirements
To opt for the PMP certification, you will have to meet either of the following requirements:
| Option 1 | Option 2 |
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CAPM vs PMP Exams: What to Expect
Both the PMP and CAPM examinations are designed by the PMI and here is what you need to know about the exam cost, domain, duration, etc.
| CAPM exam | PMP exam | |
| Exam cost | PMI member- $225
Non-PMI member- $300 |
PMI member- $405
Non-PMI member- $555 |
| Exam structure | 150 multiple-choice questions | 180 multiple-choice questions |
| Exam duration | 3 hours | 230 minutes |
| Exam content | It covers 13 chapters of the sixth edition of the PMBOK guide. | It covers 3 domains: people, process, and business environment |
CAPM vs. PMP salary
Since PMP certification is an advanced-level credential, candidates enjoy higher salaries than CAPM holders. Here is the salary structure for both CAPM and PMP certifications.
- A CAPM holder can generally earn around $67,000 as per Payscale reports. While as per Ziprecruiter, a CAPM makes an average of $88,185.
- A PMP holder can generally earn around $109,000 as per Payscale reports. While as per Ziprecruiter, a PMP makes an average of $114,900.
Which is Right for You? CAPM or PMP Certification:
The question is not about which project management certification is right for you, it’s about whether you meet the requirements for the respective credentials. If you meet the eligibility criteria for a PMP certification, then it is undoubtedly the right option for you & you should enroll in a PMP Certification Training. However, if you are someone who is starting a career in the project management domain, then CAPM is the right choice.
Conclusion
Regardless of a PMP or CAPM certification, earning a project management certification can help you get global recognition in the project management domain and will help add value to your resume and boost your professional as well as financial growth. If you liked this guide, let us know in the comment section below.
