Key Takeaways
The Project Management Institute offers the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and the Project Management Professional (PMP)®.
- Professionals with CAPM credentials earn an average salary of $77,000, while those with a PMP earn an average of $120,000 [1, 2].
- Both credentials top Entrepreneur's list of The 9 Most In-Demand Professional Certifications You Can Get Right Now [3].
- You can prepare for the CAPM as an entry-level certification for positions in project management, or advance your career with the PMP, a credential for project managers with at least three years of experience.
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What Is PMP Certification?
Learn more about the differences between the CAPM and PMP certifications to decide which is right for you. When you're ready to take the next step, consider enrolling in the Project Management Professional Certificate. During this seven-course, beginner-friendly series, you'll learn the practices and skills, including Agile project management and strategic communication, you'll need to build a thriving career in project management.
CAPM vs. PMP certification: overview
| Criteria | CAPM | PMP |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Entry-level project managers | Experienced project managers |
| Requirements | Secondary degree plus 23 hours of project management education | Four-year degree, 36 months leading projects and 35 hours of education |
| Cost | $300 for non-PMI members, $225 for PMI members [4] | $575 for non-PMI members, $405 for PMI members |
| Exam length | 150 questions, 3 hours | 180 questions, 230 minutes |
Which certification should you choose?
The Project Management Institute offers the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and the Project Management Professional (PMP)®.
- Professionals with CAPM credentials earn an average salary of $77,000, while those with a PMP earn an average of $120,000 [1, 2].
- Both credentials top Entrepreneur's list of The 9 Most In-Demand Professional Certifications You Can Get Right Now [3].
- You can prepare for the CAPM as an entry-level certification for positions in project management, or advance your career with the PMP, a credential for project managers with at least three years of experience.
PMI updates its exams every five years. The PMP exam was updated beginning January 2, 2021, to comprise 180 questions instead of 200.
Your Next Steps
The Project Management Institute offers the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and the Project Management Professional (PMP)®.
- Professionals with CAPM credentials earn an average salary of $77,000, while those with a PMP earn an average of $120,000 [1, 2].
- Both credentials top Entrepreneur's list of The 9 Most In-Demand Professional Certifications You Can Get Right Now [3].
- You can prepare for the CAPM as an entry-level certification for positions in project management, or advance your career with the PMP, a credential for project managers with at least three years of experience.
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FAQs
Common questions about the certifications and CSL's leadership programs.
Compare the scope, eligibility and learning objectives against your experience; verify current requirements with the awarding organisation.
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