Should I get CAPM or PMP?

Should I get CAPM or PMP?

Learning Mudra, Category - PMP

Knowing your options is always better

Starting the discussion on Should I get CAPM or PMP? , Let's discuss about Project Management. One of the most prevalent dilemma professionals face while choosing the right project management training and qualification is the choice of exam or certification they should pursue. It is an important exercise too before making any significant decision related to career option. One should first of all have enough knowledge about all the options available to make an informed choice. Project management also entails many options which professionals can opt to furnish their knowledge and skills in accordance with their interest and broader career outlook in the future.

Project Management Institute (PMI) offers many certifications under its ambit covering various aspects of project management field. Amongst them, two of the most popular certifications are CAPM and PMP, which equally have their own merits and provide distinct qualification in project management. So before undertaking any initiative to get an extra qualification in project management, an individual must know the fundamental difference between all the certifications. Then it would become far easier to choose a certification which aligns with various product demands and polish different skill sets.

What is CAPM and PMP

In order to make the right choice let's understand what is basically CAPM and PMP are?
CAPM or Certified Associate Project Management is basically considered as a certification course for entry level professionals. This means that if you are in the initial phase of your career in project management, this certification would be a suitable choice for you. Would you like to put CAPM after your name ? It not only makes your profile stand out for employers, but it also helps you in future in case you choose to go for a higher qualification like PMP, as it not only provides you with basic knowledge and experience which may come handy in future exams. The details regarding CAPM exam, its eligibility criteria, course structure and other relevant information is available in the CAPM handbook published by the PMI. Click here to know if you can upgrade CAPM to PMP ?

On the other hand, PMP certification is overseen and offered by the PMI with an aim of providing professionals the ability and capacity to lead big projects, hence giving more power to you. Although the course was initially administered in the United States, but over the years it has also gained substantial popularity in parts of Asia and Europe. According to market estimate, a PMP certified professional draw 20% more salary than the non-PMP certified professional. However, unlike CAPM, PMP have additional minimum eligibility criteria of 4500 hours of experience hence making it a post entry level certification. Alongside, PMI also provide PMP handbook which entails all the necessary criteria for PMP application.

Difference between CAPM and PMP

One amongst the most significant difference between CAPM and PMP is the difference in the level of examination for both the certification. As mentioned above, CAPM is an entry level certification, whereas, PMP is a leadership certification which need minimum4500 hours of experience. Another major difference between the two is the difference in salary between professionals of both the certification. According to project management salary survey (9th ed.), a PMP certified professional draw a median salary of $105,000 in the United States (16% more than non-certified professionals). Whereas,according to survey by Infosys Institute the CAPM certified professionals draw an average salary of $100,000 in the US. Although, the difference between the two is marginal but other factors such as experience and knowledge also play significant role in salary parity.

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With respect to exam for both the certification there is also substantial difference. The online exam pattern of CAPM consist of 150 multiple choice questions with a time limit of 4 hours. Whereas, for PMP the exam pattern is slightly difference, with 200 multiple choice questions to be completed in 4 hours. Alongside, the Professional Developmental Units (PDU) requirement is also different for both the certifications, with minimum 60 credits for PMP and 15 credits for CAPM in every 3 years.However, both the exams are conducted online through Online Proctored Exam by PMI.Additionally,for PMP certification the educational prerequisite is relatively higher than that of CAPM, with minimum secondary degree.

Whereas, for CAPM the minimum education required is secondary degree plus 7500 hours of experience or four-year degree with 4500 hours of experience. The difference in minimum educational requirements is in line with the level of certification along with knowledge and skills associated with both certifications. However, both the certifications are provided in accordance with the PMBOK guide prescribed by the PMI,which implies the higher standards of both the certification. Most importantly the subject covered under both the examination are quite distinct, as in PMP, topics related to planning, initiating, execution and monitoring are covered, whereas in CAPM, subjectson management such as project framework, life cycle, processes, scope, time, cost and resources are covered. Click here to read How to go from PMP to CAPM also ?

Conclusion to the topic : Should I get CAPM or PMP?

The question is if CAPM is better than PMP. Both the certificationshavetheir own distinct merits and cater to individuals with different level of professional credentials. Therefore, before choosing the right certification for you, a thorough self-analysis of both the certificationsis a necessary exercise. The comprehensive details of both the certificationsalong with handbooks is available on the PMI website. So if you planning for an extra project management qualification get your homework done quickly.