Getting a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) accreditation can provide a major resume boost to anyone who is trying to build a career in project management. This certification is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which makes it even more valuable. This certificate can be a major stepping stone to helping you meet your career goals in the project management industry.
For most people, the CAPM certification is the first step toward getting a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Many schools offer CAPM training programs. If you’re interested in learning about the best CAPM courses, read on.
To become a CAPM certified professional, you will need to meet certain education and work experience criteria. You will have to study diligently for the exam, as the questions are very detailed and have only one correct answer. If you want to succeed in this test the first time around, you may also want to take some courses as you study.
What Is the CAPM?
The CAPM is an entry-level certification for project managers. You can find employment in the field without having this certificate, but those who have it will stand out from other professionals in the field.
There are many other project management certificates available, but this one is the most popular because it is backed by the PMI. The other widely recognized project management certification is the PMP, which requires more experience. The CAPM certificate is an entry-level accreditation suited for all experience levels.
This certification demonstrates that you have all the fundamental skills to work as a project manager, including risk management, communication, and critical thinking. The content for the exam is taken from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide.
What Are the Benefits of the CAPM?
According to a recent report by Interview Success Formula, an average of 118 people apply for every online job posting. The research compiled information from sources such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and The Wall Street Journal.
This data should give you some insight into how important it is for your resume to stand out. A CAPM certificate can help move your resume up the stack. Here are some of the main benefits of getting this accreditation.
- Credibility. Most recruiters perceive CAPM-certified project managers as highly proficient in their field. This is because the professionals must meet certain criteria to be eligible to take the exam.
- Confidence. Project managers who have this certification to prove their skills will feel confident that they are prepared for a leadership position.
- Salary increases. This is important to take into consideration, as a CAPM certificate could drastically increase your salary. According to PayScale research, CAPM-certified project managers reported higher wages than uncertified employees in similar roles. CAPM can increase your salary by up to 25 percent.
- Better job opportunities. A CAPM certification will open you up to better job opportunities. You will be qualified for project management jobs in many sectors.
Earning Your CAPM
Regardless of your professional background or education, you must put a huge amount of effort into test preparation. The CAPM is a 150 question exam, so you will have to be focused if you want to succeed.
Students turn to different resources to prepare for the test, with some preferring to attend project management courses and others reading books and guides. Whichever route you choose, don’t underestimate the test, and spend as many hours as you can preparing.
How Long Does It Take to Become CAPM Certified?
The test itself takes about three hours. However, because you will have to spend a lot of time preparing, we estimate that the whole process could take eight to 10 weeks.
During the test, each question should take about one minute to answer. As the test is a psychometric analysis, you should try not to spend too much time on each question. It’s better to answer most of them, then review the most difficult questions once you have completed the test.
How Much Does the CAPM Cost?
The certification costs $300 for non-PMI members and $225 for members. To become a member, you must pay a fee of $129 per year if you’re a professional, or $32 per year if you’re a student.
PMI members receive benefits such as certification discounts and free study materials. To prepare for the test, you will also have to pay for the PMBOK guide.
CAPM Requirements
Since CAPM is an entry-level certificate, there aren’t many prerequisites to taking the test. The only requirements are that you have either 1,500 hours of work experience in project management or 23 hours of project management education. You also must have at least a high school diploma.
What Is on the CAPM Exam?
This exam includes 150 multiple-choice questions that are randomly generated by a database. Fifteen of the questions do not count as part of your total score, as they are considered dummy questions.
The test is broken down into nine subjects. You must answer questions related to monitoring, initiating, planning, and other topics. According to Crush The PM Exam, the topics listed below should feature heavily in your studies.
- Integration management
- Level of risk management
- Time management
- Cost management
- Quality management
- HR management
- Communication management
- Project scope management
How to Become CAPM Certified: Step-by-Step
There are only six steps you must follow to get a CAPM certification. Before you sign up for the test, make sure you are prepared to answer questions on all possible project management topics. Below are the steps you should take to get your CAPM.
- Check the requirements. Once you are sure you meet the criteria, you’ll be able to proceed with the next steps.
- Take a CAPM training class. This is a crucial step, especially if you have no formal experience in project management. A course or bootcamp can help you meet the prerequisite of 23 hours of PM education.
- Apply for the exam on the PMI website. Make sure you have the required experience or education necessary to qualify.
- Pay the certification fee. Remember that you’ll get a discount if you are a PMI member.
- Choose a day to take the exam. The CAPM is now offered online, so you can take it whenever you feel you’re ready.
- Take your CAPM test. Remember that this is a timed exam, so be sure to manage your time.
The Best CAPM Training Programs
Finding the best CAPM training courses can be tricky. There’s a lot of information on the Internet, but there are few sites that compare all the available project management bootcamps.
It’s important to take into account the price, prerequisites, and duration of a course to find the one that’s best for you. Below are some of the most highly regarded CAPM training programs.
Best CAPM Practice Exams
Besides taking formal CAPM training programs, you can also do some preparation on your own using practice exams. These tests will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses before you sign up for the real deal.
PM Prep Cast
- PMI Registered Education Provider
- Number of questions: 650
- Knowledge area: Unspecified
- Price: $69
This exam simulator contains around 650 possible CAPM questions. The questions are very similar to the ones you’ll see on your actual CAPM exam. You can take this test while you study, and you are allowed to retake it as often as you’d like.
The PM Prep Cast developed this simulation with a team of certified project managers. It is regularly updated to make sure the simulation is as realistic as possible.
PM Training
- PMI Registered Education Provider
- Number of questions: 1,000
- Knowledge area: Canned and Generated
- Price: $68
This interactive PM Training simulation provides you with feedback and reports so you can pinpoint your mistakes. It also includes access to a video library of tutorials and exam tips to ensure you’re 100 percent prepared for the CAPM. You are allowed to take an unlimited number of trials in a 90-day period after you pay the fee for the simulation.
Velociteach
- PMI Registered Education Provider
- Number of questions: 450
- Knowledge area: Unspecified
- Price: $99.45
Velociteach’s CAPM simulation test is separated into three sets that will prepare you for the actual exam. These three sets have 450 questions each. You may also choose to buy shorter versions of the exam, with 150 questions each.
This program counts as nine hours of project management education out of the 23 required to take the exam. Depending on the package you purchase, you’ll have access to the test for either three months, one month, or one week.
Best CAPM Training Programs
Although it is possible to study independently, it’s always a good idea to have some formal training. Several great CAPM training programs are budget-friendly and highly informative. Below are two of the best.
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Sensei Brain
- Money-back guarantee: 7 days
- Access duration: Six months
- Practice questions: 600
- Price: $349.99
This bootcamp will give you a very good chance of passing the exam. It uses storytelling to keep students engaged. It will provide you with the 23 hours of education you need as a prerequisite for the test. The course includes nine modules covering all the key areas of knowledge in project management.
Cyber Vista
- Money-back guarantee: Yes
- Access duration: 180 days
- Practice questions: Not specified
- Price: $369
This is a self-paced course that will prepare you for the most challenging parts of the CAPM exam. It also includes a simulation exam so you can test your knowledge before you take the CAPM. This test focuses on many areas of project management, as listed below.
- Cost management
- Scope management
- Schedule management
- Procurement management
Cyber Vista’s thorough training program also offers reports and analytics to help students keep track of their yield.
Best CAPM Online Courses
Amid the pandemic, online education has become much more convenient. Students can learn from the comfort of their home and still receive the same quality as they would in a classroom. If you’re looking for an online CAPM training course, consider signing up for one of these listed below.
EduMind
- Money-back guarantee: Yes
- Duration: December 5 to 13
- Simulation exam: Yes
- Price: $2,190
EduMind’s CAPM course is one of the most complete online bootcamps. Its goal is to prepare students for success in the CAPM test. It includes interactive lectures and workshop sessions and covers topics like human resources management, risk management, and project scope management.
Grey Campus
- Money-back guarantee: Yes
- Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Simulation exam: Yes
- Price: $200
This Grey Campus training course consists of live classes in which students can interact with the teacher and other students. Unlike other competitors, Grey Campus offers a full year of access to course materials.
Students will also take three full-length simulation exams ahead of the real CAPM test. The only downside is that this program doesn’t offer offline access or a mobile app to allow for smartphone study.
Best Online CAPM Resources and Study Guides
Having the right resources and guides can make your path to CAPM a lot easier. As the exam is updated regularly, it is important to check the latest resources to make sure you are well-versed in any new additions.
Rita Mulcahy CAPM Exam Prep, 4th Edition Paperback
Mulcahy is an authority in the project management field. She has compiled relevant study information as well as 180 practice questions for the CAPM exam. Her CAPM Exam Prep book was updated in 2018.
Joseph Phillips CAPM /PMP All-In-One Exam Guide
Phillips’ CAPM guide is straightforward and budget-friendly. The guide includes all the necessary training materials to master the CAPM exam, as well as a few CDs. This book was also updated in 2018, and the author has a lot of experience in the field.
Why Should I Become CAPM Certified?
Getting a CAPM certification will increase your job opportunities. Many companies only want to hire certified project managers. With the CAPM, you can prove that you have all the necessary skills to start your project management career. Besides, if you’re already working as a project manager, chances are good you’ll receive a raise.
CAPM Job Possibilities
CAPM certified professionals may have different job titles depending on their specific career goals. Some of the most common positions for accredited CAPM professionals include:
- Project manager
- Project coordinator
- Customer service supervisor
- IT project coordinator
- Associate project manager
- Service project manager
CAPM Salary
As we previously mentioned, project managers with a CAPM certification tend to earn 25 percent more than uncertified project managers. According to Infosec, the average salary of a certified project manager is about $101,103 annually.
Whether you’re already working in project management or have yet to enter the field, getting a CAPM will be an excellent career move. It will give you credibility, confidence, and better job opportunities. If you’re going to take the exam, remember to study as much as you can, and review the best resources.
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