Who Is CAPM For?
✓ This certification is a good fit if you…
- Want to break into project management but lack the 3+ years of experience PMP requires
- Are a recent graduate looking to stand out in PM job applications
- Work on project teams and want to demonstrate PM knowledge to move into a PM role
- Need a PMI credential for a job or contract that specifies PMI certification
- Want to learn standardized PM terminology and processes
- Are building toward PMP and want a stepping stone
✗ You might consider alternatives if you…
- Already have 3+ years of PM experience—go straight for PMP instead
- Work in pure agile/scrum environments—PSM or CSM may be more relevant
- Want the cheapest option—Google Project Management Certificate is less expensive
- Need a quick win—CAPM requires 23 hours of training plus study time
- Aren't sure PM is your path—try free resources first before investing
Prerequisites (In Plain English)
You need BOTH of these:
- High school diploma (or secondary degree, or global equivalent)
- 23 hours of project management education completed before taking the exam
No experience required. This is the key difference from PMP—CAPM has no work experience requirement, making it accessible to students and career changers.
About the 23 hours: Most CAPM prep courses satisfy this requirement. You'll need to track and document your training hours. Keep certificates—PMI may audit your application. Online courses, college courses, and employer-provided training all count.
PMI audits: A small percentage of applications are randomly audited. You'll need to provide documentation of your education hours. Don't stress about this—just keep your course completion certificates.
What You'll Learn
The CAPM exam is based on the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge) and covers:
- Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts (36%):
- Project life cycles and phases
- Project management processes and knowledge areas
- Role of the project manager
- Project environment and organizational influences
- Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies (17%):
- Traditional/waterfall project management
- Planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, closing
- Scope, schedule, cost, quality management
- Agile Frameworks/Methodologies (20%):
- Agile principles and mindset
- Scrum, Kanban, and other agile approaches
- Iterations, backlogs, retrospectives
- Business Analysis Frameworks (27%):
- Needs assessment and requirements
- Stakeholder analysis
- Business case development
- Benefits realization
Note: The CAPM exam was updated in 2023. It now includes more agile content and business analysis than previous versions. Make sure your study materials are current.
Exam Format & Scoring
Question format: 150 questions, all multiple choice. No performance-based questions or simulations.
Time limit: 3 hours (180 minutes).
Passing score: PMI doesn't publish a specific passing score. Like PMP, results are reported as pass/fail with performance feedback by domain.
Testing options: Pearson VUE testing centers or online proctored from home.
Results: Pass/fail shown immediately on screen.
Cost breakdown:
- PMI Membership: $139/year (optional but recommended)
- Exam fee for members: $225
- Exam fee for non-members: $300
- Net cost: $364 as member first year, $300 as non-member—membership may be worth it for PMBOK access
Recommended Study Plan
Standard Track
8–12 weeksFor those new to project management concepts:
- Weeks 1–2: Complete a CAPM prep course that satisfies the 23-hour requirement. Take notes on unfamiliar terminology.
- Weeks 3–4: Read through the PMBOK Guide (free digital access with PMI membership). Focus on understanding processes and knowledge areas.
- Weeks 5–6: Study the Agile Practice Guide. Review business analysis fundamentals.
- Weeks 7–9: Practice questions—aim for 500+ total. Focus on understanding why answers are correct.
- Weeks 10–12: Full practice exams. Score 75%+ consistently. Review weak areas and schedule exam.
Accelerated Track
4–6 weeksFor those with some PM exposure (working on projects, agile teams, etc.):
- Week 1: Complete 23-hour course (can compress with focused daily study). Take diagnostic practice test.
- Weeks 2–3: Focus on weak areas. Review PMBOK processes you're less familiar with. Study agile and business analysis sections.
- Weeks 4–5: Heavy practice questions—300+ minimum. Review every wrong answer.
- Week 6: Full practice exams. Book real exam when scoring 80%+.
Prep Resources
Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Joseph Phillips' CAPM Prep Course (Udemy)
Comprehensive course that satisfies the 23-hour requirement. Well-organized, includes practice questions. Phillips is a respected PM instructor.
~$15–20 on sale
View on Udemy (affiliate)PMBOK Guide + Agile Practice Guide
The official PMI references. Free digital access with PMI membership ($139/year). Essential for understanding PM terminology and processes.
Free with PMI membership
Join PMIPMI Study Hall (CAPM)
Official PMI practice questions. Most exam-realistic questions available. Limited free access; full access requires subscription.
Free tier + $59 full access
Try FreePocket Prep CAPM App
Mobile app for practice questions on the go. Good for reinforcement during commute or downtime.
Free tier + premium ~$15
View App (affiliate)Official Information
Verify current eligibility requirements, pricing, and exam content with PMI:
Visit PMI Official Page →External link to pmi.org. We have no affiliate relationship with PMI exam registration.
Alternative Certifications to Consider
PMP (Project Management Professional)
If you have 3+ years of PM experience. PMP is the gold standard and more widely recognized than CAPM.
Google Project Management Certificate
Cheaper entry point with no prerequisites. Good for absolute beginners, though less recognized than CAPM.
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
If you work in agile/scrum environments. More focused than CAPM's broad coverage.
CompTIA Project+
Vendor-neutral PM cert. Doesn't require training hours. Less recognized than CAPM but simpler prerequisites.
Frequently Asked Questions
CAPM vs PMP—which should I get?
If you have 3+ years of project leadership experience, go straight to PMP—it's more recognized and valuable. CAPM is specifically for those who don't yet meet PMP requirements. CAPM shows you understand PM concepts; PMP shows you can apply them with proven experience.
Is CAPM worth it?
For the right situation, yes. If you're trying to break into PM without experience, CAPM differentiates you from candidates with no credentials. However, once you gain experience, most people pursue PMP rather than renewing CAPM. Think of it as a stepping stone, not a destination.
Can I get a PM job with just CAPM?
CAPM can help you land junior PM, PM coordinator, or project assistant roles. It demonstrates foundational knowledge. However, many PM jobs require or prefer PMP. CAPM opens some doors; experience and PMP open more.
How hard is the CAPM exam?
Moderately challenging. It requires understanding PM terminology, processes, and concepts—not just memorization. Most candidates with proper preparation (23-hour course + additional study + practice questions) pass on the first attempt. It's easier than PMP but still requires real effort.
Does CAPM expire?
Yes—CAPM is valid for 3 years. To renew, you must earn 15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) and pay a renewal fee. Alternatively, you can earn PMP (which many CAPM holders do once they gain experience), which supersedes CAPM.
Should I join PMI before applying?
Worth considering. PMI membership costs $139/year and reduces the exam fee from $300 to $225, saving $75. You also get free digital access to PMBOK and other resources. If you plan to pursue PMP later, membership pays off over time.
How do I satisfy the 23-hour requirement?
Most CAPM prep courses on Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, or PMI itself satisfy this requirement. You'll receive a certificate of completion showing hours completed. College PM courses also count. Track your hours and keep documentation.