Certification comparison
Both PMP and CAPM are project management certifications from PMI. PMP (Project Management Professional) is globally recognised and requires extensive experience. CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) is the entry-level version.
| Factor | PMP | CAPM |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Professional | Entry-level |
| Experience required | 36 months (degree) or 60 months (no degree) | None |
| Education required | 4-year degree or high school diploma | High school diploma + 23 hrs PM education |
| Cost | ~$555 (PMI member) / $705 | ~$225 (PMI member) / $300 |
| Exam questions | 180 questions, 230 min | 150 questions, 3 hrs |
| Validity | 3 years (PDUs required) | 3 years (exam retake required) |
| Salary impact | +25–30% premium (PMI survey) | Moderate entry boost |
Our verdict
If you meet the PMP experience requirement, go straight for PMP — it's worth significantly more. CAPM is the right choice if you're early in your project management career and don't yet qualify for PMP.
Try a sample practice test for each cert. The one that feels more relevant to your work is usually the right call.