CAPM Certification
What is CAPM Certification?
CAPM certification is given by PMI to the candidates who have qualified this test as per rules and requirements. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a type of entry test for project practitioners. Having this certification means that you satisfy certain guidelines and requirements, which are designed to measure the professional knowledge and experience in this particular field. If you satisfy certain requirements, to get this certification two steps are necessary:
1. Passing a three hour test which evaluates the knowledge of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).
2. Agreement that you will adhere to the PMI’s ethical and professional attitude law.
CAPM Certification is introduced by PMI (Project Management Institute) for those with less experience and knowledge in this field. Being comparatively easier than PMP, CAPM was introduced by PMI in 2003 as additional certification.
CAPM and PMP-Similarity and dissimilarity
CAPM can be considered similar to PMP Exam as it covers the same topics as PMP. Both tests are computer-based and ask multiple-choice questions. The time length for test is also the same. CAPM judges the same knowledge and competence as does the PMP, only it is less difficult and complicated as it does not tend to ask situational questions. People chose CAPM instead of PMP because:
- All people are not capable of answering Situational questions, so they tend to take CAPM exam instead of PMP.
- PMP is comparatively difficult as its educational and experiential requirements are more project experience and qualification than that required by CAPM.
- In CAPM test there are 150 questions whereas in PMP there are 200.
Importance and objectives of CAPM certification
CAPM certification is important for project managers as certification increases their chance of getting valuable jobs. It ensures the project management knowledge and skill of project team and thus helps to improve the quality and success of the projects. CAPM can be a big help for those who are new to project management or for those who are changing their careers. It provides them with fundamental knowledge of project management and also makes them acquainted with the terminology and processing of project management.
The eligibility for the CAPM is based on the following:
- A high school diploma or equivalent. And
- 1500 hours of work with project team .OR
- 23 hours of project management education.
- The final step is to pass the three hour test.
The CAPM certificate has to be renewed every five year by retaking the exam.
There are also many courses offered by different organizations and institutes to help and train the candidates who are willing to pass CAPM or PMP test. Every organization and institute has its own ways and methods but the goal is to help and enable the candidate to get through the test.
In this computerized age in which every field and profession depends on computers, there is a great scope for the people related to technical fields. CAPM is also gaining popularity as certified people are always needed and given priority.