{"id":375,"date":"2019-08-14T14:13:00","date_gmt":"2019-08-14T19:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/?p=375"},"modified":"2025-09-25T09:48:31","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T14:48:31","slug":"pmp-vs-capm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/pmp-vs-capm\/","title":{"rendered":"CAPM vs PMP Certification: Your Comprehensive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Earning a project management certification boosts your skills, value, and salary. Among the popular choices are the <a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/pmp-certification-process\">PMP certification<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pmi.org\/certifications\/types\/certified-associate-capm\">CAPM certification<\/a>. Each certification offers unique benefits, catering to different experience levels and career aspirations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide compares CAPM and PMP certifications. It highlights differences in exam difficulty, requirements, and salary impacts. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the best certification for your career goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>On this page:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#CAPM-vs-PMP-Whats-the-Difference\">CAPM vs PMP: What&#8217;s the Difference?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Benefits-of-the-CAPM-and-PMP-Certifications\">Benefits of the CAPM and PMP Certifications<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#CAPM-vs-PMP-Exam-Requirements\">CAPM vs PMP Exam Requirements<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#CAPM-vs-PMP-Exams-What-to-Expect\">CAPM vs PMP Exams: What to Expect<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Can-you-convert-a-CAPM-to-PMP\">Can you convert a CAPM to PMP?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#CAPM-vs-PMP-Recertification-Renewal\">CAPM vs PMP Recertification\/Renewal<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#CAPM-vs-PMP-Certification-Which-is-Right-for-You\">CAPM vs PMP Certification: Which is Right for You?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#ebf7ff\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"642\" height=\"822\" src=\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2022\/06\/03103340\/ultimate-guide-to-pmp-certification.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6013\" style=\"width:303px;height:387px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2022\/06\/03103340\/ultimate-guide-to-pmp-certification.png 642w, https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2022\/06\/03103340\/ultimate-guide-to-pmp-certification-234x300.png 234w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 642px) 100vw, 642px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div style=\"height:48px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\" id=\"block-eef25254-e22e-41f6-826b-cab064e3d095\"><strong>Ultimate Guide to PMP\u00ae Certification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-14690051-2796-4b03-bcb7-95d54bd01fcd\"><em>Navigate the process of becoming a PMP\u00ae certified professional.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<script>\n\t\t\t\t\t\thbspt.enqueueForm({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tportalId: 3294842,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tformId: \"4b0c7c82-c83b-48c6-9888-85dd587cc5ad\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\ttarget: \"#hbspt-form-1776553453000-1531410977\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tregion: \"na1\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hbspt-form\" id=\"hbspt-form-1776553453000-1531410977\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\">\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"CAPM-vs-PMP-Whats-the-Difference\">What&#8217;s the Difference between CAPM and PMP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What is the difference between the CAPM vs PMP certification? To put it simply, the CAPM is considered more entry-level, while the PMP is professional level. As a result, the CAPM exam prerequisites are less restrictive, and the exam is relatively easier and less expensive than the PMP. However, the PMP certification is generally better known, more prestigious, and <a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/pmp-certification-salary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">more likely to earn you a higher salary<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This high-level overview is helpful when differentiating between CAPM vs PMP in general. Take a closer look at the details to help you decide which certification to pursue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Category<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>CAPM<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>PMP<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Target Audience<\/strong><\/td><td>Entry-level professionals or those exploring project management.<\/td><td>Experienced project managers leading full projects.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Prerequisites<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2022 Secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent)<br>\u2022 23 hours of project management education<\/td><td><strong>Option 1:<\/strong> Secondary degree + 60 months leading projects + 35 hours education (or CAPM)<br><strong>Option 2:<\/strong> Four-year degree + 36 months leading projects + 35 hours education (or CAPM)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Exam Focus<\/strong><\/td><td>Fundamentals of project management (PMBOK\u00ae Guide principles).<\/td><td>Real-world application across domains: People, Process, and Business Environment.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Benefits<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2022 Builds credibility early in your career<br>\u2022 Qualifies for entry-level PM roles<br>\u2022 Meets PMP education prerequisite<\/td><td>\u2022 Industry-recognized gold standard<br>\u2022 Higher earning potential (20% average salary boost)<br>\u2022 Prepares for leadership and complex project roles<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cost<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Exam Fees<\/strong>:<br>$225 (PMI members)<br>$300 (non-members)<br><strong>Optional &amp; Additional Costs<\/strong>:<br>\u2022 PMI Membership: $139-$159\/year<br>\u2022 Training Courses: $500\u2013$3,000+ for online or boot camps<br>\u2022 $10 application fee is typically required in the first year<br><strong>Renewal<\/strong>:<br>\u2022 Every 3 years: $60 (members), $150 (non-members)<br><\/td><td><strong>Exam Fees<\/strong>:<br>$405 (PMI members) <br>$595 (non-members)<br><strong>Optional &amp; Additional Costs<\/strong>:<br>\u2022 PMI Membership: $139-$159\/year<br>\u2022 Training Courses: $500\u2013$3,000+ for online or boot camps<br>\u2022 $10 application fee is typically required in the first year<br><strong>Renewal<\/strong>:<br>\u2022 Every 3 years: $60 (members), $150 (non-members)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Exam Details<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2022 150 multiple-choice questions\u2022 3 hours<\/td><td>\u2022 180 questions (multiple formats)\u2022 3 hours 50 minutes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Benefits-of-the-CAPM-and-PMP-Certifications\">Benefits of the CAPM and PMP Certifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Earning either a CAPM or PMP certification from PMI can give your career a measurable boost. CAPM certification shows you understand the basics of project management principles. A <a href=\"https:\/\/learn.projectmanagementacademy.net\/complete-pmp-certification-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PMP certification proves your skills<\/a> and ability to apply project management principles to real-world situations reliably. While they differ in scope and target audience, both credentials carry shared advantages that make you more competitive in the job market:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Benefits of Both Certifications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased credibility with employers, peers, and clients<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stronger industry recognition and professional reputation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater demand for your skills in the job market<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher earning potential and salary growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expanded career development and promotion opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eligibility to meet hiring or role requirements for project-related positions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CAPM-Specific Benefits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Demonstrates understanding of fundamental project management concepts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ideal entry point for those new to the field<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meets the education requirement for the PMP exam, making it a stepping stone to the next level<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PMP-Specific Benefits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recognized globally as the top project management certification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Validates your ability to lead and deliver complex projects successfully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Positions you for leadership roles with higher responsibility, autonomy, and pay<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are just starting your project management career, a CAPM certification can help. Alternatively, you may already have some project management experience and want to be qualified for full-time roles where you take ownership of projects of any size and complexity. In this case, a PMP will help you obtain positions with a higher salary and levels of autonomy and responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/educate360.zoom.us\/rec\/share\/pkN--MTtkMPkmcp-2w5qHt3KtjqNFC-WqlAGIJHCb3rGixURMFg7r_Bgr2OisGdO.NFReSTF4sU3Tjjhx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" src=\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/03\/29141739\/PMI-Certification-Overview-Webinar-1.png\" alt=\"PMI Certification Overview Webinar\" class=\"wp-image-6993\" srcset=\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/03\/29141739\/PMI-Certification-Overview-Webinar-1.png 728w, https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/03\/29141739\/PMI-Certification-Overview-Webinar-1-300x37.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"CAPM-vs-PMP-Exam-Requirements\">CAPM vs PMP Certification Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What prerequisites do you need to take the CAPM vs PMP exam? The CAPM certification has fewer requirements, designed for entry-level professionals. Applicants must meet these requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate&#8217;s degree, or the global equivalent)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>23 hours of project management education completed by the time you sit for the exam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To fulfill the 23-hour education requirement, you may want to consider taking an exam preparation course. For example, our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/capm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification<\/a>&nbsp;course both prepares you for the exam and meets the education requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meeting <a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/pmp-certification-exam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PMP exam<\/a> requirements, in contrast, takes more time and effort. PMI offers two paths to be eligible to sit for the PMP exam:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>PMP Exam Requirements \u2013 Option 1<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate&#8217;s degree, or global equivalent)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>60 months leading projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>35 hours of project management education OR CAPM Certification <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PMP Exam Requirements \u2013 Option 2<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Four-year degree<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>36 months of experience leading projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>35 hours of project management education OR CAPM Certification <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>PMI will waive the 35-hour education requirement for the PMP exam if you are an active CAPM credential holder. This adds to the benefits that come with earning your CAPM certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"CAPM-vs-PMP-Exams-What-to-Expect\">CAPM vs PMP Exams: What to Expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The CAPM and PMP exams, both designed by PMI and administered by Pearson VUE, share similarities. Neither allows reference materials, and both cover similar topics. However, each exam has unique features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Differences between Exams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>CAPM vs PMP Exam<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>CAPM Exam<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>PMP Exam<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\n<p><strong>Exam Fee<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">$225 for members<br>$300 for non-members<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">$405 for members<span style=\"font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; color: initial;\"> <\/span><br>$595 for non-members<span style=\"font-size: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; color: initial;\"><\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\n<p><strong>Exam Components<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><p>150 multiple-choice questions<\/p><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">180 questions, including multiple-choice, multiple response, matching, hotspot, and limited fill-in-the-blank.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\n<p><strong>Exam Time Limit<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"> 3 Hours <\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"> 3 Hours and 50 Mins <\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\n<p><strong>Exam Content<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Covers chapters 1-13 of the PMBOK\u00ae Guide, 7th Edition.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"> Covers 3 domains: People, Process, and Business Environment. Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pmi.org\/-\/media\/pmi\/documents\/public\/pdf\/certifications\/pmp-examination-content-outline.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PMP Exam Content Outline<\/a> from PMI to prepare. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/is-it-hard-to-get-the-pmp-certification\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PMP exam is more difficult<\/a> than the CAPM exam, but both are rigorous. We can help you prepare confidently for either test. <\/span>Let us help you prepare for either test so that you can feel confident and ready when exam day arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Difficulty Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While both exams require adequate preparation, the CAPM exam is considered less rigorous than the PMP exam. This is because the CAPM is designed more for entry-level project managers or those interested in a career in project management. The PMP exam is more challenging but comes with industry-wide benefits such as a <a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/pmp-certification-salary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">20% higher salary on average<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exam Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Preparing for the CAPM and PMP certification exams shouldn&#8217;t trigger anxiety. Here are three ways you can get ready to succeed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Create a study schedule.<\/strong> It&#8217;s best to plan to study regularly in the weeks or months before exam day. Make sure to account for work, school, spending time with friends or family, and taking care of yourself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Find a support network.<\/strong> Share your goal with others so they can help you stay on track. If you&#8217;re working full-time, see if your manager or boss will allow you to study during work hours. Your success is good for your employer, too!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Learn more about the exam.<\/strong> PMI provides excellent resources to help you prepare for these certification exams. Review the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pmi.org\/certifications\/certified-associate-capm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CAPM<\/a> vs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pmi.org\/certifications\/project-management-pmp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PMP<\/a> exam content and components so that you know exactly what to expect.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Can-you-convert-a-CAPM-to-PMP\">Can you convert a CAPM Certification to PMP?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can\u2019t directly convert a CAPM certification into a PMP certification. However, earning a CAPM is still valuable, it builds your foundation, counts toward the PMP\u2019s 35-hour education requirement, and positions you to pursue the PMP once you gain enough project management experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"CAPM-vs-PMP-Recertification-Renewal\">Certification Recertification\/Renewal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Previously, CAPM certification holders needed to retake the exam every five years to maintain their certification status within PMI. However, PMI recently changed these requirements. Now, both CAPM and PMP professionals can retain their certifications by earning a set minimum of professional development units (PDUs) every three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PDUs are one-hour blocks of time that you spend learning, teaching others, or volunteering. You can maintain your certification status by accumulating and tracking PDUs across your 3-year certification cycle. CAPM certification holders must earn 15 PDUs to keep their certification active, while PMP certification holders must earn 60. On top of PDUs, PMI members must pay a $60 renewal fee, while non-members pay $150.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Studying for the PMP Exam?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/free-pmp-questions\" style=\"border-radius:2px;background-color:#366194\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PMP Practice Questions<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"CAPM-vs-PMP-Certification-Which-is-Right-for-You\">Which is Right for You? CAPM or PMP Certification:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be a challenge to determine whether a CAPM vs PMP certification is right for your future as a project manager. To put it simply, if you meet the PMP certification requirements, it is undoubtedly the right choice. Even if you meet some but not all of the requirements, it&#8217;s probably still <a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/is-earning-the-pmp-worth-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">worthwhile to work towards qualifying<\/a> for the PMP exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some considerations to help you decide between the CAPM vs PMP exam. Based on how you answer some of these questions, you can determine if you want to pursue a CAPM vs PMP certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Career Path for CAPM vs PMP Certification Holders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Which stage of your career are you in? Are you at the beginning of your career looking to break into project management, or do you already have a history of project management experience?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re just starting your path to project management, taking the CAPM exam is likely the right choice so you can show your qualifications and work towards pursuing the PMP certification. For those with more experience and a grasp of project management fundamentals, pursuing the PMP certification is likely the better option for your salary potential and professional development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CAPM certification may also be more appropriate if you hold multiple designations or are in a more technical role at work but want to take on more responsibility as a team lead or get a bump in your salary. Those who are not looking to be full-time project managers can use a CAPM as a supplemental certification for their current role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CAPM vs PMP Exam Cost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>How much are you willing to pay for a certification? While both exam costs can be an investment, the PMP exam is between $180\u2013$295 more expensive than the CAPM, depending on your PMI membership status. Beyond the exam fee, you should also consider training courses, study materials, and PMI membership. When factoring in these additional expenses, <a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/how-much-does-a-pmp-certification-cost\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">total PMP certification costs<\/a> can range from around <strong>$1,500 to over $6,000<\/strong>. With that higher initial cost, however, comes a higher average salary once you earn the PMP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to check with your employer to see if they might be willing to cover some or all of the costs before making your decision. Obtaining a PMP certification reflects well on your organization as a whole, so many employers will cover exam and training fees for their project managers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jobs for CAPM vs PMP Certification Holders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a PMP certification holder, you will be qualified for full-time project management roles with a higher salary where you manage projects of all sizes. You will be more likely to manage larger, more complex projects with higher budgets in positions such as program manager, project manager, and project controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a CAPM certification, you will likely be qualified for positions such as assistant project manager, project coordinator, or project management associate. These roles are more likely to involve coordinating intra- and inter-team schedules, along with facilitating effective communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CAPM vs PMP Salary Comparisons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can expect a salary increase, especially in specialized fields, after you obtain a PMP. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pmi.org\/learning\/careers\/project-management-salary-survey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PMI Earning Power Salary Survey<\/a>, PMP certificate holders earn a 33% higher salary than those without a PMP certification. However, the salary bump you can get with a CAPM certification is still well worth the time and effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of which option you choose, earning either certification will improve your resume and make you a more proficient and knowledgeable project manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Have more questions about earning a project management certification? Download&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/learn.projectmanagementacademy.net\/complete-pmp-certification-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>The Complete PMP Certification Guide<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp;now.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:45px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Upcoming PMP Certification Training &#8211; Live &amp; Online Classes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><table class=\"table table-striped table-bordered table-responsive-sm font-md mt-5 mb-0 d-none d-md-table\"><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Date<\/td><td>Place<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/table>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:45px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Earning a project management certification boosts your skills, value, and salary. Among the popular choices are the PMP certification and the CAPM certification. Each certification offers unique benefits, catering to different experience levels and career aspirations. This guide compares CAPM and PMP certifications. It highlights differences in exam difficulty, requirements, and salary impacts. Understanding these [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1711,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-375","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pmp-certification"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>CAPM vs PMP Certification 2025: Which is Right for You?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you trying to decide on the best certification for project managers? 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