What is CAPM?
CAPM stands for the Certified Associate in Project Management. It's an entry-level credential from the Project Management Institute® (PMI). Like PMP®, CAPM is based on A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). This guide establishes global standards for project management. CAPM and PMP both teach the same principles, but CAPM is for those with less project experience.
What are the benefits of a CAPM certification?
For individuals, a CAPM certification proves your ability to work as a valued member of a project team. It proves your understanding of project management fundamentals and a commitment to both project management and skill development. For companies that value PMP, a CAPM certificate makes you a much more valuable candidate.
For organizations, CAPM training is an effective way to support your employees' development. After passing the exam, your project team will understand the project manager's principles and terminology.
What is the eligibility criteria?
There are two ways you can prove your eligibility to PMI® and sit your CAPM exam:
Hold a secondary degree (a high school diploma, associate's degree or the global equivalent) and
Record 1,500 hours of project experience
Or
Record 23 hours of project management education
Do I need to become a PMI member before taking the CAPM exam?
Technically, no, however as a PMI member you will have access to a wealth of information designed to help you prepare for your exam. In addition, members are entitled to exclusive examination discounts. In some cases becoming a PMI member and then purchasing your exam is actually the most affordable method available for example:
The exam as a non-PMI member costs $300 USD. The combined cost of PMI membership, plus the exam at the membership rate, is $354 USD. However, for those eligible for a PMI student membership, the combined membership and exam cost is $287 USD.
Also consider that, while you're almost certain to pass the exam first time with us, if you fail the exam, the re-examination fee is $150 USD for PMI members and $200 USD for non-members.
What are the benefits of becoming a PMI member?
The Project Management Institute is a leader in the project management industry and its certification schemes are well-known and prestigious worldwide.
As a full PMI member, you will have access to:
Knowledge resources: digital editions of standard PMI publications including A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide-Fifth Edition), plus hundreds of downloads, from templates to articles and papers.
Career development: career guidance and job board can help you find employment, plus methods for earning your Professional Development Units (PDUs).
A worldwide community: join local PMI chapters in more than eighty countries at ProjectManagement.com. Connect with others to create, debate and rate content, and earn badges for your participation.
Rewards & discounts: receive discounts of up to 20% across the PMI Store, from books and media to training courses and exams. Be first in line for special PMI events and programs.
How do I apply to PMI for the CAPM examination?
First it is important to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements. Applying for the exam without the requisite eligibility is a waste of both time and resources.
You must complete the CAPM exam application form. It is readily available online, or in a printable format.
The application is divided into three sections, and it requires a lot of information. For this reason, PMI allows you to fill it out in multiple sittings (although you still need to finish the application within 90 days of starting). You will be asked to provide:
A) General information about yourself
B) Project management experience
C) Details of your 23 contact hours
Take your time to provide all the correct information – it will be difficult to alter any details at later stages.
Once you have submitted your application, it should take a maximum of 5-7 working days for PMI to review it.
Providing that nothing in your application requires clarification, you will be sent an email instructing you on how to make payment for the examination. Once payment has been received you may be selected for audit, which means you must submit further evidence and information before final approval will be granted.
Once your application has been approved you will receive an email with your PMI Eligibility ID, and information regarding how to book your exam at a Prometric testing centre.
We strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the CAPM handbook, which provides comprehensive information relating to the CAPM certification.
How can I earn 23 education hours for the CAPM certification?
The CAPM e-learning course will take over 23 hours to complete. You must complete the course in full across all modules, along with the exam simulator.
What is the CAPM exam format?
The CAPM certification exam consists of 150 questions. Out of the 150 questions, 15 are considered pre-test questions, which will not affect your final score in any way. The total allotted time for the examination is three hours.
When will I receive my CAPM certification exam result?
You will receive your CAPM exam results shortly after completing your exam at your designated test desk.
What is a PMI audit and what happens if I fail?
If you will be subject to a PMI audit, it will be after you have completed your application and paid your fee. If you are not selected for an audit, you will be made aware.
When selected for an audit, the PMI will ask for documentation and proof of your experience and contact hours. After sending them by mail, it will take a week at most to review and respond. After successful completion of the audit, you will be able to finish your CAPM exam application.
If PMI is not satisfied with what you have provided, you will be notified. Follow their instructions and you won't have anything to worry about at all.
How can I evade a PMI audit?
It is not really possible to avoid an audit. The PMI selection process for audits is entirely random and determined by their own internal procedures.
As they state: "All applications are subject to an audit, although only a percentage of applications are selected… The selection of an application for audit is random."
You may be able to limit the chances of your being audited. Do this by ensuring all of the information you provide is accurate, up-to-date, and in line with eligibility requirements.
What happens after I buy the course?
You will instantly receive a confirmation email with your order details and your course login details will follow within one business working day.
If we haven't answered your questions, please submit a question. We are happy to help and answer any questions you might have.
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