CAPM/PMP Project Management Certification

There are a few differences between CAPM and PMP certification.

CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management ) and PMP (Project Management Professional) certification are both offered by the Project Management Institute. Both are valuable for anyone who wants to demonstrate their knowledge of nationally recognized project management concepts. There are quite a few differences between them despite both of them focusing on project management.

Project Management Introduction

The CAPM certification is a basic introduction to the field of project management. It is useful for those who have past experience that involved some project management. If the majority of your past work experience did not involve managing projects, the CAPM certification is a good choice.

Project Managers

Project managers who have spent most of their past work experience managing projects should train for the PMP exam. The requirements of the PMP are aimed at people with more advanced experienced. People who have worked as project coordinators or managers for at least five years are eligible.

Professional Development Units

Professional Development Units (PDUs) are project management-related classes and training sessions that maintain certification status. CAPMs do not need to attend PDUs. PMPs with a secondary education must earn at least 60 PDUs to keep their credential. All PDUs are recorded online through PMI's system.

Exam Differences

CAPMs must take the exam again after five years to stay certified. PMPs only take their exam once. Exams are cheaper for CAPMs than for PMPs because the test is shorter and less intensive.

Educational Requirements

PMP certification requires a minimum of a high school education and at least five years of project management experience. PMPs with bachelor's degrees need only three years of project management experience. CAPMs requires a high school education and at least 1,500 hours of project management experience or a high school education and 23 hours of formal education related to the subject.

References

• Project Management Institute: http://www.pmi.org/PDF/pdc_capmhandbook.pdf
• The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management by Eric Verzuh, 2008

Resources

• Project Management Institute: Project Management Professional (PMP) Credential Handbook