CAPM Certification – Tips and Tricks for Exam

The CAPM certification, provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is an internationally acknowledged certification designed for aspiring project managers who are new to the field or have limited experience. This certification validates the foundational understanding and skills of individuals in project management, encompassing essential concepts, approaches, techniques, and industry standards. CAPM certification serves as an introductory professional recognition to empower individuals in implementing effective practices and strategies within their roles. This is highly recommended for

Novice project professionals who are just starting their journey or recent graduates looking to establish themselves in the role of project managers and seek to stand out amidst fierce competition in the job market.
Proficient project managers who are keen on attaining the prestigious Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in the future but do not yet possess the mandated three or more years of practical work experience.
Individuals from various backgrounds who have a genuine interest in gaining a solid understanding of the foundational concepts and terminology within the realm of project management.
Purchase CAPM Practice Exams (600 Questions): UDEMY or TechAgilist Paid Membership

CAPM Certification Process

Eligibility: Have a secondary degree, such as a high school diploma, GED (general educational development), or global equivalent, and have at least 23 contact hours of project management education completed before the exam (PMI’s online Project Management Basics course can help fulfill this requirement)

Application Approval & Eligibility Period: PMI approves the CAPM applications instantly. Sometimes they may take 3-5 days. Once your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to pay the exam fee and schedule the exam. Please note that all applications are subject to an audit.

Training: Enroll in a CAPM certification training program that covers the key knowledge areas and processes of project management. These courses are designed to prepare you for the CAPM exam.

Exam Preparation: The CAPM exam tests your knowledge of project management fundamentals. It’s a multiple-choice, computer-based exam that evaluates your understanding of the PMBOK Guide and other relevant study materials.

Exam Registration: Register for the CAPM exam through the PMI website. Choose a suitable exam date and location that works for you. You will schedule your exam with Pearson VUE at http://www.pearsonvue.com/pmi. Once PMI approves your application, you must take the exam within one year or re-apply. And you can attempt the exam up to (3) times during this eligibility period.

Exam Day: On the day of the exam, arrive early, and ensure you’re well-prepared. The exam consists of 150 questions that need to be answered within a designated time frame.

Passing the Exam: Upon successfully passing the exam, you’ll be awarded the CAPM certification, which is valid for five years. During this period, you can continue learning and growing as a project management professional.

CAPM Certification Cost

Exam Fee: $225 for PMI members and $300 for nonmembers

Re-Examination Fee: $200 for PMI members and $150 for nonmembers

The exam fee is mandatory and must be paid online directly to PMI. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you must pay a re-examination fee to take the test again.

Once a candidate’s application to take the CAPM exam is approved, they have one year and three attempts to pass the test. If a candidate is unable to pass the CAPM certification exam within the one-year eligibility period, they must wait one year from the date of their last attempt to resubmit their application for the CAPM credential.

Renewal Costs: To maintain your CAPM certification status, you must renew your certification every three years. This entails completing 15 professional development units each three years. The renewal fee is $60 for PMI members and $150 for nonmembers.

CAPM Exam Details

The exam is 150 questions with a 3-hour time limit. One hundred thirty-five (135) questions are scored, while fifteen questions are pretest questions. Pretest questions are questions that PMI uses to evaluate and test the validity of future exam questions. The exam questions cover four domains to integrate different project delivery approaches, with a specific proportion of questions in each.

CAPM Domain	% of Exam Questions
Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts	36%
Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies	17%
Agile Frameworks/Methodologies	20%
Business Analysis Frameworks	27%

Tips & Tricks for CAPM Certification

Understand the Exam Structure: Familiarize yourself with the CAPM exam format. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions to be answered within a three-hour timeframe. Knowing the structure will help you manage your time effectively during the exam.
Review the Exam Content Outline: PMI provides an exam content outline that outlines the key domains and tasks covered in the exam. Use this outline to guide your study plan and ensure you cover all the necessary topics.
Utilize Official Study Resources: PMI offers official study resources, including the CAPM Handbook, exam content outline, and the CAPM Exam Outline. These resources provide valuable insights into the exam’s content and requirements.
Enroll in a CAPM Prep Course: Consider enrolling in a CAPM exam preparation course. These courses are designed to cover all the essential topics and provide practice questions to help you assess your knowledge.
Practice with Mock Exams: Practice is key. Use CAPM practice exams and mock tests to get a feel for the actual exam environment. This will help you understand the question style and practice time management.
Create a Study Plan: Develop a study schedule that breaks down your preparation into manageable chunks. Allocate time to each domain and stick to your schedule to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Use Flashcards: Create flashcards to reinforce your understanding of key concepts, definitions, and formulas. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory.
Engage in Active Learning: Instead of passively reading through study materials, engage in active learning techniques like summarizing, teaching concepts to others, or creating mind maps.
Focus on PMI’s Approach: Understand PMI’s project management framework and approach. This includes knowledge areas, processes, and key terminology. Align your thinking with PMI’s perspective.
Practice Time Management: During your practice exams, practice managing your time efficiently. If you encounter a difficult question, move on and return to it later. Don’t get stuck and lose precious time.
Review Incorrect Answers: After taking practice exams, review both correct and incorrect answers. Understand why certain answers were right and others were wrong. This helps solidify your understanding.
Stay Calm on Exam Day: On the day of the exam, ensure you’re well-rested, well-hydrated, and have a proper breakfast. Stay calm, read each question carefully, and answer to the best of your knowledge.
Use Elimination Techniques: If you’re unsure about an answer, use the process of elimination. Eliminate incorrect options to increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
Manage Stress: Exam stress is natural, but try to manage it with relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization. Stay positive and confident in your preparation.
Review Ethical and Professional Responsibility: PMI places significant emphasis on ethical and professional conduct. Understand the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and be prepared to answer related questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CAPM Certification?

The CAPM certification is a globally recognized credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is tailored to individuals who are new to project management or have limited experience but are eager to enter the field. CAPM certification is designed to validate a candidate’s understanding of project management fundamentals, including essential processes, methodologies, frameworks, and best practices.

How much experience do you need for CAPM certification?

CAPM certification does not require any professional experience, making it an attractive credential for recent graduates as well as anyone seeking to begin a career in project management. However, it does require a minimum of 23 contact hours of project management education.

How Difficult Are the CAPM Certification Exams?

Because the CAPM is geared toward entry-level project managers or those who are considering a project management career, the CAPM exam is widely considered to be less rigorous than the PMP exam. The CAPM exam questions are derived from the PMBOK® Guide, PMI’s global standards for project management, as well as other sources, which are listed (with the relevant chapters) in the CAPM exam reference list.

Do I need to renew my CAPM certification certification?
Yes, CAPM certification necessitates revalidation every three years. Individuals holding CAPM certification are obligated to submit a renewal fee ($60 for PMI members, $150 for non-members) and also obtain 15 professional development units (PDUs) within the three-year duration to uphold their certified standing. These PDUs consist of nine PMI Talent Triangle PDUs along with six Giving Back PDUs.

Is a CAPM certification worth the cost? Does CAPM count toward PMP?

Being CAPM certified creates opportunities for entry-level project management roles like project coordinator associate and junior project manager.

Increased earning potential
Increased opportunities for career advancement
Establishing your resume with a credential from an industry-recognized organization

If you’re wondering how to get PMP certification, it’s good to note that CAPM certification can help you qualify for the PMP exam. Earning your CAPM certification means automatically meeting the 35 hours of project management education and training required to sit for the PMP exam.

Do I have to be a PMI member to earn CAPM certification?

Being a PMI member is not a requirement for obtaining CAPM certification. Meeting the eligibility criteria and covering the exam fee are the key steps to acquiring the certification. Nevertheless, holding a PMI membership offers the advantage of a reduced exam fee ($225), whereas nonmembers would pay $300 for the exam. Additionally, PMI members benefit from lower costs when it comes to certification renewal.

How long does it take to process the CAPM application?

You can process the CAPM application online or offline. The online application process takes approximately 24 hours, whereas the in-person office method can take eight to 10 days. Once your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to pay the exam fee and schedule the exam. Please note that all applications are subject to an audit.

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 a 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 Can I Maintain My CAPM Certification?

To maintain your CAPM certification, you need to earn 15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years. PDUs are obtained through various educational and professional activities related to project management. A PDU is a one-hour chunk of time spent learning, teaching, or volunteering.

Conclusion

The CAPM certification offers a promising gateway into the world of project management, providing newcomers and aspiring professionals with the tools they need to succeed. With industry recognition, enhanced career prospects, and a solid foundation of project management knowledge, CAPM certification is an investment in your professional growth that can pay off throughout your entire career journey.