Since its introduction in 2003, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) has opened the door to an exciting career in project management for nearly 27,000 people. With the syllabus based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK™), attaining this entry-level certification shows your capability to work as part of a project team, with demonstrable knowledge of project management best practice.
The demand for project management skills in the workplace has never been higher. A 2015 survey estimated 2,348,8330 project-oriented job vacancies in the United States alone between 2010 and 2020, with an expected 12% growth in demand for project management professionals globally. In a job market where a bachelor’s degree is the norm, a CAPM certificate will undoubtedly give you a competitive edge.
You don’t need project management experience to become CAPM-certified, you just need a commitment to your chosen career and the capacity to learn. It takes a certain set of skills to be a great project manager, but the desire to lead and drive success is by far the most important. It only makes sense that employers will hire people who want to be project managers, as opposed to those who see it as a stepping stone to other opportunities.
To be eligible for CAPM certification, candidates must have a secondary diploma (a high school education or the global equivalent), and at least 1,500 hours experience or 23 hours of project management education. In comparison with the Project Management Professional certification (PMP), which requires between 4,500 and 7,500 hours leading and directing projects (based on whether candidates have a secondary diploma or a four-year degree), the requisite 1,500 hours of experience for CAPM can be as part of a project team. This can be applicable to almost any work environment.
As an introductory qualification, it is widely regarded that the CAPM exam is easier to pass than it is for PMP. The exam is 3 hours long and consists of 150 multiple choice questions. As previously mentioned, the CAPM exam is based solely on knowledge of PMBOK™. In comparison, the PMP exam tests what candidates have learned from their project management experience, as well as their understanding of PMBOK™.
Considering both qualifications require studying the same framework, the CAPM certification be an ideal gateway to the PMP qualification. Therefore, if you’ve thought about taking the PMP exam, CAPM gives you experience in studying for a professional certification, and means you have a qualification under your belt in the meantime.
It’s never been easier to attain a CAPM certification. Our e-learning course, provided via the ILX Group, contains interactive learning materials and multimedia resources designed to boost your chances of passing the CAPM exam. Furthermore, its content can be accessed online or offline via the ILX Player App, meaning you can structure your studies in a way that best suits you.
Click here to start your journey to your ideal career today, by purchasing our online course from just $500.