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CAPM^® vs PMP^® - Differences and Similarities

CAPM vs PMP

It's impossible to get a PMP certification without at least 35 hours of project management education and thousands of hours leading and directing projects. CAPM, however, is open to anyone who has taken 23 hours of project management education. CAPM is ideal for entry-level project managers and non-project managers working in project teams.

PMP is considered the gold standard in project management certifications. The prerequisites, exam and maintenance are much more demanding than CAPM. That's because PMP recognizes the most talented and dedicated project managers.

CAPM and PMP Requirements

CAPM Prerequisites	PMP Prerequisites
Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree or the global equivalent) 1,500+ hours of project experience	Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree or the global equivalent) 7,500+ hours leading and directing projects 35+ hours of project management education
OR
23+ hours of project management education	Four-year degree 4,500+ hours leading and directing projects 35+ hours of project management education

CAPM and PMP Examinations

CAPM Exam Format	PMP Exam Format
Three hours 150 multiple choice questions Focus on PMBOK^® Guide's basic processes and knowledge areas	Four hours 200 multiple choice questions Focus on real-world scenarios and how to apply the PMBOK^® Guide

Renewing CAPM and PMP

To maintain your CAPM certification, you must pass the exam once every five years. Unlike PMP, you don't need to collect Professional Development Units (PDUs).

For PMP, you have to engage with the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program to maintain your certification. This requires earning and recording at least 60 hours of professional development activities. To find out more about this, read our blog on earning PDUs.