The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification exam leads to entry-level certification for project managers. The credentialing exam is developed and maintained by the Project Management Institute and is designed for individuals with less experience an opportunity to demonstrate experience with the field of project management.
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CAPM Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for the CAPM certification exam, you must hold a high school diploma, GED, or some equivalent, and you must have completed at least 23 hours of project management education.
CAPM Exam Outline
The CAPM exam contains 150 questions, 15 of which are unscored, and you will be given a 3-hour time limit. The unscored questions, which are scattered throughout the exam, are used by the test administrators to validate questions for future versions of the exam.
There are a few different types of questions on this exam.
- Multiple-Choice: You will be given a question and four possible answer choices. You must select the single correct answer out of the four given options.
- Point-and-Click: You will be given a scenario and a related image. You must answer each question by clicking on a specific part of the image.
- Drag-and-Drop: You will be given a scenario and two columns of boxes. You must click and drag boxes from the left side to the right side in the correct order.
- Animation Video: You will be given a short animated video and related multiple-choice question. You must select the single correct answer out of the four given options.
- Comic Strip: You will be given a comic strip to view and a related multiple-choice question. You must select the single correct answer out of the four given options.
The exam is split into four content domains.
I. Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts (36%)
The questions in this domain cover the following topics:
- The various project life cycles and processes
- Project management planning
- Project roles and responsibilities
- Following and executing planned strategies and frameworks
- Common problem-solving tools and techniques
II. Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies (17%)
The questions in this domain cover the following topics:
- Using a predictive, plan-based approach
- Project management plan schedule
- Documenting project controls of predictive, plan-based projects
III. Agile Frameworks/Methodologies (20%)
The questions in this domain cover the following topics:
- Using an adaptive approach
- Planning project iterations
- Documenting project controls for an adaptive project
- The components of an adaptive plan
- Preparing and executing task management steps
IV. Business Analysis Frameworks (27%)
The questions in this domain cover the following topics:
- Business analysis roles and responsibilities
- Conducting stakeholder communication
- Gathering requirements
- Product roadmaps
- The influence of project methodologies on business analysis processes
- Validating requirements through product delivery
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CAPM vs. PMP
The CAPM exam and PMP exam are both project management certification exams, but there are some notable differences between them. Wondering which exam is right for you?
Take a look at the details of each exam here:
| CAPM | PMP | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 3 hours | 3 hours and 50 minutes |
| Question Count | 150 | 180 |
| Domains | 4 domains | 3 domains |
| Subjects |
|
|
| Prerequisites |
|
OR
|
| Test Dates | Offered year-round, in-person or online | Offered year-round, in-person or online |
| Registration Requirements | Document your educational background and hours of required project management education | Document your educational background, hours of experience leading and directing projects, along with a brief project description |
| Fee |
|
|
| Fee Waiver | No | No |
| Option to Retake | 3 attempts within 12 months ($150–$200 per retake) | 3 attempts within 12 months ($275–$375 per retake) |
| Pass or Fail | Yes | Yes |
| Time | |
|---|---|
| CAPM | PMP |
| 3 hours | 3 hours and 50 minutes |
| Question Count | |
|---|---|
| CAPM | PMP |
| 150 | 180 |
| Domains | |
|---|---|
| CAPM | PMP |
| 4 domains | 3 domains |
| Subjects | |
|---|---|
| CAPM | PMP |
|
|
| Prerequisites | |
|---|---|
| CAPM | PMP |
|
|
| Test Dates | |
|---|---|
| CAPM | PMP |
| Offered year-round, in-person or online | Offered year-round, in-person or online |
| Registration Requirements | |
|---|---|
| CAPM | PMP |
| Document your educational background and hours of required project management education | Document your educational background, hours of experience leading and directing projects, along with a brief project description |
| Fee | |
|---|---|
| CAPM | PMP |
|
|
| Fee Waiver | |
|---|---|
| CAPM | PMP |
| No | No |
| Option to Retake | |
|---|---|
| CAPM | PMP |
| 3 attempts within 12 months ($150–$200 per retake) | 3 attempts within 12 months ($275–$375 per retake) |
| Pass or Fail | |
|---|---|
| CAPM | PMP |
| Yes | Yes |
CAPM Exam Registration
To register for the CAPM certification exam, you must submit an application on the Project Management Institute (PMI) website. This application should include any proof of eligibility and the $300 examination fee. PMI members pay a discounted fee of $225.
One your application is approved and your registration is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with information on scheduling your examination appointment.
Test Day
You should arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center about 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled exam time. Once you arrive, you will be asked to sign in and present your photo ID to the proctor. You will be photographed and asked to sign a roster and other rule forms.
Personal items are not allowed in the testing room, so they should be left at home or placed in a secure locker outside the testing area.
Just before the exam starts, you will be given a brief tutorial on the testing system and will be asked to sign an NDA.
How the CAPM Exam is Scored
The scores for the CAPM certification exam are calculated using a criterion-based scoring system. This means that a panel of subject-matter experts has evaluated the questions and determined a passing score.
PMI does not release their minimum passing score requirements, but it is believed that answering at least 70% of the questions correctly will allow you to pass the exam.
You will receive a preliminary score report before you leave the testing center, and an official confirmation of your scores should be available within 10 business days.
Retaking the CAPM Exam
If you do not pass the exam, you may retake it up to two times within one year. You must pay the $200 re-examination fee for each attempt ($150 for PMI members).
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How to Study for the CAPM Exam
How to Study Effectively
Your success on CAPM test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking CAPM practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free CAPM exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:
- The questions you got wrong
- The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
- The ones you found difficult or slow to work through
This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.
Answer Explanations
Additionally, many CAPM practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.
Comprehend Each Topic
As you go along, keep in mind that the CAPM practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.
Strategy for CAPM Practice
When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:
- Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and CAPM study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
- Time Yourself. Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
- Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
- Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.
FAQs
Q
What is CAPM?
A
CAPM stands for Certified Associate in Project Management.
Q
What is CAPM certification?
A
Taking the CAPM certification exam grants you the CAPM certification. This certification proves your entry-level knowledge and skills as a project practitioner.
Q
How many questions are on the CAPM exam?
A
There are 150 questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the CAPM exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours.
Q
What is the passing score for the CAPM exam?
A
The exact passing score for this exam is unknown, but answering at least 70% of questions correctly is likely enough to pass the exam.
Q
How much does the CAPM exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members.
