PMP vs CAPM: Which One is better for your career?

As the demand for skilled project managers grows across industries, certifications like CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) and PMP (Project Management Professional) have become essential for career advancement. 

Research indicates that by 2030, the global economy will require 25 million additional project professionals. 

To meet this growing demand, approximately 2.3 million individuals will need to enter project management roles annually. 

Many aspiring project managers wonder which path to take—whether to start with CAPM or aim directly for PMP. 

But why do professionals pursue these certifications? The answer lies in their ability to enhance credibility, open doors to new opportunities, and validate a deep understanding of project management principles. 

In this blog, we'll dive into the importance of both CAPM and PMP certifications, the value they bring to your career, and how they can position you for success in the competitive world of project management.

CAPM vs PMP: What's the Difference?

The CAPM is a globally recognized certification that proves you understand the basics of project management. It's ideal for professionals with under three years of experience or anyone looking to build their skills and confidence in managing projects.

As a PMP, you demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to manage projects successfully. To qualify, applicants must show they’ve spent 3 to 5 years managing and leading projects. 

Earning the PMP highlights your ability to lead projects and use effective tools and techniques in different settings, whether it’s traditional, agile, or a mix of both.

A one-year PMI membership costs $139 and provides useful resources, including a downloadable version of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).

It is also common for employers to offer benefits for professional development that can help cover the cost of education and certifications.

According to a 2022 survey by the Society for Human Resources, 78% of employers support opportunities for skill development.

CAPM vs PMP: Certification Prerequisite

To appear in the CAPM certification exam, one must clear the following prerequisites:

1. Degree from a secondary school, such as a senior school certificate, pre-degree certificate, or pre-university certificate

2. Before taking the exam, you must have completed 23 hours of project management education.

To qualify for the PMP certification, you need:

• 35 hours of project management education. If you already have the CAPM certification, you don’t need this.

• Experience leading projects: 36 months (3 years) if you have a four-year degree, or 60 months (5 years) if you have a high school diploma or an equivalent.

You must pay for and pass a certification exam to earn each certification.

PMP vs CAPM: A Salary Comparision

The salaries of PMP (Project Management Professional) certified individuals are typically higher than those of CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) holders due to several factors. 

• PMP certification demands extensive project management experience, particularly in leadership roles, which showcases a higher level of expertise. 

• Employers recognize this experience as a key indicator that PMP-certified professionals can effectively manage complex projects and lead teams. 

• Additionally, the PMP certification is viewed as a sign of advanced knowledge and dedication to the field, enhancing these professionals' competitiveness in the job market.

According to Glassdoor. The estimated salary for a Project Manager PMP is ₹14,53,994 per year. 

This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and is based on salaries collected from our users.

On the other hand the average salary of CAPM holders is ₹684,000. And according to Invensis learning the average annual salary of PMP holder ranges from  ₹2,000,000 and for CAPM it is ₹647,000-2,000,000.  

CAPM vs PMP: Which One is Difficult?

The CAPM exam is designed for beginners in project management or those thinking about starting a career in this field, making it generally easier than the PMP exam. 

Questions on the CAPM exam come from the PMBOK® Guide, which outlines PMI’s global project management standards, along with other sources listed in the exam reference materials.

In contrast, the PMP certification exam is suitable for individuals at various experience levels, from newcomers to seasoned professionals, and is therefore more challenging. 

While the PMP exam also includes content from the PMBOK® Guide, it has additional questions that assess a candidate's ability to manage real-world project scenarios.

To succeed in the PMP exam, PMI suggests studying the PMBOK® Guide, the PMP Examination Content Outline, and the PMP handbook. Also you can get free questions and answers for PMP to succeed in examination.

They also recommend taking a formal course from a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP), like Agilemania, for thorough preparation.

PMP vs CAPM: Which Certification Is Right For You?

Choosing between the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certifications depends on where you are in your project management career and your professional goals. 

Both certifications are offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and are globally recognized, but they cater to different levels of experience and aspirations.

The PMP certification is designed for experienced professionals who are already managing projects. It focuses on advanced project management principles, techniques, and leadership skills. 

To qualify, you need a combination of education and significant hands-on project management experience. This certification is ideal for individuals aiming for senior project management roles or looking to validate their expertise to lead complex projects. 

With PMP, you demonstrate mastery of project management knowledge areas like cost, risk, and stakeholder management, making it one of the most respected certifications in the industry.

In contrast, the CAPM certification is tailored for those who are new to project management or looking to build foundational knowledge. 

It’s a great starting point if you’re a student, a fresh graduate, or someone working in a project environment without direct leadership responsibilities. 

CAPM focuses on the basics of project management as outlined in the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge). It’s an excellent way to understand key concepts and gain credibility in project roles, even without prior experience.

So, how do you choose?

• Choose PMP if:

1. You have experience leading projects.
2. You’re seeking senior roles in project management.
3. You’re ready for a rigorous exam that tests advanced project management skills.

• Choose CAPM if:

1. You’re just starting your career in project management.
2. You want to gain a strong foundation without needing prior experience.
3. You’re exploring whether project management is the right career for you.

Both certifications are valuable, but their impact differs. CAPM can open doors to entry-level opportunities and build your confidence in project management, while PMP can elevate your career, qualify you for higher salaries, and establish you as a leader in the field.

In the end, your choice should align with your current experience, career goals, and the direction you want to take in project management. Both paths lead to success—what matters is starting the journey that’s right for you.