CAPM

CAPM

Offered by Project Management Institute (PMI)

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is PMI's entry-level project management credential. Unlike the PMP, it requires no project management...

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CAPM exam at a glance

Format

150 questions (135 scored + 15 unscored pretest); multiple choice, multiple response, matching, and hotspot

Duration

180 minutes (3 hours), with one 10-minute break

Delivery

Pearson VUE test center or online proctored

Exam cost

$225 (PMI member) / $300 (non-member), USD

Validity

3 years; renew with 15 PDUs

Prerequisites

Secondary diploma (high school / GED / global equivalent) + 23 contact hours of PM education completed before the exam

About the CAPM certification

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is PMI's entry-level project management credential. Unlike the PMP, it requires no project management work experience — just a secondary diploma and 23 hours of project management education — which makes it the fastest legitimate route onto a project team for students and career changers.

The current exam covers predictive, agile, and business-analysis frameworks, giving you a foundation you can later build on toward the PMP.

Who it’s for: Students, recent graduates, and career changers who want a recognized project management credential without the PMP's experience requirement.

Official exam page· Details verified 2026-08

What the CAPM exam covers
  • Project Management Fundamentals & Core Concepts
    36%
  • Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies
    17%
  • Agile Frameworks / Methodologies
    20%
  • Business Analysis Frameworks
    27%
How to study for the CAPM
  1. 1Complete the required 23 contact hours of project management education.
  2. 2Review the current CAPM Exam Content Outline and the four domains.
  3. 3Study both predictive and agile approaches — together they're over half the exam.
  4. 4Practice with a question bank until you're consistently scoring above 75%.
  5. 5Sit a timed full-length mock exam before test day.
CAPM — frequently asked questions

Is the CAPM worth it if I have no experience?

Yes — it's designed exactly for that situation. It signals commitment to project management and is often enough to land coordinator or associate roles.

What's the difference between CAPM and PMP?

CAPM has no experience requirement and is entry-level; PMP requires years of project leadership experience and is a senior credential.