Acquire project management skills with a Certified Associate in Project Management or CAPM. It is usually the stepping stone to a bright project management career as it helps you learn the right PM skills. With an average yearly salary of $101,103, the PMI CAPM is one of the highest earning qualifications. Offered by PMI, it testifies to your thorough knowledge of the principles and methods defined by the PMBOK Guide. Regardless of your career stage, the CAPM certification adds massive value to your resume and distinguishes you in the job market by enhancing your credibility and efficacy in working on business projects. So, the CAPM certification cost and time involved are worth it.
What Is a CAPM Credential?
Certified Associate in Project Management is a foundational certification by PMI for professionals inclined to broaden their views and comprehend the responsibilities of a project manager. The CAPM exam comprises 150 multiple-choice questions. You will have three hours to answer them. Clearing the CAPM exam entails expertise in management procedures, concepts, and terminology.
What Constitutes the CAPM Certification Cost?
Review the cost breakdown of obtaining a CAPM certification and recertification:
Examination Fee
PMI has clearly announced the mandatory CAPM certification cost that you must pay online to PMI.
- You pay $225 –the CAPM exam fee if you are a PMI member.
- Non-PMI members pay $300.
If you wish to become a PMI member and enjoy the perks of membership in other certifications, too, you will have to pay the annual membership fee of $129.
Re-Examination Fee
Each candidate gets three attempts per year to pass the CAPM exam. You will have to deposit $150 and $200 for the second and third attempts, respectively.
Recertification Fee
A CAPM certification comes with five-year validity. You can renew your certification before or after it expires. The cost of recertification (before the expiry date) is as follows:
- For PMI members: $150
- For non-members: $200
Renewal Fee
If you fail to renew your CAPM certification within five years of validity, you will have to initiate a fresh certification process. The CAPM Certification cost will be as follows:
- For PMI members: $225
- For non-members: $225
PMBOK®Guide - Seventh Edition
PMI members can access the PMBOK Guide - seventh edition for free. The free version is not printable. Both members and non-members can get their printed copy from the PMI website or Amazon for $74.49 (the rates may vary between $49 - $99).
Reference Books
Several recommended CAPM reference books are available online. It will cost you about $50 to purchase a good exam preparation book.
CAPM Simulation Test Cost
You may be required to take 23 hours of formal training before appearing for the exam. It can cost up to $4000 - $5000. Also, if you wish to appear for some mock tests, it will cost up to $50 - $100.
The overall CAPM certification cost will vary from person to person. It will also be influenced by the country you stay in, the training you undergo, and the CAPM reference books you purchase. However, the mandatory CAPM exam fee is just $225 and $300 for PMI members and non-members, respectively.
Eligibility Criteria of the CAPM Exam
The CAPM exam eligibility criteria involve the following two situations:
For those with professional experience:
- You should have a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent).
- 1,500 hours of professional project experience, preferably on a project team.
For those lacking professional experience:
- You should have a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent).
- Formal project management training amounting to 23 contact hours.
Benefits of CAPM
The skyrocketing demand for project managers is a perfect opportunity for candidates to pitch for leadership positions in nearly all industries like engineering, IT, construction, and manufacturing. The CAPM credential gives you a competitive advantage besides bearing testimony to your capability to take on critical responsibilities. Some of the key benefits of CAPM are as follows:
- Career incentives: The CAPM certification will advance you to new roles and increased responsibilities in an organization.
- Better job opportunities: It is a globally recognized certification. Thus, it brings you the benefit of working at companies worldwide. Top companies like IBM, Accenture, and Amazon value candidates with a CAPM certification.
- Lucrative salary packages: Better brands come with better salary packages and so do leadership positions. Candidates with CAPM certification have observed a 25% salary hike. The top-paying IT companies grant salaries above $100,000.
Are you a professional seeking a Certified Associate Project Management Certification? Check out the CAPM® Course preview now!
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