CAPM vs PMI

Career Development

Lucy O'Neill Project Manager| Wellington, New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand

Hi there! I am about to start my second job in IT Project Management and I have a PRINCE2 qualification; however, I am interested in taking the PMI qualification.

I am familiar with PMBOK, and would like advice as to whether people who have taken CAPM and PMI found much of a step up from one to the other? I would like to take my CAPM exam; however, if it is not much different to the PMI, I will jump straight into the PMI!

Cheers :)

Lucy

Posted: Jan 17, 2008 4:02 PM

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Dave Garrett

PMI Team Member

Senior Advisor to the CEO| PMI Sterling, Va, United States

Hi Lucy,

PMI is the trade association that offers the CAPM and PMP (among other) certifications. They say that:

The CAPM is designed for project team members who:

• Provide subject matter expertise (e.g. marketing, finance, customer care, processing, fulfillment)

• Serve as project team sponsors, facilitators, liaisons or coordinators

Candidates for the PMP credential:

• Perform their duties under general supervision and are responsible for all aspects of the project for the life of the project.

• Lead and direct cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget and resources.

• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience to appropriately apply a methodology to projects that have reasonably well-defined project requirements and deliverables.

Typically, if you have the required project experience (roughly 3 yrs experience leading projects + a bachelors degree, or 5 yrs exp + a high school diploma), you take the PMP exam. If not, the CAPM is for you.

You can find the rest of the PMP requirements here.
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Posted: Jan 17, 2008 4:30 PM

John Callahan Farmingdale, Nj, United States

I was looking to post the same question myself.

I've only recently learned of the PMI and its certifications. While I've led many software development and corporate infrastructure projects over the past 25 years, I'd be hard pressed to document my experience to meet the PMP requirements. Would've been different if I had been seeking certification 10 years ago, but that's water under the bridge.

Presently considering attaining CAPM to demonstrate a core understanding of project management , and will be looking to document my experience going forward to attain PMP certification.

Is that a sensible plan?

Posted: Apr 19, 2008 11:08 AM

Juanita Woods Academic Director, Clinical Assistant Professor| New York University NY, United States

PMI.org is the best source to determine which certification to pursue, but it basically boils down to this: if you are new to project management, the CAPM can be used as an introductory certification, and you can obtain your PMP once you have more experience under your belt. The PMP certification is for seasoned project managers who have demonstrated competence for a number of years as a project manager. Hope this helps!

Posted: Oct 15, 2008 12:40 PM

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CAPM vs PMI

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