Hi everyone. I just wanted to share my experience of passing the CAPM online from home as I haven’t seen a lot written on it. I took it online and only paid for 1 study resource. My background – I am a current student and I have taken modules in project management in my undergrad and postgrad. While these were good modules, I wanted something further in my pursuit of a career as a project manager. I had some basic knowledge of the theories, but not enough to pass the exam. Study material – to study for the CAPM I used the udemy CAPM course offered by Joseph Phillips. This is the only material you need with the PMBOK. I completed the course (in about 6 weeks) a month before completing the exam and took the quizzes about 3 times scoring in the 20s in all. To reinforce what I already knew, I read over the PMBOK making some small notes. I took notes and make flashcards for all knowledge areas. I did not learn the ITTOS but learned the most common ones and patterns. There are a few videos on YouTube that can help. Also, checkout Ricardo Vargas’ video on the processes. I watched this twice. I had a look at a few CAPM prep books in my university library, but didn’t use them. Know a little about agile and some of the core principles. Taking the exam – I took the exam from home using the Pearson OnVue system. I started my check-in process about 25 minutes before my scheduled time, but because of some problems with the system I ended up starting a little late. The check-in process is quite simple. You cannot have any paper for making notes or a calculator, but one is provided within the software. I also recommend taking the tutorial before taking the exam. You cannot use a touch screen device (such as a Microsoft surface). You can have a drink with you. You don’t get your result immediately, but a screen comes up telling you that you passed. I then got an email with a link to my score. There is a short optional quiz at the end. Most of the questions are general in nature and you must know how to apply the material in the PMBOK to situations. I only got 3 ‘maths’ questions. If you come across some ‘hard’ or unclear questions, remember they may the unmarked questions. Of 150 questions, 135 are marked. Looking back at this, I was very nervous sitting the exam, especially since I took a few online mock exams and scored very poorly. That is why I don’t recommend any of the free ones, anyway. The mock questions didn’t really represent my ‘real’ experience. It is not an easy exam, but it is also not something that should be feared. As everyone knows, under PMI code of ethics I cannot speak specifically about my exam, but I hope this is general enough to get an idea. I hope this helps someone, and if anyone has any questions, please feel free to reach out. Regards, Cian. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Cian, thanks for sharing your experience with the community and congrats on passing the exam.
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1 reply by Cian Camplisson
Feb 27, 2022 5:02 PM
Cian Camplisson
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Thanks Rami. It’s a great community here.
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Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Congratulations, Cian. This is the end of the beginning of your project management journey.
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1 reply by Cian Camplisson
Feb 27, 2022 5:03 PM
Cian Camplisson
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Thank you Stéphanie. Hopefully the first stepping stone in my career.
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Marcellia KempAssociate Project Manager| OCMI INCGaithersburg, MD, United States
Congratulations on passing the exam. I just want to warn that taking PMI seriously and to uphold the PMI Conduct, you should not discuss the exam details such as type of questions and the layout. As someone who has taken various certification courses, you do nothing but help the negative community who thrives on cheating as they did with Microsoft Certifications. While it is always good to share, be careful not to go in detail about the exam itself. You should have also had to read through and say you would comply before taking the exam.
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1 reply by Cian Camplisson
Feb 27, 2022 1:49 PM
Cian Camplisson
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Thanks Marcellia. I have read the PMI code of ethics before submitting my application and had to abide by this code before sitting my exam.
I personally take ethics and academic integrity very seriously and I have tried to keep my advice vague. The main thing I wanted to get across in this post was to inform on ‘other’ parts of the exam such as not being able to take the exam on a touch screen laptop.
This integrity plays a direct part in keeping this certificate (and others) at a world wide recognised standard. I have no intention of ever braking the PMI code and to uphold the highest standards of the discipline.
Congratulations on passing the exam. I just want to warn that taking PMI seriously and to uphold the PMI Conduct, you should not discuss the exam details such as type of questions and the layout. As someone who has taken various certification courses, you do nothing but help the negative community who thrives on cheating as they did with Microsoft Certifications. While it is always good to share, be careful not to go in detail about the exam itself. You should have also had to read through and say you would comply before taking the exam.
Thanks Marcellia. I have read the PMI code of ethics before submitting my application and had to abide by this code before sitting my exam.
I personally take ethics and academic integrity very seriously and I have tried to keep my advice vague. The main thing I wanted to get across in this post was to inform on ‘other’ parts of the exam such as not being able to take the exam on a touch screen laptop.
This integrity plays a direct part in keeping this certificate (and others) at a world wide recognised standard. I have no intention of ever braking the PMI code and to uphold the highest standards of the discipline. Saving Changes...
Thank you for sharing an overview of what you studied in order to take and pass your CAPM exam. I appreciate your sharing your experience. Congratulations on passing your exam! Best of luck to you in your Project Management career, Cian! Saving Changes...
I found your post when I searched google for instructions on use of a calculator during an online CAPM exam. I couldn't find anything on FAQs and there was nothing in the Pearson Vue comfort aid list.
This post is very helpful to me, speaking as someone who will be taking an online exam for the first time.
Very glad that you gave an idea of when to expect the results of the exam.
Thank you for sharing about your background and study process as well for context.
congratulations on passing your exam on the first try. Saving Changes...
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