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CAPM or PMP? I have been a PM for 2.5 Years

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Sean Adachi Ca, United States
I need some advice, I began working as a PM in July 2020 and early last year during a slow period at work I began studying for the CAPM certification since I was far off from the 3 year experience leading project requirement. After getting half way through a self study course work picked back up and I am only now getting back into the course work.

My question is now that I am 6 months away from meeting the 3 year experience mark, should I focus my studying on the PMP rather than finish the CAPM? I figure it will take at least 6 months of studying to be ready for the PMP so that would put me around that time of being eligible. Is it worth taking the next 3 months and paying for the CAPM certification if I am going to follow up with the PMP when I am eligible?
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Aaron Porter
Community Champion
IT Director| Blade HQ Payson, UT, United States
Unless you have an immediate opportunity that only requires the CAPM, I recommend holding out for the PMP if the only qualification you're missing is 6 months experience. Both are based on the PMBOK although, from what I understand, the CAPM is more knowledge-based, while the PMP is more about applying the concepts from the PMBOK as well as other areas related to project management.

I should clarify - my recommendation is based on which credential will give your resume the greatest boost. If you don't feel ready for the PMP and you're not changing jobs, there's nothing wrong with getting the CAPM, but a lot of PMPs might not understand getting the CAPM when you're so close. If you can be ready for the PMP in 6 months and don't need a credential sooner, the CAPM just seems like an unnecessary expense, but you understand your situation better than the rest of us. Either way, you're doing great! Keep moving forward.
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1 reply by Sean Adachi
Jan 24, 2023 1:05 PM
Sean Adachi
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Thank you Aaron! That is what my instinct was. I am not looking to get the CAPM to move jobs. During slower times, our company encourages us to get career certifications. Thank you again for the response.
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Sean Adachi Ca, United States
Jan 24, 2023 10:34 AM
Replying to Aaron Porter
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Unless you have an immediate opportunity that only requires the CAPM, I recommend holding out for the PMP if the only qualification you're missing is 6 months experience. Both are based on the PMBOK although, from what I understand, the CAPM is more knowledge-based, while the PMP is more about applying the concepts from the PMBOK as well as other areas related to project management.

I should clarify - my recommendation is based on which credential will give your resume the greatest boost. If you don't feel ready for the PMP and you're not changing jobs, there's nothing wrong with getting the CAPM, but a lot of PMPs might not understand getting the CAPM when you're so close. If you can be ready for the PMP in 6 months and don't need a credential sooner, the CAPM just seems like an unnecessary expense, but you understand your situation better than the rest of us. Either way, you're doing great! Keep moving forward.
Thank you Aaron! That is what my instinct was. I am not looking to get the CAPM to move jobs. During slower times, our company encourages us to get career certifications. Thank you again for the response.

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