Good day all. I am a Mechanical Process Piping Engineer. I have engineered and designed process systems for several projects and clients and collaborated with cros-functional teams for about 2 years and 6 months. I wish to get certified as a project manager but I'm not sure if I am eligible for a PMP or if a CAPM is what I can acquire for now. Can someone please provide some clarifications. Thank you. Saving Changes...
The CAPM is a perfect stepping stone to grow as a PM. You don't qualify to take the PMP exam yet unfortunately. You need either 3 years managing project type work & a bachelors degree, or 5 years of managing project type work with no degree. The PMP is for PMs to showcase that they have the knowledge base to continue to lead projects. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Boluwatife, you're very close to being eligible for the PMP which 36 months (3 years) of non-overlapping professional project management experience.
Since you have 2 years and 6 months of experience, you're just about 6 months short. If your experience meets the criteria for leading or directing project tasks, you might consider waiting until you meet the full 3 years.
While the CAPM is a good entry-level certification (more knowledge-based), the PMP is more recognized and carries greater weight in the industry due to its experience requirement so, I’d recommend using this time to gain those remaining months of experience and possibly complete the required 35 hours of training and that way, you’ll be ready to apply for the PMP as soon as you're eligible.
Hope this helps!
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1 reply by Boluwatife Adenowo
Aug 22, 2025 3:37 PM
Boluwatife Adenowo
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Thank you for your insight. I do not actually manage projects, i.e, I do not set or create project management artifacts. I basically just perform engineering services for projects. Does that experience count towards acquiring a PMP?
Boluwatife, you're very close to being eligible for the PMP which 36 months (3 years) of non-overlapping professional project management experience.
Since you have 2 years and 6 months of experience, you're just about 6 months short. If your experience meets the criteria for leading or directing project tasks, you might consider waiting until you meet the full 3 years.
While the CAPM is a good entry-level certification (more knowledge-based), the PMP is more recognized and carries greater weight in the industry due to its experience requirement so, I’d recommend using this time to gain those remaining months of experience and possibly complete the required 35 hours of training and that way, you’ll be ready to apply for the PMP as soon as you're eligible.
Hope this helps!
Thank you for your insight. I do not actually manage projects, i.e, I do not set or create project management artifacts. I basically just perform engineering services for projects. Does that experience count towards acquiring a PMP?
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Aug 22, 2025 3:37 PM
Replying to Boluwatife Adenowo
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Thank you for your insight. I do not actually manage projects, i.e, I do not set or create project management artifacts. I basically just perform engineering services for projects. Does that experience count towards acquiring a PMP?
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