According to pmi.org here are more than 1,000,000 PMP certification holders worldwide. While as per 360pmo.com there are over 39,524 CAPM certification holders worldwide. Since project management, skills refer to the core abilities that are necessary to build a project from start to finish. Through project management skills, you can also build good communication with your workers that can strengthen your workforce. In this post, we are going to talk about two major professional project management certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).

Both the CAPM and the PMP are specialized credentials offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI) that provide improved credibility, more professional development opportunities, and a higher salary. These certifications are emblems that you possess 'those' leadership skills that are market-competitive and internationally acknowledged. ‎ Knowing the statistics, lets explore some contrasting facts surrounding PMP vs CAPM!

What is PMP?

The PMP, also known as project management professional certification, is unbiased proof of a person's project management talents and expertise. Project management includes initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling and closing a project. Professionals in the field can find themselves working in any number of different industries. PMP demonstrates the experience, education, skill and competency required to lead and direct projects. As of 31 July 2020, there are 1,036,367 active PMP certified individuals and 314 chartered chapters across 214 countries and territories worldwide.

What is CAPM?

The CAPM or Certified Associate in Project Management certification is designed to help candidates learn the skills necessary for entry-level project management positions. It can be the first stepping stone to a career in the field. The CAPM can prepare you for entry-level project management jobs such as project coordinator, junior project manager, and associate project manager, the CAPM is intended to demonstrate candidates understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology and processes of effective project management.

PMP vs CAPM

Having  a project management certification is an excellent way to advance your career, establish yourself as a valuable asset, and earn a higher salary. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification are two of the most popular certification options. In this guide, we will contrast CAPM and PMP certifications.

Development

The Project Management Institute developed the CAPM qualification in 2003 as an entry-level certification for project managers. This qualification is attainable regardless of where you are in your career. It is an asset that will distinguish you in the job market and enhance your credibility and effectiveness working on  or with  project teams, according to PMI. The CAPM is an excellent way to distinguish yourself in the early stages of your career.

The PMP qualification was developed in 1984 and has since become the most widely recognized standard for project managers all over the world. As a PMP, you can work in virtually any industry, with any methodology, and in any location, according to PMI. Obtaining the PMP certification can truly help you advance your career. The catch is that you must have a significant amount of experience to be eligible for this certification.

Roles

After you obtain a PMP, you will be qualified for full-time project management roles where you manage projects of all sizes. Positions like program manager, project manager, and project controller are within reach. In these positions, you can expect to take ownership of large, complex projects. You will be expected to lead them to their conclusion on-time and within budget.

On the other hand, CAPM qualified you for positions such as assistant project manager, project coordinator, and junior business analyst and If you already have a considerable technical experience, the CAPM may help propel you to a leadership position. For example, for a developer, a CAPM may be the boost you need to become a team lead.

Certification

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification generally has a lower threshold for testing. The prerequisites are a secondary degree, which includes a high school diploma, an associate's degree or the global equivalent, and at least 1,500 hours of project experience. Alternatively, the work experience is waived if the tester has completed 23 hours of project management education by the date of the exam. If those requirements are met and you are eligible for testing, you can sit for the CAPM® exam for $300 (PMI members can test for a discounted rate of $225).

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is for experienced project managers, evident by its prerequisites. Those interested in testing for the PMP exam need a secondary degree, at least 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

Having a four-year degree can help cut the experience requirement down to 4,500 hours, but that still equates to more than two years in a project management role. Along with the enhanced requirements, the price point is also higher than the CAPM certification – $555 and $405 for PMI members.

Importance- PMP vs CAPM

A CAPM certification shows you have a solid foundation of project management ‎principles that you understand conceptually. A PMP certification proves your ‎skills and ability to apply project management principles to real-world situations ‎reliably. With either certification, you can expect an increased level of peer and ‎industry recognition and respect, along with the possibility of career progression.‎

Benefits of  PMP and CAPM Certification

  • There are career benefits that come with holding a CAPM certification including:
  • Recognition of your achievement from an industry professional body
  • Respect from your project management peers
  • Greater confidence in your abilities, both personally and from your colleagues
  • The possibility of career progression and/or a higher salary at work.
  • The PMP certification also has benefits to you as an individual:
  • Professional recognition from the industry and your peers
  • Salary survey research shows higher salaries for PMP certification holders compared to non-certificated project managers
  • Assurance that you understand and have experience of project management processes
  • Achieving an internationally-recognized certification could help you gain a new role and greater professional responsibility.

Final Thoughts

Simply put, the CAPM is deemed as a mere entrance exam, whereas the PMP is recognized as an expert qualification. As a result, the qualifications required for the CAPM exam are less stringent, and the exam is less difficult and less expensive than the PMP. If you decide to pursue one of the two, choose wisely and find success in your project!