How to Pass the CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Certification Exam 

Investing in a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification can open doors to lucrative career opportunities in project management. With an estimated job growth of 7.3 million over the next decade and an average starting salary of $42,000, certification holders can build long-lasting, fulfilling careers.

CAPM certification offers professional credibility, expanded career prospects, and valuable networking connections. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about the project management profession, what it takes to get certified, and how to pass the CAPM exam.

What Does a Certified Associate in Project Management Do?

A seasoned project management professional operates across industries from IT to contracting, publishing, and corporate businesses. Their core responsibility lies in meticulously defining the key characteristics and objectives of projects, ensuring clarity and alignment from the get-go.

With masterful time management skills, project managers navigate complex schedules and regulate timelines, monitoring progress while keeping disruptions at bay. They facilitate effective communication and seamlessly bridge the gap between diverse teams and clients, fostering collaboration and ensuring a cohesive flow of information.

With expertise in Project Management Essentials, these professionals exude confidence, professionalism, and a friendly demeanor, ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.

What Is CAPM Certification?

CAPM Certification, also known as the Certified Associate in Project Management certification, is a credential that demonstrates you passed the exam covering the principles and terminology outlined in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). This industry gold-standard certification signifies your understanding and application of best practices in the field of project management.

The issuing authority for the CAPM certification is the Project Management Institute (PMI). Through global advocacy, collaboration, education, and research, PMI works to prepare more than three million professionals around the world for the Project Economy.

Why Earn a CAPM Certification?

Certificate holders have access to a world of possibilities, especially for those seeking entry-level project management roles such as project coordinator associate or junior project manager.

One of the notable advantages of earning your CAPM project management certification is that it automatically fulfills the 35-hour project management education and training requirement to sit for the PMP exam. The CAPM certification also distinguishes you from your peers, showcasing you possess the exceptional project management skills needed to excel in the role. So if you’re planning a career around project management, be sure to apply for CAPM certification.

What Is the CAPM Certification Exam?

The CAPM Certification Exam is a rigorous assessment that evaluates a candidate's understanding of project management principles and their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. Passing the exam allows you to earn your CAPM certification.

CAPM Certification Prerequisites

Candidates must meet a set of prerequisite requirements to be eligible for CAPM certification. The CAPM requirements include:

• A high school diploma, GED equivalent secondary degree, or associate degree

• 23 hours of project management education completed before the exam (MedCert's online Certified Associate in Project Management course fulfills this requirement) OR

These requirements ensure that candidates have the necessary educational background, technical resources, and foundational knowledge or experience to pursue CAPM certification successfully.

How Much Does CAPM Certification Cost?

MedCerts students are not required to pay an exam fee, as it's already included in their tuition. However, for everyone else, the certified associate in project management exam cost is as follows:

• Members of PMI pay $225.00

• Non-PMI-members are required to pay $300.00

Exam Overview

The exam consists of 13 sections with 58 individual learning objectives (LOs). Below you'll find each section along with information about how it's weighted and accompanying learning objectives.

Section #1 - Introduction to Project Management (6%)

• Understand the five project management process groups and the processes within each group

• Recognize the relationships among project, program, portfolio, and operational management

• Define a typical project lifecycle

• Understand the function and importance of tailoring for different projects

Section #2 - Project Environment (6%)

• Identify the factors and assets that may impact the outcome of a project

• Distinguish between organizational systems

• Understand the purpose and activities of a Project Management Office

• Recognize the hierarchy of projects, programs, and portfolios

Section #3 - Role of the Project Manager (7%)

• State the primary functions of a project manager

• Understand a project manager's sphere of influence

• Identify the major elements included in the PMI triangle

• Recognize the difference between leadership and management

Section #4 - Project Integration Management (9%)

• Understand the seven project management processes in the project integration management knowledge area

• Identify the input, tools, techniques, and outputs defined in the seven processes in project integration management

• Understand the purpose of project integration management and the project manager's role within it

• Identify concepts and procedures related to project change management

• Identify tailoring considerations in project integration management and recognize key documents

• Identify methods for project integration and knowledge management

Section #5 - Project Scope Management (9%)

• Understand the six project management processes in the project scope management knowledge area

• Identify the input, tools, techniques, and outputs defined in the six processes in project scope management

• Identify key concepts and tailoring consideration for project scope management, and key roles in scope management

• Identify the purpose and elements of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for both Product and Project scope

• Understand project scope management for agile/adaptive projects, including the use of prototypes

Section #6 - Project Schedule Management (9%)

• Define the six project management processes in the project schedule management knowledge area

• Identify the input, tools, techniques, and outputs defined in the six processes in project schedule management

• Solve simple network diagrams problems and perform basic scheduling calculations

• Identify considerations for agile/adaptive environments in project schedule management

Section #7 - Project Cost Management (8%)

• Understand the four project management processes in the project cost management knowledge area

• Identify the input, tools, techniques, and outputs defined in the four processes in project cost management

• Identify key concepts in project cost management, including tailoring and special considerations for agile/adaptive environments

• Understand and apply basic forecasting and earned value methods for project cost management

Section #8 - Project Quality Management (7%)

• Understand the three project management processes in the project quality management knowledge area

• Identify the input, tools, techniques, and outputs defined in the three quality management processes

• Understand the reasons for and approaches to adapting quality management in different project environments

• Identify quality tools and approaches for continuous improvement

Section #9 - Project Resource Management (8%)

• Define the six project management processes in the project resource management knowledge area

• Identify the input, tools, techniques, and outputs defined in the six processes in project resource management

• Identify key concepts and trends in project resource management, including tailoring and special considerations for agile/adaptive environments

• Identify techniques for developing a team, managing conflict, and resolving resource-related problems

• Understand the components of a resource management plan and data representation techniques for managing project resources

Section #10 - Project Communication Management (10%)

• Understand the three project management processes in the project communication management knowledge area

• Identify the input, tools, techniques, and outputs defined in the three project communication management processes

• Identify key concepts and approaches in project communication management, including tailoring and special considerations for agile/adaptive environments

• Recognize the dimensions of communication and components of a communications management plan

• Identify communications skills and methods for project communication

Section #11 - Project Risk Management (8%)

• Understand the seven project management processes in the project risk management knowledge area

• Identify the input, tools, techniques, and outputs defined in project risk management

• Identify the key documents in project risk management

• Perform simple risk calculations

• Recognize when and how to adjust risk based on the project environment

Section #12 - Project Procurement Management (4%)

• Understand the three processes in the project procurement management knowledge area

• Identify the input, tools, techniques, and outputs defined in the three project procurement processes

• Identify key concepts and tailoring considerations for project procurement management, including trends and emerging practices

• Identify various types of contracts, agreements, and source selection methods

Section #13 - Project Stakeholder Management (9%)

• Understand the four project management processes in the project stakeholder management knowledge area

• Identify the Input, tools, techniques, and outputs defined in the four project stakeholder

• Recognize key stakeholder's roles and needs

• Identify the key concepts and benefits of stakeholder management

Example Certified Associate in Project Management Exam Questions

The CAPM examination consists of 150 carefully crafted multiple-choice questions, each offering four options. Here are some sample questions to give you an idea of what you can expect to see on the exam:

Which of the following describes a work breakdown structure?

a) It is a statistical technique to measure quality

b) Is an environmental factor

c) It is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope into manageable components

d) The resource requirement

Answer: A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a vital tool in project management that involves systematically breaking down project deliverables and work components into smaller, more manageable units. The correct answer is C.

You have been appointed as the Project manager of an upcoming internal project. Who will provide you with the Statement of work (SOW)?

a) Customer

b) Project Sponsor

c) Project Manager provides SOW

d) None of the above

Answer: The SOW is furnished by the Project Sponsor or Project Initiator, who defines the project's purpose and scope within the organization. The SOW is a crucial document that aligns stakeholders, establishes project boundaries, and forms the foundation for project planning and execution. The correct answer is B.

You can find more example CAPM questions here.

Best Jobs For CAPM Certified Professionals

Once you earn your certification, there’s a range of CAPM careers available. Here are a few of the certified associate in project management jobs you can look forward to after passing the exam:

Project/Program Administrative Assistant

As a Project/Program Administrative Assistant, your role provides crucial administrative support, ensuring smooth operations and efficient project execution. From organizing files to maintaining records and managing databases, your attention to detail and organizational skills are invaluable assets. This role offers an excellent entry point into the world of project management.

Program Manager

Program Managers and Associate Project Managers oversee ongoing program activities or related projects within a company or organization. With your CAPM certification, you possess the knowledge and skills to effectively manage resources, coordinate project teams, and successfully deliver program objectives. The estimated CAPM salary for Program Managers ranges from $62,000 to $115,000, making this a lucrative career path.

Project Coordinator

Your role as a Project Coordinator revolves around coordinating project team activities, ensuring seamless collaboration, and supporting the timely completion of projects. The estimated CAPM salary for Project Coordinators ranges from $36,000 to $57,000, offering a rewarding entry point for individuals looking to kickstart their project management careers.

Online CAPM Certification Training Course

The MedCerts formal project management training program equips you with essential skills for success as a full-time project manager. In this comprehensive program, you will gain a deep understanding of the entire project management process, from initiation to closure.

What You'll Get

• Learn to define project prioritization methods

• Identify different project life cycles

• Comprehend the roles and responsibilities within project teams

• Assess project recovery alternatives and develop effective recovery plans

• Learn techniques for monitoring project progress, managing resources, and ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets

• Manage closure activities and transition projects smoothly

• Recognize the significance of customer service in project management

Affordable Tuition For All

At MedCerts, we are committed to ensuring that higher education is accessible to everyone. That's why we offer flexible tuition payments to cover training costs. Whether you prefer to pay in full, break down payments, or utilize government grant funding, we are here to help you expand your educational opportunities.

Total Schedule Flexibility

With our program, you can enjoy the convenience of on-demand schedule flexibility and the freedom to study 100% online. There's no need to worry about traveling to attend classes in person. You can access the course materials and engage in learning whenever it fits your schedule, making it easy to balance your education with other commitments.

Jumpstart Your Project Management Career

Signing up for MedCerts' 6-week online course will equip you with the training and skills to manage projects like a pro. With our supportive staff, flexible course options, comprehensive learning materials, and proven success rate, there's no better choice available.

So take the next step towards the career of your dreams by enrolling in MedCerts' online CAPM certification training course today!