Which one, CAPM or PMP, is right for you?

Posted by EducationEdge on November 23rd, 2020

In this advanced corporate market, where project management requirements and demand are increasingly growing, each applicant works to be more effective than the other. Also, companies and organizations are hiring people with more expertise and skills.

We are all aware of the PMI (Project Management Institute) that provides potential project management candidates with various qualification courses.

Some still get confused, however between which courses to choose that would suit them better. Individuals plunge down the wrong course in the struggle to compete and move one step ahead of the other.

To solve this problem, we will address the two main CAPM & PMP certification courses:

What is a CAPM certification Course?

Project Management Accredited Associate is an entry-level course offered to prospective candidates by PMI. This unique certification is intended for individuals who have no experience in the area of project leadership or management.

What are the requirements for the same?

A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate degree, or global equivalent) is required.

At the time of the test, you must also have 23 hours of Project Management education completed.

What is a PMP course?

Project Management Specialist qualification is an internationally recognized credential that assures employers, colleagues, and the world that you have in-depth project management expertise and experience. PMP respects your project management skills and also the hard work you have done so far.

Preconditions for the course:

• Applicants must have a four-year certificate.
• Three years of experience in project leadership.
• You should have 35 hours of training/education for project leadership.

OR

• Candidates must hold a high school diploma.
• Five years of experience in project leadership.
• You should have completed 35 hours of learning/training in project management.

Which one to choose?

It won't be justified to pick one and deny the other one. The awareness and importance of each course, whether it's the CAPM or the PMP, is important in their respective fields. It depends on the abilities and relationships you have. Each credential is required and the value is preserved.

We may claim that it is more available, more affordable, takes less time and the exam is easy to pass if we talk about the CAPM certification course. Although Project Management Specialist is highly in demand, the opportunity is available worldwide for this course. Considered the most critical credential, too.

If you are an aspirant who wants to succeed in this particular field, then you should go for both, as it is said that your understanding is stronger and more efficient. You have a detailed understanding of the PMBOK guide when you do the CAPM course, which could serve as the excellent first step in finally doing the higher-level certification.

However, if you have been working in the industry for a long time but are thinking of brushing up your skills and upgrading them with more high-tech data, then your go-to destination will be completely PMP. It would be like a bonus for you to get certified in this and get the desired work anywhere you want. 

Therefore the choice is all yours, decide carefully what your aspirations and dreams are and then start your planning accordingly.