PMI CAPM Certification Training

It often takes years of experience and proper education to earn a certification in the field of IT. So how can entry-level IT professionals take advantage of certification benefits without waiting years to qualify? The Project Management Institute (PMI), best known for its rigorous Project Management Professional (PMP) cert, offers an entry-level version called the Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) that allows new professionals to demonstrate a fundamental competency for project management practices. With a CAPM, novice IT professionals can launch their careers in project management from a solid foundation of knowledge.

Overview of the CAPM certification

The CAPM demonstrates a fundamental understanding of PMI's A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), a global standard in project management principles recognized by many industries. The certification allows less experienced IT professionals to gain the recognition needed to earn progressive responsibility without having to wait years to qualify for the more advanced PMI certifications.

Qualifying to take the exam

Compared to the more advanced PMI certifications, an applicant can qualify to take this exam with far less experience. PMI requires applicants have a high school diploma and either 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of project management education. Once applicants meet these requirements, they can submit an online application and credential fees on the PMI website.

Preparing for the exam

The CAPM test consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within the allotted three-hour time limit. Unlike more advanced certifications, the CAPM tests knowledge that comes straight from the PMBOK, and relies less upon actual project management experience. A certain percentage of questions come from each chapter of the PMBOK. Upon successful completion of the exam, the CAPM designation is awarded and lasts for a period of five years. At the end of the five-year period, CAPMs can decide to retake the exam or continue on to a more advanced credential, such as the PMP.

Career benefits of the CAPM certification

Because the CAPM requires less experience than most certifications, it can be a valuable tool for entry-level IT professionals or those seeking a career change. The credential demonstrates a fundamental understanding of project management principles, and CAPM credential holders will experience increased trust and progressive responsibility at work as compared to their non-credentialed peers. From a monetary perspective, the CAPM provides IT professionals with greater earning power. According to Payscale.com, IT project managers with the CAPM certification earn a median salary of $60,011. Overall, the CAPM can be a solid first step in the right direction toward attaining that first job in IT management.