Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM®: Your 2025 Guide to the Credential

By: Ryan Malaluan, CAPM®; Editor: Geram Lompon; Reviewed by: Alvin Villanueva, PMP®, PMI-ACP®

Are you ready to jumpstart your project management career? According to the Project Management Institute (PMI®), there’s a rising demand for project practitioners across industries, especially those with an entry-level certification like the Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM®. Whether you hold a high school diploma or an associate degree, earning the CAPM® credential in 2025 can give you a competitive edge.

This guide will walk you through the benefits, requirements, and preparation strategies for the CAPM® certification exam, as well as how it paves the way for higher credentials, such as the PMP® certification.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the significance of the CAPM certification in the project management field.
• Learn the benefits of obtaining the CAPM credential in 2025.
• Get introduced to the Project Management Institute (PMI) and its role.
• Explore the eligibility requirements and application process.
• Discover how the CAPM can advance your project management career.

Understanding the Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM

Interested in project management? The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a great starting point. Designed for newcomers and career changers, the CAPM certification validates your understanding of essential project management concepts and practices.

It demonstrates your commitment to the profession and provides a solid foundation for managing projects effectively. Whether you’re just entering the field or planning a transition, earning the CAPM can help you stand out and grow your project management career.

What Is the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)?

The Certified Associate in Project Management is a globally recognized certification in project management, designed for aspiring project managers, career changers, and entry-level professionals. It verifies your fundamental knowledge of project management processes, as outlined in the PMBOK Guide.

Issued by the Project Management Institute, the CAPM credential shows you’re prepared to handle larger projects, contribute to project teams, and apply effective project management techniques.

CAPM vs. PMP: Choosing the Right Path

Both the CAPM and PMP certifications are offered by PMI, but they serve different levels of project management experience.

Feature	CAPM	PMP
Ideal for	Entry-level candidates	Experienced professionals
Experience Needed	None	36–60 months of project experience
Focus	Fundamental knowledge	Advanced expertise
Credential	Certified Associate	Project Management Professional

If you’re starting or have a secondary degree or an associate’s degree in project management, the CAPM is your best first step.

What’s New for CAPM in 2025?

PMI updates the CAPM exam to reflect industry trends, job roles, and feedback from project professionals. In 2025, expect enhancements to exam content, structure, and eligibility.

The exam consists of:

• Questions on predictive, adaptive, and hybrid project environments
• Topics include risk management, costs, communications, and procurement

Keeping up with changes is essential for all candidates aiming to fulfill the CAPM requirements successfully.

CAPM Certification Requirements for 2025

To earn the CAPM certification in 2025, you must meet specific requirements set by the Project Management Institute (PMI). These include holding a secondary degree, such as a high school diploma, and completing 23 hours of project management education.

Understanding these prerequisites simplifies the application process and ensures you’re well-prepared to begin your project management journey with confidence and clarity.

Educational Prerequisites

To qualify for the CAPM certification, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a secondary degree (e.g., high school diploma, associate degree, or global equivalent)
• Complete 23 hours of project management education

These prerequisites ensure you have the fundamental knowledge needed to understand key project management processes and successfully prepare for the CAPM exam, making it ideal for entry-level project managers starting their project management career.

Experience Requirements

Unlike the PMP exam, the CAPM certification does not require any prior project management experience, making it an ideal entry-level certification. It’s well-suited for individuals who want to build foundational knowledge and enter the project management field. This includes:

• Recent graduates looking to start a project management career
• Associate project managers seeking formal certification
• Professionals transitioning careers into project management roles

Application Process and Costs

To apply for the CAPM certification:

• Create an account on the PMI portal.
• Submit proof of your secondary degree and 23 hours of project management education.
• Pay the certification exam fee (varies for PMI members and non-members).
• Visit PMI’s official website for the latest pricing details and updates.

Exam Fees (as of 2025):

PMI members enjoy discounted rates, while non-members pay a slightly higher fee for the CAPM certification exam. Joining PMI not only reduces your exam fee but also provides access to valuable resources, including study materials, webinars, and practice tools.

If you’re planning to take the exam and want to save on costs while enhancing your preparation, becoming a PMI member is an innovative and cost-effective decision.

Preparing for the CAPM Exam

To pass the CAPM exam, it’s essential to understand what to expect and prepare effectively. The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam evaluates your grasp of core project management concepts, including predictive, adaptive, and hybrid approaches.

Familiarity with these methodologies helps demonstrate your readiness to manage various project types. Preparing with the PMBOK Guide and other training resources ensures you build the knowledge needed to succeed on the certification exam.

CAPM Exam Structure and Content in 2025

The CAPM exam has multiple-choice questions that check your project management knowledge. The exam follows the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). This guide is key for project management professionals.

The exam structure includes:

• Tasks related to project management processes and practices
• Questions on project management concepts, including integration management, scope management, time management, cost management, quality management, resource management, communications management, risk management, and procurement management

The PMBOK Guide: Your Essential Study Resource

The PMBOK Guide is a must-read for the CAPM exam. It outlines a complete framework for project management. Understanding the PMBOK Guide is key to grasping the exam’s concepts.

Key areas to focus on in the PMBOK Guide include:

1. Project management processes and knowledge areas
2. Predictive, adaptive, and hybrid project management approaches
3. Best practices in project management

Training Options and CAPM Prep Courses

Studying the PMBOK Guide is just the start. CAPM prep courses and training can help you better. These resources provide practice questions and study plans tailored to your needs.

Some popular CAPM prep courses include:

• Online courses with video lectures and interactive materials
• In-person training sessions and workshops
• Self-study materials, like practice exams and study guides

Benefits and ROI of Earning Your CAPM Credential

The CAPM certification offers valuable benefits for your career. It demonstrates your commitment to project management and proves you have a solid understanding of fundamental concepts, tools, and terminology.

As an entry-level credential, it helps you stand out to employers, opening doors to new opportunities and career advancement. Whether you’re just starting or shifting into project management, the CAPM validates your knowledge and dedication to professional growth.

Career Advancement and the Project Management Talent Gap

Getting your CAPM can boost your career. As more companies recognize the value of effective project management, they require skilled personnel. The Project Management Institute (PMI) reports a significant gap in project management jobs, with millions expected to become available.

With your CAPM, you’re ready to grow in this field. You’ll get more responsibilities and help your company succeed.

CAPM Salary Expectations in 2025

One significant advantage of the CAPM is the potential for higher pay. Payscale reports that CAPM holders in the US earn approximately $74,000. Your salary will depend on your location, experience, and job role.

Here are some salary ranges for CAPM holders in different places:

• United States: $70,000 – $80,000 per year
• Europe: €45,000 – €60,000 per year
• Asia-Pacific: ₹800,000 – ₹1,200,000 per year

Global Recognition and Opportunities

The CAPM is known worldwide, opening doors everywhere. It’s great for jobs in your country or abroad. Many large companies seek candidates with a CAPM or PMP. certification

With CAPM, you can explore many jobs, like:

1. Project coordinator
2. Project management assistant
3. Junior project manager
4. Business analyst

Maintaining Your Certification and Pathway to PMP

To keep your CAPM, you need to get PDUs or contact hours. You can achieve this by attending workshops, webinars, or conferences. You can also earn PDUs by sharing project management content.

Later, you might want to get the PMP certification. Your CAPM is a step towards PMP. The experience and knowledge you gain will significantly aid you in preparing for the PMP exam.

Wrapping Up: Taking the Next Step in Your Project Management Journey

Earning your CAPM certification is a big step in your project management career. It demonstrates your seriousness about the field and can boost your career. You’ve learned that getting the CAPM certification is key to becoming a skilled project manager. It’s also a step towards earning the PMP certification.

By knowing what you need for the CAPM, studying for the exam, and using the benefits of the certification, you can move up in your career. Whether you want to switch to project management or get ahead in your current job, the CAPM can help you reach your goals.

Remember, the CAPM certification is just the start. With hard work and experience, you can aim for the PMP certification and grow your career even more. Start your journey to becoming a certified project management professional today.

References

Project Management Institute. (2024). CAPM exam content outline [PDF]. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/capm20ecofinal.pdf

Project Management Institute. (2024). CAPM sample test questions [PDF]. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/capm-practice-questions_2025.pdf?rev=bb77f6865a184d48b0f0adaf1dba5d76

Project Management Institute. (n.d.). Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). https://www.pmi.org/certifications/certified-associate-capm

Project Management Institute. (2024). Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification handbook [PDF]. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/certified-associate-project-management-handbook.pdf

Project Management Institute. (n.d.). PMI authorized on-demand Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam prep course. https://www.pmi.org/shop/p-/elearning/pmi-authorized-on-demand-certified-associate-in-project-management-%28capm%29-exam-prep-course/el068