Educational Background and PMI® CAPM® Requirements: What Counts and What Doesn’t
By: Ryan Malaluan, CAPM®; Editor: Geram Lompon; Reviewed by: Alvin Villanueva, PMP®, PMI-ACP®
Are you interested in pursuing a career in
To qualify for the CAPM® certification exam, you’ll need a secondary degree, such as a high school diploma, plus 23 contact hours of
Key Takeaways
- A secondary degree (e.g., high school diploma, associate degree) is required to apply.
- You must complete 23 hours of formal
project management education or training. - No prior
project management experience is required. - The CAPM exam is based on PMI’s A Guide to the
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). - Earning the CAPM can help you stand out in the job market and improve your career opportunities.
What Is the CAPM Certification?
The CAPM certification is a credential designed for entry-level project managers, recent graduates, or professionals transitioning into the field. It demonstrates your understanding of essential
Offered by the
Why CAPM Is Valuable for Entry-Level Project Managers
If you’re exploring entry-level positions in project coordination, scheduling, or support, the CAPM can signal your potential to employers. It helps you establish your place in the profession, even before you’ve gained real-world
It’s also a stepping stone toward the more advanced PMP certification, allowing you to build on your fundamental knowledge while gaining real project exposure. By earning the CAPM, you position yourself ahead of other candidates who may lack formal credentials.
CAPM vs PMP Certification: Know the Difference
While both certifications are issued by PMI, the CAPM and PMP credentials serve different audiences.
| CAPM | PMP |
|---|---|
| No experience required | Requires extensive experience leading and directing projects |
| For entry-level project managers | For established professionals |
| 23 contact hours of education needed | 35 hours of education + 36–60 months of experience |
| Based on the PMBOK Guide | Based on PMBOK + real-world application |
Choose CAPM if you’re starting and want a credential that validates your
Understanding CAPM Requirements
To meet the CAPM certification requirements, you must fulfill two main prerequisites:
- Educational Background – A secondary degree, such as a high school diploma, associate degree, or international global equivalent.
- Project Management Training – Completion of at least 23 contact hours in
project management education.
No previous project experience is necessary, making the CAPM one of the most accessible professional certifications in this field.
Acceptable Educational Backgrounds
To meet the PMI CAPM requirements, candidates must hold a qualifying educational credential. While the minimum requirement is a secondary degree, such as a high school diploma, additional education—like an associate degree or higher—can enhance your understanding of
PMI also recognizes global equivalents, ensuring that aspiring project managers worldwide have access to this entry-level certification.
1. High School Diploma or Secondary Degree
A high school diploma or equivalent secondary degree fulfills PMI’s basic educational requirement for the CAPM certification. This option is ideal for individuals starting their
With this foundation and the required 23 contact hours of
2. Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
While not required, an associate’s degree or a four-year degree can enhance your understanding of
Holding a degree can also make you more competitive to potential employers and help build a strong foundation for future certifications, such as the PMP credential or roles managing larger projects.
3. Global Equivalents Accepted by PMI
PMI welcomes global equivalent credentials, making the CAPM certification accessible to project practitioners worldwide. International qualifications recognized by PMI include:
- Canadian High School Diploma or equivalent
- UK GCE A-Levels or equivalent
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate or equivalent
- Other global equivalents verified by PMI
This inclusive approach ensures candidates from various countries meet the PMI CAPM requirements, broadening access to entry-level certification in
The 23 Contact Hours: What Counts Toward CAPM
To fulfill the CAPM requirements, you must complete 23 verified contact hours of
- PMI-registered education providers
- Online or in-person
project management courses - Accredited academic programs
- Webinars or workshops that align with PMI’s
project management framework
Topics should cover areas such as risk management, budgeting, scheduling, team communication, and core concepts outlined in the PMBOK Guide.
Training Formats That Qualify
To meet the CAPM certification requirements, your
These must cover
Formal Project Management Training
Structured project management training from accredited sources is ideal for entry-level project managers. These programs typically offer:
- Instructor-led courses from PMI REPs or universities
- Curriculum aligned with the PMBOK Guide
- Documentation of contact hours upon completion
Such programs help build essential
Online vs. In-Person Learning
PMI accepts both formats, as long as they provide verifiable
- Online learning: Offers flexibility and self-paced learning
- In-person classes: Provide real-time engagement and instructor feedback
Regardless of format, ensure your program covers fundamental
Self-Directed Study: What Works
Some self-guided programs meet CAPM certification requirements if they:
- Provide structured content aligned with PMI’s framework
- Issue documented contact hours or a certificate
Unstructured methods, such as independent book reading or informal study groups, do not qualify unless validated. Make sure any self-study tool you use contributes to your
What Doesn’t Count Toward CAPM Certification
Understanding what doesn’t count toward CAPM certification helps you avoid wasted effort and ensures your eligibility for certification. The
Ensure your education aligns with
Non-Accepted Educational Backgrounds
Some academic backgrounds don’t fulfill the PMI CAPM requirements, even if earned from accredited institutions. PMI emphasizes education directly tied to
- Degrees unrelated to
project management (e.g., music, cooking): These do not provide foundationalproject management concepts and are not considered relevant. - Certificates from unaccredited or non-recognized institutions: PMI only accepts certifications from reputable, recognized sources. Programs lacking accreditation may result in application denial.
Unqualified Training Programs
Not every course or training program will count toward your 23 contact hours. PMI looks for structure, relevance, and verification.
- General business or leadership courses not aligned with the PMBOK Guide: While valuable, these do not specifically teach
project management processes as defined by PMI. - Courses without defined contact hours: Training must include clearly stated hours of instruction to be considered qualified.
- Self-study without documented outcomes: Informal learning that lacks proof of completion is not accepted for the CAPM certification exam.
Common Misconceptions
Misunderstandings about what qualifies are common, especially for entry-level project managers. Clarifying these myths can save time and effort.
- Being on a project team ≠ , formal education: Experience helps, but without structured learning, it doesn’t count toward the CAPM requirements.
- Job title or practical exposure without structured training doesn’t qualify: You must show proof of completing formal
project management education. - Not all online courses meet CAPM certification requirements; always verify the content and credentials. Select providers that align their materials with the PMBOK Guide and PMI’s standards and expectations.
Documenting Your Training Hours
To meet the CAPM certification requirements, you must adequately document your 23 contact hours of
- Collect certificates of completion from each provider
- Confirm the number of contact hours earned
- Match the course content with PMI’s
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)
Incomplete or unverifiable documentation can result in application rejection. Keep all records organized and readily available for submission during the CAPM exam application process.
CAPM Application and Exam Process
The CAPM certification exam application involves a few structured steps through the
- Create an account at PMI.org
- Complete the application with your educational background and the number of training hours you have completed.
- Submit all supporting documentation for review
- Receive approval and schedule your exam
Following these steps ensures every applicant meets a consistent, globally recognized standard before testing begins.
CAPM Exam Format and Content
The CAPM exam evaluates your understanding of
- Duration: 3 hours
- Questions: 150 multiple-choice
- Source: PMBOK Guide + predictive and hybrid approaches
- Focus: The five process groups, terminology, and key project phases
Reviewing sample CAPM exam questions and simulations strengthens your skills and boosts your confidence before test day.
Exam Fees and PMI Membership Benefits
CAPM exam fees vary by membership status with the
- PMI Members: USD 225
- Non-Members: USD 300
Becoming a PMI member reduces costs and provides access to valuable resources, including the digital PMBOK Guide, exclusive study materials, and professional communities. These benefits support both exam preparation and long-term career growth in
Renewing Your Credential: The Three-Year Cycle
To maintain your CAPM certification, you must renew it every three years by earning 15 Professional Development Units (PDUs). Qualifying activities include:
- Webinars, workshops, and courses
- Volunteering in project-related roles
- Attending PMI events or contributing to the field
Renewing your credential shows ongoing commitment to
Wrapping Up: How CAPM Helps You Stand Out
By meeting the PMI CAPM requirements and earning the credential, you gain a widely recognized advantage in the global job market. Whether your career goals include growing as a project coordinator, moving into larger projects, or transitioning to the PMP exam, the CAPM is your first step.
With its low barrier to entry, flexible education options, and global recognition, the CAPM certification is one of the smartest moves you can make to complete your
References
Project Management Institute. (2023). Certification application/renewal agreement and handbook. PMI. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/generic-certification-handbook.pdf?rev=50817fae4cd644b2b29df06898e27a33
Project Management Institute. (n.d.). Certified Associate in
Project Management Institute. (n.d.). Membership. PMI. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.pmi.org/membership/
Project Management Institute. (n.d.). PMI Authorized On-demand CAPM® Exam Prep Course. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.pmi.org/shop/p-/elearning/pmi-authorized-on-demand-certified-associate-in-project-management-%28capm%29-exam-prep-course/el068
