The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) shows the world that you possess the foundational knowledge and skills that project teams demand.
It proves that you’re ready to take on a wide range of projects too—with ways of working that include predictive project management, agile principles and business analysis. Earning your CAPM equips you with all you need to start a career in project management.
Knowing the CAPM exam format can help you address the important domains, processes, and methods to focus on.
This knowledge will allow you to determine where to focus your study efforts and understand the distribution of questions across different exam domains. The newly updated, 3 hour, 150-question CAPMcertification exam tests your aptitude on Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts.
Recent CAPM exam changes took place in July 2023. PMI has significantly changed the 2023 Exam Content Outline (ECO), including: Transition from knowledge areas to domain. New agile and adaptive approaches. New business analysis frameworks & requirements management.
Latest CAPM exam updates were done by the PMI to better align with the market needs of project professionals and reflect how project team members work on projects.
Data from PMI’s research reveals that the current test does not address some of the most critical and frequent real-world tasks performed by entry and associate-level project managers and project team members. Today’s projects require leaders to understand a variety of project management approaches and know when and how to apply them on projects.
CAPM Exam Format
According to the latest exam content outline from the Project Management Institute (PMI) that was recently published, the exam questions are divided into three main domains:
- Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts (36%): This domain covers project management fundamentals in both predictive and adaptive approaches. These provide the foundation of managing a project. You will be tested on: Project life cycles and processes, project planning, and your understanding of project roles and responsibilities.
- Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies (17%): Tests your knowledge of both predictive and adaptive project management approaches. You’ll need to understand: How each approach is used and when, how to set up controls to monitor the project, and how to work with project schedules.
- Agile Frameworks and Methodologies (20%): Introduces agile and other adaptive development approaches (e.g., Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP) and others). You’ll need to know how to plan project iterations, document project controls, and prioritize tasks.
- Business Analysis Frameworks (27%): Business Analysis (BA) is the fourth domain, representing 27% of test questions. You’ll need to understand: What a business analyst does on a project, how they recommend appropriate communication channels, and how to gather and validate requirements.
Approximately half of the exam questions will represent predictive project management approaches, while the other half will represent agile or hybrid approaches. These different approaches are woven throughout the CAPM exam domain areas and are not limited to any specific domain or task.
Question Types
The CAPM exam format contains questions that are designed to assess the candidate's knowledge and application of foundational project management principles and practices in the real world. The question types include:
- Knowledge-based questions: These questions test the candidate's understanding of project management concepts, models, artifacts, and methods.
- Math-based questions: These questions involve calculations related to project management processes, such as earned value management, estimation techniques, risk analysis.
- Diagrams-based questions: These types of CAPM exam questions are based on diagrams, models, or flow charts. A diagram is given, and a question is asked. You have to answer the question based on the diagram given.
- Professional responsibility questions: Questions that should be answered based on the code of conduct since you are a certified professional.
Exam Preparation Strategies [High-level]
To prepare for the CAPM exam, we highly recommend considering the following strategies:
- Thoroughly study the PMBOK Guide 7th edition and understand the project management principles, models, methods, and artifacts.
- Practice high quality CAPM exam simulators that are based on the recent CAPM exam changes to become familiar with the exam format and question types given the limited time of the real CAPM exam.
- Attend a CAPM exam preparation course or workshop to receive structured guidance and support, and to qualify for the exam through obtaining 23 contact hours. Check our CAPM exam prep course.
- Develop a comprehensive CAPM study plan and preparation schedule to ensure adequate preparation time.
- Familiarize yourself with the exam rules, such as the allowed reference materials and break policies.
By understanding the CAPM exam format and structure, you can develop an effective exam preparation strategy and increase your chances of successfully passing the exam and obtaining the globally recognized CAPM certification.
Exam Language and Versions
As per the PMI, the CAPM exam is currently offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Italian, French, Portuguese (Brazilian), German, and Japanese. It's important to note that the CAPM exam format is the same across all language versions.
Exam Cost
There is an exam fee required to earn the CAPM. As per the PMI, it is $225.00 for members, and $300 for non-members.
Exam Preparation Resources
To help candidates prepare for the CAPM exam in the most effective manner, the Project Management Institute (PMI) offers a variety of resources, including:
- The PMBOK Guide - Seventh Edition, which serves as the foundation for the exam content.
- The CAPM Exam Content Outline, which provides a detailed breakdown of the exam domains and topics. Downloadable for free through the PMI website.
- CAPM Exam Preparation courses, both in-person and online, offered by various institutes. Check our online CAPM exam preparation course.
- High quality CAPM exam simulators and sample questions, that are based on recent CAPM exam changes.
By understanding the comprehensive nature of the CAPM exam format and structure, aspiring project managers can develop a targeted and effective study plan to increase their chances of passing the CAPM exam and achieving the coveted certification.
Good luck with your CAPM study plan!
