CAPM® vs. PMP®: Which Certification Should You Take First?

Choosing the right project management certification can feel like a big decision, especially if you’re just starting your career or planning your next professional milestone. Two of the most popular options offered by PMI® (Project Management Institute) are the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) and the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification.

Both are globally recognized and highly respected — but which one should you take first? Let’s break it down.

1. Understanding the CAPM®

The CAPM® is designed for those who are early in their project management careers or want to build a strong foundation in project management principles.

• Eligibility: Requires a high school diploma (or global equivalent) and 23 hours of project management education (which we provide in our CAPM prep programs).
• Focus: Covers the fundamentals of project management, including terminology, processes, and frameworks based on PMI’s standards.
• Ideal for: Students, recent graduates, aspiring project managers, team leads, or professionals seeking to pivot into project management.
• Exam Format: 150 questions, 3 hours, no prerequisite project management experience required.

Think of CAPM as your starting point — it demonstrates to employers that you understand the language and processes of project management.

2. Understanding the PMP®

The PMP® is the gold standard for experienced project managers and is recognized worldwide as proof of your ability to lead and direct projects.

• Eligibility: Requires 36–60 months of project management experience (depending on your education level) and 35 hours of formal project management education (covered in our PMP bootcamp or mentoring programs).
• Focus: Validates your ability to lead teams, manage budgets and schedules, and deliver results across predictive, agile, and hybrid environments.
• Ideal for: Professionals with hands-on project experience who are ready to move into senior project management, program management, or leadership roles.
• Exam Format: 180 questions, 3 hours 50 minutes, situational and scenario-based, focused on real-world application.

The PMP is more than a certification — it’s a career accelerator that often leads to higher salaries, more responsibility, and leadership opportunities.

3. Key Differences: CAPM® vs. PMP®

4. Which One Should You Take First?

Here’s the simple answer:

• Take CAPM® first if you are new to project management, don’t meet PMP experience requirements, or want to learn the fundamentals before stepping into leadership roles.
• Go straight to PMP® if you already have project management experience, meet eligibility requirements, and are ready to validate your leadership skills with the industry’s most respected credential.

For some professionals, CAPM serves as a stepping stone to PMP — providing confidence, credibility, and a head start in preparing for the more challenging PMP exam later.

5. Our Recommendation

If you’re just starting out, the CAPM® is the ideal choice to build your foundation and stand out for junior project roles.
If you’re already managing projects and ready to take your career to the next level, PMP® is the credential that will open doors to higher-paying, senior-level opportunities.

Either way, both certifications demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and your understanding of PMI’s global standards.

6. Get Started Today

Whether you choose CAPM or PMP, our programs are designed to set you up for success:

• Live online and in-person bootcamps led by PMI-Authorized Trainers
• Mentoring programs for personalized guidance
• Exam simulators and mock tests to build confidence
• Full support with exam application and preparation strategy

👉 Explore CAPM & PMP Programs Here and take the first step toward becoming a globally recognized project management professional.