CAPM
CAPM
1Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
36%
2Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies
17%
3Agile Frameworks and Methodologies
20%
4Business Analysis Frameworks
27%
Certification comparison
CAPM vs Project+
Both are entry-level project management certifications. CAPM is PMI’s and follows the same framework as PMP. Project+ is CompTIA’s, written for people who manage smaller projects as part of an IT job.
Last updated
Side by side
The two exams at a glance
Every figure comes from the vendor’s own pages, through our exam guides, and is checked every week.
| PMI CAPM | CompTIA Project+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | PMI | CompTIA |
| Exam code | CAPM | PK0-005 |
| Level | BeginnerPMI calls it Entry | Intermediate |
| Written for | Project or business leader | Project or business leader |
| Questions | 150 | Up to 90 |
| Time | 180 min | 90 min |
| Passing score | Not published by PMI | 710 / 900 |
| Exam cost | Varies by countryMembers pay less, and PMI shows your price before you pay | Varies by countryCompTIA shows the price for your country before you pay |
| Experience | No experience · 23 hours of project management educationEligibility | 6–12 months managing tech projectsRecommended experience |
| Renewal | Every 3 years: 15 PDUs | Not listed |
| Exam outline | 4 domainsLargest: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts (36%) | 4 domainsLargest: Project Management Concepts (33%) |
| What’s changing | No change announced | No change announced |
Levels are our own rating, from the level each vendor gives its exam. How we check our facts
Exam domains
What each exam covers
Each domain’s share of the exam, as the vendor publishes it. Where one exam has two versions on sale, this is the newer one.
Project+
PK0-005
1Project Management Concepts
33%
2Project Life Cycle Phases
30%
3Tools and Documentation
19%
4Basics of IT and Governance
18%
Which one
Which should you take?
Choose CAPM if
you want a career in project management and plan to go on to PMP.
Choose Project+ if
you work in IT and run projects alongside your technical work.
Which one first?
You don’t need both. Choose CAPM if PMP is where you’re heading: it’s built on the same framework, and PMI counts it as the training PMP asks for.
Beyond the numbers
What really differs
Who stands behind it
CAPM comes from PMI, the body behind PMP. Project+ comes from CompTIA, which is better known for its IT certifications.
Before you can sit it
PMI asks for a course in project management before the CAPM exam. CompTIA sets no requirement for Project+.
What’s tested
CAPM covers PMI’s concepts and vocabulary across predictive, agile and business analysis work. Project+ covers the project life cycle with an eye on IT: tools, documentation and change control.
FAQs
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Find quick answers or contact our support team.
Should I take CAPM or Project+ first?
You don’t need both. Choose CAPM if PMP is where you’re heading: it’s built on the same framework, and PMI counts it as the training PMP asks for.
Which is harder, CAPM or Project+?
Project+. We rate Project+ intermediate and CAPM beginner, going by the level each vendor gives its exam and the experience it expects.
What experience do I need for CAPM and Project+?
CAPM: You don’t need any experience. To sit the exam, PMI requires 23 hours of project management education. Project+: CompTIA recommends 6–12 months managing tech projects. It isn’t required to sit the exam.
Which costs more, CAPM or Project+?
CAPM: Varies by country. Members pay less, and PMI shows your price before you pay. Project+: Varies by country. CompTIA shows the price for your country before you pay.
