CAPM Eligibility Requirements
To sit for the CAPM exam, candidates must hold a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate degree, or equivalent) and have completed 23 hours of project management education before the exam.
Explanation
PMI sets eligibility requirements to ensure that CAPM candidates have a baseline level of education and formal project management training. The requirements are intentionally accessible to encourage early-career professionals and students to pursue the credential.
The education requirement is a secondary degree, which PMI defines as a high school diploma, associate degree, or the global equivalent. There is no requirement for a bachelor's degree. The 23 contact hours of project management education can be earned through PMI-authorized training partners, university courses, employer-sponsored programs, or self-study courses that cover project management fundamentals.
Candidates apply through PMI's online certification system and may be selected for an audit to verify their education and training hours. If audited, you must provide documentation such as course completion certificates. Once approved, you have one year to schedule and pass the exam.
Key Points
- •A secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) is the minimum education requirement
- •Twenty-three contact hours of project management education must be completed before the exam
- •No professional project management experience is required
- •PMI may audit your application to verify education and training documentation
Exam Tip
The 23 contact hours can come from any PMI-recognized provider. Make sure your training covers the current CAPM Exam Content Outline domains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
CAPM Exam Overview
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a PMI credential designed for entry-level project practitioners who want to demonstrate foundational project management knowledge.
CAPM Exam Format and Structure
The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in three hours, delivered at a Pearson VUE test center or via online proctored testing.
CAPM vs PMP
The CAPM is an entry-level PMI certification requiring no project management experience, while the PMP is a professional-level credential requiring substantial experience leading and directing projects.
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