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.
Explanation
The CAPM exam contains 150 questions, of which 135 are scored and 15 are pretest (unscored) questions used by PMI for future exam development. You will not know which questions are pretest, so you must treat every question as if it counts. The total exam duration is three hours with no scheduled breaks.
Questions are distributed across four domains with approximate weightings: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts (36%), Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies (17%), Agile Frameworks and Methodologies (20%), and Business Analysis Frameworks (27%). This means business analysis and project management fundamentals together account for nearly two-thirds of the exam.
The exam is available year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide and through online proctored testing from your home or office. Results are provided immediately upon completion, showing an overall pass or did-not-pass result along with performance by domain. PMI uses a psychometric analysis to determine the passing score, which is not publicly disclosed as a fixed percentage.
Key Points
- •One hundred fifty questions total, with 135 scored and 15 unscored pretest questions
- •Three-hour time limit with no scheduled breaks
- •Four domains weighted as: Fundamentals (36%), Predictive (17%), Agile (20%), Business Analysis (27%)
- •Available at Pearson VUE test centers or via online proctored testing
Exam Tip
You have just over one minute per question on average. Do not spend more than two minutes on any single question; flag it and return to it later.
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 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.
Project Management Fundamentals (CAPM Domain)
Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts is the largest CAPM exam domain (36%), covering foundational PM terminology, roles, structures, and the relationship between projects, programs, and portfolios.
Most-studied PMP concepts
High-yield topics our learners drill most before exam day.
Burndown Chart
A Burndown Chart is a graphical representation of work remaining versus time in a Sprint or release, showing whether the team is on track to complete the planned work.
Resource Leveling
Resource leveling is a resource optimization technique in which adjustments are made to the project schedule to keep resource usage at or below a defined limit, often resulting in a longer project duration.
Risk Register
The risk register is a project document that records the details of individual project risks, including their identification, analysis results, response plans, and current status.
Stakeholder Mapping
Stakeholder mapping is the visual representation of stakeholder relationships, influence, interest, or other attributes using grids, matrices, or diagrams to support analysis and engagement planning.
Relative Estimation
Relative Estimation is an agile technique where work items are sized in comparison to each other rather than in absolute units like hours or days, providing faster and more accurate estimates.
Cost Performance Index (CPI)
Cost Performance Index (CPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures cost performance as the ratio of earned value to actual cost: CPI = EV / AC.
Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures schedule performance as the ratio of earned value to planned value: SPI = EV / PV.
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Earned Value Management (EVM) is a methodology that integrates scope, schedule, and cost data to assess project performance and progress objectively.
Power/Influence Grid
The power/influence grid is a stakeholder classification model that groups stakeholders based on their level of authority (power) and their active involvement or ability to affect the project (influence).
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CAPM-Specific Concepts
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