Can I study for the PMP and pass the CAPM or will I get confused?

Submitted by Valiamo on Mon, 08/26/2013 - 04:46

As a background, I am a Six Sigma Black Belt, and have 3500 hours of Project work, and sufficient PDU's to easily qualify for my CAPM, but not enough hours for my PMP (alas no University degree).

I need one more year of  Project work, to get my PMP but am not currently employed… all the local jobs require either a PMP, CAPM or a Project Management Certificate, before they will even look to hire you.

So…I have enrolled in a fast-track PM course at a local university which will give me another 120 PDU's, and a Project Mgt. Certificate, but I still want to get my CAPM as well so I plan to take my CAPM exam 5 days after I finish my Project Management course. 

I have already read:

PMBOK Version 3, and 5

Rita Exam Prep (Version 8)

My question is:  Is studying using the PMP material going to confuse me on the CAPM test, or will I be over studying the right material.

 

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admin

Tue, 08/27/2013 - 05:18

If you can eat cake why eat bread ? , If you are eligible for PMP exam then CAPM is not required, Not sure why you would want to do CAPM over PMP. Just choose PMP

Valiamo

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 02:50

 I don't have sufficient hours of recognized PM work to qualify to take the PMP exam.  PMI requires 4500, amd I can only justify 3500, hence i need 1000 more project hrs.

Focused2013

Thu, 08/29/2013 - 09:36

 Hello, 

Actually without a 4 year degree you need to have 7500 project hours. 

http://www.pmi.org/Certification/Project-Management-Professional-PMP.aspx

Valiamo

Sun, 09/01/2013 - 18:12

Does anyone have an answer to my real question?  Hence why I am asking here?  Answers so far are WAY off base....

Is the CAPM exam that much different from the PMP exam that studying using PMP tools will confuse me on the CAPM?

Cheers

 

 

Focused2013

Sun, 09/01/2013 - 23:56

 My insight while it did not address your immediate question did highlight the bigger issue. You are 2 years away from being eligible for the PMP And that's if all of the work you have done gets approved as qualifying. So I would take the CAPM as a way to gain certification and get some hands on testing experience to help you prepare for the PMP. The PMP is a harder exam and covers a great deal more material. I have heard the CAPM focuses a great deal on ITTO's.  The CAPM is meant to be an entry level certification to demonstrate you know the basics of Project Management. 

 

So anything you see on the CAPM could be on the PMP, you won't get confused by studying for the CAPM if you plan on taking the PMP. But I wouldn't use PMP materials for the CAPM as you may end up studying too much material that will not be needed, professional responsibility for example  

Valiamo

Fri, 09/06/2013 - 04:01

Thanks for the answer.  this is what I was expecting to hear.

Unfortunatly getting the required hours to get my PMP is difficult being unemployeed.  Getting my CAPM is a step in the right direction, as project teams will hire you with the entry level qualifications allowing on to get their additional hours required to qualify for my PMP.

 

 

Focused2013

Mon, 09/02/2013 - 00:11

 Looking at other feedback the CAPM tests you in a more direct approach on the content. The PMP adds situational questions that not only test your understanding but also your ability to interpret and apply knowledge 

Lorenz

Fri, 09/06/2013 - 06:03

Don't they both cover the same study area - the PMBOK?

Focused2013

Mon, 09/09/2013 - 20:21

 They both test on the PMBOK. The CAPM tests more directly your knowledge and understanding of terms and concepts whereas the PMP does that and takes it to another level where it wants you to apply that knowledge to situational questions.