CAPM or PMP, which one should I take ?

Submitted by ddwrt on Thu, 04/18/2013 - 20:22

 Dear all,

I'm wondering which one of these 2 PM exams I should take.

I'm 30, business school background, and I'm 3 years experienced working on IT projects as a consultant.
My work consist in making the connection between IT and business needs on project.
I've never been project manager, but at least 15% of my job consist in doing PM activities, and act in the frame of big projects.

If I get promoted / another job, I don't think I could get a PM job. I will probably begin by a PM Assistant job for at least 1 / 2 years.

According to these information, what should I take : CAPM or PMP ?

Is the PMP really harder than CAPM?
If it's really harder, I think I could have enough with the CAPM for the next 2 years.

What do you think?

Thanks

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Hemant Tandon

Fri, 04/19/2013 - 01:16

 I can try answering your last question. I have cleared CAPM as well as PMP.

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PMP is much tougher than CAPM.

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CAPM is a test of your memory. If you can cram, then you can clear CAPM.

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PMP is a test of your in-depth knowledge, attitude and patience. If you can apply PMP concepts, then you can clear it. PMP asks many situational questions.

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CAPM is a 3 hours exam, and I completed it in CAPM in 1 hour 15 minutes. - Easy

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PMP is a 4 hours exam, and I completed it in 3 hours 30 minutes. - Tough

Hope this information helps.

Regards,

Hemant, PMP

Focused2013

Fri, 04/19/2013 - 10:31

 I agree with Hemant. You could look at it two ways: 

One, take the CAPM because you have somewhat limited experience and use it as a stepping stone and learning experience for the PMP. 

Or, if you find you meet the minimum requirements to sit for the PMP then go ahead and take it. However I would get a solid plan in place for your approach and give plenty of time to prepare. I believe the CAPM focuses more on the ITTO's as well? 

 

I also took nearly 3.25 -3.5 hrs for the PMP after going through my marked for review questions. 

Hemant Tandon

Sat, 04/20/2013 - 04:52

Right....CAPM is very TTIO focused. 

I am not trying to exaggerate here. I remember seeing at least 35 out 150 questions related to TTIO on CAPM, whereas, on PMP, I hardly found 10 questions related to it.

Regards,

Hemant, PMP