A Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry-level credential for project management professionals offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This certification is designed for professionals who are new to the project management field. The CAPM gives budding project managers an understanding of the profession, including the fundamental knowledge, terminology, and effective project management processes. In addition to an introduction to project management, those who seek this credential will also learn about the project environment, the role of the project manager, and several management topics, including integration, scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk. A CAPM certificate is valid for five years from the time the exam is passed. You must earn 15 professional development units every three years to maintain this credential.

While some professionals question whether a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is really necessary, even if you're already employed in the field of project management, it is a good idea to have this credential in your tool kit to add value to your resume and skills. If you already work in project management, your on-the-job experiences have probably taught you a lot of the skills you need to know. The CAPM broadens your understanding of project management and the work you do every day, giving you the foundational knowledge and tools that can help you get ahead. The CAPM is a popular prerequisite among entry-level project management professionals. Many employers seek job candidates with this credential because it validates the candidate's knowledge and experience and ensures that the candidate can take on critical responsibilities.

To obtain CAPM certification, you need a high school diploma, an associate's degree, or its global equivalent, as well as a minimum of 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of project management education. If you meet this requirement, you are allowed to take the CAPM exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and those seeking CAPM certification have three hours to complete it. Because the Project Management Institute (PMI) offers CAPM certification, the certification addresses all of the basic project management standards, validating the CAPM holder's competency and skills in initiating, developing, managing, and running large-scale projects.