Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is one of the credentials offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This certification intends to demonstrate an understanding of project management principles, tools and techniques of the processes, and knowledge areas according to the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) Guide.
According to PMI, the CAPM is an entry-level certification for project management professionals who want to gain more responsibility and manage larger projects. You can find out the prerequisites here.
I decided to take the CAPM certification to grow in project management skills. I recently passed my CAPM exam after a 7-week of self-study. In this article, I would like to share my experience taking the exam, including study tips and resources.
Pre-exam:
I registered for the CAPM exam on the PMI website. There are two ways to take the exam: center-based testing or online proctored testing using your computer with virtual test procedures and the computer system’s requirements. I chose to take the exam in a testing center to have a reliable internet connection and avoid any technical issues during the exam. There is no right or wrong choice. It is all about what works best for you at your convenience.
I picked the testing center location, exam date and time, based on the shortest distance from my home and schedule. I paid for the exam and received confirmation via email. When I wrote this article, the CAPM exam was available for $225 (PMI members get a $75 discount; non-member costs $300). Remember to give yourself sufficient time for your target date.
Before I studied the material, I took the CAPM practice tests to get familiar with the questions and assess my skills in project management.
I used the following websites to take the CAPM practice test for free:
Note: You can search for the CAPM practice test on the internet. The search results should be in either free or paid version tests. Take one based on your financial situation.
The CAPM consists of 150 questions with 15 unscored questions. PMI does not disclose the passing score for the CAPM exam. PMI will rate the performance with these four performance categories:
1. Above Target: Your performance exceeds the minimum requirements for the exam.
2. Target: Your performance meets the minimum requirements for the exam.
3. Below Target: Your performance is slightly below target and fails to meet the minimum requirements for the exam. Additional preparation is recommended before reexamination.
4. Needs Improvement: Your performance is far below target and fails to meet the minimum requirements for the exam. Additional preparation is strongly recommended before reexamination.
The CAPM exam questions cover chapters 1 to 13 in PMBOK Guide. Below is the exam proportion according to the CAPM handbook (page 17).
After my first practice test, I found several weak areas that needed improvement so I could pay more attention to those areas when reading the material. I designed my study plan and managed day-to-day preparation in the following ways:
1) Project management books
There are two books I used to study:
1. Digital copy of PMBOK 6th Edition by PMI
2. CAPM Exam Preparation by Avenew Indonesia
Strategies I used to learn from these books:
a) Understanding formulas and indicators: I checked the project cost management chapter to find formulas to utilize earned value questions.
b) From the table of the project management process group (PMBOK, page 25), I learned to understand the big picture of 10 knowledge areas and five process groups.
c) Understand the ITTOs definitions (Inputs, Tools, Techniques, and Outputs).
Inputs: Documents or data we need to make decision-making less uncertain.
Tools and techniques: actions to transform the inputs into desired results.
Outputs: the end goal results or outcomes.
There are hundreds of ITTOs in 49 processes, and I did not memorize them. Instead, I connected the relationship between one process and another in every project phase.
d) Terms used in project schedule management
Terms include float, slack, critical path, Gantt chart, and network diagram. I learned about these interrelations and their meaning in this section.
e) Communication channel
The communication channel reflects the interaction of stakeholders within the project. There is a formula for communication channels. The more stakeholders present in a project, the more communication channels will be needed.
f) Go through these books at least twice to understand all charts, examples, and terminologies.
2) Professional Pocket Prep
Pocket prep contains 17 professional exams, and PMI CAPM is one of them. It can be accessed through a mobile app or browser website format.
I chose to study through an app, set the exam date, and paid for a yearly subscription. After answering all practice questions, each question will show the answer with a detailed explanation. I also liked a feature called Question of the Day, which allowed me to do a little practice every day. The Weakest Subject Quiz feature helped me focus more on my weakest areas by showing the statistics of progress which guided my focus of study.
3) Brain Dump
A brain dump is a simple, practical method of taking notes into the physical notebook or the computer’s drive. It is used to place the information and make it easily referable.
Brain dump helped me manage my mind after I finished studying every day to declutter my thoughts by writing them down. I took notes on keywords, drew charts, and then explained them in my own words.
A brain dump worked as the storage to recall all I learned after an intense day of learning. I find it beneficial because I can look back at the notes whenever I want, and I do not have to remember everything in my head.
4) Exam Simulation
I took a practice test in three periods: before starting my studies, in the middle of the exam date (49 days total, so on the 24th day), and a week before the exam. These practice tests helped me track my knowledge and growth progress.
Take a full-length CAPM exam simulator using a timer to measure how you use time efficiently. By doing this, you will get used to the test duration limits.
5) Dedicate to a study plan
Everyone has a different duration to prepare for one exam, so my study plan and timeline may differ from yours. Make sure to study and take at least three practice tests during your studies.
Inconsistency in following a plan may cause failure to pass the exam. Also, take one day off before the exam and avoid sleeping late.
Exam day:
I came to the test center 30 minutes early, so I had time to check-in and prepare myself. The representative officer asked for government-issued identification, photograph, and signature, and then they checked my name on the scheduling notification to ensure everything matched. After that, they provided me with a locker to save my personal belongings because I could not bring anything to the testing room.
The duration of the CAPM exam is three hours and consists of 150 questions in multiple-choice style. A short tutorial at the beginning of the exam explains how to mark questions so you can review them later. Thankfully, right before the exam, I was provided with an erasable board and marker for making notes during the exam.
Before I clicked “Start the Test” I wrote down a table of processes and all formulas for reference during the exam. There was a built-in calculator on the computer, which was also helpful.
I started with the easy questions and temporarily skipped the questions that required more time because I wanted to maximize the points earned. I flagged those questions I skipped so I could return to them later. I spent 140 minutes answering all questions, and I utilized 40 minutes left to review all of my answers.
Notes:
- Ensure you have enough sleep and drink before the exam to maintain concentration on this 150-question exam.
- Time management is essential. You may finish on time or even earlier, but I recommend allocating time to review all your answers before submitting them.
- Eliminate answers which not correct according to the PMBOK Guide to help you answer the questions efficiently.
- This exam has no scheduled break. Take a small break if needed because the timer will still count down.
Post-exam:
I received a paper document stating my result from the test center immediately after the exam. I also received the official certificate in my email. Two days later, I also got a CAPM digital badge that I can put on my blog or LinkedIn profile.
As stated on the PMI website, CAPM certification holders must earn 15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within a three-year cycle to keep the certification active. PDUs are one-hour blocks of time you spend learning, teaching others, or volunteering. The certification status can be maintained by accumulating and tracking these PDUs over the certification cycle. Check it out here.
Finally, I know everyone has different studying styles, and my study style may differ from yours. I hope this article will help you understand what tasks need to get done and how to prepare for the project management exam.
However, having a project management certification is a good option for professional development and providing value to your stakeholders.
Good luck and best wishes if you decide to take this exam!
Thanks for reading.
More information about PMI certifications: www.pmi.org
