top of page
PM Exam Lab logo, PMP exam prep

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

PMI's entry-level credential. Who it suits, the 23-hour education requirement, the 150-question exam and renewal, from PMI's official pages.

Last verified: October 8, 2026 · Official PMI page · All certifications

At a glance

  • Issued by: PMI
  • Best for: students, career changers and early-career team members
  • Exam: 150 questions (135 scored, 15 unscored pretest), 180 minutes
  • Domains: Project management fundamentals 36%, Predictive 17%, Agile 20%, Business analysis 27%
  • Keep it active: 15 PDUs every 3 years

Who it's for

People who want a recognised entry-level credential before they have the experience the PMP requires. An active CAPM also counts toward the PMP's 35-hour education requirement.

Eligibility (official requirement)

  • A secondary diploma (high school or GED, or the global equivalent)
  • 23 hours of project management education completed before the exam, for example PMI's on-demand CAPM prep course or an instructor-led CAPM course

Exam format (official)

  • 150 questions in 180 minutes
  • Taken at a test centre or online, with up to three attempts within your eligibility year
  • PMI lists several exam languages. Its CAPM page gives two different counts, so check the language you need on PMI.org.

Fees

PMI does not publish one global exam price on its public certification pages. Its certification handbook says prices vary by membership status and region. Check the current fee in your PMI account before you apply. We don't list a figure here because we couldn't confirm it on an official page.

Keeping it active (official)

15 PDUs every 3 years: at least 9 in Education (with at least 2 in each Talent Triangle area) and no more than 6 in Giving Back. PMI's Continuing Certification Requirements handbook lists a renewal fee of US$60 for members and US$150 for non-members. That handbook is older than PMI's current Maintain page, which shows no amount, so confirm before you renew.

How to prepare (our recommendation)

  • Learn the vocabulary of predictive, agile and business-analysis work. The CAPM tests understanding more than judgement under pressure.
  • If you plan to take the PMP later, practise situational questions early in Decision Lab.

Sources

Official pages checked on 8 October 2026. Requirements and fees can change, so confirm on the issuer's site before you apply.

bottom of page