By Quick answer: CAPM or PMP: which should I choose in 2027?
- Choose CAPM — you don't yet have 3–5 years leading projects.
- Choose PMP — you do have that experience.
- Verdict — CAPM now, PMP later.
- Before you pay — take a free practice test.
Key takeaways
- Choose CAPM if you don't yet have 3–5 years leading projects.
- Choose PMP if you do have that experience.
- Check job posts in your target market before deciding.
CAPM and PMP are often compared, but they suit different people. Here's a side-by-side comparison and a clear way to choose.
The options at a glance
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CAPM – Certified Associate in Project ManagementPMI | $225 PMI members / $300 non-members1 | 180 minutes, 150 questions | Free test |
| 2 | PMP – Project Management ProfessionalPMI | $425 PMI members / $675 non-members2 | 240 minutes, 180 questions | Free test |
| 3 | Google Project Management Professional CertificateGoogle / Coursera | $49/mo Coursera plan3 | 6 months at 10 hours a week | Free test |
| 4 | PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)PMI | $435 PMI members / $495 non-members4 | 180 minutes, 120 questions | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- CAPM Practice ExamPractise for CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management before you pay.Start free test →
- PMP Practice ExamPractise for PMP – Project Management Professional before you pay.Start free test →
- Project Management Fundamentals CertificationPractise for Google Project Management Professional Certificate before you pay.Start free test →
- PMI-ACP Practice ExamPractise for PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) before you pay.Start free test →
Each option, and who should choose it
- PMICAPM – Certified Associate in Project ManagementBeginners$225 PMI members / $300 non-members
- PMIPMP – Project Management ProfessionalExperienced$425 PMI members / $675 non-members
- CourseraGoogle Project Management Professional CertificatePreparation$49/mo Coursera plan
CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management
- Cost
- $225 PMI members / $300 non-members1
- Format
- 180 minutes, 150 questions
- Entry
- Secondary diploma plus 23 hours of project management education
$225/$300; 150 questions. PMI's entry credential is a 180-minute, 150-question exam for people early in project roles. It needs a secondary diploma plus 23 hours of project management education and costs $225 for PMI members or $300.
Best forbeginners
PMP – Project Management Professional
- Cost
- $425 PMI members / $675 non-members2
- Format
- 240 minutes, 180 questions
- Entry
- 3–5 years leading projects (by education) plus 35 hours of training
$425/$675; 180 questions. PMI's Project Management Professional is a 240-minute, 180-question exam covering predictive, agile and hybrid approaches. It needs 3–5 years leading projects plus 35 hours of training and costs $425 for PMI members or $675.
Best forexperienced
Google Project Management Professional Certificate
- Cost
- $49/mo Coursera plan3
- Time
- 6 months at 10 hours a week
Counts toward CAPM. Google's professional certificate teaches traditional and agile project management for beginners, about six months at ten hours a week. It can meet CAPM's 23-hour education requirement, and financial aid is available.
Best forpreparation
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
- Cost
- $435 PMI members / $495 non-members4
- Format
- 180 minutes, 120 questions
- Entry
- 2+ years of experience and 21 hours of agile training
$435/$495. PMI's agile credential is a 180-minute, 120-question exam covering several agile approaches. It needs two or more years of experience and 21 hours of agile training and costs $435 for PMI members or $495.
Best foragile
CAPM vs PMP side by side
| CAPM | PMP | |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | None (23 education hours) | 3–5 years leading projects |
| Cost | $225 / $300 | $425 / $675 |
| Exam | 150 questions, 180 min | 180 questions, 240 min |
| Best for | Coordinators | Project managers |
Table: CAPM vs PMP
How to choose
- Choose CAPM — you don't yet have 3–5 years leading projects.
- Choose PMP — you do have that experience.
- Still unsure — search job posts in your city for each name.
How we ranked these picks
We compared both options on cost, format, prerequisites and fit using official pages, checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with either issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go straight to PMP?
Only with the required experience.
Is CAPM worth it?
Yes for beginners.
Do they overlap?
Yes; CAPM prepares you for PMP.
Member discount?
Yes; PMI members pay less.
Is there a free practice test for both?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests for both, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- PMI — CAPM – Certified Associate in Project Management, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- PMI — PMP – Project Management Professional, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Google — Google Project Management Professional Certificate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- PMI — PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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