CAPM Study Guide: Let’s Create The Best CAPM Study Guide Ever
CAPM stands for “Certified Associate in Project Management” and it’s a certification that can help skyrocket your career in the project management field. Unlike the PMP certification, the CAPM doesn’t require any work experience. Earning your CAPM certification can open many doors, from helping you gain promotions, salary increases, title changes, and even earn a heightened reputation within the industry. To pass this exam, you’ll need a comprehensive CAPM exam prep book, study guide or exam prep course (some courses will even give you the required 23 education hours). In this article, we will explore how to set yourself up for success and create the best study material.
CAPM Certification: Let’s Look at the 4 W’s and an H
The 4 W’s stand for Who, What, Where, Why and the H stands for How. These keywords help you to analyze problems from different perspectives. Let’s explore how you can use the 4 W’s (and the H) to create your CAPM certification study guide.
More About CAPM | What is it?
This exam is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The Project Management Institute is located in the United States, but its certifications are global. If you wish to get a project management refresher or want to change your career in the direction of project management, this certification is perfect for you. To pass the exam on your very first try, you’ll need to ensure that you are very well-prepared. This includes ensuring you have a comprehensive and thorough study guide.
What are the Steps of the CAPM Exam?
The CAPM is a 3-hour long exam with 150 questions and four options for each prompt. If your answer is incorrect, you do not get any marks. If you do answer correctly, you will gain a point. This exam will test your knowledge of the framework of project management and overall processes.
Who can take the CAPM?
In order to qualify for the CAPM exam, it is important to complete the following requirements:
- A high school diploma, secondary degree, or associate’s degree
- 23 hours of project management training
Why the CAPM Study Guide is a Great Resource for Passing the CAPM Exam
Wondering how to decide on the best CAPM study guide and course for prep materials? Most of all, it depends on your preferences in terms of career growth. In order to ace the CAPM exam, you will need to:
- Complete 23 hours of PM education
- Use a study guide that can be a go-to resource and offer quick reference along with tips and additional tricks
- Enroll in a classroom session if you do not learn properly in online settings
- Explore online options if you need to balance work, life, and family along with studying.
- Choose a comprehensive CAPM study guide free pdf
- Explore hard and soft copies, along with those that have videos explaining concepts that can guide you in preparation and act as a key resource to rely on
- Find a study guide that covers the PMBOK with additional topics on each individual knowledge area. It also spells out its application in specific projects.
- Choose a course that will offer you a money-back guarantee and will allow you to take the training session multiple times
- Find study materials that provide CAPM Exam sample questions
How to Approach the CAPM Exam?
Your CAPM study guide or CAPM study guide pdf will help you find the best way to prepare for this exam. It includes a variety of different tools to help you. For example, there are broad guidelines such as the ones mentioned below.
How to Best Use Your CAPM Study Guide
The CAPM study guide will have mock test examples, practice questions at the end of each chapter, and other practice activities to further your understanding. Depending on your level of comfort, you can begin with the CAPM or PMBOK CAPM study guide.
Next, you will want to finish at least one round of the CAPM study guide provided by your organization of choice. Feel free to test yourself after to further solidify your understanding. Then, you can analyze any areas you feel you need to improve upon and mark sections you are concerned about to go back to in the future.
It is best to go forward with an interactive model of study to deepen your learning. Test your SWOT analysis and begin to strategize the best way to answer questions. This will help make your preparation process more effective. Study all flow charts, formulas, tips & tricks, and end-of-chapter cheat sheets provided by your study guide. Take practice tests as often as possible until you are confident that you will pass the exam.
When Are You Ready To Take the CAPM Exam?
Deciding when to schedule taking your CAPM exam has a lot to do with your lifestyle and your priorities. You will want to find a time that is best for both your personal life and your daily work schedule to earn this accreditation. Usually, it is a best practice to take the exam within two months of starting your CAPM study guide.
The CAPM exam is an entry-level certification that can help guide you in the right direction for your career. If you have 4500 hours of experience and a bachelor’s degree, you can even decide to take the PMP certification exam from the Project Management Institute.
When To Schedule Your Exam
Once you have completed the full application process for the exam, you can schedule for the test online and pay the deposit fee. An example application might be part of your CAPM study guide, so you can go into the process prepared.
When filling out your application, remember this:
- First, create a user profile on PMI.org and complete the CAPM certification online.
- You need to pay $225 as a PMI member, or $300 for the exam if you are not.
- If you are a student, you can pay only $257 for the membership and exam. You can take advantage of this offer if you are a full-time student in an accredited program.
- Once you score enough to pass your practice exam, you can book your exam.
Where Should You Take the CAPM?
The CAPM is a computer-based exam. The Project Management Institute (PMI) has predetermined Pearson centers across the globe, all of which can be accessed on the Pearson VUE website. It is best to check and find the nearest location to you in the time frame that best fits your schedule. Spots are limited for the in-person exams, so be sure to confirm your slot quickly. The good news is that the PMI now offers the exam online.
On the day of your exam, you will want to go to the test center prior to the start time. It is best to arrive early and avoid getting stuck in traffic or flustered by complications of navigating the testing center. Next, go to your assigned computer and collect your scratch paper, a pencil, and a calculator at the table. This way, you won’t have to bring anything with you.
You will be able to use a tutorial guide to help you understand the procedure before the exam begins. Be sure to keep calm and remember you have studied hard for this. The more time you have spent getting prepared, the more likely you are to stay focused and relaxed on test day. Take your time and review all answers before you hit “submit.” Once you complete your test, you will get a congratulations message and can now call yourself an expert in completing the CAPM exam – and hopefully, a CAPM certification holder. Good luck!