Is it Possible to Manage a Project with a CAPM?
You may be asking yourself whether or not you can handle a project if you were to obtain CAPM certification, the answer is yes, but no as well. CAPM offered by the PMI is an entry level certificate which is especially useful for the people who have some prior knowledge regarding project management. It provides initial introduction and awareness of the methodological approaches, ideas and standards for project management. It is not as popular a certification as some of the other ones which are around in the market today like the PMP.
By gaining a CAPM certification, you are not yet equipped to manage intricate first-tier large-scale projects on your own if your organization demands an experienced project manager. However, those who possess CAPM can by no means be valuable assets in project teams; they can greatly contribute to helping the project managers and can help in guaranteeing that the projects remain on the right track. Therefore, they are used in capacities like project coordinators, junior project managers and the like where education in project management might very much help.
Get Unichrone’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
CAPM certification doesn’t necessarily lead you to a project management position but it can help in getting a start and show that you are serious about the profession. It shows the employers that you know about some of the basic concepts of project management which may be useful when you are seeking for an entry level job or aiming to progress in your current job.
CAPM vs PMP
CAPM is an associate certification offered by PMI, while PMP targets experienced and professional project managers.
CAPM is a Foundation level certification tailored for professionals who have no prior experience in the industry and who want to acquire elementary concepts of project management. PMP on the other hand is a certification that is usually given to people with more experience in the field and it’s designed to prepare the holder for other levels of project management, leadership as well as experience in managing projects.
If you are just starting in the field, then CAPM works for you, but if you are an experienced candidate, then you should really go for PMP since it has a broader recognition and the positions that are associated with it are higher benefit levels and hence more salary. Requires two certifications, both giving a great benefit in the career and vice versa.
Conclusion
Lastly, it needs to be admitted that though managing a project solely with a CAPM may not always be possible in the case of more complex projects let alone not be the best practice there is it is nonetheless a great start for those willing to build their career in the sphere of project management and progress from a CAPM to other credentials offered by PMI.
