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Is it worth pursuing? Are there any other alternatives for an aspiring PM?

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No single answer reflects the "General View". You might want to change your title to "What's your opinion on...". We can answer that. Further, this kind of opinion question is often marked as "Community Wiki" to allow more flexible editing. – S.Lott Jan 26 at 21:04
@S.Lott Thanks for the comment. I agree on the question and modified it. I am not sure about the "community wiki": can you explain how it can help here? – tucson Jan 26 at 21:37
I believe the "community wiki" is generally tagged for posts that are very opinion-oriented, or where there isn't a "right" answer – warren Jan 26 at 21:41
Agreed. It's a community wiki, now. – tucson Jan 26 at 22:12

6 Answers

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There are many out here who claim PMI is revenue hungry and does a poor job discriminating its credential candidates. They claim there are many who "enhance" their application to get approval, take one of those boot camps, and pass the test -- thereby making the credential worthless. There might be a degree of truth here but I have seen no objective data to support this as of yet. From my standpoint, I know I had far more years than what was required and I learned quite a bit while I was studying for the PMP. So I am proud of it.

As a hiring manager, I can tell you that if you were a CAPM and were up against another candidate who was not, I would likely put more weight on your resume than the other. Would it guarantee you a job in this scenario. No! But, you would have some points for the credential. It would give me a degree of confidence that you had a certain level of knowledge that the other candidate may not have. No guarantee, but some points.

If your company is paying for it, seems like a no brainer to me. Do it. If you have to pay for it, you might consider just putting in your time, then go after the PMP. Just another alternative.

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I would say the CAPM is a good stepping stone to PMP. Just like Pre-Algebra CAPM would be beneficial to you in two ways.

One, it would help you lay the foundation for what PMI is looking for when it comes to the PMP test. PMI is full of PMIisms (PMI lingo) thus knowing the lingo always helps.

Two, it would show management and Sr. leadership that you are interested in furthering you career and supporting the organization professionally.

I would support your endeavor. Why not?

Rob

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I am a CAPM and I have to say that the certification is not worth it. Maybe as a "pre-algebra" type preparedness as Rob mentions however I can't begin to tell you how many companies and individuals, even PMP's (!), do not know what the CAPM is. It is rather unfortunate that PMI is revenue hungry and does very little to market the CAPM.

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I would wait until I am qualified and invest in PMP instead.

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I do not see any value in CAPM. CAMP demonstrates an understanding of PMI's view on project management. CAMP just demonstrates that a person holding it has studied a book on project management well enough to pass a test. Perhaps some employers may see some value in CAMP if they seek to fill in a junior position. To hire a CAMP is then pretty much the same as to hire from college. In contrast, PMP credential demonstrates both understanding of project management and experience of applying it. I believe many employers value PMP certification because it demonstrates the experience of applying project management. That makes getting PMP a good investment for a PM.

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Nic, the CAPM is exactly for a junior PM. A person who studied the CAPM to pass a test means they studied enough to pass a test. For those who did not do that, hiring managers do not know if they have that knowledge. For those without a BA/BS, they need 7,000+ hours of experience. This would be a great intermediate credential while they pack on the experience. It is valuable during that window of time. Nothing wrong with that. – David E PMP Jan 27 at 19:05
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Tucson,

The value of the CAPM, as in any other certification, is in opportunity. As one of the answers already says, if you were up against another job candidate who has a certification you will not likely be considered.

If project management is your passion and you see it in your future, then go for it. It is a sign of commitment to the profession for most employers. I am very actively involved with PMI having been Director of Certification Programs for one of the local chapters a couple of years ago and I can tell you that the keyword here is "opportunity".

I am not speaking for PMI, nor I am representing PMI in this answer. I am speaking from experience.

Best regards, JD.

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