CAPM Exam Changes Explained

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Why is the CAPM Exam Changing?
3. What Changes Can We Expect with the Latest Update to the CAPM Exam?
4. CAPM  Exam Content Outline – What’s New?
5. Differences and Similarities Between the Old and the New CAPM Exam
6. How To Crack Certified Agile Project Management (CAPM) Exam?
7. What are the Reference Books?
8. Conclusion

The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Certified Associate in Project Management – CAPM certification is a well-respected credential that demonstrates proficiency in project management.

Introduction

The PMI has released a new Examination Content Outline (ECO) for the CAPM exam, which outlines the domains covered on the exam and the proportion of questions from each domain. This is the first update to the ECO since 2018. Therefore, it is important for individuals planning to take the CAPM exam to be aware of and prepare for these changes.

So, what do you need to know? In this article, we will outline what is currently announced about the CAPM exam updations and how one can prepare.

Why is the CAPM Exam Changing?

PMI periodically evaluates the duties and responsibilities of those in project management positions to ensure that the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam accurately assesses the skills and knowledge required for these roles.

This process includes gathering data through market research, job task analysis, and identifying trends in the field. Based on the results of this analysis, PMI may update the CAPM exam to keep it relevant for both professionals and the organizations that hire them.

What Changes Can We Expect with the Latest Update to the CAPM Exam? 

The previous CAPM exam version strongly emphasized memorizing the contents of the PMBOK  Guide – 6th Edition. 

However, the new CAPM exam will continue to assess the fundamentals, common practices, terminology, and processes but will now incorporate a wider range of professional practices. As a result, candidates can anticipate being tested on a range of Agile, hybrid, and other delivery approaches and ways of working. 

This may make the CAPM exam more challenging, as it will cover more concepts. On the other hand, for those who work in Agile environments, the new exam may align more closely with their real-world experience, making it more accessible.

CAPM  Exam Content Outline – What’s New?

Now, the CAPM exam will cover the topics outlined in the Examination Content Outline (ECO). In addition, this blog includes information on the number of domains in the exam and the percentage of test items within each domain. Below are some notable changes in the ECO: 

Exam Domains are Divided and Defined Differently

The project management field is continually evolving, reflected in the various areas of focus included in the exam. These domains highlight the critical practices and duties that a project manager must be proficient in. 

The exam  will cover the foundational principles of project management and newer techniques, such as Agile methodologies and business analysis frameworks. The specifics of the domains being tested are outlined as follows:

• Project management fundamentals and core concepts
• Predictive plan-based methodologies
• Agile frameworks/methodologies
• Business analysis frameworks

How are Questions Split?

The  CAPM exam will be based on the PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition, but some questions may not align with it. This is because the exam includes critical job tasks identified by a volunteer task force based on their experience and resources.

According to PMI, the predictive and adaptive techniques will be integrated into all four domains and not be restricted to any particular job or domain.

Let us explore each domain separately:

Domain 1

The foundations of project management are covered in the first area using both predictive and adaptive techniques. These serve as the building blocks for project management. Your knowledge of project roles and duties, project planning, and project life cycles and processes will all be tested.

Domain 2

This domain covers the predictive and adaptive project management methodologies in greater detail. You must be aware of when and how each strategy is applied. The second domain investigates implementing project monitoring measures and interacting with project timelines.

Domain 3

Extreme Programming (XP), Scrum, and other Agile and adaptable development methodologies are introduced in the third domain. You must understand how to schedule project iterations, record project controls, and rank activities.

Domain 4

The fourth domain, business analysis (BA), accounts for 27% of test questions. You must comprehend what a business analyst does, how they gather and validate requirements, provide suitable communication methods, and do.

Differences and Similarities Between the Old and the New CAPM Exam

Differences

Old Format

The 2018 CAPM content outline is based on four chapters in the PMBOK Guide Sixth Edition.

The main domains include:

• Introduction to Project Management
• Project Environment
• Role of the Project Manager
• 10 Project Management Knowledge Areas

New Format
The new  CAPM ECO is now based on PMBOK  Guide Seventh Edition, and the four domains include:

• Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts 
• Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies 
• Agile Frameworks/Methodologies 
• Business Analysis Frameworks 

Similarities

Both the old and the new exams will have 150 questions to finish in 3 hours and can be taken at a testing facility or online with a proctor.

How To Crack Certified Agile Project Management (CAPM) Exam?

Here are some steps you can take for the CAPM exam prep:

1. Understand the Exam Format and Content: Familiarize yourself with the new exam format, including the number of questions, time limit, and the areas of knowledge that will be tested
2. Study the PMBOK Guide: The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide is the primary reference for the CAPM exam, so it is essential to understand its contents well
3. Take a Training Course: Enrolling in a CAPM training course can be a great way to prepare for the exam, as they often provide study materials, practice tests, and instruction from experienced professionals

A Premier Authorized Training Partner of Project Management Institute (PMI), Invensis Learning provides a global CAPM exam prep course.

1. Practice with Sample Questions: Many resources are available online and offline; you can practice answering exam-like questions and get a sense of the types of questions you will encounter on the exam.
2. Stay Organized and on Track: Create a study schedule and stick to it. Break the exam syllabus into small chunks and set a target to complete each chunk on a certain date.
3. Take Mock Tests: It will help you to identify your weak areas and help to focus more on them.

These tips will help you as you clear the CAPM exam prep. Remember that the most important thing is to study hard and stay focused.

What are the Reference Books?

It is no longer sufficient to rely only on the PMBOK  Guide 6th Edition  as a reference text. Instead, it is now recommended to read a variety of books, including:

• PMBOK  Guide – 7th edition (PMI)
• Agile Practice Guide (PMI)
• Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide (PMI)
• Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme, Hybrid (written by Robert K. Wysocki and is a personal recommendation)
• Project Management Answer Book, 2nd Edition (written by Jeff Furman)
• The PMI Guide to Business Analysis (PMI)

It is important to familiarize yourself with the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, as it is included in the exam content outline. This document is short and easy to read.

It’s worth noting that the current reference list for the pilot exam includes two books on business analysis. It’s unclear at this point if this will be the case in the full exam, as holding a CAPM certification doesn’t necessarily mean performing business analysis tasks. Project management and business analysis are two distinct and complementary fields.

Conclusion

There’s no need to worry over changes to the CAPM exam. Despite any updates that may occur now or later, individuals have been successfully preparing for and passing this exam for many years. 

You can tackle the exam confidently by utilizing effective exam preparation resources, such as study courses or practice exams, and feeling well-prepared. The changes may seem daunting at first, but they are ultimately just part of the natural progression and evolution of the certification’s requirements