I have about 18 months of project experience, which isn't enough for the PMP yet. Is it worth getting the CAPM now to boost my resume, or should I just wait another year and a half and go straight for the PMP? I don't want to waste money on two different certifications if one is redundant.
3 answers
I faced this exact dilemma last year. I decided to go for the CAPM because it allowed me to negotiate a salary increase immediately rather than waiting two years. Plus, the knowledge you gain while studying for the CAPM makes the PMP much easier down the road because you already have the core concepts down. Many employers will actually pay for your PMP later if you show initiative by getting the CAPM on your own. It shows a commitment to the "Project Management Professional" path early on in your career journey.
Does your current company recognize the CAPM for internal promotions, or are they specifically looking for the PMP designation for senior roles?
Get the CAPM now. It fulfills the 35-hour education requirement for the PMP later, so you aren't really wasting any time or effort in the long run.
I completely agree with Emily. Using the CAPM to satisfy the PMP education hours is a smart strategic move that saves you from taking another course in the future.
Ryan, most companies recognize the CAPM as a sign of professional competence for Associate or Coordinator roles. While PMP is the gold standard for Senior PMs, the CAPM is often the "foot in the door" needed to get the very experience required to eventually qualify for that higher-level PMP certification later.