CAPM® Certification Program

PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® Examination Content Outline

The following table identifies the proportion of questions from each domain that will appear on the examination. These percentages are used to determine the number of questions related to each domain and task that should appear on the multiple-choice format examination.

Domain 1. Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts 36%

Task 1 : Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes

Distinguish between a project, program, and a portfolio.
Distinguish between a project and operations.
Distinguish between predictive and adaptive approaches.
Distinguish between issues, risks, assumptions, and constraints.
Review/critique project scope.
Apply the project management code of ethics to scenarios (refer to PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct).
Explain how a project can be a vehicle for change.

Task 2 : Demonstrate an understanding of project management planning

Describe the purpose and importance of cost, quality, risk, schedule, etc.
Distinguish between the different deliverables of a project management plan versus product management plan.
Distinguish differences between a milestone and a task duration.
Determine the number and type of resources in a project.
Use a risk register in a given situation.
Use a stakeholder register in a given situation.
Explain project closure and transitions.

Task 3 : Demonstrate an understanding of project roles and responsibilities

Compare and contrast the roles and responsibilities of project managers and project sponsors.
Compare and contrast the roles and responsibilities of the project team and the project sponsor.
Explain the importance of the role the project manager plays (e.g., initiator, negotiator, listener, coach, working member, and facilitator).
Explain the differences between leadership and management.
Explain emotional intelligence (EQ) and its impact on project management.

Task 4 : Determine how to follow and execute planned strategies or frameworks

Give examples of how it is appropriate to respond to a planned strategy or framework (e.g., communication, risk, etc.).
Explain project initiation and benefit planning.

Task 5 : Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques.

Evaluate the effectiveness of a meeting.
Explain the purpose of focus groups, standup meetings, brainstorming, etc

Domain 2. Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies 17%

Task 1 : Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach

Identify the suitability of a predictive, plan-based approach for the organizational structure (e.g., virtual, colocation, matrix structure, hierarchical, etc.).
Determine the activities within each process.
Give examples of typical activities within each process.
Distinguish the differences between various project components

Task 2 : Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule

Apply critical path methods.
Calculate schedule variance.
Explain work breakdown structures (WBS).
Explain work packages.
Apply a quality management plan.
Apply an integration management plan.

Task 3 : Determine how to document project controls of predictive, plan based projects

Identify artifacts that are used in predictive, plan-based projects.
Calculate cost and schedule variances.

Domain 3. Agile Frameworks/Methodologies 20%

Task 1 : Explain when it is appropriate to use an adaptive approach

Compare the pros and cons of adaptive and predictive, plan-based projects.
Identify the suitability of adaptive approaches for the organizational structure (e.g., virtual, colocation, matrix structure, hierarchical, etc.).
Identify organizational process assets and enterprise environmental factors that facilitate the use of adaptive approaches.

Task 2 : Determine how to plan project iterations

Distinguish the logical units of iterations.
Interpret the pros and cons of the iteration.
Translate this WBS to an adaptive iteration.
Determine inputs for scope.
Explain the importance of adaptive project tracking versus predictive, plan-based tracking.

Task 3 : Determine how to document project controls for an adaptive project

Identify artifacts that are used in adaptive projects.

Task 4 : Explain the components of an adaptive plan

Distinguish between the components of different adaptive methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), Scaled Adaptive Framework (SAFe®), Kanban, etc.).

Task 5 : Determine how to prepare and execute task management steps

Interpret success criteria of an adaptive project management task.
Prioritize tasks in adaptive project management.

Domain 4. Business Analysis Frameworks – 27%

Task 1 : Demonstrate an understanding of business analysis (BA) roles and responsibilities

Distinguish between stakeholder roles (e.g., process owner, process manager, product manager, product owner, etc.).
Outline the need for roles and responsibilities (Why do you need to identify stakeholders in the first place?).
Differentiate between internal and external roles.

Task 2 : Determine how to conduct stakeholder communication

Recommend the most appropriate communication channel/tool (e.g., reporting, presentation, etc.).
Demonstrate why communication is important for a business analyst between various teams (features, requirements, etc.).

Task 3 : Determine how to gather requirements

Recommend the most appropriate comm
Match tools to scenarios (e.g., user stories, use cases, etc.).
Identify the requirements gathering approach for a situation (e.g., conduct stakeholder interviews, surveys, workshops, lessons learned, etc.).
Explain a requirements traceability matrix/product backlog.
unication channel/tool (e.g., reporting, presentation, etc.).
Demonstrate why communication is important for a business analyst between various teams (features, requirements, etc.).

Task 4 : Demonstrate an understanding of product roadmaps

Explain the application of a product roadmap.
Determine which components go to which releases.

Task 5 : Determine the role of a business analyst in adaptive and/or predictive, plan-based approaches

Explain the application of a product roadmap.
Determine which components go to which releases.

Task 6 : Validate requirements through product delivery

Define acceptance criteria (the action of defining changes based on the situation).
Determine if a project/product is ready for delivery

About CAPM®

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Preparing for CAPM® Certification

The CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) is designed for individuals who are beginning their career in project management or aspiring to enter this field. It validates their understanding of fundamental project management concepts, terminology, and processes. CAPM® certification holders demonstrate their ability to contribute effectively to project teams and assist in project management tasks and activities.

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