CAPM vs PMP Certification : Which Is Right for Your Project Management Career?

Gravitex Genesys

July 28, 2025

When it comes to advancing your career in project management, two certifications often come up - CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) and PMP (Project Management Professional). Both are offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and are globally recognized. But which one is right for you?

At Gravitex Genesys, we help professionals choose the right path with globally accredited training in project management. In this blog, we compare CAPM vs PMP based on eligibility, benefits, salary potential, and long-term value - so you can make a smart, confident decision.

What Is CAPM?

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry-level project management certification. It is ideal for:

Fresh graduates
Aspiring project managers
Professionals with less than 3 years of experience

CAPM focuses on fundamental project management concepts and terminology from the PMBOK® Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge). It helps you build a strong foundation in planning, execution, and monitoring of projects.

At Gravitex Genesys, our CAPM Certification Course is tailored to beginners and helps you build strong project management skills from the ground up.

What Is PMP?

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is designed for experienced project managers. It’s widely regarded as the gold standard in project management and is recognized by top employers globally.

PMP is best suited for:

Professionals with 3+ years of project management experience
Mid-career or senior-level managers
Those looking to manage large-scale or complex projects

If you're already working in a project management role, PMP will validate your skills in leading teams, managing project risks, and delivering results.

At Gravitex Genesys, our PMP Certification Program prepares you to handle complex project scenarios confidently and positions you as a capable project leader.

CAPM vs PMP: Key Differences

Feature	CAPM	PMP
Eligibility	High school diploma + 23 hours of project management education	Bachelor's degree + 36 months of experience (or 60 months with a diploma)
Level	Entry-level	Professional-level
Exam Format	150 questions in 3 hours	180 questions in 230 minutes
Focus	PMBOK Guide-based knowledge	Real-world project management experience & application
Cost	Around $300	Around $555
Renewal	Every 3 years with 15 PDUs	Every 3 years with 60 PDUs

Which Certification Should You Choose?

Choose CAPM if:

You're starting your career in project management.
You want to add a professional credential without meeting experience requirements.
You're pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or recently graduated.
You aim to build credibility and land your first project management role.

Bonus: At Gravitex Genesys, our CAPM Certification Course is beginner-friendly and designed to help you pass the exam in one go.

Choose PMP if:

You already manage projects or lead teams.
You want to boost your resume and unlock high-paying roles.
You’re ready to invest time in meeting the eligibility criteria.
You're targeting roles like Project Manager, Program Manager, or PMO Lead.

Pro tip: Our PMP Certification Course includes training aligned with PMI’s latest exam content outline and practical tools to help you succeed.

Salary Potential: CAPM vs PMP

One of the biggest reasons professionals pursue project management certifications is higher earning potential. According to PMI’s 2024 salary survey:

CAPM holders earn an average of ₹6 to ₹9 lakhs per year in India.
PMP holders earn 20% to 25% more, with salaries ranging from ₹12 to ₹25 lakhs depending on experience and industry.

Clearly, PMP offers a greater return on investment, but only if you meet the experience criteria.

For a detailed breakdown, check out our blog on Lean Six Sigma Salary Trends by Belt Level - you’ll see how certifications shape career growth.

Industry Demand and Job Roles

With a CAPM certification, you can qualify for roles like:

Project Coordinator
Junior Project Manager
Project Analyst

With a PMP certification, you’re likely to be hired as:

Senior Project Manager
Program Manager
Project Director
PMO Consultant

Industries such as IT, Construction, Telecom, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Finance are actively hiring certified project managers - and Gravitex Genesys equips you with the skills these industries demand.

Long-Term Impact on your Career

CAPM is a great way to start. It builds your understanding of project workflows and opens the door to your first project role. Many professionals use CAPM as a stepping stone to PMP once they gain experience.

PMP, on the other hand, is a career accelerator. It not only increases your credibility but also gives you the confidence to lead strategic projects and drive organizational success.

Both certifications show employers that you’re serious about your career - and with Gravitex Genesys, you gain access to premium training that prepares you for real-world challenges.