Navigating the 2023 Changes to the CAPM Exam: A Comprehensive Guide

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam is undergoing significant changes in 2023. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to prepare for the new exam format.

The Shift in the CAPM Exam

The Project Management Institute (PMI) has announced that the CAPM exam will be updated to align with the latest PMBOK Guide – 7th edition and more modern ways of thinking about project management. The changes are set to take effect from 25 July 2023.

What’s Changing in the CAPM Exam?

Previously, the CAPM exam was primarily a memorization exercise based on the PMBOK Guide – Sixth edition. The new exam, while still testing the fundamentals, common practices, terminology, and processes, will draw from a wider pool of professional practice. Candidates should expect to be tested on agile, hybrid, and different delivery approaches and ways of working.

New Domains Tested in the CAPM Exam

The new CAPM exam will test candidates on four different domain areas:

1. Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts (36% of test questions)
2. Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies (17% of test questions)
3. Agile Frameworks/Methodologies (20% of test questions)
4. Business Analysis Frameworks (27% of test questions)

Reference Texts for the New CAPM Exam

To prepare for the new exam, candidates are advised to refer to the following texts:

• PMBOK Guide – 7th edition (PMI)
• PMIStandards+ (a searchable, digital version of the PMBOK Guide – 6th edition)
• Agile Practice Guide (PMI)
• Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide (PMI)
• Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme, Hybrid (Robert K. Wysocki)
• Project Management Answer Book, 2nd Edition (Jeff Furman)
• The PMI Guide to Business Analysis (PMI)

Changes to the Exam Experience

The new exam will consist of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed over 3 hours, similar to the current format. However, a 10-minute break will be added after the completion of 75 questions.

Do You Need Agile Experience?

While not a requirement, having experience working on agile projects may make it easier to answer the agile and hybrid questions in the new exam.

In conclusion, while the changes to the CAPM exam may seem daunting, with the right preparation and resources, candidates can confidently navigate the new exam format. Stay informed, prepare well, and embrace the changes as an opportunity to broaden your project management knowledge and skills.