CAPM (PMI)
CAPM by PMI: exam format, cost, the education requirement, difficulty and whether this entry-level project management certification is worth it.
beginner
Project Management
Project Management certifications
Project and delivery certifications including PMP, PRINCE2, Scrum and agile credentials recognised worldwide.
Project management certifications split along two axes: career stage (entry-level versus experience-gated) and region/method (global PMP, UK/European PRINCE2, agile Scrum). The right choice depends on where you work and how your teams deliver - and the underlying truth is that demonstrated experience leading projects matters as much as any badge.
This hub brings the main project management certifications together with comparisons (PMP vs PRINCE2, PMP vs CAPM, PSM vs PMP) and a career path, so you can match a credential to your stage and market.
10exams compared
848free practice questions
50guides & resources
9side-by-side comparisons
Start here
Where to start
The decisions to make before you commit to a syllabus.
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Start: CAPM or PRINCE2 Foundation
Accessible with no experience - CAPM (global) or PRINCE2 Foundation (UK/Europe) build vocabulary and credibility.
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Lead real projects
Coordinate or lead work to build both competence and the documented experience the PMP later requires.
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Flagship: PMP
Once you meet the experience requirement - the most widely requested project management certification globally.
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Match method: PRINCE2 / Scrum / ITIL
Add a method credential for your market: PRINCE2 (government/UK/EU), Scrum (PSM, agile teams), ITIL (IT service management).
Progression
Certification pathway
A rough progression by level, not a strict order - start where your experience fits.
Foundation
Associate / core
The catalogue
All Project Management exams
Every exam we track in this field - each card links straight to its free practice questions, guides and fee breakdown.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): the required 16-hour CST course, the open-book exam, cost, validity and whether the Scrum Alliance cert is worth it. Verified.
beginner
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (IASSC ICBB)
IASSC Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB): the DMAIC phases, deeper statistics, cost, difficulty and whether it is worth it in 2026. Source-checked.
expert
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (IASSC ICGB)
IASSC Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB): the DMAIC phases, cost, difficulty and whether the certification is worth it in 2026. Source-checked.
intermediate
ITIL 4 Foundation (PeopleCert)
ITIL 4 Foundation: exam format, pass mark, cost and what this IT service management certification covers - a clear 2026 overview.
beginner
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner): the four domains, cost, difficulty and whether the agile certification is worth it in 2026. Source-checked.
intermediate
PMP - Project Management Professional (PMI)
PMP by PMI: eligibility, exam format, cost, the three domains and an honest look at whether the Project Management Professional is worth it in 2026.
advanced
PRINCE2 Foundation (PeopleCert)
PRINCE2 Foundation: exam format, pass mark, cost, what it covers and how it compares to PMP for project managers - a clear 2026 overview.
beginner
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I): exam format, the 85% pass mark, cost and how this Scrum.org agile certification compares to PMP in 2026.
intermediate
PRINCE2 Practitioner (PeopleCert)
PRINCE2 7 Practitioner explained: open-book format, 56 questions in 150 minutes, 60% pass mark, regional pricing, prerequisites and 3-year renewal rules.
intermediate
Head-to-head
Compare these certifications
Side-by-side verdicts for the pairs candidates actually weigh.
- CSM vs PSM: which Scrum Master certification should you choose?
- ITIL 4 Foundation vs PRINCE2 Foundation: which entry framework should you take?
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt vs Green Belt: which should you take?
- PMP vs CAPM: which project management certification first?
- PMP vs CSM: which project and agile certification fits you?
- PMP vs PMI-ACP: which PMI certification should you choose?
- PSM vs PMP: agile Scrum Master or project manager?
- PMP vs PRINCE2: which project management certification should you take?
- PRINCE2 Practitioner vs PMP: method credential or experience credential?
Where they lead
Related career paths
Step-by-step routes from a first certification to the roles it unlocks.
- How to become a project manager with certifications
- How to become a Scrum Master: CSM or PSM, then experience
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- PMP or PRINCE2 - which is better?
- Neither universally. PMP is experience-based and dominant in North America and globally; PRINCE2 is method-based and strong in the UK, Europe and government. Choose by your target market, or hold both.
- Do I need experience to get certified?
- For PMP, yes (documented project leadership). CAPM, PRINCE2 Foundation and PSM I have no experience requirement, which makes them good starting points.
- What about agile and Scrum?
- For dedicated Scrum Master or agile roles, a Scrum certification like PSM I is the most focused. The modern PMP also includes substantial agile and hybrid content.
- Which should I take first?
- If you do not yet qualify for PMP, start with CAPM or PRINCE2 Foundation and build experience. If you already qualify, go straight to PMP.