Both come from PMI — but they target different roles and career stages. Here's how Certified Associate in Project Management and PMI Risk Management Professional compare, and how to choose.
The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.
| CAPM®Certified Associate in Project Management | PMI-RMP®PMI Risk Management Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Entry | Professional |
| Exam length | 3h 0m | 2h 30m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~150 | ~115 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 70% |
| In a sentence | Your first PM credential — no experience required. | Project risk management — PMI's specialist credential. |
| Free practice | 150 sample questions | 150 sample questions |
Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official PMI site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with PMI.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| CAPM®facts as of August 2026 | PMI-RMP®facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam fee — PMI member: ~$225 (verify on pmi.org) Exam fee — non-member: ~$300 (verify on pmi.org) Retake: ~$150 member / ~$200 non-member Required education: 23 contact hours (PM) Renewal (every 3 yrs): 15 PDUs under the CCR program |
Exam fee — PMI member: ~$520 (verify on pmi.org) Exam fee — non-member: ~$670 (verify on pmi.org) Re-examination: ~$335 member / ~$435 non-member Required education: 30–40 contact hours (risk) Renewal (every 3 yrs): 30 PDUs under the CCR program |
| Study time | commonly reported 60–150 hours beyond the mandatory 23 contact hours | commonly reported 35–60+ hours on top of the mandatory 30–40 contact hours |
| Renewal | 15 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program (since the 2023 update — no re-exam needed) | 30 PDUs in risk-aligned topics every 3 years under PMI's CCR program |
| Entry requirement | Secondary degree (high school diploma or global equivalent), | Secondary diploma + 36 months of project risk management experience (last 5 years) + 40 contact hours of risk education, |
| Body of knowledge | the official CAPM Examination Content Outline | the PMI-RMP Examination Content Outline |
| Full fact pages | CAPM® cost · format · eligibility | PMI-RMP® cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
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Both come from PMI. CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management) is a Entry credential, while PMI-RMP® (PMI Risk Management Professional) is a Professional credential. They differ mainly in target role, exam length and depth.
The CAPM® exam runs about 3h 0m with ~150 questions; the PMI-RMP® exam runs about 2h 30m with ~115 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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