The following questions are representative of the types of questions you will find on the CRCM (Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager) exam.
1. A borrower has a right to rescind a loan agreement in all of the following situations except:
a. A line of credit used for the borrower's business, secured by the borrower's primary dwelling
b. A revolving line of credit secured by the borrower's primary dwelling used to Excellerate the borrower's home
c. An increase of a line of credit from $5,000 to $10,000 secured by the borrower's primary dwelling
d. A loan to pay off a contract for a deed secured by the borrower's primary dwelling
2. When opening a deposit account online, Regulation E disclosures MUST be provided at the time of account opening or:
a. Before the first EFT occurs
b. Along with the first periodic statement
c. Within three business days of account opening
d. Within three business days of a customer's request for the EFT service
3. The primary responsibility for overseeing a bank’s inherent compliance risk should lie with which of the following?
a. Internal audit
b. Consumers
c. Board of Directors
d. Compliance officer
4. A branch manager finds an unexplained $7,000 cash shortage in Teller #1's cash drawer. Which of the following actions must the bank take?
a. File a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the IRS
b. Discharge Teller #1 immediately
c. Send a notice of adverse action to the bank's federal regulator
d. File a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR)
5. A compliance professional recently discovered the bank did not file and disclose an accurate covered agreement, as required by the CRA Sunshine Act. In order to ensure correct reporting in the future, what must be provided?
a. All individual mortgage loans
b. Grants or loans to fulfill CRA activity
c. Non-public or confidential information that will be provided in the public file
d. A copy of the agreement to the regulatory agency 24 months after the end of the term
Answer Key
1. a
2. a
3. c
4. d
5. b
Looking to prepare for the exam? ABA offers CRCM exam Online Prep.
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When you are ready, proceed to the current exam.
Read about the new Word Police training manual, Word Court, by Word Police Commissioner Barbara Wallraff.
Join a conversation on Word Police and Word Court in Atlantic Unbound's reader forum, Post & Riposte.
Read latest Word Court columns from The Atlantic Monthly, and browse the Word Fugitives archive, in The Court Record.
Sample Entrance Exam
Word Police exams consist of questions similar to the ones below. Here beneath each question we've told you which answer is correct, and explained why.
When you are taking an genuine exam, once you've answered all five questions, press the "Submit answers" button to have your responses scored. If you're not sure of the answer to any question, why not take your best guess? (No points are deducted for wrong answers.) You'll need to get at least four answers right to be allowed to proceed. On the next page, you will be asked a final question that you must answer correctly in order to pass the exam.
The genuine exams provide a clue about the intent of the questions that isn't available here -- namely, that each of them is the test for a particular squad or division. The questions on the entrance exam for any given squad will have to do with that squad's specialty. So, for example, on the entrance exam for the Number Unit, the focus of the questions will tend to be grammatical number (say, "the Word Police is ..." or "the Word Police are ..."?).
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Your exam invitation, or Notice to Schedule (NTS), email from Meazure Learning will have links for you to check your computer system. If you take your exam online, it is important to verify that your computer meets the minimum requirements and that you have reliable access to the Internet. An internet connection disruption will suspend the exam session.
IMPORTANT: If taking the exam online, you must use a computer on which you have full admin access.
Requirements:
- You must be alone in the room throughout the test
- You are required to have a webcam installed on your exam workstation
- PC computers are recommended; however MACs are also acceptable
- Chromebooks, tablets, iPads, dual/multiple monitors, and projectors are not permitted to be used as a testing device
- Your computer must meet the system and equipment requirements listed here
Additional Resources
If you have computer system questions after following the instructions provided by Meazure Learning's schedule confirmation email, please contact Meazure Learning at +1 919-572-6880 or candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com.
Note: Meazure Learning, Scantron, and ProctorU are all one-and-the-same organization.
- Your valid, government issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport, state-issued ID card)
- The printed exam confirmation notice you received from Meazure Learning
- No other items can be brought into the exam environment
- A calculator and any other necessary resource materials will be provided on the computer for those taking the exam electronically
- No reference material will be allowed in any test room
- Please note that storage space will be limited
For all CCST level exams, Units Conversion Tables will be provided to candidates in either paper format (paper/pencil exams) or accessible within the electronic test interface for reference during the exam. Click here to review the Units Conversion Tables.
It is important to be certain when selecting the method and time you want to take the exam. You may incur fees if you change the time and method of testing. Exams must be scheduled in advance as follows:
- Candidates in the United States and Canada: you must submit your scheduling request at least two calendar days prior to your desired exam date
- Candidates in other countries: you must submit your scheduling request at least five calendar days prior to your desired exam date
If you are within your exam window or eligibility period, you may reschedule your exam appointment before the online and Test Center reschedule cut-off times via the online exam scheduling system. If you are outside your exam window and want to request an extension, please contact certifications@isa.org.
Changing from online exam to another online exam
There is no rescheduling fee. However, it must be changed no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment date and time.
Changing from online exam to Test Center exam
There is no rescheduling fee. However, it must be changed at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. Additionally, you must reschedule the new appointment no less than two calendar days in advance of the new appointment at a Meazure Learning test center.
Changing from Test Center exam to another Test Center exam
You will incur a rescheduling fee of 50 USD. Rescheduling fees are payable to Meazure Learning via a secure e-commerce site (credit card). The reschedule cut-off time is no later than two calendar days prior to the exam appointment. Additionally, if you are scheduling a new online exam appointment, it must be done no less than 24 hours prior to the new appointment date and time.
Reschedule Fees:
CAP Associate and CST Associate:- ISA members: 76 USD
- Non-members: 95 USD
- ISA members: 120 USD
- Non-members: 150 USD
- ISA members: 108 USD
- Non-members: 135 USD
- ISA members: 116 USD
- Non-members: 145 USD
You can cancel an exam through Meazure Learning's online exam scheduling system.
- Online exam appointments must be cancelled no less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment date and time. There is no cancellation fee
- Exam center appointments must be cancelled no less than two calendar days prior to the scheduled testing appointment. There is a cancellation fee of 50 USD payable to Meazure Learning via a secure e-commerce site (credit card)
You may retest as many times as needed, if you do not pass or if you miss your scheduled exam, within your exam window or eligibility period. However, there is a fee each time that is payable to ISA. If you need to retest or have missed your exam, you must submit a request to certification@isa.org.
If a candidate fails their exam, they may retest as many times as needed within their 12-month certification exam window or six-month certificate eligibility period. There is a fee each time retesting is needed. If a candidate does not pass the exam within the program exam deadline, the applicant must reapply for that certification or register again for the certificate course to sit for the exam.
If you fail to appear for a scheduled exam or arrive more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, you will be considered a no-show and forfeit your exam. However, you may retake a missed exam by paying a rescheduling fee to ISA if you are within your exam window or eligibility period. To request a rescheduled exam, email certifications@isa.org with your request. See exam procedures section #4, Rescheduling an Exam, for reschedule fee costs.
You may qualify for an exception if you meet certain conditions and submit documentation to Meazure Learning no later than five calendar days after the scheduled exam appointment. If the exception is approved, there will be a no-show exemption fee of 50 USD payable via secure e-commerce (credit card) and collected by Meazure Learning. Please contact Meazure Learning by phone at +1 919-572-6880 or email candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com for more details.All ISA certification exams are closed-book and have multiple choice questions. We apply a modified Angoff Method to determine the pass point for each exam (learn more about the modified Angoff Method below). Our certification exams last between 3 and 4 hours and our certificate exams last two hours.
ISA does not provide a passing score; you are only notified whether you passed or failed. If you fail an exam, you will receive a score report that lists the domains and indicates the percentage of questions answered correctly within each domain. Note that the percentages are not used to calculate a candidate’s passing score.
You will see your exam results on the screen at the completion of the exam. You will also receive your exam results immediately via email from (candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com). If you do not receive an email containing your results within 24 hours, please contact Meazure Learning by phone at +1 919-572-6880 or email candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com for assistance.
If you pass your exam, you will receive an email containing a digital badge from isa_badges@isa.org within one business day of completing the exam. To access, manage, and/or share your secure digital badge, use your email address and password to enter your BadgeCert portfolio. If it is the first time accessing your portfolio or if you have forgotten your password, click “Request new password?” on their login page to create your password. More information about using your digital badge can be found here.
Be advised that we update our databases and systems with the previous month’s exam data in the first part of the following month. ISA will update your credential status on the “My Credentials” tab from your ISA account and in ISA's Credential Directory within the first ten (10) business days of the following month you took your exam.
Modified Angoff Method
The modified Angoff Method uses expert judgements to determine the difficulty level of the exam. The easier the exam, the higher the pass point. Likewise, the more difficult the exam, the lower the pass point. The following is a basic outline of the modified Angoff Method (some details have been omitted):
- A group of subject matter experts (SMEs) independently rate each exam question within a given form of the exam. The ratings are defined as the probability, or likelihood, that an acceptably (minimally) competent person with the requisite education and experience will answer the question correctly. An acceptably (minimally) competent person is defined as someone who adequately performs all job functions safely and requires no further training to do so.
- The SMEs review each exam question as a group. A statistical consensus is reached for the difficulty rating of each exam question.
- After the data is refined, the final step is to calculate the mean, or average, of all the exam question ratings. This becomes the overall pass point estimation.
Taking an exam is the final step to earning an ISA certification. Upon paying the exam fee, the application process is complete, and you have acknowledged that you meet the requirements listed below in numbers 1–3.
- Commit to the ISA Code of Conduct.
- Meet the education and work experience requirements for the specific certification for which you are applying.
- Acknowledge that you are subject to a random application verification audit.
- Agree to provide the supporting documents proving your qualifications if you are audited.
- Pay the exam fee. (See “Exam Fee” section below for more information.)
Next Steps
- Watch for an email from coming from our testing provider, Meazure Learning (candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com). Expect to receive it fifteen days before your exam window. The email will include information about how to schedule your exam online or at a test center. NOTE: If you have attended a CCST review course and wish to apply for CCST certification, you must also meet the requirements listed above in numbers 1–3. Since the application fee is included in the cost of all CCST review courses, you will receive an exam invitation within three business days after completing the review course.
- Schedule and take your exam. You will be notified whether you pass or not immediately upon completing the exam.
- Watch for an email summarizing your exam results. If you pass your exam, you will also receive your digital badge and you will be listed in the ISA Credential Directory.
- Watch for an email from certification@isa.org regarding an audit. You will only receive this email if you have been randomly selected to be audited. If you do not receive this email, you do not need to do anything. Audits are conducted three times per year, so it may take several months after completing your exam to receive an email if you have been selected for an audit.
Certification Exams Available
All ISA certification exams are closed book and have multiple choice questions. The CCST Specialist—Level 2 certification exam is three hours long and all other certification exams are four hours long. See the information below for the number of questions in each exam.
| Exam | Questions |
| Certified Automation Professional® (CAP ®) | 175 |
| Certified Control System Technician® (CCST®) Level 1 | 150 |
| Certified Control System Technician (CCST) Specialist—Level 2 | 125 |
| Certified Control System Technician (CCST) Master—Level 3 | 150 |
Exam Fees
Submit payment to apply for the chosen certification when you can confirm that you meet the certification requirements to sit for the exam and can test within the deadline of the exam window of your choosing. You will be notified by email with the next steps to schedule your exam.
CAP
- CAP Requirements
- CAP Application Fee
- 347 USD — ISA Members
- 467 USD — Non-members
CCST
Apply for CCST Certification for Free
Register for one of the CCST review courses and apply for certification for no additional fee. The following courses qualify: Level I Review Course (TS00), Level II Review Course (TS02) or Level III Review Course (TS03). You will automatically receive an exam invitation once you start the course. By paying for the review course, you are confirming that you are aware of, have met and can document the requirements for the certification level for which you are applying.
Payment Methods
ISA accepts payment for exam fees by check, certified check, money order, PayPal payment, wire transfer in US Dollars, or credit card. Make checks payable to ISA. For wire transfer account information, please contact ISA Customer Service. The following credit cards are accepted: AMEX, Discover card, Master Card, and VISA. Purchase orders are not accepted.
Fees are nonrefundable. It is your responsibility as the applicant to thoroughly review the requirements of the certification for which you are applying. No refunds will be made for applicants who do not appear for testing on the appropriate exam date. There are no group discounts for certification application fees.
Exam Scheduling
After you pay your exam fee to complete the application process, you will receive an exam invitation (Notice to Schedule Exam) email from candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com 15 days before the beginning of your assigned exam window with steps to schedule the exam. Follow the instructions in the email to schedule your exam—online or at a test center—through the online exam scheduling system. You can get more information about your exam window deadline by accessing the “My Credentials” tab in your ISA account.
If you have not received your exam invitation within that time frame, please check your spam or junk folder for an email from candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com, as some server firewalls may block the receipt of the email. If you still are unable to find your exam invitation, please email certifications@isa.org for assistance.
See further related details on the Exam Procedures page.
Exam Windows
If you are applying for CAP or CCST certification, you have a twelve-month exam window. You may take the exam at a Test Center or online during one of three exam windows (see chart below). Each exam window will have a deadline for applications to be submitted. Eligible candidates will only be able to take the exam during the following exam windows.
| Exam Window | Application Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| 2023 Window 3: 1 November 2023 – 31 October 2024 |
15 September 2023 |
| 2024 Window 1: 1 March 2024 – 28 February 2025 |
15 January 2024 |
| 2024 Window 2: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2025 |
15 May 2024 |
| 2024 Window 3: 1 November 2025 – 31 October 2025 |
15 September 2024 |
Review Course Testing: If you have attended a review course (paid for by you or sponsored by a company), you will receive your exam invitation near the end of your review course and have a twelve (12) month exam eligibility period based on the date of your review course.
Digital Badging
After passing the CAP or CCST certification exam, you will earn a digital badge. To access, manage, and/or share your secure digital badge, use your email address and password to enter your BadgeCert portfolio. If it is the first time accessing your portfolio, click “Request new password?” on their login page to create your password. More information about using your digital badge can be found here.
Grievances Appeal Process
If you feel you were wrongly denied certification, either original or renewal, from the CAP or CCST programs, then you have the right to appeal. Review the Grievances Appeal Process.
What Is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a formal recognition of expertise in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and retirement saving.
Owned and awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., the designation is awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board's initial exams, then continue ongoing annual education programs to sustain their skills and certification.
Key Takeaways
- A certified financial planner (CFP) has received a formal designation from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
- CFPs help individuals in a variety of areas in managing their finances, such as retirement, investing, education, insurance, and taxes.
- Becoming a CFP is a difficult and stringent process. It requires years of experience, successful completion of standardized exams, a demonstration of ethics, and a formal education.
- The most important aspect quality of a CFP is that they have a fiduciary duty, meaning they must make decisions with their client's best interests in mind.
Understanding a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
CFPs are there to help individuals manage their finances. This can include a variety of needs, such as investment planning, retirement planning, insurance, and education planning. The most important aspect of a CFP is to be a fiduciary of your assets, meaning that they will make decisions with your best interests in mind.
CFPs are all-encompassing, particularly when compared to investment advisors. CFPs will usually start the process by evaluating your current finances, including any cash, assets, investments, or properties, to come up with an estimate of your income and net worth. They also take a look at your liabilities, such as mortgages and student debt.
From this point on they work with you to come up with an individualized financial plan. For example, say you are nearing retirement, the CFP will create a financial plan that can see you through your retirement years. Or perhaps you have a child that will be starting college. The CFP can help create a financial plan to manage that cost.
A CFP is a financial adviser who has earned a certification that indicates in-depth knowledge of financial planning. The requirements to become a CFP are some of the most difficult and stringent in the financial industry.
CFP and Fiduciary Duty
All CFPs are held to the standard of fiduciary duty. That means they must always put your interests as a client ahead of their own. For example, if they would more money selling one product over another, but the product that made them less money was better for you, that is the product they must recommend.
A CFP's fiduciary duty is clearly laid out by the CFP Board and states "At all times when providing financial advice to a client, a CFP professional must act as a fiduciary, and therefore, act in the best interest of the client."
The board goes on to state that three duties must be met by an adviser with a fiduciary duty. These are (1) duty of loyalty, (2) duty of care, and (3) duty to follow client instructions.
How to Become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Earning the CFP designation involves meeting requirements in four areas: formal education, performance on the CFP exam, relevant work experience, and demonstrated professional ethics.
The education requirements comprise two major components. The candidate must hold a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited university or college. Second, the candidate must complete a list of specific courses in financial planning, as specified by the CFP Board.
Much of this second requirement is typically waived if the candidate holds certain accepted financial designations, such as a chartered financial analyst (CFA) or certified public accountant (CPA) designation, or has a higher degree in business, such as a master of business administration (MBA).
As for professional experience, candidates must prove they have at least three years (or 6,000 hours) of full-time professional experience in the industry, or two years (4,000 hours) in an apprenticeship role.
Lastly, candidates and CFP holders must adhere to the CFP Board's standards of professional conduct. They must also regularly disclose information about any involvement in criminal activity, inquiries by government agencies, bankruptcies, customer complaints, or terminations by employers. The CFP Board conducts an extensive background check on all candidates before granting the certification.
Even successful completion of the above steps doesn't certain receipt of the CFP designation. The CFP Board has final discretion on whether to award the designation to an individual.
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Exam
The CFP exam includes 170 multiple-choice on more than 100 courses related to financial planning. The scope includes professional conduct and regulations, financial planning principles, education planning, risk management, insurance, investments, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning.
The various subject areas are weighted, and the most latest weighting is available on the CFP Board website. Further questions test the candidate's expertise in establishing client-planner relationships and gathering relevant information, and their ability to analyze, develop, communicate, implement, and monitor the recommendations they make to their clients.
Here's some additional information on the administration, costs, and scoring of the CFP exam:
- Timing: Candidates sit for two three-hour sessions on a single day; a 40-minute break period separates the sessions. Exams are typically offered in three eight-day windows: March, July, and November.
- Cost: $925 for an exam administered at a U.S. test site, with a discount for early applications and a surcharge for late ones.
- Passing Score: This is criterion-referenced, which means performance is measured according to a set level of required competency, rather than against the scores of other individuals who have written the same exam. This prevents any advantages or disadvantages that can occur when past exams were of lower or higher difficulty.
- Retaking the test: If you fail, you may retake the test up to four additional times.
CFP vs. CFA
Though a certified financial planner (CPA) and a chartered financial analyst (CFA) may sound similar, they are different certifications with different job functions and clients. A CFP works with individuals, often retail clients, helping them achieve their financial goals. This includes help in investing and retirement planning.
A CFA works with corporations performing investment analysis. CFAs focus on financial reporting, analysis, and portfolio management. They can trade financial products, such as derivatives, and help in mergers and acquisitions. CFA's usually work for investment banks and hedge funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Do You Need a CFP?
If you are just looking to invest money in stocks and bonds, a CFP probably isn't needed.
If you are looking to manage your finances, investment choices, estate planning, and retirement planning, a CFP can help you with all of those needs.
A CFP is a step above a non-designated financial advisor and has demonstrated expertise in financial planning.
How Much Does a CFP Cost?
How much a CFP costs will depend on your specific needs.
On average, a CFP charges between $1,800 and $2,500 for preparing a full financial plan. You also should expect $4,000 for a flat-fee retainer or $250 per hour for hourly services.
Is CFP the Same as CFA?
No, CFP and CFA are not the same.
A CFP is a certified financial planner who provides financial planning advice to individuals. This includes help with investing, retirement planning, estate planning, and tax law.
A CFA is a chartered financial analyst who may work for an investment bank or hedge fund and performs financial analysis, modeling, trading, and portfolio management services.
Is CFP Equivalent to MBA?
No, a CFP is not equivalent to an MBA.
A certified financial planner (CFP) is qualified to advise individuals on financial planning.
The holder of a master of business degree has studied the way businesses operate.
The career paths differ. A CFP works in financial consulting or wealth management. An MBA may be a business manager, portfolio manager, financial analyst, financial strategist, or even an entrepreneur.
Is the CFP exam Hard?
The CFP exam requires a lot of preparation and covers a wide range of courses in depth. The best way to ensure you pass the CFP exam is by preparing for it well in advance and sticking to a study schedule.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a CFP takes education and experience, as well as a strong grasp of financial ethics. The test to gain this distinction is comprised of 170 questions and is split into two three-hour sessions.
Even if candidates pass the test and meet all the requirements, the CFP Board still has the final say about whether to award this distinction. Given the stringent requirements, CFPs can be assumed to have an in-depth understanding of financial planning.
Month-long testing windows offer candidates the ability to take the exam on the day and time that is most convenient during a 30-day period.
1. Where are the test sites located?
Test Sites are located across the United States. At the time of scheduling the exam, candidates can select a site based on their zip code.
2. What are the typical hours of operation for a test site?
The normal hours of operation at Test Sites are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but times can vary. When registering, confirm the hours with the site you wish to select.
3. What do candidates need to bring to the test site?
Candidates are required to bring one (1) form of valid (non-expired), government issued, photo ID to the test site. Additionally, candidates must bring a copy of their Confirmation Notice which is emailed to them at the time of registration.
4. What is the test site change or cancellation policy?
If you wish to reschedule or cancel a testing appointment within the same exam window, you must contact Meazure Learning (formerly Scantron) at least 2 business days before the scheduled appointment. Canceling or rescheduling a testing appointment more than 2 business days in advance is subject to a $50 fee. Canceling or rescheduling less than 2 business days in advance of an appointment is not permitted.
5. In addition to the $50 test site fee, what are the ABA fees that will apply if candidates wish to move to another exam window?
Please review the procedures and fee schedule on the Certification exam Change Policy page. All change and cancellation requests must be made by submitting the Exam Window Change/Cancellation Form.
ABA will consider waiving fees in case of a medical emergency. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
6. Can I take the certification exam on my computer at home or at work?
Yes. ABA offers candidates the option of testing at home or another location via live remote proctoring (LRP). Candidates can select the LRP option at the time of scheduling their exam date, usually 30 days before the start of the exam window. Visit the Test Taker Resource Center for more detailed information. You can also review What to Expect for a demonstration of the exam process.7. How much time do I get to complete the exam?
Based on the certification, the exam time is either 3 hours or 4 hours:
3-Hour exam (150 questions) - CAFP, CFMP, CISP
4-Hour exam (200 questions) - CERP, CRCM, CTFA
8. During the exam, can I skip questions and return to them later?
Yes. Questions can be marked and returned to at a later point in the exam, if time permits. Be sure to answer all questions, as only answered questions are scored. To help you navigate the test, please click on one of the links below to preview the exam system prior to your test date:
9. Can I review or change my answers?
Yes. Questions can be marked for review and answers changed, if time permits.
10. Are individuals with disabilities accommodated?
Yes. All testing centers are fully accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, accommodations can be made for LRP exam candidates. You must submit your request for reasonable accommodations, along with supporting documentation with your exam application.
11. How are exams scored?
The exam is scored on a "Pass/Fail" system using a predetermined cut off score based on advisory board analysis of the degree of difficulty for each question. Exams are scored based on your personal performance and are not graded on a curve.
All ABA Professional Certification exams use scaled scoring. Scaled scores are recommended by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Many testing programs, including the ACT® and SAT®, use scaled scores.
Exam scores are based on the total number of items answered correctly. The total number of items correct is then converted to a scaled score for reporting purposes. Scaled scores are a mathematical conversion of the number of items that a candidate correctly answers so that there is a consistent scale used across all versions of a test.
All ABA Professional Certification exams are scored on a scale ranging from 200 to 800, with the passing score set at 500.
Each exam contains a small number of randomly embedded questions that are included for statistical research purposes. These questions do not count against candidate scores. This form of piloting questions before they are scored is part of ABA's efforts in continuous quality improvement.
Score results are confidential. You must sign an Exam Score Release Form if you want to authorize a third party to receive your score results.
12. How long will it take to receive exam results?
An instant pass/fail outcome is provided for most computer-based exams at the testing sites. Official score results are delivered via email within 6 weeks after the close of the exam window.
On occasion, ABA holds scores to conduct statistical analysis. This means that for some exams, instant outcomes will NOT be provided at the test sites and all outcomes and score results will be emailed within 6 weeks after the close of the exam window.
13. What is the exam fee?
All exam fees are listed on each certification's webpage.
14. How and when do I select my exam date, time, and location?
- When purchasing the exam and completing the online application process, you will select your 30 day testing window during which you wish to take the exam.
- Once your exam application is approved by ABA Professional Certifications, you will receive registration information via email from Meazure Learning (formerly Scantron) approximately 30 days prior to the start of the exam window.
- Please add [email protected] to your safe sender list to ensure you receive the email.
- The email will contain your unique log-in ID and password that you will use to register at your preferred test site on the day and time of your choosing. You will also have the option to schedule the date and time for an LRP exam at this time.
- Please contact ABA if you do not receive an email from Meazure Learning (formerly Scantron) at least 15 days before the start of your exam window.
15. What is your exam retake policy?
- You must wait a minimum of 90 days before you are allowed to retake an exam on the next scheduled exam date.
- There is no limit to the number of times you can take the exam.
- You must pass the exam within a 3 year period from the date of your first exam attempt or a new application and full fee is required.
- For more information, please refer to the exam Application page for the certification that you are seeking.
Project management is one of the fastest-growing professions, with an estimated 25 million jobs expected to be created around the world by 2030. To fill these roles, businesses across industries are seeking new project managers with the qualifications and expertise necessary to make a positive impact in their organizations.
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and Project Management Professional (PMP)® are both specialized credentials offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI)® that Excellerate credibility and offer professionals opportunities to increase their skills, lead larger projects and advance their careers.
In order to choose the certification that best aligns with your intended career goals, it is critical to understand the differences between CAPM and PMP certification. These differences include prerequisites, cost, level of difficulty and industry-wide perception of the credentials.
Because those planning to earn CAPM certification are not required to have project management experience or a four-year degree, the CAPM is ideal for latest community college graduates or current undergraduates who want to bolster their resume with a credential that demonstrates a commitment to a career in project management.
While the CAPM is ideal for people beginning their careers, there are some additional prerequisites, including that candidates must complete 23 contact hours before taking the exam. Contact hours are hours spent in project management education or training. These hours can be completed on site or online, enabling candidates to fulfill this requirement without putting their professional, educational or personal obligations on hold. Some universities may also offer project management education at this level as a part of a degree program.
OR
- A four-year degree
- 36 months of leading and directing projects within the past eight years
- 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM certification
- While the PMP certification does not require a bachelor’s degree, job candidates who hold a four-year degree have a significant advantage. PMP candidates with a secondary degree must have 60 months of experience in leading and directing projects to qualify, while those with a four-year degree are only required to have 36 months of experience.
- In addition, the PMP certification requires 35 hours of project management education, compared to the CAPM’s 23-hour minimum requirement. Purdue’s flexible online Project Management Essentials course fulfills the hourly requirement of both certifications.
CAPM vs. PMP Certification exam Cost
Professionals who pursue project management certification are making a valuable, long-term investment in their careers. Part of that investment does include exam fees.
The PMI requires a fee for both exams, with the cost of the CAPM exam at $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. The cost of the PMP exam is $405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members. See the table below for a quick comparison.
| PMI members | Non-members | |
|---|---|---|
| CAPM exam cost | $225 | $300 |
| PMP exam cost | $405 | $575 |
A one-year membership to the PMI is $139 and comes with many tools and templates for your professional use, including a downloadable copy of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).
Many companies offer professional development benefits that may cover employee education and professional credentialing costs. According to a 2022 survey by the Society for Human Resources, 78% of employers cover opportunities for professional skill development.
How Difficult Are the CAPM and PMP Certification Exams?
Because the CAPM is geared toward entry-level project managers or those who are considering a project management career, the CAPM exam is widely considered to be less rigorous than the PMP exam.
The CAPM exam questions are derived from the PMBOK® Guide, PMI’s global standards for project management, as well as other sources, which are listed (with the relevant chapters) in the CAPM exam reference list.
The PMP certification exam, on the other hand, is appropriate for individuals of varying experience levels — from those early in their career to established professionals with more significant project management experience — and is therefore more challenging to achieve.
Like the CAPM, the PMP exam also covers the PMBOK® Guide, but it also includes questions designed to test whether the candidate knows how to handle real-world project management scenarios.
To pass the PMP Exam, PMI not only recommends studying the PMBOK® Guide, the PMP Examination Content Outline and the PMP handbook, but also enrolling in a formal course of study offered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP), such as Purdue University.
CAPM exam Details
The CAPM exam consists of 150 questions that call for multiple-choice, hot spot and drag-and-drop responses, in addition to animations and comic strips. The exam questions cover four domains to integrate different project delivery approaches, with a specific proportion of questions in each.
| CAPM Domain | Proportion of exam Questions |
|---|---|
| Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts | 36% |
| Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies | 17% |
| Agile Frameworks/Methodologies | 20% |
| Business Analysis Frameworks | 27% |
Candidates have three hours to complete the test, with a 10-minute break in the middle.
PMP exam Details
The PMP exam consists of 180 questions that fall under three domains in predetermined proportions. About half of the questions represent predictive project management approaches, while the other half represent agile or hybrid approaches. Questions regarding these different approaches are spread throughout the domains.
| PMP Domain | Proportion of exam Questions |
|---|---|
| People: includes managing conflict; building and leading a team; supporting team members and stakeholders; and collaboration | 42% |
| Process: includes communication, risk management, scope and schedule planning/management and project methodology selection | 50% |
| Business Environment: includes managing project compliance, assessing project value and integrating organizational change | 8% |
Candidates have 230 minutes to complete the exam, with two 10-minute breaks.
CAPM vs. PMP Certification: Industry-Wide Benefits
Considering that the CAPM certification is more affordable and requires less experience than PMP certification, project managers may ask themselves, “Why would I pursue PMP certification?” The answer is simple: The PMP is the most significant, industry-recognized certification for project managers worldwide.
PMPs work in a wide range of industries in almost every country. Many employers require PMP certification when hiring project managers because PMPs have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to lead complex projects and direct project teams.
PMPs bring value to their organizations while advancing their own careers. Project managers with a PMP certification earn a 22% higher median salary than those without a PMP certification, according to PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey.
While CAPM certification isn’t as widely recognized as PMP certification, it demonstrates knowledge of PMI’s project management framework and project management processes, which can certainly benefit candidates when applying for jobs. In addition, CAPM-certified employees have a working knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide, which can serve as an excellent first step to eventually pursue PMP certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to convert a CAPM to a PMP?
Converting to PMP certification is not an option. However, CAPM certification meets the PMP exam requirement for 35 hours of project management education/training, so you can achieve PMP certification faster.
How much experience do you need for CAPM certification?
CAPM certification does not require any professional experience, making it an attractive credential for latest graduates as well as anyone seeking to begin a career in project management. However, it does require a minimum of 23 contact hours of project management education.
How much experience do you need for PMP certification?
The experience needed to qualify for the PMP exam and go on to earn PMP certification is based on previous education:
- Professionals with a four-year degree must have a minimum of three years (36 months) of non-overlapping project management experience, during which at least 4,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks and activities.
- Professionals without a four-year degree must have a minimum of five years (60 months) of non-overlapping project management experience, during which at least 7,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks and activities.
The experience requirements must have been accumulated within the past eight years.
Do I have to be a PMI member to earn CAPM certification?
PMI membership is not required to take the CAPM exam or earn certification, but members do receive a discount on the exam fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members), as well as other benefits.
Do I have to be a PMI member to earn PMP certification?
No, it is not necessary to become a PMI member to earn PMP certification, though members do have a reduced exam fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members) among other benefits.
How long does it take to process the CAPM application? How long does it take to process the PMP application?
According to the PMI, applications take about five to ten days to process.
Do I need to renew my CAPM certification or my PMP certification?
Yes, both the CAPM certification and the PMP certification require a renewal every three years.
- Professionals with CAPM certification need to pay a renewal fee ($60 for PMI members, $150 for non-members) plus earn 15 professional development units (PDUs) over the three-year cycle in order to maintain their status. These PDUs are broken down into nine PMI Talent Triangle PDUs and six Giving Back PDUs.
- Those who have a PMP certification will need to pay a renewal fee ($60 for PMI members, $150 for non-members) plus earn 60 PDUs over the three-year cycle to maintain their status. PMP professionals have some choice in how they distribute their required PDUs; visit the PMI’s requirements page for more information.
Purdue University’s Online Project Management Courses
Professionals who participate in Purdue University’s online project management courses can gain a wealth of field knowledge, solid foundational skills, and exceedingly effective preparation for the PMP exam in order to obtain a project management certificate. Course materials and activities align closely with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) to help learners retain project management knowledge and apply it to their current projects.
Project Management Essentials
This 100% online, instructor-led course runs for eight weeks and allows working professionals to gain familiarity with basic project management concepts and terms.
Participants are empowered to begin effectively applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills to current projects and earn project management hours that can help qualify them to take the PMP exam.
Experienced PME instructors engage participants in a range of learning activities, including directed study of the PMBOK® Guide; online discussions; recorded lectures; quizzes and self-tests; and written assignments. The instructors also welcome the opportunity to coach interested learners on an individual basis via email or scheduled phone appointment.
PMP exam Preparation
PMP exam Preparation is a live, virtual course based on the PMBOK® Guide. Enrollment includes 90-day access to all course material, which is 100% aligned to the Project Management Institute’s PMP® exam Prep content.
Participants get an in-depth review of some of the most challenging learning material on the exam and learn how to build a personal study plan.
This course is for project managers who have a minimum of three years’ experience and prior knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide.
Project Management Professional, PMP, CAPM, and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
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Sources
Project Management Institute. 2020. “PMI® Certifications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/generic-certification-handbook-sixteen-translations.pdf
Project Management Institute. 2023. “PMI® Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) Examination Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/capm20ecofinal.pdf
Project Management Institute. 2021. “Project Management Professional (PMP®) Examination Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/pmp-examination-content-outline.pdf
Project Management Institute. 2021. “Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/career-central/talent-gap-report-2021-finalfinal.pdf
Society for Human Resources. 2022. “Employee Benefits Survey: Executive Summary.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://shrm-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1654193525/Membership%202022/Employee_Benefits_Survey_-_Executive_Summary_-_FINAL.pdf
The cost of personal trainer certification programs varies, ranging in price from $400 to $2,000, according to American Fitness Professionals and Associates. Prices fluctuate depending on the organization providing the certification, the certification level, the study materials and support offered, and the price of the certification exam itself. While many programs offer payment plans to help with financing, some may not include the cost of earning a CPR/AED certification, which is required for most programs and can add about $75 to the total cost of certification.
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