Earning the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is a significant achievement that demonstrates your commitment to project management excellence. However, obtaining the certification is just the beginning. To ensure that your knowledge and skills remain relevant in a constantly evolving industry, engaging in the renewal process is essential. This renewal process is crucial in keeping your certification active and up-to-date, reflecting your continued dedication to professional development.
In this blog, we'll explore the steps and requirements for renewing your CAPM certification, ensuring you stay on the path to long-term success in your project management career.
What is the New CAPM Certification Renewal Option?
The renewal process for the CAPM certification has recently been updated to align more closely with other PMI certifications, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP). Under the new recertification process, CAPM certification holders are required to earn professional development units (PDUs) through the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program.
CAPM holders will need to accumulate 15 PDUs over a three-year cycle and pay a certification renewal fee to maintain their active status. The renewal fee is $60 for PMI members and $150 for non-members. This change ensures that CAPM holders remain current in their knowledge and skills, keeping pace with the evolving field of project management.
How Does This Change Affect Active and Expired CAPM Certification Holders?
Active and expired CAPM certification holders now have a limited-time opportunity to renew or reinstate their certification for a reduced fee of $60. This offer, available to both PMI members and non-members, includes access to a complimentary online course and is valid until 31 March 2021. However, if you earned your CAPM certification on or after 1 October 2020, you are not eligible for this special offer.
For expired certification holders, renewing by 31 March 2021 will reset your certification's expiration date to three years from the renewal date. For example, if your certification expired on 2 January 2021, but you renew on 14 February 2021 by paying $60, your new expiration date will be 14 February 2024. Failure to renew by this deadline means you'll need to reapply and pay to retake the certification exam after 1 April 2021.
If your certification is still active, you have two options for renewal:
- Renew by 31 March 2021: Pay the $60 renewal fee, and your certification expiration date will be extended by three years. For example, if your certification expires on 5 July 2023 and you renew before 31 March 2021, your new expiration date will be 5 July 2026.
- Follow the standard renewal process: If you choose not to take advantage of this offer, you'll need to earn the newly required 15 PDUs before your current expiration date and pay the renewal fee ($60 for members, $150 for non-members) to keep your certification active. For example, if your expiration date is 5 July 2023, you have until then to earn 15 PDUs, log them in the CCRS, and pay the renewal fee.
What If CAPM Certification Holders Also Have Other PMI Certifications?
CAPM certification holders who also hold other PMI certifications do not need to earn additional PDUs to meet the new requirements for the CAPM certification. PDUs earned for other PMI certifications can be applied toward the CAPM PDU requirements. Once you have accumulated the necessary PDUs, you only need to pay the renewal fee for the CAPM certification.
For example, PMP certification holders are required to earn 60 PDUs over three years to maintain their PMP certification. If you hold both the PMP and CAPM certifications, the PDUs earned for your PMP can also be applied to the CAPM certification. This means that you only need to earn 60 PDUs in total to maintain both certifications, rather than an additional 15 PDUs for the CAPM.
If you have already claimed PDUs for another certification, you may need to retract the claim and resubmit it, assigning the PDUs to both the CAPM and the other certification. This ensures that your CAPM certification remains up to date without the need for extra effort.
Conclusion
Renewing your CAPM certification is essential for staying current and competitive in the field of project management. With the updated renewal process now in place, it's important to familiarize yourself with the new requirements and deadlines to ensure your certification remains active. By earning the necessary PDUs and paying the renewal fee, you can maintain your certification without interruption, reinforcing your commitment to professional growth. Taking the time to plan your renewal strategy will help you continue benefiting from the CAPM credential as you progress in your project management career.
FAQs on CAPM Certification Renewal Process
1. How often do I need to renew my CAPM certification?
You need to renew your CAPM certification every three years.
2. Why is the CAPM Certification Renewal Option Changing?
The CAPM renewal process is shifting to focus on earning PDUs, reflecting feedback that PDUs are a more valuable investment for ongoing professional development. This change simplifies and reduces costs for CAPM holders, allowing them to stay updated with industry trends without retaking a lengthy exam.
3. Can PDUs from other PMI certifications be used for CAPM renewal?
Yes, PDUs earned for other PMI certifications can be applied toward the CAPM renewal requirements.
