PMP vs CAPM: Which one do I choose?
The 2026 Guide to Project Management Certification Options in Malaysia

By Dr Rumesh Kumar

Note: While some sources may show varying exam fees, the standard CAPM® exam fee listed in our 2026 comparison is USD 300 for non-members, consistent with PMI® standards.

In Malaysia, 'Project Manager' isn't just a job title. It's one of the top 20 most in-demand careers, with over 50,000 job opportunities listed on platforms like LinkedIn.

Companies across the country, from KL tech hubs to major construction projects, are desperately seeking professionals who can deliver projects on time and on budget.

But for aspiring managers, this creates a critical choice. How do you prove you're the right person? You need a certification, and that leads to the biggest question: Do you start with the CAPM® or PMP®? This guide will help you choose the right path for your career in Malaysia.

There are striking similarities and overlap between both options. They are both highly sought after credentials offered by Project Management Institute (PMI®). They also both cover similar ground in terms of course syllabus, with a few differences on approach. We will examine the differences in greater detail below.

Both the Project Management Professional (PMP®) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) cover essentially the same topic: Project Management based on the latest Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®).

What is essential to note is that both courses cover the predictive (waterfall), adaptive (agile) and hybrid project management methodologies. They both delve into people, process and business related issues in relation to project management.

Whilst there are subtle differences in what both courses cover, it is not what is being covered, it is how it is being covered.

The CAPM® course is designed for practitioners who may not have the requisite prior experience in the industry. The focus is on the foundational knowledge required for understanding project management concepts.

The PMP® course on the other hand assumes you already have the basics of project management at hand. The focus here is on the leadership and experience required for application of these project management concepts.

As a big picture metaphor, one could consider the CAPM® as a bachelors degree and the PMP® as a masters degree in the same field.

If we were to dig a little deeper, we can also look into their respective Exam Content Outlines (ECO) for key differences.

The PMP® exam is scenario-based, testing your ability to apply your experience to complex situations. Its domains are about the actions of a leader:

People (42%): How you lead, manage conflict, and build a high-performing team.

Process (50%): The technical skills of managing the project (scope, schedule, budget, risk).

Business Environment (8%): Connecting your project to the organization's strategic goals.

The CAPM® exam is knowledge-based, testing your understanding of the core concepts, terminology, and methodologies. Its domains are structured like a curriculum

Project Management Fundamentals (36%): The "what is a project" basics, key terms, and roles

Predictive Methodologies (17%): The traditional "waterfall" approach.

Agile Frameworks (20%): Understanding Scrum, Kanban, and hybrid models.

Business Analysis Frameworks (27%): A major new focus on gathering requirements, which is a key skill for entry-level team members.

Due to their differing scope, both these certification courses have different qualification requirements to satisfy.

PMP®

For the PMP® certification, it is mandatory for aspirants to have prior project management based work experience. The length of the prior project management experience differs on the level of education obtained, as per below:

In order to obtain the 35 Contact Hours, PMP® classes are typically 5 days long.

CAPM®

Candidates for the CAPM® exam on the other hand do not need prior project management based experience. They only need to have an SPM (high school diploma) or equivalent, and have attend 23 Contact Hours of project management education.

In order to obtain the 23 Contact Hours, CAPM® classes are typically 3 days long.

Cost Comparison

Both certifications require an investment in training and exam fees, in addition to the usual course fees. As of 2026, the costs are:

• PMP® Exam Fee: USD 575

• CAPM® Exam Fee: USD 300

The good news is, as Malaysians, whether you select PMP® or CAPM® certification, all fees (course and examination fee) are fully HRDC claimable.

Both the PMP® and CAPM® exams are objective based examinations. There is a small chance of encountering other question types, such as ‘matching’ questions and ‘point and click’ type questions, but these questions are also objective in spirit in the sense that options are provided for selection.

Where the exam differs is in length, number of questions and degree of difficulty.

The PMP® Certification Examination contains 180 questions. 175 of these questions are scored and there are 5 Pretest (Unscored) questions. Participants have a total of 230 minutes in order to complete the PMP® examination.

The CAPM® Certification Examination on the other hand has 150 questions. 135 of them are scored and 15 are Pretest (Unscored) questions. Participants have a total of 180 minutes to complete the CAPM® examination.

The CAPM® examination is relatively straightforward. As discussed before, it tests your understanding of project management concepts.

The PMP® examination is relatively more challenging. It is not an exam that requires memorization of definitions. The questions are situational, and require your understanding of the concepts to be deep enough to apply them into scenarios.

However, with our 6 week study plan and mock exam questions we provide, our students are provided with the relevant revision tools required to pass both examinations.

Our recommendation would be to look towards your current set of responsibilities in deciding between PMP® and CAPM®.

If you are primarily leading projects, responsible for the deliverables and managing various stakeholders, the PMP® certification is the better option.

If your role within a project involves gathering requirements, analysing the feasibility of a project, supporting the project team and coordinating project tasks, the CAPM® certification is a better fit.