CAPM Practice Exams Blueprint
A calibrated approach to align with the official PMI CAPM Exam Content Outline
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Recently we published a detailed post explaining the calibrated approach we employed to ensure our PMP practice exams are balanced, comprehensive, and aligned with the official Exam Content Outline (ECO). In this post, we are doing the same for our Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Practice Exams and sharing the detailed exam blueprint.
If you are a prospective student, this post will provide you a detailed insight into our approach, helping you make an informed decision before joining our program. If you are a current student, we hope this added transparency reinforces your confidence in the quality and relevance of our practice exams as you continue preparing for the CAPM.
Key Sources Guiding Our Approach
Our approach is guided by two primary sources:
What is CAPM Exam Content Outline?
Many CAPM aspirants believe that the CAPM exam is based on the PMBOK® Guide when they begin their CAPM certification journey. However, this is a common misconception. In reality, the CAPM exam is based on the CAPM Exam Content Outline (ECO).
The CAPM ECO reflects an updated structure to align with evolving project management practices. The CAPM exam now has four primary domains, which break down as follows:
| Domain | Percentage of Questions |
|---|---|
| Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts | 36% |
| Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies | 17% |
| Agile Frameworks/Methodologies | 20% |
| Business Analysis Frameworks | 27% |
Each domain is divided into tasks and their enablers, and has a fixed weightage in the exam as shown in the table above.
1. Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts (36%)
- This domain covers foundational project management principles, terms, and frameworks.
- Topics include project life cycle phases, roles and responsibilities, and key project management processes.
- Emphasis on understanding the project environment and the role of a project manager.
2. Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies (17%)
- Focuses on traditional, or “waterfall,” project management techniques.
- Topics include developing project plans, defining scope, and establishing schedules and budgets.
- Key processes like risk, resource, and quality management in a predictive environment are covered.
3. Agile Frameworks/Methodologies (20%)
- Concentrates on Agile principles, practices, and methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, and Lean.
- Includes the Agile mindset, team roles, and iterative planning.
- Understanding of adaptive project management techniques that focus on flexibility and rapid response to change.
4. Business Analysis Frameworks (27%)
- Covers principles of business analysis as applied to project management.
- Topics include requirements gathering, stakeholder analysis, and business case development.
- Focus on translating business needs into project objectives and outcomes.
These updates reflect a blend of traditional, Agile, and business analysis approaches, aiming to prepare candidates for a broader range of project environments.
What is CAPM Reference List?
The CAPM Reference List is a list of top 7 sources cited by volunteer project professionals who develop CAPM exam questions. These sources are used to ensure that the exam content reflects a broad and practical understanding of project management. Notably, the sources include the PMBOK® Guide, 7th Ed and the Agile Practice Guide.
CAPM Practice Exams Blueprint
With the overview of the CAPM ECO and CAPM Reference List covered, let’s dive into the blueprint of our CAPM Practice Exams and our approach for developing them. First, we’ll cover the quantitative alignment with the CAPM ECO, and then the qualitative aspects of it.
Quantitative Alignment with CAPM ECO
The quantitative alignment of our CAPM Practice Exams with the CAPM ECO ensures that the exams accurately reflect the structure and content distribution of the real CAPM exam. The CAPM sample questions in our exam are evenly distributed across the domains and tasks in accordance with the ECO. We also calibrate the distribution of different question types, including situational, formula-based, knowledge-based, and agile/hybrid questions.
Number of Questions
Our practice exams have 150 questions with 15 pretest (unscored) questions, exactly as per the ECO.
| Scored Questions | Pretest (Unscored) Questions | Total Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 135 | 15 | 150 |
8 Exams with 1000 Practice Questions
We offer a total of eight practice exams for CAPM. The main exams (C1 - C6) are designed to be progressively more challeging. The CAPM Formula Challenge exam is an optional (supplementary) exam covering questions that require mathematical calculations.
NOTE: C0 - C7 are our internal codes for the exams.
| Exam Name | Difficulty | Scored Questions | Pretest Questions | Total Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (C0) CAPM Assessment - FREE | High | 50 | 0 | 50 |
| (C1) CAPM Practice Exam 1 | High | 135 | 15 | 150 |
| (C2) CAPM Practice Exam 2 | High | 135 | 15 | 150 |
| (C3) CAPM Practice Exam 3 | High | 135 | 15 | 150 |
| (C4) CAPM Practice Exam 4 | High | 135 | 15 | 150 |
| (C5) CAPM Practice Exam 5 | High | 135 | 15 | 150 |
| (C6) CAPM Final Practice Exam | Very High | 135 | 15 | 150 |
| (C7) CAPM Formula Challenge Exam | Very High | 50 | 0 | 50 |
| Total | 910 | 90 | 1000 |
CAPM Passing Score
PMI does not reveal the real CAPM exam passing score or criteria. They use a psychometric evaluation process, which is non-public information. For our CAPM Practice Exams, we use 61% as the passing score.
Allotted Examination Time
The practice exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours), matching the duration of the real CAPM exam, as per the ECO. The real exam is divided into 2 sections of 75 questions each. The real CAPM exam has a break of up to 10 minutes, between the two sections. The break time is not included in the 180 minutes of the exam time. The break is in addition to the exam time, so the total duration including the break is up to 190 minutes (3 hours and 10 minutes).
In our practice exams, we don’t have sections or breaks, but you can simulate the break by pausing the exam after question 75.
Domain and Task-wise Distribution of Questions
Each of the four domains have tasks, and enablers. We reviewed each task and its enablers thoroughly to ensure that each practice exam has a balanced distribution of questions across each domain and task. The following table shows the distribution of exam questions across each domain and task.
| Domain / Task | C0 | C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 | C6 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domain 1: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts (36%) | ||||||||
| 1.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes | 4 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 94 |
| 1.2 Demonstrate an understanding of project management planning | 5 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 83 |
| 1.3 Demonstrate an understanding of project roles and responsibilities | 4 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 70 |
| 1.4 Determine how to follow and execute planned strategies or frameworks (e.g., communication, risks, etc.) | 2 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 44 |
| 1.5 Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques | 3 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 51 |
| Domain 1: Sub-total | 18 | 54 | 54 | 54 | 54 | 54 | 54 | 342 |
| Domain 2: Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies (17%) | ||||||||
| 2.1 Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach | 3 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 63 |
| 2.2 Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule | 3 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 57 |
| 2.3 Determine how to document project controls of predictive, plan-based projects | 2 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 44 |
| Domain 2: Sub-total | 8 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 164 |
| Domain 3: Agile Frameworks/Methodologies (20%) | ||||||||
| 3.1 Explain when it is appropriate to use an adaptive approach | 2 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 44 |
| 3.2 Determine how to plan project iterations | 2 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 38 |
| 3.3 Determine how to document project controls for an adaptive project | 2 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 45 |
| 3.4 Explain the components of an adaptive plan | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 26 |
| 3.5 Determine how to prepare and execute task management steps | 2 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 38 |
| Domain 3: Sub-total | 10 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 190 |
| Domain 4: Business Analysis Frameworks (27%) | ||||||||
| 4.1 Demonstrate an understanding of business analysis (BA) roles and responsibilities | 2 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 44 |
| 4.2 Determine how to conduct stakeholder communication | 2 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 50 |
| 4.3 Determine how to gather requirements | 4 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 76 |
| 4.4 Demonstrate an understanding of product roadmaps | 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 32 |
| 4.5 Determine how project methodologies influence business analysis processes | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 26 |
| 4.6 Validate requirements through product delivery | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 26 |
| Domain 4: Sub-total | 14 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 254 |
| Total | 50 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 950 |
3 Types of Questions
We support multiple choice questions (MCQ) with single answer, MCQs with multiple answers, and drag-and-drop type of questions. We do not support fill-in-the-blank or hotspot type questions in our exam simulator yet, but we are exploring opportunities to support these types in the future. Here’s the distribution of questions by question types:
| Question Type | C0 | C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 | C6 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice single answer | 40 | 126 | 126 | 127 | 127 | 127 | 127 | 800 |
| Multiple choice multiple answer | 8 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 118 |
| Drag-and-drop | 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 32 |
| Total | 50 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 150 | 950 |
94 Formula-Based Questions
About 2-3 questions on the CAPM exam will require you to use project management formulas to calculate values such as Earned Value (EV), Cost Performance Index (CPI), or Schedule Performance Index (SPI). We have set the number of formula-based questions to seven (7) for each of our full-length CAPM Practice Exams. In addition to that, we have 50 formula-based questions in our CAPM Formula Challenge Exam (C7).
| Question Type | C0 | C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 | C6 | C7 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formula-Based Questions | 2 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 50 | 94 |
Qualitative Alignment with the ECO
The qualitative alignment of our CAPM Practice Exams with CAPM ECO focuses on replicating the depth and complexity of the actual CAPM exam. Our exams are designed to test critical thinking and decision-making skills in real-world project management scenarios. Instead of emphasizing rote memorization of processes and their ITTOs (inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs), we focus on evaluating candidates’ ability to apply their knowledge in practical situations. This approach ensures that test-takers are prepared not just for the exam, but for the challenges they’ll face as project management professionals.
Mindset, Mindset, Mindset
Our practice exams emphasize the importance of developing a “PMI way of thinking” - a specific mindset that aligns with PMI’s project management principles. This mindset is crucial for success in the CAPM exam and may sometimes differ from real-world project experiences. We craft questions that help you think like PMI expects a project manager to think, focusing on:
- Proactive problem-solving
- Customer-focused decision making
- Ethical considerations in project management
- Balancing competing constraints (scope, time, cost, quality, resources, and risks)
- Adapting leadership styles to different situations
- Emphasizing collaboration and team empowerment
By consistently practicing with these mindset-oriented questions, you’ll develop the thought processes PMI looks for in the exam. Remember, the CAPM exam tests your ability to think and act according to PMI standards, which may not always match your day-to-day project management experiences. Developing this mindset is key to successfully navigating the exam questions and becoming a PMI-certified professional.
Difficulty Level of Questions
Our practice exams are intentionally set to be slightly more challenging than the real CAPM test. This strategy ensures you’re well-prepared and confident when you face the actual exam. Each question is assigned a difficulty score (on a scale of 1 to 5), which we use to create balanced exams that gradually increase in complexity (C1 to C6). This approach helps you build your exam-taking skills and confidence progressively as you take the exams.
Second-Best Choice
CAPM exam takers often report that questions on the real CAPM exam seem to have two correct choices, making it extremely hard to select the best answer. We replicate this experience in our practice exams by including a close second-best choice in each question. This feature is designed to help you hone your critical thinking and quick decision-making skills and get accustomed to the nuanced nature of real CAPM exam questions.
Quality Reference Sources
Our exams are based on the CAPM Reference List, which we covered earlier in this post. We have meticulously studied the 7 project management guides on the reference list to align our questions with them. Each practice question references at least one of these sources, providing you with a clear connection to established project management principles.
In addition, we also provide a link to the relevant section of our online PM Study Guide with many questions. This feature allows you to dive deeper into specific topics with just a click, enhancing your learning experience and reinforcing your understanding of key concepts.
Ready to put your skills to the test?
We invite you to take our free 50-question free CAPM Practice Test to experience the quality and relevance of our exam content firsthand. This is a great way to see how our questions match up with the CAPM ECO and get a feel for the format and difficulty.
After taking the test, we’d love to hear from you! Share your feedback and thoughts in the comments section below. Your input helps us improve and ensures that we continue providing the best resources for your CAPM exam preparation. Dive in, test your knowledge, and let us know how we can support you on your path to CAPM exam success!
Here’s the link to CAPM Assessment, our free CAPM Practice Exam:
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