The PMI® CAPM certification is a highly sought-after designation that demonstrates project management skills. If you’re looking to get into project management or are already studying for your exam, the changes happening in January 2023 might affect you.

Here are the facts:

The PMI® recently announced a new Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®)

Examination Content Outline (ECO). This outline, going into effect in January 2023, details the domains and proportion of questions from each domain that will appear on the examination. The last time a change was made to the ECO was in 2018.

So, what’s the main difference between the 2018 ECO and 2023 ECO?

The 2018 CAPM ECO is based on four chapters in the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition:

  1. Introduction to Project Management
  2. Project Environment
  3. Role of the Project Manager
  4. 10 Project Management Knowledge Areas.

The new January 2023 CAPM ECO is now based on four domains:

  1. Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts (36%)
  2. Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies (17%)
  3. Agile Frameworks/Methodologies (20%)
  4. Business Analysis Frameworks (27%)

The 2023 CAPM exam uses the PMBOK® Guide Seventh Edition. However, page four of the ECO states: “Finally, there are noticeable differences between this updated CAPM ECO and the PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition.” Volunteer task force members were charged with outlining critical job tasks of individuals at the entry and associate levels based on their experience and resources.

TLDR – Not all questions will align with the PMBOK® Guide Seventh Edition.

In other words, expect some questions to be aligned with PMBOK7 while others will not be.

Is Pocket Prep ready for these changes?

Our PMI CAPM Exam Prep, found in Professional Study Prep, is already updated and we offer two versions for our members to choose from. We’ll remove our 2018 ECO version in early 2023 when the PMI announces they’ve officially retired it and can no longer be scheduled or taken.

As of November 2022, we’re offering 860 questions aligned to the 2023 CAPM ECO.

Should I hurry and take the exam before January 2023?

If you’re ready now or have sufficient time before the year’s end, we encourage you to take the current ECO as there are many uncertainties about the new exam format.

What should I expect on test day?

Nothing has changed when it comes to the number of total questions (150) on the exam, and length of the exam (3 hours). However, the PMI did add a ten minute break to the new format. Both the current and the new CAPM exam can be taken at a test center or as an online proctored exam.

What textbooks will I need for the new exam?

What’s next?

With all the changes outlined above, your next move is to figure out a study plan. If you need a place to start, here are a few posts that can help you jumpstart your study game: