Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the CAPM and PMP® exams?

The CAPM® exam is based on the entire content of the PMBOK Guide, so the only source of information you need to memorise and understand is the PMBOK Guide. CAPM questions will test knowledge and awareness, but not necessarily application of the practices, tools and techniques captured in the PMBOK Guide.  See these sample CAPM questions.

CAPM® candidates will need to know all the formulae but the related questions will be straightforward. CAPM® candidates will not be tested on Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

The PMP® exam is based on the results of a role delineation study that captures the abilities that a competent project manager should be able to demonstrate. PMI have produced a PMP® Examination Content Outline document that defines what needs to be mastered.

The PMP® Exam questions will be situational and lengthy. They will be designed to test your knowledge.  See these sample PMP questions.

In 2017 A Guide to Project Management Body Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Sixth Edition was published.

How do I register to sit the exam?

Log in to your PMI account.

Then, register to apply to sit the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, or register to sit the Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) exam.

Should I sit the paper-based test or the computer-based test?

The exam process itself is fairly similar. Some people do the paper-based test because they like to flick forward and backward throughout the exam working with physical paper. But this is also possible via the computer-based test. You can mark questions and revisit by going back to the digital index.

The computer-based test is slightly more expensive than the paper-based text.

People who sit the computer-based test ,will get their results immediately after they finish the exam. The paper-based exam results take between 2–8 weeks to be sent out.

As well as the study group, what else should I do to prepare?

The CPN facilitators can give you some good tips on how to prepare. We suggest you study for 6–10 hours week by reading the PMBOK Guide – Sixth Edition and other texts and making study notes, and practising sample questions and tests. The CPN study groups will be using the PMBOK Guide – Sixth Edition.

What additional sources of information are recommended?

We suggest that as well as becoming thoroughly familiar with aligned to the PMBOK Guide – Sixth Edition, you supplement your PMP® and CAPM® exam preparation with other resources and tools.
Past participants have found these resources useful:

• Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep Ninth Edition (aligned to the PMBOK Guide – Sixth Edition).
• Brainbok is a complete self-study toolkit. Contains a unique Inputs, Tools and Techniques and Outputs (ITTO) tool, an exam simulator with 1000+ sample questions, 2000 flashcards that double up as study notes, multi-dimensional quizzes, performance reports, project management formula guide, and a course completion certificate for contact hours.
• Rita Mulcahy’s CAPM Exam Prep Third Edition (aligned to the PMBOK Guide – Fifth Edition).
• PMStudy.com provides online courses and resources.
• Andy Crowe’s The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try – Fifth Edition (aligned to the PMBOK Guide – Fifth Edition).
• Sean Whitaker’s The PMP Training Kit and PMP Rapid Review (aligned to the PMBOK Guide – Fifth Edition).
  Google ‘PMP Exam preparation’ or ‘CAPM Exam preparation’ and you’ll find a range of videos, resources, and information to choose from to help you study.

When and where are the New Zealand exams?

In Auckland the PMP® and CAPM® exams are offered as computer based tests. These can be booked on almost any date throughout the year.

Computer based tests for CAPM® can be booked on almost any date throughout the year at a number of testing centres across the three cities.

In Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin the PMP exam is only offered as a paper based test.

Find out about sitting the computer-based exams.

How is the CPN fee of $120 paid?

Once you sign-up for the CPN, you can opt to pay via Paypal or you can request an invoice from PMINZ. This will contain instructions for payment into the nominated bank account. As the CPN is a voluntary service we provide for our members, you will need to become a PMI and PMINZ member before joining.

What if I miss the application deadline?

If you fail to register for your exam, pay the booking fee, and book in the exam before the cut-off date, you can only apply for the next available exam.

What previous education is applicable for my exam application?

Any training related to project management (project quality, scope, schedule, budget, human resources, communications, risk, procurement, or integration) will count towards the formal education requirement.

The CPN programme can provide a number of hours towards your PMI education. Study group sessions are generally 1.5 hours each week for between 12–16 weeks and, in the case of the PMP® exam, you can count these hours up till you submit you exam application. In the case of CAPM®, you can count all the hours till the end of the CPN programme.

You will need to look elsewhere for extra hours if you need them. Self-study and attending local branch meetings are not counted.

Should I get my CAPM certification before applying for the PMP?

CAPM® is not a pre-requisite for PMP® – it is a separate certification aimed at those who do not have the experience required for PMP®. We suggest you sit whichever exam you meet the eligibility requirements for.