New CAPM Exam Format 2026
The CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) exam is developed and administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI)®. Its format was renewed on 25 July 2023.
This article will help you explore the revamped CAPM exam format, highlighting key changes and essential details professionals must know to ace the exam. Stay ahead with the latest updates and get ready to embark on your CAPM certification journey with confidence!
The Updated CAPM Exam Format
The CAPM examination has 150 questions, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop-style, animations/comic strips, and hot spot questions.
Among these, 15 questions are pretest questions, randomly distributed throughout the exam. Pretest questions test the validity of future examination questions and do not impact the final score, ensuring a fair and effective evaluation process.
| No. of scored Questions | No. of Pretest (unscored Questions) | Total Examination Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 135 | 15 | 150 |
Professionals are given a time frame of 3 hours to complete the CAPM Examination.
| Allocated Examination Time |
|---|
| 3 Hours |
Some candidates may finish the examination in less than 3 hours. Notably, the CAPM exam now includes a 10-minute break after completing questions 1-75 and reviewing answers. Once the break starts, returning to the previous section is impossible. Additionally, there is an optional tutorial before the exam and a survey afterward, taking 5 to 15 minutes each, but these periods are not part of the 3-hour examination time.
Closing Remark
Understanding the CAPM Exam Format is crucial for all aspiring project management professionals seeking this prestigious certification. The updated CAPM exam format, consisting of various question types, is designed to evaluate candidates' knowledge and skills in project management thoroughly. Aspiring CAPM examinees should be well-prepared and familiar with the CAPM exam syllabus and question types to maximize their chances of success.
For candidates looking to clear the exam and achieve a desired CAPM passing score, Invensis Learning's CAPM® Certification Course offers a valuable resource. With a comprehensive updated curriculum, expert guidance, and practice exams that align with the exam format, Invensis Learning ensures candidates are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the certification journey confidently.
FAQs on CAPM Certification Exam Format
1. What is in the updated CAPM exam format?
The CAPM Certification Exam consists of 150 questions, including multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop-style questions, animations/comic strips, and hot spot questions.
2. What are hot spot questions in the CAPM exam format 2026?
Hot spot questions in the CAPM Exam require candidates to click on specific areas of an image based on the information provided in a scenario. For hot spots, the chosen area will be marked with an "x," for hot areas, specific regions of the image will highlight as the candidate moves their mouse over it.
3. What is the time duration provided to complete the CAPM exam 2026?
Candidates are allotted 3 hours to complete the CAPM Exam.
4. Are there any breaks during the CAPM exam?
Yes, a 10-minute break is included in the CAPM Exam. It will appear after completing questions 1-75 and reviewing all answers. Once the break starts, candidates cannot return to the questions from the previous exam section.
5. Is there any additional time for the tutorial and survey in the CAPM exam?
Yes, there is an optional tutorial and a survey afterward before the exam. These do not count towards the 3-hour examination time and may take 5 to 15 minutes to complete.
6. How many pretest questions are there in the CAPM exam?
Out of the 150 questions, 15 are considered pretest questions. Pretest questions are used to test the validity of future examination questions and do not affect the final score.
7. Are there any specific question-wise percentages for different question types in the CAPM exam?
No, all questions, regardless of their type, are placed randomly throughout the examination. The CAPM Exam has no specific question-wise percentages for different question types.
8. How can I best prepare for the CAPM certification exam?
To excel in the CAPM Certification Exam, consider enrolling in a reputable CAPM Certification course like Invensis Learnings. The course provides comprehensive training, expert guidance, and practice exams to help you build a strong foundation in project management principles and prepare effectively for the exam.
9. What is the CAPM exam passing score?
The CAPM credential exam does not have a predetermined passing mark. However, achieving approximately 61% will likely lead to success. While this is not officially confirmed, aiming for a 70% of pass score is a good target to strive for, during your preparation.
10. Does the CAPM exam include mathematical content?
In the CAPM exam, approximately 25-30 out of 150 questions involve mathematical formulas, equations, and numerical calculations. Being familiar with these mathematical aspects is essential, even if you consider yourself weak in math. Mastering these concepts requires dedicated practice and preparation beyond simply reading the PMBOK Guide or other textbooks.
11. Which types of questions can be asked in the CAPM exam?
Point and Click (Hot Spot/Hot Area):
Point and Click questions, or Hot Spot or Hot Area questions, present the candidate with a scenario and an image. The candidate's task is to click on a particular area of the image based on the information provided in the scenario. In Hot Spot questions, the chosen area will be marked with an "x," while in Hot Area questions, specific regions of the image will highlight as the candidate moves their mouse over it. Once the candidate selects an area, they can click on it, and the chosen area will be highlighted accordingly.
Enhanced Matching:
Animation video:
In animation video items, candidates will view an animation video, which can be replayed multiple times using video controls like start, stop, and rewind. After watching the video and understanding the scenario, candidates will be presented with a multiple-choice question to answer. At the testing center, candidates will be provided with headphones to listen to the audio in the animations, which will also include closed captioning for additional support.
Comic Strip:
The candidate will read the comic strip in comic strip items, which might require scrolling down to view the entire strip. After understanding the scenario depicted in the comic strip, the candidate will encounter a multiple-choice question to answer.
Each animation or comic strip viewed will have one question associated with it. Candidates opting for the CAPM exam via online proctored testing (OPT) will only encounter comic strip questions to avoid any potential sound-related issues.