CAPM^® Practice Test

Free CAPM Practice Test 2026 | PMI Certification Prep

The Certified Associate in Project Management^® certification is an entry-level PMI credential for people who want to demonstrate foundational project management knowledge.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free CAPM^® practice test, and check out our premium-quality CAPM test prep resources by clicking the links below!

CAPM Exam Eligibility

To be eligible for the CAPM certification exam, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma, GED, or some equivalent. You must also have completed at least 23 hours of project management education.

CAPM Exam Outline

The CAPM exam contains 150 questions, 15 of which are unscored, and you will be given a 3-hour time limit. The unscored questions, which are scattered throughout the exam, are used by the test administrators to validate questions for future versions of the exam.

There are a few different types of questions on this exam.

• Multiple-Choice: You will be given a question and four possible answer choices. You must select the single correct answer out of the four given options.
• Point-and-Click: You will be given a scenario and a related image. You must answer each question by clicking on a specific part of the image.
• Drag-and-Drop: You will be given a scenario and two columns of boxes. You must click and drag each item to its matching option.
• Animation Video: You will be given a short animated video and related multiple-choice question. You must select the single correct answer out of the four given options.
• Comic Strip: You will be given a comic strip to view and a related multiple-choice question. You must select the single correct answer out of the four given options.

The exam is split into four content domains.

I. Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts (36%)

The questions in this domain cover the following topics:

• The various project life cycles and processes
• Project management planning
• Project roles and responsibilities
• Following and executing planned strategies and frameworks
• Common problem-solving tools and techniques

II. Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies (17%)

The questions in this domain cover the following topics:

• Using a predictive, plan-based approach
• Project management plan schedule
• Documenting project controls of predictive, plan-based projects

III. Agile Frameworks/Methodologies (20%)

The questions in this domain cover the following topics:

• Using an adaptive approach
• Planning project iterations
• Documenting project controls for an adaptive project
• The components of an adaptive plan
• Preparing and executing task management steps

IV. Business Analysis Frameworks (27%)

The questions in this domain cover the following topics:

• Business analysis roles and responsibilities
• Conducting stakeholder communication
• Gathering requirements
• Product roadmaps
• The influence of project methodologies on business analysis processes
• Validating requirements through product delivery

How to Pass

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• Techniques to Conquer Procrastination
• Steps to building a Study Plan custom to your learning style
• 7 Effective Note-Taking Methods
• Test-Taking Tips
• Memory Techniques and Mnemonics
• And much more!

Everyone learns differently, so we’ve tailored our Study Secrets Course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for their upcoming exam or semester. Click below to check it out!

CAPM vs. PMP

The CAPM exam and PMP exam are both project management certification exams, but there are some notable differences between them. Wondering which exam is right for you?

Take a look at the details of each exam here:

Registration

To register for the CAPM certification exam, you must submit an application on the Project Management Institute (PMI) website. This application should include any proof of eligibility.

After your application is approved, you'll need to pay the $300 examination fee. PMI members pay a discounted fee of $225.

Once your registration is processed, use PMI’s scheduling instructions to book your exam at a Pearson VUE test center or online.

Test Day

You should arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center about 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled exam time. Once you arrive, you will be asked to sign in and present an original, valid government-issued ID with a photo and signature. The name on your ID must exactly match your scheduling confirmation. You will be photographed and asked to sign a roster and other rule forms.

Personal items are not allowed in the testing room, so they should be left at home or placed in a secure locker outside the testing area.

Just before the exam starts, you will be given a brief tutorial on the testing system and will be asked to sign an NDA.

Scoring

The scores for the CAPM certification exam are calculated using a criterion-based scoring system. This means that a panel of subject-matter experts has evaluated the questions and determined a passing score. PMI does not release their minimum passing score requirements.

You will receive a preliminary score report before you leave the testing center, and an official confirmation of your scores should be available within 10 business days.

Retaking the Exam

If you do not pass the exam, you may retake it up to two times within one year. You must pay the $200 re-examination fee for each attempt ($150 for PMI members).

Study Tips

How to Study Effectively

Your success on CAPM test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking CAPM practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free CAPM exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:

• The questions you got wrong
• The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
• The ones you found difficult or slow to work through

This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.

Answer Explanations

Additionally, many CAPM practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.

Comprehend Each Topic

As you go along, keep in mind that the CAPM practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.

Strategy for CAPM Practice

When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:

• Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and CAPM study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
• Time Yourself. Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
• Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
• Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.

FAQs

By Peter Rench

Peter Rench joined Mometrix in 2009 and serves as Vice President of Product Development, responsible for overseeing all new product development and quality improvements. Mr. Rench, a National Merit Scholar, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in mathematics from Texas A&M University.

Edited by Aaron Lanni

Aaron is the content manager and lead editor for Mometrix Academy. He regularly produces, updates, proofreads, and edits content to ensure it meets Mometrix’s quality and accessibility standards.

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CAPM and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc., which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this page.