CompTIA Project+ vs PMP: Understanding the Differences

When seeking to advance their careers, Project Management Professionals often stand at a crossroads about which certification to pursue? In this regard, the choice between CompTIA Project+ vs PMP Certifications steers up confusion. 

CompTIA Project+ is reliable for beginners starting their Project Management journey. It provides a solid foundation of knowledge.  On the other hand, PMP is built for experienced professionals tackling complex and demanding projects. Both have their merits, but understanding your destination and requirements will help you choose the right certification vehicle. 

So, wait no longer to shape your Project Management career. Read this blog to learn about the difference between CompTIA Project+ vs PMP. Also, explore which certification can be beneficial for you. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is CompTIA Project+ Certification? 

2) What is PMP Certification? 

3) Difference between CompTIA Project+ vs PMP 

   a) Certification description 

   b) Prerequisites 

   c) Price 

   d) Experience level  

   e) Exam length 

   f) Exam focus 

   g) Domains covered 

4) Conclusion 

What is CompTIA Project+ Certification? 

CompTIA Project+ is a widely accepted certification in the industry of Project Management. It certifies the candidates who have completed effective projects and possess the knowledge required in the process of Performance Management. It covers various important concepts of Project Management, including the following: 

a) Project initiation 

b) Planning 

c) Execution 

d) Monitoring 

e) Closure 

It is for those who seek to develop their skills in the Project Management process. The CompTIA Project+ Certification presents competence in Project Management and hence offers career advancement from construction to the IT industry.
 

What is PMP Certification? 

It is the most prestigious certification for Project Managers and emphasises competence and proficiency at a high level. Certified holders of the PMP Certification demonstrate professional knowledge and skills that range from initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing of projects. 

The certification is designed for experienced Project Managers at all levels who can successfully handle and complete a project or program of any size or complexity. Thus, it provides Certification in Project Management, brings career opportunities and opens new ways for Project Management. 

Difference between CompTIA Project+ vs PMP 

CompTIA Project+ and PMP Certifications differ in various aspects. Let’s have a look at some of the key differentiators:
 

Certification description 

The CompTIA Project+ certification is an entry-level certificate designed to equip an individual with the basic concepts, skills, and knowledge of what a project is and how it can be managed towards success. The examination includes concepts, processes, and terms that are applicable in Project Management.  

On the other hand, Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is the most prestigious certification for Project Managers. This ensures that the professionals have the capacity to lead and handle complex projects. It focuses on knowledge and skills developed in various areas, such as project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, risk, and procurement management. 

Prerequisites 

Premium rates are not required to be paid, and there are no directions to be followed. Instead, just to get the CompTIA Project+, this is completely suitable for beginners entering the industry and requires no especially prior experience or certifications.  

In comparison, PMP has stringent requirements, such as requiring the applicant to have acquired a four-year degree or its equivalent and at least 4,500 hours spent leading and directing projects or the second-degree holder with 7,500 hours in experience relating to project leadership. 

Price 

The exam fees for the CompTIA Project+ vary from one place to another, so make sure to check the training and other available resources that may add to your total cost.  In contrast, the cost of the PMP exam is very high compared to CompTIA Project+ exam costs. The total includes PMI membership, exam fees, and additional spending on different preparation materials. 

Experience level 

CompTIA Project+ Certification is designed and developed in the context for the beginners in Project Management area and people with the least experience level exposure in the field of Project Management, i.e., an entry-level certification. 

The PMP is mostly for experience-based Project Managers. The ones applying for this kind of certification must be able to show quite a large amount of experience in Project Management and leadership skills in leading and directing projects. 

Learn about the basics of Project Management – join our CompTIA Project+ Certification Course now! 

Exam length 

The CompTIA Project + test usually has questions amounting to about 95, which are in the form of multiple choices, and a time limit of 90 minutes is needed for its completion. The PMP test is comprehensive and long. It is made up of 180 questions with multiple answers that run for 230 minutes (about 4 hours). 

Exam focus 

Most of the following essentials are generally prepared for the CompTIA Project+ exam: initiation and planning of the project, execution, monitoring, and closure of project phases that range from basic concepts of Project Management, the communication of the project, stakeholders, and the project team. 

PMP exam questions are more oriented toward advanced topics of Project Management, topics of how project integration, scope management, time management, cost management, quality management, risk management, and procurement management. It is more applied to apply the norms and principles of Project Management to realistic lives. 

Enhance your IT career with our comprehensive CompTIA Certification Training – join now! 

Domains covered 

The subject areas of the Project+ exam from CompTIA include project basics, project communication and project stakeholders, project tools and documentation, and change management of the project. 

The exam enlightens five performance domains that the PMP examination includes. These domains initiate domain planning and domain planning, domain execution, domain monitoring, controlling, and finally, domain closing. In these areas, specific elements regarding the processes of Project Management and areas of knowledge, along with professional and social responsibility, fall into place. 

Conclusion 

With this consideration in mind, if you are a beginner or in need of very basic knowledge, CompTIA Project+ could be a stepping stone for you. Then comes the transition to the PMP Certification, which targets employees with vast experience. So, the choice of CompTIA Project+ vs PMP depends upon your qualification level. 

Enhance your IT career with our comprehensive CompTIA Certification Training – join now!