CST Associate Certificate

The ISA CST Associate certificate program is designed to provide you with validation that you have the fundamental on-the-job skills needed to excel as a control systems technician working in industrial automation environments.

The CST Associate certificate program defines the criteria needed to be eligible to sit for the test and offers a detailed test review course to help you prepare. Successful completion of the test review course satisfies the eligibility requirements to sit for the exam—even if you don’t meet the education and work experience requirements listed below.

Earning this valuable certificate not only provides proof of your instrumentation and control skills, it also counts as a full year of work experience toward the requirements to earn the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) certification—a mark of career excellence that affirms your commitment to quality and demonstrates your expertise.

The CST Associate certificate test focuses on the technical knowledge typically covered in a technician training program. You will find the distribution of test questions in the table below.Note: The CST Associate certificate test is a closed book exam.

New NCLEX format shows positive results for first-time test takers

Between January and June, NCLEX pass rates increased for both licensed practical and vocational nurse candidates, according to second quarter results of 2023 pass rates across the U.S., released Aug. 3 by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

These results are the first to be published since the NCSBN debuted its new Next Generation NCLEX test format, which launched in April.

In the first quarter of the year between January and March, there were 56,972 U.S.-educated, first-time candidates who took the NCLEX test resulting in an 80.48 percent pass rate. 

But between April and June — following the launch of the new test format — there were 60,844 U.S.-educated, first-time candidates of which 94.32 percent passed.  

Compared to the same timeframe in 2022, only 82.19 percent had passed. 

"Although clinical judgment was being taught in prelicensure programs, NCSBN worked with educators to explain how the NGN was being constructed using the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model at its core," Philip Dickison, PhD, RN, chief operating officer, NCSBN said in an Aug. 3 news release. "Educators were introduced to the types of questions that would be included and the type of test experience a candidate will have. The results from the first quarter show that their collaboration was successful."

Individuals who were first-time test takers with an international education passed in the first quarter of 2023 at a percent rate of 39.86 percent, but in the second quarter 57.69 percent passed. 

Among repeat test takers who were U.S.-educated, 40.66 percent passed in the first quarter and 62.15 percent passed in the second quarter.

CAPM vs PMP Certification: Which is Right for You?

Project management is one of the fastest-growing professions, with an estimated 25 million jobs expected to be created around the world by 2030. To fill these roles, businesses across industries are seeking new project managers with the qualifications and expertise necessary to make a positive impact in their organizations.The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and Project Management Professional (PMP)® are both specialized credentials offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI)® that Strengthen credibility and offer professionals opportunities to increase their skills, lead larger projects and advance their careers.

In order to choose the certification that best aligns with your intended career goals, it is critical to understand the differences between CAPM and PMP certification. These differences include prerequisites, cost, level of difficulty and industry-wide perception of the credentials.

Because those planning to earn CAPM certification are not required to have project management experience or a four-year degree, the CAPM is ideal for recent community college graduates or current undergraduates who want to bolster their resume with a credential that demonstrates a commitment to a career in project management.

While the CAPM is ideal for people beginning their careers, there are some additional prerequisites, including that candidates must complete 23 contact hours before taking the exam. Contact hours are hours spent in project management education or training. These hours can be completed on site or online, enabling candidates to fulfill this requirement without putting their professional, educational or personal obligations on hold. Some universities may also offer project management education at this level as a part of a degree program.

OR

Professionals who pursue project management certification are making a valuable, long-term investment in their careers. Part of that investment does include test fees.

The PMI requires a fee for both exams, with the cost of the CAPM test at $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. The cost of the PMP test is $405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members. See the table below for a quick comparison.

A one-year membership to the PMI is $139 and comes with many tools and templates for your professional use, including a downloadable copy of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).

Many companies offer professional development benefits that may cover employee education and professional credentialing costs. According to a 2022 survey by the Society for Human Resources, 78% of employers cover opportunities for professional skill development.

Because the CAPM is geared toward entry-level project managers or those who are considering a project management career, the CAPM test is widely considered to be less rigorous than the PMP exam.

The CAPM test questions are derived from the PMBOK® Guide, PMI’s global standards for project management, as well as other sources, which are listed (with the relevant chapters) in the CAPM test reference list.

The PMP certification exam, on the other hand, is appropriate for individuals of varying experience levels — from those early in their career to established professionals with more significant project management experience — and is therefore more challenging to achieve.

Like the CAPM, the PMP test also covers the PMBOK® Guide, but it also includes questions designed to test whether the candidate knows how to handle real-world project management scenarios.

To pass the PMP Exam, PMI not only recommends studying the PMBOK® Guide, the PMP test Content Outline and the PMP handbook, but also enrolling in a formal course of study offered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP), such as Purdue University.

The CAPM test consists of 150 questions that call for multiple-choice, hot spot and drag-and-drop responses, in addition to animations and comic strips. The test questions cover four domains to integrate different project delivery approaches, with a specific proportion of questions in each.

Candidates have three hours to complete the test, with a 10-minute break in the middle.

The PMP test consists of 180 questions that fall under three domains in predetermined proportions. About half of the questions represent predictive project management approaches, while the other half represent agile or hybrid approaches. Questions regarding these different approaches are spread throughout the domains.

Candidates have 230 minutes to complete the exam, with two 10-minute breaks.

Considering that the CAPM certification is more affordable and requires less experience than PMP certification, project managers may ask themselves, “Why would I pursue PMP certification?” The answer is simple: The PMP is the most significant, industry-recognized certification for project managers worldwide.

PMPs work in a wide range of industries in almost every country. Many employers require PMP certification when hiring project managers because PMPs have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to lead complex projects and direct project teams.

PMPs bring value to their organizations while advancing their own careers. Project managers with a PMP certification earn a 22% higher median salary than those without a PMP certification, according to PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey.

While CAPM certification isn’t as widely recognized as PMP certification, it demonstrates knowledge of PMI’s project management framework and project management processes, which can certainly benefit candidates when applying for jobs. In addition, CAPM-certified employees have a working knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide, which can serve as an excellent first step to eventually pursue PMP certification.

Is it possible to convert a CAPM to a PMP?Converting to PMP certification is not an option. However, CAPM certification meets the PMP test requirement for 35 hours of project management education/training, so you can achieve PMP certification faster.

How much experience do you need for CAPM certification?CAPM certification does not require any professional experience, making it an attractive credential for recent graduates as well as anyone seeking to begin a career in project management. However, it does require a minimum of 23 contact hours of project management education.

How much experience do you need for PMP certification?The experience needed to qualify for the PMP test and go on to earn PMP certification is based on previous education:

The experience requirements must have been accumulated within the past eight years.

Do I have to be a PMI member to earn CAPM certification?PMI membership is not required to take the CAPM test or earn certification, but members do receive a discount on the test fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members), as well as other benefits.

Do I have to be a PMI member to earn PMP certification?No, it is not necessary to become a PMI member to earn PMP certification, though members do have a reduced test fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members) among other benefits.

How long does it take to process the CAPM application? How long does it take to process the PMP application?According to the PMI, applications take about five to ten days to process.

Do I need to renew my CAPM certification or my PMP certification?Yes, both the CAPM certification and the PMP certification require a renewal every three years.

Professionals who participate in Purdue University’s online project management courses can gain a wealth of field knowledge, solid foundational skills, and exceedingly effective preparation for the PMP test in order to obtain a project management certificate. Course materials and activities align closely with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) to help learners retain project management knowledge and apply it to their current projects.

Project Management EssentialsThis 100% online, instructor-led course runs for eight weeks and allows working professionals to gain familiarity with basic project management concepts and terms.

Participants are empowered to begin effectively applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills to current projects and earn project management hours that can help qualify them to take the PMP exam.

Experienced PME instructors engage participants in a range of learning activities, including directed study of the PMBOK® Guide; online discussions; recorded lectures; quizzes and self-tests; and written assignments. The instructors also welcome the opportunity to coach interested learners on an individual basis via email or scheduled phone appointment.

PMP test PreparationPMP test Preparation is a live, virtual course based on the PMBOK® Guide. Enrollment includes 90-day access to all course material, which is 100% aligned to the Project Management Institute’s PMP® test Prep content.

Participants get an in-depth review of some of the most challenging learning material on the test and learn how to build a personal study plan.

This course is for project managers who have a minimum of three years’ experience and prior knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide.

Project Management Professional, PMP, CAPM, and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

To learn more about Purdue University’s online Project Management courses and download a free brochure, fill out this form. You can also email us at PMonline@purdue.edu or call us at (888) 390-0499 to speak to one of their program advisors.

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SourcesProject Management Institute. 2020. “PMI® Certifications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/generic-certification-handbook-sixteen-translations.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2023. “PMI® Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) test Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/capm20ecofinal.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2021. “Project Management Professional (PMP®) test Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/pmp-examination-content-outline.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2021. “Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/career-central/talent-gap-report-2021-finalfinal.pdf

Society for Human Resources. 2022. “Employee Benefits Survey: Executive Summary.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://shrm-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1654193525/Membership%202022/Employee_Benefits_Survey_-_Executive_Summary_-_FINAL.pdf