CAP-Pro CertificationThe brand new CAP-Pro (CAP-P) certification demonstrates effective management and execution of analytics projects. The certification is for practitioners ready to prove they can manage projects and guide analytics initiatives. Validating your ability to execute complex work and drive business value.
How long is the beta testing window open?
The CAP-P beta testing window is now open. Beta testers can test between October 1 - November 9, 2025.
Exams must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.
Exam appointments for the last week fill up quickly. Do NOT delay scheduling your exam to select the best time for your schedule.
How do I register for the beta test?
Is the beta exam only offered with remote proctoring?
Yes. The CAP-P beta is only available via remote proctoring. After the beta testing window we will offer both remote proctoring and test center options.
How much does the CAP-Pro beta exam cost?
The CAP-Essentials beta exam fee is $150. Save over 50% off the INFORMS member price.
How can I prepare for the exam?
Because the exam is based on analytics practice, there are no required courses. We recommend you review the exam blueprint and the INFORMS Analytics Glossary. Visit the Resources page.
When will results from the beta testing window be sent out?
Beta results require statistical analysis to ensure the exam is valid and reliable. All participants will receive results via email in mid-late December.
If I pass the CAP-Pro beta exam will I be certified?
Yes, any candidate whose score meets the passing score after the beta window closes will be awarded the CAP-Pro certification.
Unified analytics framework for all employees
The CAP-Pro (CAP-P) certification represents experienced analytics proficiency, validating the analytics knowledge and business understanding required to contribute to and manage successful analytics projects. Show employers you have more than just technical skills, you can align analytics projects with smarter business decisions. Showcase your analytics expertise with a digital badge.
Who Should seek CAP-Pro Certification?
What to expect on the exam?
The CAP-P beta exam focuses on the application of analytics knowledge across the seven domains of the INFORMS Analytics Framework. Refer to the CAP-P exam blueprint for the detailed list of tasks and responsibilities validated on the exam.
Exam questions cover key concept definitions, basic understanding of descriptive and diagnostic analytics, familiarity with analytics terminology, and identification of business problems.
Who can take the exam?
The exam is open to anyone who wishes to validate their mastery of mid-level analytics knowledge. There are no formal education or experience requirements.
Analytics proficiency requires more than spreadsheet analysis and visualization dashboards. It requires statistics, advanced math concepts and understanding the “why” behind the data.
This certification is for you if you understand:
From deciding you want to be a CAP-P to making sure you have all the necessary tools to successfully take the exam, here’s all you need to know to get started on your CAP-P journey.
Follow these stept to sign up for your CAP-Pro exam.
The following resources will help you prepare to take the CAP-Pro exam. These can be found in the Resources section of the website.
We asked current CAPs to share their study tips. Think about how you take tests and prepare in the way you're most comfortable.
These tips will help you during the exam. Be sure to supplement these tips with strategies that worked for you in the past.
Are there eligibility requirements for the CAP-Pro Exam?
No. There are no requirements to sit for the CAP-Pro exam.
How much does the CAP-Pro Exam Cost
| Fee Type | INFORMS Members | Nonmembers |
| CAP-Pro Exam Fee | $325 | $460 |
| CAP-Pro Retake | $250 | $350 |
| CAP-Pro Recertification Fee | $250 | $350 |
| Refund Processing Fee | $100 | $100 |
| Exam Appeals Fee | $125 | $125 |
INFORMS offers exam discounts for candidates residing in developing countries. Please see the list of qualifying countries.
| Fee Type | INFORMS Members | Nonmembers |
| Low-Income Countries | $160 | $230 |
| Lower-Middle Income Countries | $225 | $320 |
| Upper-Middle Income Countries | $260 | $365 |
CAP is the premier global professional certification for analytics practitioners. Those who meet CAP's high standards and pass the rigorous exam distinguish themselves and create greater opportunities for career enhancement. For organizations seeking to enhance their ability to transform data into valuable insights and actions, CAP provides a trusted means to identify, recruit and retain top analytics talent.
How long do I have to sit for the exam after payment?
After you pay the CAP-Pro exam fee you (6) six months to schedule and you’re your exam.
What happens if I do not test within my 6-month testing window? Are extensions available?
If you do not test within your 6-month testing window your paid exam fees are considered forfeited. You will need to pay the exam fee again.
Where and when is the examination offered?
The certification exam is offered on a continual basis at computer-based testing centers throughout the world or online via an online-proctored experience.
If I fail the exam, can I retake the exam?
Yes, you are permitted (2) two exam retakes within a 12-month period. You must wait 30 days between exam attempts. Each retake requires an additional fee.
How do I create an account in Prolydian with my INFORMS account?
If you have an exitsting INFORMS account and ready to create a CAP profile you can use your INFORMS account to create your profile in Prolydian.
How do I schedule the exam?
Exams must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Exam appointments are on a first-come first-serve basis. We recommend not waiting until the end of your eligibility period to schedule or you may risk not having any exam appointments available.
CAP-Pro exams will be available for purchase in January 2026.
If I have to reschedule, do I need to reapply and pay again?
Candidates must reschedule through the their Prolydian profile at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled exam date/time. Candidates doing so will have their exam rescheduled at no additional cost. Exam appointments cannot be rescheduled/cancelled within 48 hours of the exam appointment. Candidates who miss their exam time forfeit their exam attempt and exam fees.
Refunds less a $100 processing fee are available prior to the candidate's eligibility expiration and within 90 days of exam payment. Candidates that cancel their exams less than two business days before their scheduled exam date will not receive a refund.
How long is CAP-Pro certification valid?
CAP-Pro certification cycle is (5) five years.
How do I recertify my CAP-Pro certification?
CAP-Pro certificants may recertify every (5) five years via retesting. CAP-P certificants may wish to upgrade their certification by testing for the CAP-Expert certifications.
How long is the exam?
All CAP exams are allotted three hours of exam time. This does NOT include the time to connect and launch the exam. We recommend leaving yourself enough time to complete the check-in process, security checks and allow extra time just in case of issues with connecting to your proctor and/or exam. For those at testing centers we recommend you block 4 hours in your schedule. For those taking the exam remotely we recommend you block 4-5 hours in your schedule.
What is the examination based on?
CAP certification exams are based on the exam blueprint and INFORMS Analytics Framework developed and validated by subject matter experts and practitioners. There are seven areas of responsibility: business problem (question) framing, analytics problem framing, data, methodology (approach) framing, analytics/model development, deployment, and analytics solution lifecycle management. See the Exam Resources page to download the exam blueprint of the certification exam you will be taking.
How can I prepare for the exam?
Because the exam is based on analytics practice, there are no required courses. There are optional CAP Prep class offered by INFORMS which can help you prepare for the exam. You could also review the exam blueprint and the INFORMS Analytics Glossary. The Candidate Handbook lists several reference books that may be useful in examination preparation. There is a free, downloadable CAP study guide.
Is the exam open book?
No. No books or notes of any kind may be used for the exam.
Do I have to know a programming language?
No. The exam is software and vendor neutral and assesses only the analytics process contained in the exam blueprint.
How many questions are on the examination?
The CAP-Pro exam is a written exam composed of 105-120 multiple-choice questions, each with four possible answers. There is only one correct answer for each question. Only 100 exam questions are scored. The additional questions are pretest items. These items are used for developing future examinations and, accordingly, are not scored and have no impact on a candidate’s pass/fail status. Candidates are given three hours to complete the exam.
What's the passing score?
INFORMS uses a criterion-referenced methodology for determining the passing score for its exams. There is no grading on a curve, and candidates are not competing with each other. The specific methodology used is modified Bookmark procedure (Lewis, et. al., 1996, 1999) supported by a modified Hofstee (1983) procedure. INFORMS recruites subject matter experts (SMEs) to serve as judges for the purpose of setting a cut score for newly built exam forms. Each candidate will receive an official digital score report within 48 hours after completing the exam. This will be the only official score report provided. Examination scores are confidential. INFORMS will not disclose examination scores to anyone unless INFORMS is required by court order or subpoena. Unless otherwise requested, INFORMS will publish the names of all individuals who have passed the examination and who maintain current certification status.
Do I have to pass each knowledge area?
Pass/fail decisions are based on the total score only.
What languages is the CAP-P exam offered in?
The CAP-P exam is offered in English.
How can I arrange special accommodations for testing?
We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will arrange special accommodations for those who require them. Complete the special accommodation form to make exam arrangements.
