PMP Certification Guide: Complete Requirements, Exam & Training Options

This comprehensive resource on PMP Certification explains eligibility criteria, exam format, fees, salary impact, renewal requirements, and preparation strategies. Whether you’re exploring certification for the first time or comparing training options, you’ll find clear guidance and practical insights to help you move forward with confidence.

Find a PMP Class Near You

Online Course Schedule

What is PMP Certification?

The Project Management Institute (PMI®) is the leading global organization for the project management profession, establishing widely adopted standards, methodologies, and best practices through its certification programs.

The Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential is PMI’s flagship certification and the most recognized project management credential worldwide.

PMP certification validates a professional’s ability to manage and lead projects across industries including technology, healthcare, construction, finance, and government.

With more than one million certified professionals globally, the credential reflects demonstrated project leadership experience, formal project management education, and successful completion of a rigorous exam aligned with PMI’s performance domains: People, Process, and Business Environment.

To earn PMP certification, candidates must meet defined experience and education requirements and pass a comprehensive examination designed to assess real-world project management competency.

PMP Certification Overview
pmp certification training course

Exam Pass Guarantee

pmp boot camp

Interactive Courses

project management certification training

Expert Guidance

Benefits of PMP Certification

How Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Sets You Apart

In a competitive job market, the PMP certification can set you apart. It’s a widely recognized credential that many employers look for in project-management roles, and it can strengthen your candidacy and support your long-term professional growth. Here’s why investing in PMP certification is worth considering:

PMP Certification Supports Career Growth & Job Opportunities

PMP certification can help you stand out for project-management roles, including positions that list or prefer the credential. It demonstrates knowledge of project management methodologies, including predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches, which many employers value:

  • Stand out for leadership roles and high-visibility projects: PMP Certification can strengthen your candidacy. Results vary by employer, role, and experience.
  • A durable skill set: Project-management skills are in demand across many industries, though hiring varies with market conditions.
  • Global recognition: PMI’s credentials are recognized internationally, and PMP holders work around the world.

PMP Certification Provides Industry Recognition & Credibility

The PMP is a well-known credential that signals professional credibility:

  • Many organizations across industries look for PMP-certified project managers, including for strategic initiatives
  • Validated expertise in managing complex projects and cross-functional teams
  • Access to PMI’s global community of certified professionals
  • Continuing education requirements help you keep your skills current with industry best practices

PMP Certification and Earning Potential

PMI’s most recent Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey (14th Edition, 2025) found that PMP holders reported higher median salaries than non-certified respondents, and PMI’s Global Project Management Talent Gap report projects rising demand for project talent:

17%

higher median salaries reported by PMP holders across the 21 countries surveyed

$135,000

U.S. median salary reported by PMP holders, vs. $109,157 for non-certified respondents (nearly 24% higher)

64%

projected growth in global demand for project talent, 2025 to 2035

Sources: PMI, Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, 14th Edition (2025); PMI, Global Project Management Talent Gap (2025)

PMP Certification Training Is a Long-Term Career Investment

By earning your PMP, you demonstrate your knowledge and experience in managing people, processes, and business priorities in professional project environments. The credential can support your path toward senior and leadership roles, and the outlook for the field is strong, driven by capital investment and industry transformation.

The bottom line: PMP certification is an investment in your skills and credibility that can pay off across your career. Outcomes depend on your experience, industry, and goals.

Ready to make it happen? Here’s your path from where you are today to PMP certified.

Your Path to PMP Certification

Five steps from here to certified. Select a step to jump to the details.

Once you know you’re eligible, you can begin your PMI application, and we’ll help you with it. You may not be able to finish it until your 35 training hours are complete, and PMI gives you 90 days to complete it once you start.

Step 1 · Check eligibility

PMP Certification Requirements & Eligibility

Before you can earn the world’s most respected project management credential, you must first prove you’re ready for it. PMI’s rigorous eligibility requirements ensure that only experienced professionals can attempt the PMP exam and that’s exactly what makes this certification so valuable.

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification requirements are a tiered validation structure that ensures you have the necessary education and work experience. In order to earn your project management certification you must qualify for the requirements in addition to studying for and passing the PMP exam. Meeting these PMP certification requirements is the first step to success in preparing to become a Project Management Professional.

In this article, we will review the PMP requirements in detail. After reading this guide, you should know if you are qualified to sit for the PMP certification exam or not. Candidates must complete the verification section of the application to apply to take the PMP Exam. The full eligibility requirements are listed in PMI’s 2026 exam content outline, and the application and exam policies are in the PMI Certification Handbook. Both are free from PMI’s website.

PMP Requirements Quick Reference

Before you apply, make sure you meet one of the following sets of PMP certification requirements:

You need one of these:

High school diploma, GED or equivalent

5 years

60 months leading projects

Associate’s degree or vocational/trade school diploma

4 years

48 months leading projects

Bachelor’s degree or higher

3 years

36 months leading projects

Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree from a PMI Global Accreditation Center program

2 years

24 months leading projects

Experience must be non-overlapping months spent leading projects within the last 10 years. You also need 35 hours of project management training, or an active CAPM. Source: PMI’s 2026 exam content outline.

PMP Requirements Eligibility Breakdown in Detail

Prior to attending our PMP course, you may complete our Project Management Certification Readiness and Overview course to get more information about the information required to pass the PMP exam, the PMP certification examination process, application and the steps for maintaining your certification. This option satisfies the required 35 contact hours of project management professional training and allows our students to complete their application and receive eligibility approval before attending our PMP Certification Training course.
For more information about the eligibility documentation, please review the eligibility requirements in PMI’s 2026 exam content outline and the application and exam policies in the PMI Certification Handbook. Both are free from PMI’s website.

Academic Credentials

You’ll need to provide specific details about your educational background:

  • Institution name and graduation year
  • Major field of study
  • Any accredited degree counts, your major doesn’t have to be project management professional certification related

Project Management Experience

Having verifiable experience in project management is one of the key PMP certification requirements. The Project Management Professional Certification is a serious professional certification that requires communication with multiple stakeholders throughout the life of the project. While delivering the scope of work, project managers must carefully handle communications, team morale and attitudes and manage the various expectations of different stakeholders.

  • PMP experience is measured in months of leading and directing projects, not hours or the number of projects. It doesn’t have to be paid work, but it must be in a professional setting.
    • Working as a full-time project manager with two projects at the same time for two months = 2 months of experience, not 4.
  • Key Timeline: All project management experience must be within the last 10 years and documented in non-overlapping months.
    • Example from PMI: one project runs January through March and a second runs February through May. February and March count only once, so together they equal five months (January to May).

What “Leading and Directing Projects” Actually Means

It means that you have performed the role of a project manager and managed a complete project, or that you have managed part of a project. Essentially, it means that you should have done some of the tasks that are listed in PMP Exam Content Outline. This isn’t just any work experience. PMP certification requirements expect project leadership where you:

  • Managed complete projects or significant project components
  • Led cross-functional teams and coordinated multiple stakeholders
  • Applied project management processes across all project phases
  • Made decisions that impacted project outcomes and deliverables

Experience Calculation Examples:

  • Scenario 1: Full-time PM managing 2 simultaneous projects for 6 months = 6 months experience (not 12)

Common Misconception: You don’t need the job title “Project Manager” to qualify for project management certification. PMI cares more about what you did, not what your title was. It also doesn’t matter the type of project management you did. Titles like program manager, product manager, coordinator or team lead may qualify if you were leading and directing project work. School projects, academic research, personal events, home improvement, and routine operational or administrative work don’t count. See PMI’s guide to what counts as project management experience.

Formal Project Management Education

Project management certification requires advanced knowledge and understanding of project management tools, techniques and processes. PMI’s exam asks you to apply project management concepts and your own experience to on-the-job situations through scenario-based questions. You will need to show 35 contact hours of project management education. The 35 hours of Project Management education requirement can be fulfilled by attending our PMP certification training course. What Counts as Contact Hours:

  • Classroom instruction: 1 hour = 1 contact hour (minus breaks)
    • If you attend a 9-hour session with breaks in-between, you can claim 9 hours as contact hours.
  • Online training workshops and PMP certification courses
  • College-level project management professional courses
  • Professional development seminars

Good News: Contact hours never expire and can be accumulated over time from multiple sources. Fast Track Option: Our PMP Bootcamp training satisfies all 35 hours in one comprehensive program.

PMP Certification Requirements FAQs

What if my job title isn't "Project Manager", am I still eligible?

Yes! Your job title in your organization doesn’t matter.  As long as you have the minimum project experience for your education level (2 to 5 years, see the table above), you meet the PMP Certification requirements needed to apply.

I haven't managed all parts of a project, can I still qualify?

Yes! It doesn’t matter whether you managed a complete project or only parts of one, as long as you were leading and directing project work. Meet the minimum experience for your education level (see the table above) and you can apply.

What if I do not meet the PMP Requirements?

If you do not meet the PMP Certification requirements you can work on obtaining the additional education and work experience needed, or you might consider starting your career in project management with a Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) certification.

Option 1: Build Your Experience Focus on taking leadership roles in projects at your current job while documenting your PM activities.

Option 2: Start with CAPM Certification PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is perfect for emerging project managers:

  • Lower requirements: 23 contact hours of project management education (see PMI’s CAPM page for the full requirements)
  • Valuable credential that employers respect
  • Stepping stone to PMP: an active CAPM satisfies the full 35-hour project management training requirement for the PMP. You still need the required project experience.

How many hours of study time are required to meet the PMP certification requirements

The exact amount of time required to study for the PMP certification exam varies depending on individual learning styles and comfort level. Generally, students should expect to spend around 20-40 hours studying in addition to the time spent in class. The PMP course will meet the 35 hours required by PMI. An example of a realistic, successful study plan in addition to attending a PMP certification course:

  • Begin to Read the PMBOK® Guide
  • Read the Pre-Class Advance Reading Guide we provide when you register.
  • Consider joining a study group for support and to enhance your PMP exam prep course proficiency.
  • Attend all days of an instructor led PMP certification course.
  • Use our PMP exam simulator to take practice exams until you’re comfortable and scoring well.
  • If you consistently score above 80% on our practice exams, or when your PMP course instructor gives you the Green Light, you are ready to take the exam!

Step 2 · Start your application

How to Apply for PMP Certification

Candidates for Project Management Certification must complete an online application with the Project Management Institute (PMI).  The application asks you to detail several years of your work history and education. Use concise descriptions to describe the project management tasks the candidate led or directed for each project. Once you know you’re eligible, you can begin your application, and we’ll help you with it. You may not be able to finish it until you’ve completed your 35 hours of training. We recommend that you gather all the relevant information related to your PMP application before you begin. Once started, you have 90 days to complete it. It has an auto-save function so you can come back to it if you take a break from working on it.

Before submitting the application, you will need to read and agree to PMI Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct as well as the PMP Certification/Renewal Agreement. PMI will review your application. If it is approved, you pay the exam fee and PMI emails you a PMI Eligibility ID, which you use to schedule the exam. If your application is selected for an audit, PMI notifies you by email before you pay.

What happens after I submit my PMP application?

PMI reviews your application and emails you the result. If it is approved, you pay the exam fee, and PMI then emails your PMI Eligibility ID, which you use to schedule your exam. Applications are submitted online through PMI.

What is a PMP Certification Audit?

PMI audits a percentage of PMP applications to verify that candidates meet the requirements. Every application is subject to audit, and PMI may also audit after certification is granted. If yours is selected, PMI emails you before you pay the exam fee. You then have 90 days to submit supporting documents, such as your diploma or degree, signatures from supervisors or managers who can verify your project experience, and certificates or letters from the training provider for your 35 hours. If your documentation is complete, the audit takes about 5–7 business days. If you don’t meet the audit requirements, you face a one-year suspension before you can reapply. Your PMP certification training instructor can guide you through what to expect.

Application started? Next, complete your 35 hours of training.

Find a class near you

Step 3 · Complete training

PMP Certification Training Courses

PMI requires 35 hours of project management education as part of your PMP application. A live PMP certification course is a structured way to complete that training and prepare for the exam at the same time. Here is why candidates choose a class.

Expert PMP coaching

An experienced instructor explains the concepts, answers your questions as they come up, and shows you how exam questions are built.

Exam-style practice

Sample exams, in-class exercises and a PMP exam simulator with 1,000+ questions let you practice under realistic conditions.

Structure and focus

Four scheduled days with a group of peers, instead of studying in the gaps of a busy week.

PMP application support

We help you with your PMI application so you know what to submit and when.

PMP boot camp at a glance

4days of live, instructor-led PMP training
35hours of PMI-approved education
1,000+practice questions in the PMP exam simulator
90days of PMP exam simulator access

What is included in our PMP certification course

Everything you need for the class and for exam practice is provided, organized and mapped to the sources referenced in the PMP exam.

pmp certification training course

*PMI members receive a free digital copy of the PMBOK® Guide.

PMP course materials

  • 35 hours of PMI-approved education
  • Student workbook
  • Comprehensive pre-class study guide
  • Sample exams and in-class exercises
  • Online PMP exam simulator with 1,000+ practice questions and 90-day access

Support and guarantee

  • PMI application support
  • Instructor guidance and assessment
  • 100% Exam Pass Guarantee (terms apply)

What you will learn in the PMP Boot Camp

The PMP certification exam has 180 questions in a mix of formats, including case studies, graphic-based questions, multiple choice and matching. It is organized around three domains, and our PMP exam prep class covers all three with practice applying each one.

33%

People domain

Lead and support project teams, manage conflict, and engage stakeholders.

41%

Process domain

Plan and manage scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk and procurement across predictive, agile and hybrid approaches.

26%

Business Environment domain

Manage compliance, deliver project benefits and value, and support organizational change.

Skills you will practice

Earned value and forecasting formulasProcurement and communications formulasSchedule network diagramsScenario-based and case-study questionsChoosing the best answer from alternativesPMI Code of Ethics and Professional ConductFinding and closing knowledge gapsCritical PMP test-taking strategiesTips and tricks for comprehensionReal-world project management conceptsComplete exam readiness

PMP Course Methodology

Our instructor-led PMP boot camp is built on our proprietary CAMP™ methodology, Certification Academy’s own approach to exam preparation. CAMP applies learning-science techniques, such as practice testing, spaced practice, and pattern recognition, within an intensive in-class format. Read more about CAMP here.

C

Coaching

A

Application

M

Mastery

P

Performance

pmp certification training bootcamp

PMP Certification Course Syllabus

Our PMP course curriculum is based on the current PMP Examination Content Outline and uses a problem-based, collaborative approach to learning, with equality and connection between instructor and learner. We blend these approaches with simple memorization techniques to keep the vast amount of information organized and memorable. The entire PMP Boot Camp is designed around your readiness for the exam.

Module 1

Starting with the End in Mind

  • Project Management Roles & Environments
  • PMI Terminology and Structure
  • Professional Responsibility
  • PMP Exam strategies, tips and tricks
Module 2

Creating and Managing High Performing Teams

  • Creating and Leading High Performing Teams
  • Define Team Ground Rules
  • Build Shared Understanding, Manage Conflict
  • Negotiate Project Agreements
  • Empower Team Members and Stakeholders
  • Ensure Team Members and Stakeholders Are Trained
  • Engage and Support Virtual Teams
  • Support Team Performance and Apply Emotional Intelligence
  • Address and Remove Impediments, Obstacles, and Blockers
  • Collaborate and Mentor Stakeholders
Module 3

Planning and Managing the Project Work

  • Determine Appropriate Project Methodology/Methods and Practices
  • Plan and Manage Scope, Budget, Resources and Schedule
  • Plan and Manage Quality of Products/Deliverables
  • Integrate Project Planning Activities
  • Plan and Manage Procurement
  • Establish Project Governance Structure
  • Assess and Manage Risks
  • Execute Project to Deliver Business Value
  • Manage Communications
  • Engage Stakeholders
  • Create Project Artifacts
  • Manage Project Changes and Issues
  • Ensure Knowledge Transfer to Project Continuity
Module 4

Managing the Business

  • Manage Compliance Requirements
  • Evaluate and Deliver Project Benefits and Value
  • Evaluate and Address Internal and External Business Environment Change
  • Support Organizational Change
  • Employ Continuous Process Improvement
Module 5

Final Exam

  • Review of Questions & Answers
  • Stoplight Assessment
Throughout the class

Hands-on course exercises

  • Practice exercises targeted at the range of learning styles
  • Network Diagram Exercises
  • Earned Value Exercises
  • Chapter Specific Practice Tests
  • 90-day access to a PMP Certification Exam Simulator
Download the PMP course outline (PDF)

Find a PMP Boot Camp Near You

Live, instructor-led PMP training available in major cities nationwide

Ready to fast-track your PMP certification with expert guidance? Our intense 4 day boot camps are offered in major cities across the country, offering world-class PMP training in your area. Experience the power of in-person learning with dedicated instructors, focused peer interaction, and zero distractions from your daily routine. Check our schedule to find upcoming PMP certification training sessions in your city and join thousands of professionals who've already accelerated their careers through our proven in-person training format.

Map of the United States showing PMP boot camp locations
OnlineLive, instructor-led→

See What Our PMP Boot Camp Students Have to Say

The instructor did a great job breaking down the material and making it easy to understand. The PMP Boot Camp was packed with useful information, but it was presented in a way that didn’t feel overwhelming. The course has made me feel confident and well-prepared for the exam.
Courtney M.

My instructor did an excellent job delivering the PMP training course. He kept the class engaged and focused on what really matters for the exam. His personal insights and real-world examples helped clarify complex topics and made the sessions more relatable and practical.
Justin S.

Step 4 · Study and pass

PMP Exam Details

The PMP Certification exam is a psychometrically based, computer exam of 180 questions. The exam is offered by an independent testing company, Pearson VUE, and each exam question has one correct answer. You have just four hours (240 minutes) to complete the exam. Many test-takers finish the exam with little time to spare. Each question has a level of difficulty assigned to it by PMI. The “mix” of difficult and easy questions determines how many questions you need to answer correctly. At the end of your exam you will see a preliminary result, and PMI confirms your official result afterward.

Your score report shows an overall pass/fail result, plus diagnostic information on your performance in each domain. This information provides specific guidance for both passing and failing candidates.

Exam Domains

What is tested on the PMP exam?

The Project Management Institute, the world's leading authority on project management, created the PMP to recognize project managers who have proven they have experience and expertise. To obtain PMP certification, a project manager must meet certain requirements and then pass a 180-question exam. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam content outline has three domains:

  1. People - emphasizing the skills and activities associated with effectively leading a project team.
  2. Process - reinforcing the technical aspects of managing a project.
  3. Business Environment - highlighting the connection between projects and organization strategy.

These sections each contain a variety of tasks and enablers, which are the more specific elements within the broad domains. They provide a deeper understanding of what a project manager should be able to do in each domain. Details of these domains are outlined below:

How Hard is the PMP Exam?

The Project Management Professional (PMP) exam can be challenging for working professionals who are seeking to earn the PMP certification for career development. The exam covers a wide range of knowledge and skills related to project management, including leading people, managing project processes, and aligning projects with the business environment. The questions on the exam are scenario-based and require a thorough understanding of the PMP framework as well as practical experience with managing projects. how hard is the PMP exam what is the PMP examMany PMP exam takers report that the exam is difficult, with a passing rate of around 60% on the first attempt. However, the level of difficulty can vary depending on a person's prior project management experience and their preparation for the exam. Some working professionals who have been actively managing projects find the exam to be manageable, while others may find it extremely challenging. It is important to understand that the PMP exam is NOT a test of memorization, but rather a test of your ability to apply project management knowledge and techniques to real-world scenarios. In order to be well-prepared for the exam, it is recommended that you study the PMP framework and guidelines, as well as gain practical experience with managing projects.

People (33%)

  • Develop a common vision
  • Manage conflicts
  • Lead the project team
  • Engage stakeholders
  • Align stakeholder expectations
  • Manage stakeholder expectations
  • Help ensure knowledge transfer
  • Plan and manage communication

Process (41%)

  • Develop an integrated project management plan and plan delivery
  • Develop and manage project scope
  • Help ensure value-based delivery
  • Plan and manage resources
  • Plan and manage procurement
  • Plan and manage finance
  • Plan and optimize quality of products/deliverables
  • Plan and manage schedule
  • Evaluate project status
  • Manage project closure

Business Environment (26%)

  • Define and establish project governance
  • Plan and manage project compliance
  • Manage and control changes
  • Remove impediments and manage issues
  • Plan and manage risk
  • Continuous improvement
  • Support organizational change
  • Evaluate external business environment changes

PMP Certification Cost

The cost of PMP certification depends on several factors, including PMI membership, and exam fees. Here’s a clear overview of what it takes financially to sit for the project management professional certification exam:

We recommend that you register to become a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI).

  • It typically costs $164 to become a member, but it saves you money on exam fees.
  • The standard non-member price to take the PMP exam is $675. The PMI member's price for the exam is $425.

Side By Side Cost Breakdown:

Item PMI Member Non Member
PMI Membership Fee:  $164 $0
PMP Exam Fee: $425 $675
Total Cost: $589 $675
Exam Retake Fee:  $275 $375

Fees are set by PMI and can change. Check current prices on PMI's PMP certification page before you pay.

Scheduling your PMP Exam with Pearson VUE

  • You have one year to take the PMP exam after your application has been approved.
  • You may take the project management professional exam up to three (3) times during the eligibility period.
  • Scheduling the PMP Exam
    • Once you have been approved by PMI and paid the PMP certification exam fee, you can schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, ideally within 30 days of completing your PMP certification training course. You will have one year from the time your application is approved to take the PMP test. You may take the project management certification exam up to 3 times during this eligibility period. You can find a complete list of testing locations on the Pearson VUE PMI page.

Key Consideration: The Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam changed in July 2026. The updated exam is built on PMI’s 2026 exam content outline. It reweights the three domains to People 33%, Process 41% and Business Environment 26%, adds case-study and graphic-based question types, and reflects trends such as AI and sustainability. Every PMP exam taken now is the updated version. You can review PMI’s full 2026 exam content outline for the details.

How much does the PMP Certification cost in total exam fees?

The PMP Certification exam costs $425 for PMI members and $675 for non-members. The annual fee for PMI membership is $164, so you reduce your cost if you become a member and then schedule your exam. If you fail your exam, it costs $275 for PMI members and $375 for non-members to retake the exam.

Is there a cost to cancel my test date after scheduling the exam?

You may reschedule or cancel your exam if done at least two full days prior to your exam date. However, canceling or rescheduling the exam within 30 days of a scheduled exam date will incur a rescheduling fee of $70. Be sure to confirm the cancellation/rescheduling guidelines with Pearson VUE when scheduling the exam.

Pass your PMP Certification Exam Confidently

We are with you every step of the way.

Beginning the journey to earn your PMP certification credential is a significant milestone in your career. Although it can be a time-consuming and challenging endeavor, this globally recognized certification from PMI is undeniably worth the effort. As a highly valued credential held by over a million professionals worldwide, the PMP certification is essential for every project manager interested in advancing their career.

Ready to Get Started?
pmp certification training course PMP bootcamp

The Project Management Institute (PMI) makes no secret of the difficulty involved in passing the PMP Certification exam. It’s a challenging test, and even experienced project managers with impressive track records sometimes walk away without a passing score. It’s not due to a lack of effort or commitment, in fact many learners spend a lot of time and energy on self-study preparation. The honest truth is, no matter how much you study, if you’re not focusing on the correct material, your chances of passing are slim.

Research shows that about half of the people who plan to sit for the PMP exam never actually take it. You might assume that those who do finally register are well prepared, and therefore the pass rate would be high. Unfortunately, many PMP exam takers report that the exam is extremely difficult, with a passing rate of around 60% on the first attempt, leaving many accomplished professionals wondering where they went wrong. Many people even make the mistake of retaking the exam without significant additional study.

Why do so many capable project managers fail to pass an exam that assesses skills they use every day? The reason lies in the difference between mastering your job through real-world experience and excelling in a structured, knowledge-based exam. The level of difficulty can vary depending on a person’s prior project management experience and their preparation for the exam.  Just as a skilled professional might excel at applying concepts on the job but struggle with a theoretical test, many project management certification candidates find the exam format requires more than just practical knowledge. Understanding PMI’s framework, terminology, and methodology is essential for success. The foundational concepts and "PMI approach" to the exam are exactly what we cover in our PMP certification training boot camps.

Step 5 · Maintain it

Maintaining PMP Certification

How often do I need to renew my PMP certification?

The PMP certification is valid for three years, so you will need to renew your certification every three years. To renew your PMP certification, you must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) in the three years since you passed the PMP exam. You must also submit a renewal application and fee. You can earn PDUs in a variety of ways, such as attending conferences, completing courses, teaching, writing articles, and volunteering.

Do I have to renew my PMI Membership?

You do not have to be a PMI member to remain PMP certified, nor do you need to be a PMI member to get your certification. Many project managers join PMI as they prepare for the PMP exam because they receive a substantial discount on the exam fees. The discount is greater than the yearly PMI membership, so it makes a lot of sense to join.

How do I earn the 60 PDUs I need to renew?

To renew, you must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within the three-year cycle. The Project Management Institute has outlined how those PDUs are broken down.

  • Minimum of 35 Education PDUs
  • Maximum of 25 Giving Back PDUs

As a PMP certificate holder, you must earn a minimum of 8 PDUs in each skill area of the PMI Talent Triangle – Ways of Working, Power Skills, and Business Acumen. Maintaining your certification is crucial in this fast-paced industry. Continuous learning ensures you stay competitive and relevant. The requirement to earn PDUs aligns with the PMI's Talent Triangle®, which focuses on a balanced skill set necessary for effective project management. For details on earning and reporting PDUs, see PMI's Maintain page. Planning your professional development early helps you keep your certification active.

PMP Certification Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a PMI Member?

The answer is no, PMI membership is not mandatory to attend a PMP Certification course. There are benefits to becoming a member. PMI members receive a significant discount on their PMP exam fee. This discount is greater than what it costs to become a PMI member. PMI members receive a free digital copy of the PMBOK Guide. It is easier to maintain your certifications by using free resources, materials and tools available to you, as a PMI member. Additionally, many local PMI chapters offer discounts for workshops, chapter meetings, and events to PMI members.

How do I schedule a time to sit for the PMP Certification exam?

Once you are eligible to take the PMP Certification exam, the PMP Exam scheduling instructions from PMI will walk you through how to contact Pearson VUE, to select a date and location for taking the exam. The PMP exam is a computer-based exam and may be scheduled by applicants at any time available at any of the testing sites or online. Scheduling the PMP Exam Once you have been approved by PMI and paid the PMP certification exam fee, you can schedule your exam with Pearson VUE. You will have one year from the time your application is approved to take the exam. You may take the exam up to 3 times during this eligibility period. You can find a complete list of testing locations on the Pearson VUE PMI page. Sitting for the PMP Exam The PMP Certification exam is taken at a Pearson VUE test center or Online and is 180 questions (170 scored and 10 unscored) with a 240-minute (4-hour) time limit, including two 10-minute breaks. The questions are broken down into 3 domains: People 33%, Process 41%, Business Environment 26%. Question types include case and scenario studies, graphic-based questions, multiple choice (single and multiple response), matching, pull-down lists and point-and-click. At the end of the exam you will see a preliminary result, and PMI confirms your official result afterward.

What study materials are provided in the PMP course?

    • We provide complete PMP course materials to our students. In addition to comprehensive study materials, references, and study aids, our students receive a 90-day subscription to our online learning platform, which includes an exam simulation with over 1,000 practice questions.
    • Students are encouraged to purchase the current edition of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge®, available at the PMI Bookstore or other retailers. PMI Members have access to a free e-copy of the PMBOK® Guide online that may be downloaded.
    • All the questions on the examination have been written and extensively reviewed by qualified PMP credential holders and tracked to at least two academic references. These questions are mapped against the PMP Examination Content Outline to ensure that an appropriate number of questions are in place for a valid examination.
    • Sample exam questions and suggested reading are also available on the PMI website.

How can I get the 35 hours Required to sit for PMP Certification?

Our comprehensive PMP certification courses are designed to ensure you pass the exam and meet the training requirements. We ensure the course is complete and covers all necessary topics, eliminating the need for additional training hours. Our PMP certification training course will not only contribute to your training needs but also streamline the process, ensuring you meet the PMP Certification criteria seamlessly.

What is the passing score for the PMP Certification exam?

The pass rate and statistics are not published. The Project Management Institute does not disclose that information. In the PMI Certification Handbook, PMI states that the passing score is determined by psychometric analysis. In other words, you won’t know your passing score, which might differ from time to time. Your score report shows how you performed in each domain. Aim to score consistently well on practice exams, and ask your instructor when you're ready.

What is the average salary of a PMP Certified Project Manager?

Project Managers who achieve PMP Certification generally earn considerably more than non-certified project managers. Our indepth article on the PMP Certification Salary Impact shows the average salary of a PMP certified project manager in the United States is around $130,000 per year, with variations depending on industry, location, and experience level.

Why Choose Us for Your PMP Training Course?

Firm Course Dates

When you register for one of our PMP Bootcamp classes, you can feel confident that it will run as scheduled. We work hard to deliver on our promise to you to provide your PMP certification training course on time and with the quality and professionalism you expect.

100% Money Back Guarantee

We know PMP certification training is an important milestone in your career. We understand the value you place in spending your time and money wisely. That’s why we back up all of our courses with a 100% money-back guarantee. If you’ve looked at other training providers, you know that a money-back guarantee is common for courses like this. All guarantees are not created equal, though. We don’t want to hide small print behind big promises: we want you to know, precisely, what our guarantee does and doesn’t cover so you can make an informed decision and focus on your learning free from worry or distraction. Please see our full terms and conditions here

Experience

Our team of seasoned instructors is among the largest in the country with notable Project Management experience. They are experienced trainers who employ proven adult learning practices and straightforward internalization techniques to build engagement, motivation, and increase recall.

Thought Leadership

Our Courses have been uniquely developed to ensure a high degree of correlation between the subject matter and the proficiency examinations. Our Courses use problem-based and collaborative approaches to learning. We emphasize more equality and connection between the instructor and learner.

Proven Results

Our PMP Exam Prep Boot Camp is built to get you exam-ready through expert coaching, practice testing and a structured four-day format. We have trained thousands of students, and they have rated us 4.85 out of 5 across 1,465 reviews.

Rated 4.85/5 based on 1465 reviews
References & Sources  *Industry Data:** 1. Project Management Institute (PMI). "Project Management Institute (2025). Salary Survey: How certification and skills can boost earning power."  https://www.pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey 2. Project Management Institute. "Global Project Management Talent Gap." 2025. https://www.pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap *Certification Guidelines:* 3. PMI. "PMI Certification Handbook." Revised June 2026. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/generic-certification-handbook.pdf 4. PMI. "PMP Examination Content Outline (ECO)." July 2026. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/new-pmp-examination-content-outline-2026.pdf