Every PMP candidate needs 35 contact hours of project management education before applying. On 25 September 2026, PMI announced a change to which training counts, starting 1 December 2026. Here is what that means for you.
What changes on 1 December 2026
| Type of training | Before 1 Dec 2026 | From 1 Dec 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Live training (classroom or live virtual) | Any qualifying provider | Only a PMI Authorized Training Partner, an eligible accredited academic program, or a Registered Education Provider in China |
| Self-paced, on-demand courses | Any qualifying provider | Still any provider, if the course meets PMI's criteria |
| Active CAPM certification | Waives the 35 hours | Still waives the 35 hours |
In PMI's words, from 1 December 2026, "live training will qualify only when delivered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner."
If you already have your hours
Good news: training you complete before 1 December 2026 keeps its eligibility, judged under the rules in place when you completed it. This applies even if you submit your application after the change. Contact hours also do not expire, and you can combine several courses to reach 35.
One trap: paying or enrolling before the deadline does not protect a live course that finishes after it. If your live course ends on or after 1 December 2026, confirm in writing that the provider is a PMI Authorized Training Partner.
What a self-paced course needs
Self-paced courses are still open to any provider, but PMI is clear that the course title is not enough. Check that the course:
- Provides formal project management instruction, not just videos or reading.
- Aligns with the current PMP Examination Content Outline.
- States its hours clearly.
- Includes an end-of-course assessment.
- Gives you a completion record, such as a certificate.
Books, videos, practice exams and self-study on their own do not count. Practice exams, including ours, are for preparing for the exam, not for meeting the 35-hour requirement.
Your options compared
| Option | Typical cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Self-paced online course that meets PMI's criteria | Low | Self-disciplined learners on a budget |
| PMI's own PMP Exam Prep Course (self-paced) | Medium | Candidates who want certainty that it counts |
| Live bootcamp from an Authorized Training Partner | High | Candidates who learn best with an instructor and a fixed schedule |
| University or GAC-accredited program | Varies | Candidates already studying |
| Active CAPM certification | Exam fee only | CAPM holders: no extra training needed |
Keep your evidence
PMI selects some applications at random for audit. If yours is selected, PMI will ask you to prove your 35 hours. Keep:
- your certificate of completion,
- the course syllabus or outline,
- the provider's name and the dates you completed it.
For how the audit works, see the audit section of our requirements guide. For the other eligibility rules, see PMP exam requirements.
What to do now
- Already finished a course? Download your certificate and keep it safe. You are covered.
- Planning a live course? If it ends on or after 1 December 2026, choose a PMI Authorized Training Partner and check their status in PMI's official directory.
- Choosing self-paced? Check the five criteria above before you pay.
Once your hours are done, find out where you stand with the free 30-question PMP quiz.
Source: PMI, "How to Meet the PMP 35-Hour Training Requirement", 25 September 2026.