PMP
Offered by Project Management Institute (PMI)
The Project Management Professional (PMP) is one of the world's most widely recognized project management credentials, awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It validates that you can lead projects and teams across predictive (waterfall), agile, and hybrid ways of working.
EXAM AT A GLANCE
Questions
180
170 scored
Testing time
240
minutes
Sections
3
Delivery
Pearson VUE test center or online proctored
Cost
$405 (PMI member) / $575 (non-member), USD
Your PMP Community
Connect with other people preparing for the PMP.
What the exam covers
People (leading and building teams)
33%
Process (technical project management)
41%
Business Environment (strategy & compliance)
26%
About the PMP certification
The exam was updated on July 9, 2026 to a new Examination Content Outline that rebalances the three domains and leans more heavily into agile and hybrid delivery. It's a demanding, scenario-based exam that tests judgment rather than memorization.
Who it’s for
Project professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to lead projects and advance their careers.
- Testing time
- 240 minutes (4 hours), with two 10-minute breaks
- Validity
- 3 years; renew with 60 PDUs
- Prerequisites
- Either a 4-year degree + 36 months leading projects + 35 hours of PM education (or CAPM), OR a high-school diploma + 60 months leading projects + 35 hours of PM education
Official exam page· Details verified August 2026
Exam details can change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and exam policies with the certification provider before registering.
How to prepare
01
Complete your 35 contact hours of formal PM education (this also satisfies an eligibility requirement).
02
Download and study the 2026 PMP Examination Content Outline — every question maps to it.
03
Learn predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches; roughly 60% of the exam is adaptive/agile and hybrid.
04
Drill situational practice questions and focus on 'what should the project manager do next' judgment.
05
Take full-length, timed mock exams to build stamina for the 4-hour format.
FAQ
How hard is the PMP exam?
It's considered challenging because questions are situational rather than definition-based. Most candidates study 60–120 hours and take multiple full-length practice exams before sitting it.
Do I need a degree to get the PMP?
No. You can qualify with a high-school diploma plus 60 months of project leadership experience and 35 hours of PM education, or with a 4-year degree and 36 months of experience.
How long is the PMP valid?
Three years. You maintain it by earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) each cycle.
Turn your exam date into a PMP study plan
Tell us when you're taking the PMP and when you're available to study. We'll build a personalized schedule you can add to your calendar.
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