Pmp Required Hours

For professionals pursuing the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, understanding the PMP required hours is the critical first step. The PMP certification, administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI)®, mandates a minimum of 35 contact hours of formal project management education before you can sit for the exam. These hours must come from a PMI-authorized provider and cover topics aligned with the PMBOK® Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge). Whether you're transitioning into project management or advancing your career, meeting these PMP required hours is non-negotiable—and doing so through high-quality, flexible online courses can set the foundation for long-term success. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the PMP required hours, including approved courses, time commitments, costs, and how fulfilling this requirement translates into real career advancement.

What Are the PMP Required Hours?

The PMP required hours refer specifically to the 35 contact hours of project management education that PMI mandates for certification eligibility. These are not hours of on-the-job experience, but rather structured training in project management concepts, processes, and best practices. Contact hours must be earned through a formal course delivered by a PMI-authorized training partner (ATP) or through a Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.).

Each hour represents 60 minutes of instructor-led or self-paced learning that directly addresses content from the PMBOK® Guide and the PMP Exam Content Outline. Topics include project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. It’s important to note that these hours are distinct from the 36 months (for bachelor’s degree holders) or 60 months (for those with a high school diploma) of project leadership experience also required by PMI.

Many candidates confuse the 35 contact hours with general work experience. However, PMI is strict: the hours must come from a structured curriculum and result in a certificate of completion. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and PMTraining offer courses specifically designed to meet this requirement, often bundling exam prep with the contact hours.

How to Fulfill the PMP Required Hours Online

With the rise of online learning, fulfilling the PMP required hours has never been more accessible. Numerous accredited platforms offer PMI-approved courses that deliver the full 35 hours through self-paced video lectures, quizzes, and downloadable resources. These courses are ideal for working professionals who need flexibility without sacrificing credibility.

Popular online options include:

• PMP Exam Prep Seminar (35 Hours) by PMTraining – This live-virtual and on-demand course is taught by certified PMP instructors and includes a 100% pass guarantee. Duration: 35 hours. Price: $397 (on-demand), $597 (live virtual). The course is R.E.P.-approved and includes a certificate of completion accepted by PMI.
• Complete PMP Certification Prep Course by Joseph Phillips (Udemy) – One of the highest-rated PMP prep courses on Udemy, this 38-hour program exceeds the minimum requirement. Price: $129.99 (frequent discounts bring it below $20). While Udemy is not a PMI R.E.P., the course is delivered by a certified R.E.P. instructor and includes a downloadable certificate accepted by PMI upon request.
• Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification Training by Simplilearn – A comprehensive bootcamp-style course with 360 days of access. Duration: 40+ hours. Price: $999 (often discounted to $399). Simplilearn is a PMI R.E.P., so the certificate is automatically recognized.

When selecting an online course, verify that it is delivered by a PMI R.E.P. or includes a certificate from one. This ensures your contact hours will be accepted during the PMP application audit process.

PMP Required Hours vs. Work Experience: Understanding the Difference

A common point of confusion among applicants is the distinction between the 35 PMP required hours and the project management work experience required by PMI. These are two separate eligibility criteria:

• 35 contact hours – Formal education in project management, completed via an approved course.
• Work experience – Demonstrated experience leading and directing projects. Requires either 36 months with a four-year degree or 60 months with a high school diploma.

The work experience must involve tasks such as defining project objectives, managing budgets, leading teams, and delivering results. You’ll need to document this experience in your PMP application using the PMI’s experience verification form.

Crucially, the 35 contact hours cannot be substituted with work experience. Even seasoned project managers with 10+ years in the field must complete the training. However, many professionals combine both requirements by taking a course while documenting their experience, streamlining the certification process.

Top-Rated Courses That Meet PMP Required Hours

Not all courses are created equal. To ensure your investment pays off, choose a program that not only meets the PMP required hours but also prepares you effectively for the exam. Here are some of the most reputable options:

• PMI Authorized PMP Exam Prep by Project Management Academy – Duration: 35 hours. Price: $1,195 (in-person), $895 (virtual). This R.E.P.-approved course includes live instruction, study materials, and exam simulator access. It’s ideal for learners who benefit from real-time interaction and structured schedules.
• PMP Certification Training by Coursera (offered by the University of California, Irvine) – Part of the “Project Management: Foundations and Practices” specialization. Duration: 30–40 hours. Price: $49/month (subscription-based). This course is PMI-authorized and includes academic rigor backed by a university brand. It’s a strong choice for learners who prefer a gradual, self-paced approach.
• PMP Fast Forward by PMI – The official PMI course. Duration: 35 hours. Price: $699 for non-members, $559 for PMI members. As a direct offering from the certifying body, this course guarantees compliance and includes access to exclusive PMI resources. It’s a premium option with high credibility.

Difficulty levels vary: beginner-friendly courses like Udemy’s Joseph Phillips program are accessible to newcomers, while PMI’s own PMP Fast Forward assumes foundational knowledge and is better suited for experienced practitioners.

Cost and Time Investment: Is It Worth It?

The cost of fulfilling the PMP required hours ranges from under $20 (discounted Udemy courses) to over $1,000 for live, instructor-led bootcamps. The average investment is between $200 and $600 for a quality, R.E.P.-approved course. When evaluating ROI, consider not just the upfront cost but also the long-term career benefits.

According to PMI’s Salary Survey, PMP-certified professionals earn 22% more on average than their non-certified peers. In the U.S., the median PMP salary exceeds $120,000. Given that most certification courses pay for themselves within months of a salary increase, the financial return is compelling.

Time-wise, most learners complete the 35 contact hours in 4 to 6 weeks when studying part-time (5–7 hours per week). Intensive bootcamps can be finished in as little as 5 days. The flexibility of online learning allows you to balance study with full-time work, making the investment manageable for most professionals.

Additionally, many employers reimburse certification costs. Check with your HR department—some organizations cover the full cost of PMP training and exam fees as part of professional development programs.

Career Outcomes After Completing PMP Required Hours

While completing the PMP required hours alone doesn’t grant certification, it’s a pivotal milestone that signals serious career intent. Many hiring managers view completed PMP training as a strong indicator of commitment, even before the exam is passed.

Upon earning your contact hours and eventually your PMP certification, you become eligible for roles such as:

• Senior Project Manager
• Program Manager
• IT Project Manager
• Construction Project Manager
• Healthcare Project Coordinator

Industries like IT, construction, healthcare, and finance actively seek PMP-certified professionals. The certification is globally recognized, opening doors to international opportunities and remote project roles.

Completing the required hours also builds foundational knowledge that improves on-the-job performance. Concepts like risk management, stakeholder engagement, and agile methodologies become tools you can apply immediately, increasing your value to employers.

From a career progression standpoint, the PMP is often a prerequisite for leadership roles. It’s not uncommon for project coordinators to advance to project managers within a year of certification, especially when combined with proven experience.

How the PMP Required Hours Fit Into Your Certification Journey

The 35 contact hours are just the beginning of your PMP certification journey. Here’s how they fit into the broader process:

1. Complete 35 contact hours – Enroll in and finish a PMI-authorized course.
2. Document work experience – Gather project details and supervisor verifications.
3. Submit PMP application – Apply through PMI.org with your contact hour certificate and experience logs.
4. Prepare for the exam – Use study guides, simulators, and review sessions.
5. Schedule and pass the exam – The exam costs $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members.
6. Maintain certification – Earn 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units) every three years.

Many training providers bundle contact hours with exam prep, practice tests, and PDU-eligible content, making them a one-stop solution. For example, Simplilearn’s PMP course includes 120+ scenario-based practice questions and two free exam attempts with their pass guarantee.

By treating the PMP required hours as the first phase of a structured learning path, you set yourself up for higher pass rates and faster career advancement. Think of it not as a checkbox, but as the foundation of your project management expertise.

FAQ

Can I count college courses toward the PMP required hours?

Yes, but only if the course specifically covers project management topics and was completed through a PMI-authorized provider. General business or management degrees do not automatically qualify. You’ll need a certificate that details the number of contact hours and confirms alignment with PMBOK® standards.

Do free courses count for PMP required hours?

Only if they are offered by a PMI R.E.P. and provide a verifiable certificate of completion. Most free courses (e.g., YouTube tutorials) do not meet PMI’s standards. Stick to paid, accredited programs to avoid application rejection.

How long are the PMP required hours valid?

Indefinitely. Once you earn your 35 contact hours, they never expire. You can apply for the PMP exam years later, as long as you meet the experience requirements at the time of application.

Can I use the same course for both contact hours and exam prep?

Absolutely. Most high-quality PMP prep courses, such as those from PMTraining and Simplilearn, are designed to fulfill the 35-hour requirement while also preparing you for the exam. This dual-purpose approach maximizes efficiency and ROI.

What happens if my PMP application is audited?

PMI randomly audits about 5–10% of applications. If selected, you’ll need to submit your contact hour certificate and work experience documentation for verification. Always keep digital and physical copies of your course completion certificate and project descriptions.

Can I get the PMP required hours after failing the exam?

No. The 35 contact hours are a prerequisite for submitting your PMP application. You must complete them before you’re eligible to take the exam. However, if you fail and need to retake it, you do not need to repeat the contact hours.

Are there any alternatives to the 35 contact hours?

If you hold a CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification, you can waive the 35 contact hours requirement. The CAPM itself requires 23 contact hours, so you still need formal training, just a shorter version. Otherwise, there are no alternatives—PMI does not accept life experience or informal learning.

Can I use agile training for PMP required hours?

Yes, as long as the course is part of a comprehensive project management curriculum approved by a PMI R.E.P. Since the 2021 PMP exam update includes agile and hybrid methodologies, many modern courses integrate agile content into the 35-hour requirement. Ensure the course covers all domains in the PMP Exam Content Outline: People, Process, and Business Environment.