By El Mehdi Bouchti, PMP, PMI-ACP · Updated October 16, 2026

PMP Exam Requirements 2026: Eligibility, Education & Experience

To apply for the PMP certification in 2026, candidates must meet PMI's education, experience, and training requirements. This guide explains exactly what you need, how to document your experience, and what to expect during the application process.

Once you meet the requirements, use our free PMP exam simulator to prepare for the exam with realistic practice questions and full-length mock exams.

PMP eligibility requirements at a glance

What counts as project leadership experience?

PMI requires that your experience involves leading and directing projects, not just participating as a team member. Your documented experience should demonstrate that you:

• Had responsibility for project outcomes (scope, schedule, budget, or quality)
• Managed a team or coordinated cross-functional contributors
• Made decisions about how to plan, execute, or adapt the project
• Engaged with stakeholders and managed their expectations

You do not need the formal title of "Project Manager", many candidates qualify through roles like team lead, program coordinator, delivery manager, or department manager, as long as the work involved leading projects.

Documenting your experience on the application

When you apply through PMI's online portal, you document each qualifying project individually. For each project, you'll provide:

• Project title, a descriptive name for the project
• Organization, employer name
• Role, your title on the project
• Start and end dates, to verify the applicable 24-, 36-, 48-, or 60-month pathway
• Experience description, brief description of your leadership activities (a few sentences)

PMI audits a random selection of applications. If selected for audit, you'll need to submit a signed verification form from your manager or another project stakeholder confirming your role and experience. Prepare accurate documentation before applying to avoid delays.

The 35 contact hours requirement

Candidates need 35 hours of project-management education unless an active CAPM certification fulfills the training requirement. PMI accepts self-paced education and currently defined live training pathways; verify the provider before enrolling.

Qualifying education sources include:

• PMI Authorized Training Partners (ATPs)
• Accredited colleges and universities
• Eligible online, self-paced project-management courses
• China Registered Education Providers

Beginning December 1, 2026, PMI says live instructor-led classes must come from an Authorized Training Partner, a China Registered Education Provider, or an eligible accredited higher-education program. Self-paced courses remain a separate pathway. Keep completion records in case of an audit.

The application process step by step

1. Create a PMI account at pmi.org if you do not already have one. Compare the current member and non-member prices before paying.
2. Gather documentation: employment records or project descriptions for each qualifying project, training certificates for your 35 contact hours.
3. Submit your online application through your PMI account. Document each project with the required details (title, role, dates, description).
4. Wait for PMI review. If selected for audit, follow PMI's instructions for education, experience, and training documentation.
5. Pay the exam fee once your application is approved. You have one year from approval to schedule and pass the exam (with up to three attempts).
6. Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE (at a testing center) or through PMI's online proctoring option.

How long is your eligibility valid?

Once PMI approves your application and you pay the exam fee, you have one year to pass the exam, with up to three attempts. If you do not pass within one year, you must re-apply.

Renewing your PMP after passing

The PMP certification is valid for 3 years. To renew, you must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within each 3-year cycle:

• At least 35 PDUs in "Education" activities (training, courses, learning)
• Up to 25 PDUs in "Giving Back" activities (volunteering, presentations, mentoring)

PDUs can be earned through PMI webinars, local chapter events, online courses, and on-the-job practice. Many free PDU opportunities are available to PMI members.

Check your own numbers with the PMP eligibility calculator, then follow the step-by-step PMP application guide to write your experience entries and prepare for a possible audit. Already hold the CAPM? See how to move from CAPM to PMP. After you pass, our PMP PDU and renewal guide covers the 60-PDU cycle.

Last reviewed: September 13, 2026

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