The PMP® certification, explained

The Project Management Professional (PMP®) is the Project Management Institute's certification for people who lead projects. What it involves, who can apply, and how to prepare.

Eligibility

Every route also needs at least 35 hours of project management training. The experience must be in a professional setting, but it does not have to be paid.

The 35 hours can come from a PMI Authorized Training Partner such as Edzest, an accredited university, an employer programme, a training company, or a self-paced course that ends with an assessment. Books and practice exams alone do not count. Active CAPM® holders do not need to document the 35 hours.

The PMP® exam, in questions

Source: PMI, PMP® Certification Exam Content Outline (July 2026 update). Facts checked on 7 October 2026.

What is the PMP® certification?

The Project Management Professional (PMP®) is the Project Management Institute's globally recognised certification for project managers. It tests whether you can apply project management practices to real, scenario-based situations, across predictive, agile and hybrid ways of working.

Who can apply for the PMP® exam?

You need experience leading projects in the past 10 years plus 35 hours of project management training. The experience required depends on your education: 60 months with a high school diploma, 48 with an associate's degree, 36 with a bachelor's degree, or 24 with a bachelor's or postgraduate degree from a PMI GAC-accredited programme.

Where can I get the 35 hours of project management training?

From a PMI Authorized Training Partner such as Edzest, an accredited university, an employer programme, a training company, or a self-paced course that ends with an assessment. It must align with the exam content outline. Books and practice exams alone do not count. Active CAPM® holders are exempt.

How many questions are on the PMP® exam?

The exam has 180 questions: 170 scored and 10 unscored pretest questions that PMI uses to test future questions. They are placed at random, so you cannot tell which ones are unscored.

What types of questions are on the PMP® exam?

Single-answer and multiple-response multiple choice, drag-and-drop, matching and enhanced matching, pull-down lists, point-and-click (hotspot), case or scenario questions, graphic-based questions that use charts or diagrams, and hands-on practicum items that may use tools or data. Some types are available only at a test centre.

How long is the PMP® exam?

You have 240 minutes (4 hours) for the 180 questions, with two 10-minute breaks. The first break comes after the case-study section and the second about midway through the independent questions. You cannot go back to earlier questions after a break begins.

What does the PMP® exam cover?

Three domains: People (33%), Process (41%) and Business Environment (26%). About 40% of the questions reflect predictive approaches and the other 60% are split between agile and hybrid approaches, found throughout all three domains. Exact numbers vary by exam form.

How do I take the PMP® exam?

In person at a test centre, which PMI recommends, or online with a proctor. Online exams need a system check and an extensive check-in, so allow time beforehand, and you may be asked to show your ID again after a break.

How many times can I take the PMP® exam?

Up to three times within your 1-year eligibility period. After three attempts you must wait one year from your last exam before you reapply. If the year ends before you pass, you reapply without a waiting period.

How do I keep my PMP® certification?

Earn and submit 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years and pay the certification renewal fee.

How should I prepare for the PMP® exam?

Take a free diagnostic to find your gaps, complete the 35 hours of training, practise in short sets, then sit full-length mock exams and use each report to decide what to fix next. Repeat until your results are steady.