Eligibility

PMP 35 contact hours: which training counts

By 3FOLD Training7 min read

Every PMP® applicant needs 35 hours of project management education, and PMI is about to change which live classes qualify. Some of what you'll read elsewhere goes further than PMI has actually said, so this article sticks to PMI's own wording.

Quick Answer

You need 35 contact hours before you apply, unless you hold an active CAPM. PMI says that from late Q4 2026, live-class hours will count only if the course is delivered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner, a China Registered Education Provider or an eligible accredited academic program. PMI will announce the exact date in advance.

The requirement itself

PMI's Certification Handbook asks for at least 35 contact hours of formal project management education. One hour of classroom instruction counts as one contact hour. The hours must be finished before you submit your application, but you can have earned them at any time.

Self-directed learning doesn't count, and an active CAPM waives the requirement.

What PMI says is changing

PMI's page on the updated PMP exam says that starting in late Q4 2026, live PMP training will be eligible only if the course is delivered by one of these:

  • A PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP)
  • A China Registered Education Provider (REP)
  • An eligible, accredited academic program, including programs accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center

PMI also says that training completed before the start date stays eligible under the current rules.

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So what is the date?

Check pmi.org before you book

PMI's own pages say "late Q4 2026" and that it will share a specific start date in advance. Some providers quote a precise date. Until PMI announces one, treat any specific day you read elsewhere as unconfirmed.

The safe approach is straightforward. If you plan to take a live class, choose a provider that qualifies under the new rule, and your hours will count whichever date applies.

How to check a provider

Ask whether the provider is a PMI Authorized Training Partner and whether the specific PMP course is delivered through that pathway. Look for the ATP badge and verify it independently rather than trusting a logo on a web page. Finally, confirm the course states its hours and gives you a completion certificate you can upload if PMI audits you.

3FOLD Training is a PMI Authorized Training Partner. You can read about what PMI accepts for PMP training and the course materials offered by PMI.

Keep your certificate

If PMI selects your application for audit, you'll need to submit a certificate or letter from the provider for every course you counted. Save it the day you receive it. Our PMP audit guide explains the process.

Where 3FOLD fits

Our live online PMP® course is 35 contact hours, delivered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner. Read how it meets the 35-hour requirement or see the course page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of training do I need?
35 contact hours of project management education, unless you hold an active CAPM.
Does self-study count?
No. PMI's handbook says self-directed learning doesn't count.
Will training I've already done still count?
PMI says training completed before the start date remains eligible under the current requirements.
Who can deliver live classes under the new rule?
A PMI Authorized Training Partner, a China Registered Education Provider or an eligible accredited academic program.

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