PMP Certification Guide
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® is the world's most recognized PM credential. This guide walks you through every step — from checking eligibility to maintaining your certification.
The Certification Journey
Check Eligibility
Verify your degree, experience, and contact hours meet PMI requirements.
Apply Online
Create a PMI account, complete the application, document work experience.
Schedule Your Exam
After approval, choose a Prometric center or online proctored format.
Exam Day
180 questions, 240 minutes, two optional breaks. Know what to expect.
Get Your Results
Results shown immediately on screen. Understand your performance report.
Maintain Certification
60 PDUs every 3 years to keep your credential active.
Quick Eligibility Check
With a 4-year degree
- ✓ 36 months non-overlapping PM experience
- ✓ 35 contact hours of PM education
With a high school diploma (or associate degree)
- ✓ 60 months non-overlapping PM experience
- ✓ 35 contact hours of PM education
Exam updated July 9, 2026
The PMP exam changes on July 9, 2026. New domain weightings, new question types, and 10 more minutes. If you're starting preparation now, you're studying for the new version.
See what changed →Books to Accelerate Your Prep
Amazon affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no cost to youPMP Exam Prep — Rita Mulcahy
Rita Mulcahy
The most popular PMP study guide — clear explanations, practice questions, and tricks for the exam.
PMBOK® Guide — 7th Edition
Project Management Institute
The official PMI reference. Required background reading — the source for all PM concepts and terminology.
Head First PMP
Jennifer Greene & Andrew Stellman
Visual, brain-friendly format ideal if you learn better through diagrams, stories, and exercises.
Agile Practice Guide
Project Management Institute
Official PMI guide to agile approaches — essential for the 2026 exam which is ~50% agile/hybrid.