The Project Management Professional (PMP®) Certification is one of the most recognized project management certifications in the world. Completing 35 contact hours of formal project management education is the key eligibility requirements to apply for PMP exam.

For many years, this requirement has been relatively flexible. However, the Project Management Institute (PMI®) is expected to tighten this rule. In the near future, (expected in late 2026), PMI® will only accept the 35 contact hours if they are provided by a PMI® Authorized Training Partner (ATP).

This upcoming change means that candidates who plan to take the PMP® exam must be more careful when choosing their training provider.

What Are the 35 Contact Hours for PMP Exam?

Before applying for the PMP® exam, candidates must complete 35 contact hours of project management education. These hours demonstrate that the candidate has received structured training in project management principles, tools, and practices.

This requirement helps ensure that PMP® candidates have the foundational knowledge needed to understand the PMP® exam content and apply project management practices in real-world situations.

Previous Requirement: Flexible Training Providers

Previously, PMP® candidates could obtain the 35 contact hours from almost any training provider, such as:

• Independent instructors
• Online learning platforms
• Corporate training programs
• Local training centers

As long as the course covered project management topics and provided proof of 35 hours of training, it was typically accepted by PMI®.

New PMI® Direction: Only ATP Training Will Be Accepted

To standardize the learning experience and improve training quality worldwide, PMI® is moving toward requiring that 35 contact hours come only from PMI® Authorized Training Partners (ATP).

This means that:

• The course must be delivered by an official PMI® partner
• Training materials must follow PMI®-approved content
• Instructors must be PMI®-approved trainers

In addition, learners will be required to complete a knowledge check at the end of instructor-led ATP courses within PMI’s Learning Management System (LMS). ATPs must ensure learners complete this step, as it is mandatory to generate the certificate of completion.

This means that learners must complete and pass the test on PMI’s system in order to receive their certificate for the 35 contact hours.

It also implies that candidates must enroll in PMI® Authorized Training Partners (ATP) to gain access to instructor-led ATP courses within the PMI® LMS and complete the required assessment.

As a result, candidates who plan to take the PMP® exam will need to enroll in training programs offered by organizations that are officially recognized by PMI®.

What Is a PMI® Authorized Training Partner (ATP)?

The PMI® Authorized Training Partner Program is PMI’s official program for approved training providers.

Organizations that join this program must meet strict requirements, including:

• Delivering PMI®-approved training content
• Employing instructors certified by PMI®
• Maintaining high training quality standards

These partners are authorized to offer official preparation courses for certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP®) Certification and other PMI® credentials.

How to Find an Official PMI® Authorized Training Partner?

PMI® provides an official directory where candidates can search for training providers that are part of the ATP program.

You can find them HERE

This directory allows you to:

• Search for ATP providers worldwide
• Find approved PMP® training courses
• Verify whether a training organization is officially recognized by PMI®

Using this tool ensures that the training you choose will meet PMI’s requirements for the 35 contact hours.

What PMP® Candidates Should Do Now?

If you are planning to pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP®) Certification, it is important to prepare for this change.

Here are a few recommendations:

1. Verify your training provider
   Make sure the course is delivered by a PMI® Authorized Training Partner (ATP).
2. Choose official PMP® exam preparation courses
   Training from ATP providers ensures that your 35 contact hours will be recognized by PMI®.
3. Plan your PMP® preparation early
   As PMI® updates its policies, demand for ATP courses may increase.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming change to the 35 contact hours requirement for PMP Exam marks an important step by the Project Management Institute to ensure consistent and high-quality PMP® training worldwide. PMP® candidates will need to complete their training through PMI® Authorized Training Partners in order for their education hours to be accepted. If you plan to pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP®) Certification, make sure to select an official training provider to avoid issues during your PMP® application process.