PMP training requirements 2026 will change on December 1. Learn which live instructor-led courses will qualify and what PMP® candidates need to know.

PMP® Training Requirements 2026: What Is Changing?

The PMP® training requirements 2026 are set to change on December 1, 2026.

Under the updated requirements, live, instructor-led PMP® training hours will only qualify when the training is delivered by an eligible provider.

These providers include:

• PMI Authorized Training Partners (ATPs)
• China Registered Educational Providers (REPs)
• Eligible accredited academic programs
• Programs that qualify through the PMI Global Accreditation Center (GAC)

For PMP® candidates, this means the organization providing live instructor-led training will become an important consideration when selecting a PMP® preparation course.

The change is intended to support quality and consistency in PMP® exam preparation while recognizing the role that PMI® Authorized Training Partners play in preparing candidates.

What If You Complete PMP Training Before December 1, 2026?

Candidates who complete their training before December 1, 2026 are not affected retroactively by the new requirement.

PMI® has confirmed that: Training completed before December 1, 2026, will remain eligible under the current requirements.

What Does This Mean for PMP® Candidates?

The biggest takeaway for candidates is simple:

• If you choose live, instructor-led PMP® training after December 1, 2026, make sure the training provider is eligible under PMI’s updated requirements.
• Candidates should not evaluate a live PMP® course based only on the number of training hours advertised.

Before enrolling in a live PMP® Exam Prep course:

1. Check whether it is instructor-led.

Determine whether the course is delivered live with an instructor or through self-paced content.

2. Check the provider.

If the course is live instructor-led, verify that the organization is an eligible provider under PMI’s updated requirements.

3. Check the completion date.

Training completed before December 1, 2026, remains eligible under the current requirements.

4. Keep your training records.

Maintain your course completion information and documentation for your records.

Does the New Rule Apply to On-Demand PMP Training?

No. The change to live instructor-led training does not change the current approach to self-paced, on-demand training. PMI® has confirmed that: Self-paced, on-demand training can still be delivered by any organization.

The key distinction is therefore the delivery format and the eligibility of the provider.

If you are considering an online PMP course, don’t assume that every online course is the same. A live online class with an instructor is different from a self-paced, on-demand program.

Should You Complete Your PMP Training Before December 1?

If you are already planning to take a live instructor-led PMP® course, the December 1 deadline is worth keeping in mind.

If your training will be completed before December 1, 2026, PMI® has confirmed that it remains eligible under the current requirements.

If your training will be completed on or after December 1, make sure the provider meets the updated requirements.

Key Takeaways About PMP Training Requirements 2026

The upcoming change can be summarized in five points:

1. The effective date is December 1, 2026.

This is when the new requirements for live instructor-led training take effect.

2. Live instructor-led training will have provider requirements.

Training hours will qualify when the course is delivered by a PMI® Authorized Training Partner, eligible China REP, or eligible accredited academic program, including qualifying PMI® GAC programs.

3. ATP training remains eligible.

Learners completing live instructor-led PMP® Exam Prep training through an ATP will continue to have those hours count toward PMP® training requirements.

4. On-demand training remains unchanged.

Self-paced, on-demand training can still be delivered by any organization.

5. Training completed before December 1 remains eligible.

Candidates who complete qualifying training before the effective date will retain eligibility under the current requirements.