If you’re doing PMP exam prep, you’ve likely come across this requirement: “35 contact hours of project management education.” Sounds straightforward, right? But if you’re like most candidates, you’ve probably asked yourself:

• Do I need these hours before I apply?

• Can I just watch videos on YouTube or take a cheap Udemy course?

• What really counts—and what doesn’t?

Let’s break down what most people don’t tell you about these 35 hours—and how to make sure you’re not wasting time, money, or risking your application being rejected.

What Are the 35 Contact Hours?

The Project Management Institute (PMI®) requires all PMP® candidates to complete 35 hours of formal project management education before applying for the exam. These hours must cover topics aligned with PMI’s Talent Triangle and the current Exam Content Outline (ECO)—which includes:

• People (Leadership)

• Process (Technical PM skills)

• Business Environment

But here’s the thing—not all training is accepted.

What Doesn’t Count Toward the 35 Hours?

This is where many applicants get tripped up. PMI® does not accept:

• General management or MBA coursework unless clearly tied to project management

• Free YouTube tutorials (no verifiable certificate)

• Training from non-authorized providers with unclear or outdated content

• Experience hours—just doing the job doesn’t count toward education

Even some low-cost courses you find online might issue a “certificate” that PMI® won’t recognize if audited.

What You Need to Look For

To ensure your 35 hours are valid and valuable, make sure your training:

✅ Covers the latest PMP® ECO (Exam Content Outline)
✅ Offers structured content with learning objectives
✅ Is delivered by a PMI® Authorized Training Partner (ATP)
✅ Provides a verifiable certificate of completion
✅ Includes practice exams and support resources

This ensures your training isn’t just “accepted” by PMI®—it actually prepares you to pass.

Why PMI Authorized PMP Exam Prep Training Makes a Difference

PMI-Authorized Training Partners (like IMT-PM) use official, PMI-developed content that is regularly updated and aligned to the exam.

At IMT-PM, our PMI Authorized PMP Exam Prep course includes:

• Full 35-hour certification and exam prep

• Real-world examples and interactive sessions

• Official student guide + question bank

• Certificate accepted by PMI®—guaranteed

Most importantly, we go beyond the 35 hours—we support your entire journey, from application to exam day.

The Bottom Line

Don’t make the mistake of choosing a course based solely on price or convenience. The wrong choice can cost you more in the long run—especially if your application is rejected or you feel unprepared on exam day.

The 35 contact hours are more than a checkbox—they’re your foundation for PMP® success.