Earning your Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is a game-changer for career advancement in project management. A key requirement for the PMP exam is completing 35 contact hours of formal project management education. In this guide, we’ll break down how to earn these hours online, recommend top courses, and answer FAQs to streamline your journey.
What Are the 35 Contact Hours?
The Project Management Institute (PMI) mandates 35 hours of project management training to ensure candidates understand foundational concepts before sitting for the PMP exam. These hours must cover the 10 knowledge areas outlined in the PMI’s PMBOK® Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge), such as:
- Scope, schedule, and cost management
- Risk and quality management
- Stakeholder communication
Note: The 35 hours are separate from the PMP exam’s work experience requirement (36 months leading projects for those with a bachelor’s degree, or 24 months with an associate degree).
Why Earn Your 35 Contact Hours Online?
Online courses offer flexibility, affordability, and accessibility. Benefits include:
- Self-paced learning: Study around your schedule.
- Cost savings: Avoid travel or in-person fees.
- Global recognition: Many courses are PMI-approved.
Top Online Courses for PMP 35 Contact Hours
Here are trusted, PMI-recognized platforms and programs:
1. PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP) Courses
- PMI’s ATPs (e.g., Simplilearn, Project Management Academy) offer courses aligned with PMBOK® standards.
- Format: Live virtual classes or on-demand modules.
- Cost: 300–300–1,000 (often includes exam prep materials).
2. Udemy: PMP Exam Prep Seminar (35 PDUs)
- Instructor: Joseph Phillips (top-rated PMP trainer).
- Features: 35+ hours of video, quizzes, and downloadable resources.
- Cost: ~15–15–20 (frequent discounts).
3. Coursera: Google Project Management Professional Certificate
- Bonus: While not PMP-specific, this 6-course series covers PM fundamentals and awards a certificate.
- PMI Partnership: Coursera offers a PMI membership discount.
- Cost: $49/month (financial aid available).
4. LinkedIn Learning: Project Management Path
- Content: Courses by industry experts like Sandra Mitchell.
- Hours: Combine courses to meet 35 hours (e.g., “Become a Project Manager” learning path).
- Cost: $39.99/month (free trial available).
5. Master of Project Academy
- Specialization: Focused PMP exam prep with 35+ hours of training.
- Extras: Simulated exams, formula guides, and lifetime access.
- Cost: 99–99–299.
How to Choose the Right Course
- PMI Approval: Ensure the course is from a PMI ATP or explicitly states it meets the 35-hour requirement.
- Exam Prep: Opt for courses that include study materials (e.g., mock exams, PMBOK® alignment).
- Instructor Credibility: Look for PMP-certified trainers with strong reviews.
- Budget: Balance cost with value—some pricier courses include exam vouchers or mentorship.
FAQs About PMP Contact Hours
Q: Can I combine multiple courses to reach 35 hours?
A: Yes! PMI allows you to aggregate hours from different providers, as long as they cover PMBOK® topics.
Q: How long does it take to complete the 35 hours?
A: Most finish in 1–4 weeks, depending on pace. Full-time learners can complete it in 5–7 days.
Q: Do free courses count?
A: Only if they’re from PMI-approved providers. Free YouTube videos or blogs won’t qualify.
Q: Is the 35-hour requirement the same globally?
A: Yes—PMI applies this standard worldwide.
Next Steps After Earning Your Hours
- Apply for the PMP Exam: Submit your application via PMI’s portal (ensure work experience is documented).
- Study the PMBOK® Guide: Focus on Agile and hybrid methodologies, now heavily tested.
- Schedule Your Exam: PMI partners with Pearson VUE for online proctoring or in-person testing.
Final Tips
- Avoid Scams: Stick to PMI-recommended providers.
- Track Your Hours: Save certificates as proof for PMI audits.
- Start Early: Begin studying for the exam while completing your contact hours.