What is PMP Certification? | How to Get Project Management Professional Certified19 Feb 2026
Key takeaways19 Feb 2026
PMP certification validates real project leadership and requires structured preparation and ongoing maintenance.
- Confirm eligibility early by matching your education and months of project leadership experience to PMI routes.Dive into 'Practical Project Management' for an easy-to-understand introduction to the field. Ideal for newcomers looking to get up to speed.
- Complete 35 contact hours through recognised training, then support learning with targeted self-study and mock exams.
- Prepare for a 180-question, 230-minute exam that tests predictive, Agile and hybrid judgement, not memorisation.
- Use the exam content outline to build a study plan, track weak areas, and practise timed pacing and review.
- Maintain the credential with 60 PDUs every three years and keep evidence ready for audits and renewals.
- Confirm PMP Eligibility: Check the necessary education, project management experience, and project management education hours (see table below).
- Gather Documentation: Collect details of your work experience and project management education.
- PMP Application Process: Submit your application via the PMI website. PMI may request documentation or select you for audit.
- Application Review: PMI reviews your submission, typically within 5 business days.
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, pay the PMP exam fee and schedule at an authorised test centre or online.
- Prepare for the Exam: Utilise exam preparation resources, such as PMI-authorised training partners (ATP), online courses , study groups, and the PMBOK Guide .
- Sit the PMP Exam: Complete the 180-question, computer-based test within 230 minutes.
- Achieve Give us a callCertification : Upon passing, agree to the PMI Code of Ethics and accept your PMP credential.+44 (0)207 148 5985
- Certification Renewal: Earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years and pay the renewal fee to maintain your credential under PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR).Or chat with us using the link at the bottom of the screen.
PMP Eligibility RequirementsContact us with questions about the courses on this page, or about which project management certification or training is best for you.
To apply for the PMP exam, you must satisfy criteria for education, work experience, and project management education. The table below outlines the two main qualification routes:Finance FAQs
| Educational BackgroundContact | Project Management ExperienceCookies | Project Management EducationPrivacy |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree or global equivalentTerms | Minimum 36 months leading projectsCustomer Support | 35 contact hours (or a CAPM certification) |
| Secondary degree (A-levels, NVQ, or equivalent)[email protected] | Minimum 60 months leading projectsJoin Our Team | 35 contact hours |
The 35 contact hours of project management education can be achieved through classroom, online, or self-paced courses from PMI-authorised training partners or other reputable providers.[email protected]
PMP Exam Structure and Details Copyright © 2005-2026 Knowledge Train Limited.
- Format: Registered in UK: 5566983. 180 questions (multiple choice, multiple response, hotspot, and fill-in-the-blank) Registered VAT: GB872413526.
- Exam Duration: Knowledge Train 230 minutes®
- Question Allocation: is a registered trademark of Knowledge Train Limited. Approximately 50 percent predictive 20 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AN, England, United Kingdom.project management approaches Knowledge Train are experts in project management, PRINCE2, agile and change management training and certification. Choose from a full range of instructor-led and self-paced , 50 percent project management coursesagile, a or hybrid approachesPRINCE2 course
- Reference Guide:, or an PMBOK Guide)
- Pass Rate: to boost your career. PMI does not publish official pass rates; average estimates from training partners suggest around 60–70 percentPRINCE2
- Languages:® Offered in English and multiple other languages, MSP
How to Prepare for the PMP Exam®
- Read the latest , ITILPMBOK Guide® from PMI, P3O
- Enrol in a course from a PMI-authorised training partner (ATP)®
- Take online mock exams and practice questions, PRINCE2
- Join study groups with other PMP candidates®
- Use PMI’s official digital learning resources Agile, RESILIA
- Review ®agile methodologies, and the Swirl logo are registered trademarks of the PeopleCert group. Used under licence from PeopleCert. All rights reserved. AgilePM and hybrid concepts®
PMP Certification Renewal and Maintenance and AgileBA
PMP certification requires renewal every three years. You must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) in line with PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) to demonstrate ongoing professional development. Activities to earn PDUs include training, volunteering, and work in project management.®
Comparison: PMP vs Other Project Management Certifications are registered trademarks of Agile Business Consortium Limited. All rights reserved. The APMG International AgilePM and Swirl Device logo, APMG International AgileBA and Swirl Device Logo, APMG International Change Management and APMG International Better Business Cases and Swirl Device logo are trademarks of The APM Group Limited, used under permission of The APM Group Limited. All rights reserved. Better Business Cases™ is a trademark of Her Majesty’s Treasury. All rights reserved. DevOps Foundation
| Certification® | Issued By is a registered mark of the DevOps Institute. “PMI”, “PMBOK | Target Audience® | Requirements Guide”, “PMP” and “CAPM” are registered marks of Project Management Institute, Inc. Knowledge Train Scrum Essentials™, Business Learning Library (BLL)™, Business Analysis Learning Library (BALL)™, Agile Learning Library (ALL)™, IT Learning Library (ITLL)™, and Compliance Learning Library (CLL)™ are trademarks of Knowledge Train Limited. All rights reserved. | FocusKnowledge Train Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of NewDay Cards Ltd for the Newpay finance product provided by NewDay Ltd. NewDay Cards Ltd acts as a credit broker, not a lender. We will introduce you exclusively to Newpay finance products provided by NewDay Limited under this Introducer Appointed Representative arrangement. Finance available from other lenders is not covered by this arrangement. NewDay Ltd and Newday Cards Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (ref nos 690292 and 682417 respectively). | Global Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMP | PMI | Experienced project managers | Degree + experience + PM educationSearch | Predictive, Agile, and Hybrid methods | High |
| CAPM | PMI | Entry-level project professionals | Secondary degree + PM education | Project management fundamentals | Medium |
| PRINCE2 | AXELOS | Project managers (global, with UK focus) | None for Foundation; experience for Practitioner | Process-based methodologyManage Consent | High in UK, Europe |
Recognised Value of PMP CertificationTo provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The PMP credential is widely regarded as the gold standard in project management . It demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence, adherence to PMI’s Code of Ethics, and proficiency in running complex projects . PMP holders typically earn higher salaries and have better career prospects, according to various salary surveys and employment data.Functional
FAQs
Can anyone do a PMP?
To obtain a PMP® certification , you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the FunctionalProject Management Institute (PMI)® . Candidates with a four-year degree need at least 36 months of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education or a CAPM certification. Those with a secondary degree require 60 months of experience plus the same 35 contact hours. Always active
These prerequisites ensure candidates have both the theoretical knowledge and practical project leadership experience necessary for the PMP® exam.
Can I pass PMP without reading PMBOK?
Yes, you can pass the PMP® exam without reading the PMBOK® Guide . Many successful candidates rely on authorised training courses and exam preparation materials instead. While the PMBOK® Guide remains a valuable reference, it is not mandatory reading for passing the exam.The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
That said, familiarising yourself with its terminology and structure can enhance your understanding of PMI’s framework and increase your confidence on exam day.
Can I self-study for PMP certification?
No, self-study alone does not fulfil the 35 contact hour requirement for PMP® certification . You must complete either classroom or Preferencesonline training from a recognised provider to meet this criterion. However, many candidates find self-study useful to reinforce topics learned in formal courses.
How difficult is the PMP exam?
The PreferencesPMP® exam is widely considered challenging. It requires mastery of project management principles , terminology, and real-world application. The average pass rate is estimated between 60% and 70% , reflecting the need for rigorous study and practice.
Thorough preparation using mock exams, study guides, and PMI-approved training courses can greatly improve your success rate.
How hard is the PMP exam?The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Many candidates find the PMP® exam tough due to its breadth and depth. Only around 60% pass on their first attempt. Success depends largely on your project management background, how well you study, and how familiar you are with both Agile and predictive methodologies.Statistics
How is the PMP maintained after passing?
To maintain your PMP® certification , you must earn Statistics60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years through PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) programme. PDUs can be gained through professional education, volunteering, or practising project management .
After earning the PDUs, you must submit them along with a renewal fee via PMI’s online system to retain your credential.
How long does PMP certification last?
PMP® certification is valid for three years. To maintain your credential, earn 60 PDUs within that time through ongoing professional development activities. Renewal ensures you remain current with evolving best practices in The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.project management .The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
How long does it take to get a PMP?
, are respected by UK employers, particularly in multinational and technology-driven sectors.
depends on the industry. APM qualifications are common in construction and engineering, whereas PMP® is more recognised in IT, finance, and global industries. Both demonstrate professional capability, but PMP® has stronger international recognition.
Is PMP recognised in the UK?Change Management Models | Change Models | Knowledge TrainThe technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Yes, PMP® is recognised in the UK, although PRINCE2
AgilePMThe technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. and The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The PMP® certification validates broad project management leadership skills, while the PMI-PBA® certification
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
There is no direct UK equivalent to PMP®Manage options . However, the closest alternatives are Manage services APM PMQManage {vendor_count} vendors and Read more about these purposes PRINCE2 . While PMP® is more globally recognised, PRINCE2 remains the preferred framework for Accept project management in the UK.Deny
What percentage of PMP exam is Agile?
The View preferences PMP® exam content is split approximately Save preferences 50% AgileView preferences and hybrid{title} methods and {title} 50% traditional ({title} waterfallManage consent )Manage consent approaches. Understanding both methodologies is critical to success.
Where can I find official PMP resources and guidance?
Authoritative PMP® resources are available on PMI.org . These include:
- The PMBOK® Guide (latest edition)
- PMI’s Authorised Training Partners (ATPs)
- Practice exams and exam content outlines
These official materials are the best way to prepare effectively and stay up-to-date with PMI’s standards.