The PMP’s 35 contact hours: what counts and how to get them
Update, October 23, 2026: PM PrepCast, listed below as a source of contact hours, is closing; PrepCast’s own site says all product access ends December 4, 2026. If you use it, download your 35-hour certificate before then, since PMI may audit your application.
To apply for the PMP you need 35 contact hours of project management education, or a current CAPM. It is a one-off requirement that you can meet cheaply with a self-paced course, but you need to choose the provider with care.
What counts
- A course that issues 35 contact hours from an eligible provider. Both live and self-paced courses have qualified.
- A current CAPM certification, which PMI says can satisfy the requirement in place of the hours.
- The hours do not expire once earned, according to provider reports. This is separate from the 60 professional development units needed every three years to renew the PMP.
Ways to get the hours
| Route | Reported price | Format | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Udemy PMP courses | About $15 to $25 on sale | Self-paced video | Cheapest route; check it is updated for July 2026 |
| PM PrepCast | About $230 to $350 | Self-paced video plus simulator on higher tiers | One-off fee, no subscription reported |
| PMI’s own PMP prep course | About $400 to $500, reported | Self-paced | Built by PMI |
| Live bootcamps | About $900 to $2,500, reported | Live online or in person | Check provider status before buying |
Prices are as reported by third-party sites and move with sales. Confirm before you buy.
Check before you buy
The course description should say it issues 35 contact hours, and how you receive the certificate.
A course built before July 2026 will not match the new domain weights unless it has been updated.
Some providers report PMI will limit which live courses count from late 2026. Check PMI's guidance for live training specifically.
Common questions
Does the course that gives me the hours also prepare me for the exam?
Not by default. Most video courses teach the material and issue the hours, but a serious exam simulator is often a separate product. Check what practice is included.
Can a CAPM replace the 35 hours?
Yes. Several providers say a CAPM satisfies the 35-hour requirement, and PMI describes it the same way.