Joseph Phillips PMP review: the beginner-friendly option
Last checked October 23, 2026 · Sources: published listings and third-party reports; Udemy prices float with sales and were not confirmed. We could not confirm from the course itself whether it has been rebuilt for the July 2026 exam. The exam’s structure is from PMI’s new PMP exam page. The rating is our editorial assessment from published details using the rubric on our how we rank page, not a hands-on test.
This Joseph Phillips PMP review covers one of the most widely taken PMP courses, reported with more than 250,000 students and around a 4.6 star rating on Udemy. It’s described as warm and clear for people new to project management. The key question for 2026 is whether your version has been updated for the July exam, which we couldn’t confirm.
| Category (weight) | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Question bank (25%) | 3.0 | Practice limited to two tests |
| Practice exams (20%) | 3.0 | Two practice tests of about 180 questions each |
| Lectures and materials (15%) | 4.5 | 35+ hours of clear video and downloadable study guides |
| Platform and mobile (15%) | 4.0 | Udemy’s web and mobile apps |
| Support (10%) | 3.0 | Udemy Q&A only |
| Value (15%) | 4.5 | About $15 to $20 on sale, but the 2026 update isn’t confirmed |
| Weighted rating | 3.6 / 5 |
Our editorial rating, using the same rubric across the site. Scores are based on published details; see how we rank for the method.
35+ hours of video, study guides, two practice tests, 35-hour certificate.
See on UdemyWhat stands out
The course gives you more than 35 hours of video instruction, downloadable study guides and two practice tests of roughly 180 questions each, plus the 35-hour certificate. Reviewers describe the teaching as clear, organized and accessible if you are building foundations.
What to watch for
The exam changed in July 2026, with Business Environment growing from 8% to 26% of the questions. Before buying, check the course description and recent reviews to see whether this course has been updated for the new content outline, because we could not confirm it from the sources we reviewed.
Two practice tests are useful but not enough on their own for a four-hour, 180-question exam. Plan to add a simulator.
What you get
| Item | Reported detail | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $15 to $20 on sale | Among the cheapest routes to the 35 hours |
| Content | 35+ hours of video, study guides | Good grounding for beginners |
| Practice | Two tests of about 180 questions | A start, not a full simulator |
| 2026 update | Not confirmed | Check before buying |
As reported by third-party sites. Confirm on Udemy.
Who should skip it, and alternatives
- You need confirmed July 2026 content: Andrew Ramdayal’s course listing says it’s updated for the July 2026 exam. See our Ramdayal review.
- You want PMI’s own material: see our PMI Study Hall review.
- You were considering PM PrepCast: it’s closing on December 4, 2026; see our PrepCast review.
Common questions about Joseph Phillips’ PMP course
Is it a good first course?
Reviewers recommend it for people who need to build foundational project management knowledge before tackling exam-specific prep. Some pair it with a more exam-focused course afterwards.
Why does the price vary so much?
Udemy courses are usually discounted heavily and often. The reported sale price is $15 to $20, but the list price is higher, so do not pay it without a sale.
Is it updated for the July 2026 exam?
We couldn’t confirm it. Check the course description and recent reviews for a July 2026 update before buying.
Is this review sponsored?
No. We currently earn no commission from Joseph Phillips, Udemy or any PMP provider, and no one paid for this review.
The bottom line
A good low-cost starting point for beginners, provided it has been updated for the new exam. If you cannot confirm that, consider a course whose listing says so, such as Ramdayal’s, and add a simulator either way.