PMPProject Management Professional
The world's most recognized project management certification
Details last reviewed October 2026. Fees and exam formats change — always confirm on the official page.
About this certification
The PMP is the gold standard for project management professionals. It validates the ability to lead projects using predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches. PMP holders earn an average of 33% more than non-certified peers and are valued in every industry.
What you'll validate
- ✓Project planning and execution
- ✓Agile and hybrid methodologies
- ✓Stakeholder management
- ✓Risk management
- ✓Earned value management
- ✓Leadership and communication
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Most recognized PM credential globally
- +PMI's own salary surveys report higher median pay for PMP holders
- +Recognized in every industry
- +Covers predictive, agile, and hybrid methods
Disadvantages
- −Expensive exam + study materials
- −Requires significant documented experience
- −35 hours of PM education required to apply
Who it's for
Best for
- →Experienced project managers seeking advancement
- →Those targeting senior PM or PMO director roles
- →Project managers in regulated industries
Not ideal for
- ×Entry-level professionals without PM experience (use CAPM)
- ×Those without 36+ months of project leadership
Career paths this unlocks
Study Guide
PMP Exam Prep: A Realistic Guide to Passing the Current Exam
The PMP has changed more in the last 5 years than any other major cert. Since 2021, roughly half the exam is agile and hybrid — and most candidates still don't study for it. This guide covers the application process, updated exam content, and what actually works.
15 min read
PMP: quick answers
- How much does the PMP exam cost?
- The listed exam fee is $555 (USD). PMI member price $405 Fees vary by region and change over time — confirm on the official page before you buy.
- How long does it take to prepare for PMP?
- We estimate roughly 250 hours of study for most candidates; your time depends on prior experience.
- How long is the PMP exam?
- The exam is 240 minutes with about 180 questions.
- How long is the PMP credential valid?
- 3 years. 60 PDUs required every 3 years
Study Resources
Contains affiliate linksTop picks for PMP
Register for the exam
Apply and pay at PMI.org — PMI member pricing saves $150 on PMP exam fee
More places to study
Self-paced video courses from independent instructors
Courses and certificates from universities and companies
Practice tests and hands-on labs for IT certifications
Printed and Kindle exam guides
Subscription video courses
Links marked “Affiliate” may earn MyCertPath a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Other links are unpaid. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and ratings change often, so we don't list them — check the provider's page. Disclosure
Jobs for PMP holders
Pay depends on role, location, and experience more than on any single credential. Check current postings below for real ranges in your market.
Job links open external sites. Search results are live and not curated by MyCertPath.
Quick Facts
- Exam Cost
- $555 (PMI member price $405)
- Exam Duration
- 240 minutes
- Questions
- ~180
- Passing Score
- Above the target (no specific number published)
- Exam Format
- Multiple Choice
- Study Time
- ~250 hours
- Validity
- 3 years
- Salary Impact
- Strong (editorial rating)
- Last Reviewed
- October 2026
Prerequisites
- !4-year degree + 36 months leading projects + 35 hours PM education
- !OR high school diploma + 60 months leading projects + 35 hours PM education
Provider
Project Management Institute
The world leader in project management certification
Actyra Training
Custom eLearning built on the science of how people actually learn
Actyra designs and builds cert-prep training programs for enterprise teams — custom courseware grounded in cognitive science.
Talk to a training expert →