What Are the 35 Hours of Project Management Training?

The Project Management Institute (PMI) requires all PMP candidates to complete 35 contact hours of formal project management education before applying for the exam. This ensures that candidates have a foundational understanding of key project management concepts, aligned with the PMBOK® Guide and PMP Exam Content Outline.

✅ These 35 hours are also referred to as "35 contact hours" and must be completed before applying for the PMP certification.

What Qualifies as 35 Contact Hours for PMP?

Not all training programs meet the PMI requirement. The 35 hours of project management education must:

• Be delivered by a Registered Education Provider (REP), PMI-authorized training partner (ATP), or recognized training institution

• Cover core project management topics such as:

  • Integration

  • Scope

  • Schedule

  • Cost

  • Quality

  • Risk

  • Communications

  • Procurement

  • Stakeholder management

  • Agile and hybrid approaches

• Provide a certificate of completion or proof of attendance

PMI accepts both online and in-person courses, as long as they meet these criteria.

How to Get the 35 Hours of PMP Training

There are several flexible and convenient ways to get the required 35 hours of project management training:

1. ✅ Online PMP Training Courses

• Offered by PMI Authorized Training Partners (ATPs)

• Self-paced or instructor-led formats

• Provide digital certificates

• Ideal for working professionals

🟩 Best for: Busy professionals needing flexibility

2. ✅ Live Virtual Classroom Training

• Interactive sessions with real-time Q&A

• Structured environment with a fixed schedule

• Includes downloadable materials and practice exams

🟩 Best for: Learners who thrive in live, guided formats

3. ✅ In-Person Project Management Workshops

• Corporate or university-led programs

• Ideal for hands-on learning and networking

• Ensure they offer 35 contact hours and documentation

🟩 Best for: Traditional learners or company-sponsored training

4. ✅ University or College Courses

• Academic project management courses can qualify

• Must align with PMI’s required content areas

• Official transcript or course certificate is required

🟩 Best for: Students or alumni of PM-related programs

Can I Use PDUs Instead of 35 Contact Hours?

No. PDUs (Professional Development Units) are used for maintaining certifications like PMP, not for qualifying for the PMP exam. To apply for the PMP certification, you must complete 35 contact hours, not PDUs.

Does PMP Bootcamp Count Toward 35 Hours?

Yes. PMP Bootcamps—intensive short-term programs offered by ATPs or other PMI-recognized providers—usually provide a certificate for 35 hours of project management education. Make sure the provider explicitly mentions this.

Do You Need Experience in Project Management to Get the 35 Hours?

No prior formal experience is needed to take the training. However, to apply for the PMP exam, you will still need to meet PMI’s experience requirements in addition to completing the 35 contact hours of formal education.

PMP Certification Requirements at a Glance

Where Can I Get Verified PMP 35 Contact Hours?

You can complete your 35 hours of PMP training through SPOTO’s PMI-compliant, high-quality training programs. Our courses are:

• Designed by PMP-certified experts

• Aligned with the latest PMBOK® Guide

• Delivered with full documentation to meet PMI requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I split the 35 hours across different courses?

Yes, as long as the total adds up to 35 hours and all courses cover PMI-approved topics.

Do free courses count?

Only if they provide a valid certificate and cover PMI-required content. Always verify with the provider.

Are contact hours the same as PDUs?

No. Contact hours are for PMP exam eligibility; PDUs are for maintaining your PMP certification after passing.