PMP FAQ

How to get 35 contact hours for PMP?

To get the required 35 contact hours for the PMP exam, you can take an approved PMP prep course, either in-person or online, or complete a combination of eligible training activities.

Detailed Answer

Approved PMP prep courses, offered by Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.s), are the most common way to earn the 35 contact hours. These courses can be taken in a classroom setting or online.

Self-directed learning, such as taking college courses, watching educational videos, or reading PMP-related books and articles, can also count towards the 35 contact hours if they are pre-approved by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Attending local PMI chapter meetings, seminars, or conferences can also contribute to the 35 contact hour requirement, as long as they are related to project management topics.

Volunteer work for a non-profit organization, where you are performing project management tasks, can potentially count towards the contact hours as well.

It is important to ensure that any training or educational activities you participate in are pre-approved by PMI or meet their eligibility criteria to be counted towards the 35 contact hour requirement.

The contact hours must be earned within a specific time frame, typically 5 years before applying for the PMP exam.

Tips & Recommendations

  • Start planning and earning your contact hours well in advance of your PMP exam application to ensure you have the required 35 hours.
  • Keep detailed records of all your training activities, including course completion certificates, to provide as evidence when applying for the PMP exam.
  • Consider taking a comprehensive PMP prep course that covers all the necessary topics and provides the full 35 contact hours.

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