…..The changes apply only to live online and in-person training from 01 December 2026
Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading authority for project professionals, has announced updated training eligibility requirements for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. From 01 December 2026, live instructor-led training used to meet the PMP application’s 35-hour education requirement must be delivered through a PMI Authorised Training Partner (ATP) or an eligible accredited academic programme, including PMI Global Accreditation Center (GAC) accredited programmes.
The change covers both in-person classes and live online instruction. Candidates choosing live instructor-led training will need to check that their provider is eligible before enrolling. The change aims to support consistent preparation towards the PMP certification while continuing to offer multiple pathways for candidates to meet the certification’s education requirement.
“According to PMI’s Global Project Management Talent Gap report, Sub-Saharan Africa could need up to 4.6 million project professionals by 2035.
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As we help more professionals develop their skills, we have a responsibility to support the quality of their preparation,” said George Asamani, MD, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa. “Our Authorised Training Partners play an important role through official PMI learning materials and instructor support that help candidates prepare with confidence.”
PMI Authorised Training Partners deliver training using official PMI-developed course content and PMI-certified instructors to provide structured exam preparation. Each learner receives a learning kit with materials to support participation in the course and preparation for the examination. Resources include knowledge checks, case studies, and practice activities to help candidates work through what they have learned.
Candidates can identify PMI Authorised Training Partners by looking for the ATP badge and verifying the provider in PMI’s Training Partner Directory. This helps ensure they are selecting a trusted provider authorised to deliver official PMI training and learning resources.
“Authorisation carries a responsibility. Professionals place their trust in providers who carry the PMI ATP badge, and that trust must be earned through the learning experience,” said Karen Micah, Director, Channel Partnerships & Programs, PMI. “The strength of the programme depends on how partners deliver in the classroom, whether online or in person.”
Training completed before 1st December 2026 will remain eligible under the existing requirements. Candidates who have already completed qualifying education will not need to repeat it due to the policy change. Self-paced and on-demand training will remain eligible regardless of provider, subject to the applicable PMP education requirements. Professionals who prefer to study independently or need to fit learning around work and family commitments can continue to choose this route.
Candidates planning to complete live training on or after 1st December 2026 should confirm their provider’s eligibility before paying for a course. They should check how the course meets the 35-hour education requirement, what learning materials and instructor support are included, and retain their completion records for their application.
Professionals who have already booked training that crosses the effective date should consult PMI’s published guidance and speak to their provider about how the requirements apply to their course.
Training organisations affected by the change can explore becoming a PMI Authorised Training Partner or partnering with an established ATP. The programme is open to different types of organisations, including training companies, consultancies, employers offering internal training and academic institutions. Eligible accredited academic programmes remain a recognised route, with GAC accreditation following a separate academic review process.
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