Beginning December 1, 2026, the Project Management Institute (PMI) is chhanging what trainnig qualifies for the 35 hours required to apply to take the PMP® Exam. Only approved live learning will qualify.
The change applies to all instructor-led training delivered both in person and virtually, with important implications for individuals preparing for certificatin and organizations coordinating wordforce training. If the company providing your training is not authorized, your hours won't qualify.
PM-ProLearn has been a PMI Authorized Training Partner since 2020. Our live PMP® trainng is already in compliance with this change, giving military professionals and organizations a reliable path forward.
Understanding PMI's New PMP® Training Requirements
To apply for the PMP® certification, candidates must satisfy PMI's education requirement of 35 hours of qualifying project management training. This used to come from a myriad of places including college courses, and learning from training partners.
Beginning December 1, 2026, live instructor-ed training must be delivered through one of the following eligible provider pathways or it will not count as the 35 hours:
A PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP)
A China Registered Education Provider (REP)
An eligible accredited higher education program, including PMI Global Accreditation Center (GAC) programs
This applies whether the instruction takes place in a physical classroom or through a live virtual platform.
What Does This Mean for Different Training Formats?
Live In-Person Training
New provider requirements apply December 1.
Live Virtual Training
Same requirements as in-person training.
Self-Paced / On-Demand Training
Not subject to the new live-provider restriction; qualifying courses may come from any organization.
Training completed before December 1
Remains eligible under the requirements in effect when completed.
Planning to Earn Your PMP®?
Make Sure Your Training Counts.
Military experience often provides a strong foundation in project management, even when your responsibilities didn't carry a formal project manager title. Earning your PMP® certification can help translate that experience into a credential recognized across industries.
But preparing for the exam takes more than meeting the eligibility requirements. It takes an understanding of PMI's approach to project management, a structured study plan, and the ability to apply your experience to the scenarios presented on the exam.
With the new live-training requirements approaching, choosing an authorized provider is another important part of that preparation.
Why choose live training with PM-ProLearn?
Instructor-Led Learning
Learn directly from experienced instructors who can explain difficult concepts, answer questions in real time, and connect project management principles to practical situations.
Structure and Accountability
Follow a defined training schedule and proven study plan rather than trying to build an exam preparation strategy entirely on your own.
Support Beyond the Classroom
PM-ProLearn's standard training package includes instructor support, study resources, practice exams, application assistance, and opportunities to reattend training within your one-year benefits period.
Training Through a PMI Authorized Training Partner
PM-ProLearn has held ATP status since 2020 and delivers live PMP® training aligned with PMI's provider requirements.
Student Experience
The PMP® was on my radar for months, and I was just not meeting the standard on my own. I struggled with where to begin in the sea of PMP® information and study material, while still lacking the basic concepts I needed to know. After attending the 35-Hour course, I hit the books hard with the direction and study material strictly from their course and the instructor. Two weeks later, I passed the PMP® exam! I would highly recommend this course and its resources to any individual seeking mentorship in their journey to acquire the PMP®!
Samuel Story, PMP®
Federally Funded
PM-ProLearn has access to over 10 federal programs that pay for our training including ArmyCA, AF COOL, USCG COOL, MyCAA/Spouseworks, CH 31 VR&E, CH 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill®, CH35 DEA, Unit Funding via SF-182, and even 529 plans. WIOA may also be an option in Maryland and Ohio.
Demand Scheduled
Our training can be scheduled for groups anywhere in the world with no added cost and still remain commercial off the shelf. If you know others who would like to train with you, get them together! We can build a class for you and your colleagues or friends.
Hiring an instructor who holds the PMP® certification is not, by itself, the same as receiving training through an eligible provider. Organizations should verify that the course is deliered through an approved provider pathway.
For military commands, government organizations, and workforce development teams, PMP® training is often more than an individual education decision. It involves coordinating personnel, selecting instructors, scheduling classes, and ensuring training investments support professional development and certification goals.
Beginning December 1, organizations planning live PMP® training that will be used toward certification eligibility need to account for PMI's new provider requirements.
This is particularly important for organizations currently working with independent instructors, third-party training vendors, or contractors who deliver PMP® courses using their own training materials.
How PM-ProLearn Supports Military and Government Training
Established PMI Authorized Training Partner
PM-ProLearn has been an ATP since 2020, with experience delivering instructor-led PMP® training to military audiences.
Unit and Group Training
Coordinate PMP® training for groups through live on-site or virtual delivery, including scheduling that supports organizational training needs.
Cleared Training Environments
PM-ProLearn can support engagements requiring appropriately cleared instructors, subject to the specific clearance, access, and contract requirements.
Military Procurement Experience
Our team can work with organizational training contacts to discuss course requirements, delivery logistics, and available purchasing pathways.
Planning PMP® Training for Your Unit or Organization?
Your Delivery Model Matters.
Does Your Organization Deliver PMP® Training
for Military or Government Clients?
If your organization provides live PMP® instruction through independent contractors or other third-party arrangements, PMI's upcoming change may affect how that training can be delivered when participants intend to use the hours toward PMP® certification.
That doesn't necessarily mean you need to abandon your existing client relationships or training opportunities. It does mean your organization should review whether its current delivery model meets PMI's new requirements.
PM-ProLearn is open to discussing potential delivery and subcontracting arrangements with organizations seeking an established ATP to support live PMP® training.
Our capabilities include military-focused instruction, virtual and on-site delivery, and support for engagements with instructor clearance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
PMI has confirmed December 1, 2026 as the effective date. From that date, live instructor-led PMP® training used toward the 35-hour education requirement must be delivered through an eligible provider pathway.
Yes for all live instructor-led training completed beginning December 1, 2026. PMI also recognizes eligible accredited academic programs and China Registered Education Providers. Qualifying self-paced training remains another option.
Yes, beginning December 1, 2026, live virtual instructor-led training is subject to the same provider requirements as in-person instruction. Virtual delivery does not exempt a course from the new rule.
PMI has confirmed that training completed before the effective date remains eligible under the requirements that applied when it was completed. Keep your completion records and supporting documentation.
PMI's public guidance explicitly protects training completed before December 1. If your course crosses the effective date, confirm its eligibility with PMI or the provider before relying on those hours for your application.
An ATP is a training organization authorized by PMI to deliver designated instructor-led PMI certification preparation using PMI-developed course materials and instructors who meet the program's requirements. PM-ProLearn has been an ATP since 2020.
No. PMI continues to recognize qualifying self-paced, on-demand training from organizations outside the ATP network. However, simply watching free videos or completing practice questions does not automatically fulfill the formal 35-hour training requirement. The course must meet PMI's eligibility criteria.
Independent study can work for some candidates. Live instructor-led training offers a more structured approach, access to instructors for real-time questions, and a defined preparation schedule. PM-ProLearn also provides study resources and ongoing support designed to help students prepare beyond the classroom.
No. This doesn’t change the funding programs, but it will affect the user. It becomes imperative that members validate if their training organization is an authorized partner or their application will not be approved and may force recoupment if they cannot test. This is the biggest risk, as unauthorized trainers may not know of this new requirement. All PM-ProLearn training is approved, PM-ProLearn advisors can help you explore available funding options.
It can. If personnel intend to use live instruction to meet their PMP® application education requirement, the training must be delivered through an eligible provider beginning December 1, 2026, or the training will not allow students to apply for and earn the certification. Units should verify provider eligibility when planning or purchasing future courses.
No. Not unless they are sponsored by an ATP organization and are certified by PMI. Simply holding a PMP® certification does not qualify you as an instructor. Both the instructor and organization must be an Authorized Training Partner for the 35 hours to qualify for the application after December 1. Eligibility depends on the approved provider pathway and the delivery arrangement.
PM-ProLearn can discuss potential training delivery and subcontracting opportunities with organizations supporting military and government clients. Any arrangement would need to meet PMI's ATP requirements and the applicable contract and instructor requirements.
Use PMI's official Authorized Training Partner directory to verify a provider's status. You can also ask the provider how its live PMP® course satisfies the updated requirements.
No. The exam has not changed. This particular change concerns the eligibility of training hours used for the PMP® application. It is separate from the PMP® examination content updates introduced in July 2026.
Ready to Plan your PMP® Training?
Whether you're preparing for your own certification or coordinating training for an entire organization, PM-ProLearn offers live instructor-led PMP® training as a PMI Authorized Training Partner.
