PMP Requirements 2026: Eligibility, Experience, and Education

Before you can sit for the PMP exam, you must meet PMI's eligibility requirements. This guide breaks down exactly what's needed, what counts, and how to document it.

The Two Eligibility Pathways

Pathway 1: Four-Year Degree Holders

Requirement	Detail
Education	Four-year degree (bachelor's or global equivalent)
Experience	36 months of project leadership within the last 8 years
Training	35 contact hours of project management education

Pathway 2: High School Diploma Holders

Requirement	Detail
Education	High school diploma, associate's degree, or global equivalent
Experience	60 months of project leadership within the last 8 years
Training	35 contact hours of project management education

What Counts as Project Leadership Experience?

PMI requires leading and directing project tasks — not just participating. The experience must involve:

• Leading project tasks (not just executing them)
• Cross-functional work (across departments)
• Non-routine activities (not day-to-day operations)
• Delivering project objectives (scope, schedule, budget)

Examples That Count

• Managing a software rollout
• Leading a construction project phase
• Directing a process improvement initiative
• Coordinating a product launch

Examples That Don't Count

• Routine operational tasks
• Pure technical work without leadership
• Projects older than 8 years
• Overlapping months counted twice

How Months Are Counted

PMI counts calendar months, not total months. If you led two projects simultaneously from January to June, that counts as 6 months, not 12.

The 8-Year Window

All experience must fall within the last 8 years. Experience from 9+ years ago doesn't qualify, even if it was extensive.

The 35 Contact Hours

You must complete 35 contact hours of project management education. This can be:

• Online courses
• Classroom training
• University courses
• Employer training

Contact hours don't expire — you can earn them years before applying. (See our full guide: PMP 35 Contact Hours.)

How to Document Your Experience

On the PMP application, for each project list:

• Project name
• Organization
• Your role
• Start and end dates
• Total months
• Deliverables and responsibilities

Tips

• Be specific about deliverables
• Emphasize leadership, not just participation
• Don't overlap months
• Keep documentation in case of audit

Audit Risk

About 10–20% of applications are randomly audited. If audited, you must submit:

• Signed experience verification forms
• Certificates of your 35 contact hours
• Degree verification

Keep records — certificates, contact with former managers — even if you're not audited.

Final Thoughts

PMP eligibility is about documentation. Understand what counts, be specific on your application, and keep your records. Once you meet the requirements and your application is approved, you're cleared to focus on what matters: passing the exam.