❓ Answer

How Long Does It Take to Get PMP Certification

GM Giora Morein, CST
· Last updated June 11, 2026
📖 Quick answer

PMP certification takes 3–6 months. Meet experience requirements, complete 35 education hours, then pass the exam. Timeline varies by study pace.

Answered by Giora Morein, Certified Scrum Trainer. ThinkLouder has trained 55,000+ practitioners since 2015.

PMP certification typically takes between 3 to 6 months to obtain, depending on your prior experience and study commitment. The process involves meeting eligibility requirements, completing 35 contact hours of formal education, and passing the PMP exam.

Steps to Obtain PMP Certification

  • Eligibility Requirements: You need 36 months of project leadership experience if you hold a bachelor’s degree or 60 months without one.
  • Education: Completing 35 contact hours of project management education is mandatory.
  • Exam Preparation: Most candidates spend several weeks to months preparing for the exam.
  • PMP Exam: The exam consists of 180 questions and lasts 230 minutes.

Factors Affecting Duration

Several factors can influence how long it takes to get certified: - Your existing knowledge and experience in project management. - The amount of time you can dedicate to studying each week. - Access to quality training resources and courses.

ThinkLouder offers PMP training through PMI-approved instructors, ensuring you receive the necessary education to meet the 35 contact hours requirement. With over 55,000 practitioners trained since 2001, our programs are designed to help you succeed. For more information on our classes, visit ThinkLouder Certifications.

For those considering the value of PMP certification, check out our post on Is PMP certification worth it?.

Related Resources

Get the practitioner newsletter

One short email, every other Friday. Real-world Scrum lessons, no fluff. Unsubscribe anytime.

Ready to learn from a CST?

Browse upcoming Scrum classes

CSM, CSPO, A-CSM, A-CSPO. Live classes from a Certified Scrum Trainer who's been doing this for 25+ years.

Next PMP classes

Take the next step on this topic — live with a Certified Scrum Trainer.

September 2026

3 classes
Project Management Professional certification badge
Mon / Weds Evenings
Sep 21 - Nov 4
Project Management Professional
7 Weeks
8PM - 10PM Eastern
Jessika Jake, PMP instructor
Jessika Jake
MS, PMP, PfMP, PgMP, CSM
$1595 $1095 Save $500
Project Management Professional certification badge
Mon / Weds Mornings
Sep 21 - Nov 4
Project Management Professional
7 Weeks
6AM - 8AM Eastern
Christine Fertl, PMP instructor
Christine Fertl
MBA, PMP, CSM
$1595 $1095 Save $500
Project Management Professional certification badge
Mon / Weds Bootcamp
Sep 21 - 30
Project Management Professional
2 Weeks
10AM - 5PM Eastern
Bonnie Cook, PMP instructor
Bonnie Cook
PMP, SMC
$1595 $1095 Save $500