Ultimate Guide to Getting PMP 35 Contact Hours for PMP

Every aspiring individual who is aspiring to pursue PMP certification, comes across one important requirement which is the 35 hours of contact hours of formal project management education. However, this prerequisite raises many questions –What exactly counts as contact hour? Why is it so important? And, what's the best way to earn these hours without any wastage of time or money? In this fast-paced world, the demand for PMP certification has increased. There is a wide range of options available, ranging from online courses, in-person boot camps, university programs, and even corporate training. However, not all options are equal. While some offer flexibility, others can offer a structured, immersive experience. It's very crucial to choose the best option.

This guide will help in exploring everything about PMP 35 contact hours –what they are, why they matter and how to earn them.

What are PMP 35 Contact Hours?

PMP contact 35 hours is a pre-requisite asked by the Project Management Institute (PMI) before an individual sits for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. So, every hour an individual sits for a class, training program, seminar, workshop, or any other similar learning activity, gives one contact hour.

Unlike Professional Development Units (PDUs) which are important for maintaining the certification, 35 contact hours is a one-time thing that is required for attempting the exam.

Now a question might arise in your mind as to why this is required. The logic behind PMP 35 contact hours by PMI is to ensure that every individual has gone through proper training and formal education before appearing for the exam.

There are multiple options available through which an individual can earn these 35 contact hours. However, this depends on multiple factors like learning preferences, budget and schedule. For the ones who are looking for a trusted and PMI-aligned training program, make sure to enroll in a good PMP training course from a reputed institute that provides comprehensive training, and structured and high-quality education.

Why are PMP 35 Contact Hours Important for Certification?

The 35 contact hours of formal project management education are a crucial prerequisite said by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This requirement ensures that candidates possess a solid foundation in project management principles before actually attempting the exam.

This requirement by PMI is a commitment within the profession ensuring that all the certified project managers must have undergone formal comprehensive training. Also, these 35 contact hours are a chance to make sure that the individual's knowledge is up-to-date. In fact, it also helps the individuals for PMP exam preparation.

Additionally, for those who are seeking to complete the 35 contact hours, enrolling in a PMP training program can actually help achieve this number. Such programs not only help to meet the criteria of PMI but also equip candidates with possible knowledge and skills that are necessary to excel in the certification exam.

How to Obtain PMP 35 Contact Hours?

There are various ways to obtain PMP 35 Contact Hours. Individuals can attend a classroom course, an online course, or a self-study program. Classroom courses are offered by PMI Registered Authorized Training Partners (ATPs) and are conducted in a traditional classroom setting.

Online courses are offered by PMI ATPs and are conducted online. Self-study programs are designed for self-paced learning and can be in the form of books, videos, or online courses.

Types of PMP Exam Prep Courses

PMP Exam Prep courses are designed to help individuals prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. These courses offer an in-depth understanding of the concepts, tools, and techniques that are covered in the PMP exam. The courses also provide the 35 contact hours of project management education that are required to qualify for the PMP exam. The following are the ways an individual can fulfill the criteria of achieving 35 contact hours:

Classroom Courses: Classroom courses are traditional training programs where instructors provide lectures, presentations, and interactive exercises to help students understand the course material. Classroom courses allow students to ask questions and interact with other students, which can be beneficial for some learners.

Online Courses: Online courses are delivered virtually and are designed to offer flexibility to students. Online courses can be taken at any time and from anywhere, as long as there is an internet connection. Online courses usually provide pre-recorded video lectures, study materials, quizzes, and exams. It is ideal for students who have busy schedules and cannot attend traditional classroom courses.

Self-Study Courses: Self-study courses are designed for individuals who prefer to study at their own pace. These courses provide study materials such as books, videos, and practice exams. It is ideal for individuals who have a good understanding of project management and are confident in their ability to learn independently.

How to Choose the Right Option for You?

When choosing a training course to obtain PMP 35 contact hours, it's important to consider several factors to ensure that the course meets the individual's needs and will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the PMP certification exam. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a training course:

Accreditation and Reputation

Make sure to properly ensure that the training course has been accredited and holds some recognition and value in the market. Accreditation is important as it ensures that the course has met certain standards of quality and provides trusted information. However, a good reputation is indicative of the fact that the course is effective in preparing students for the PMP certification exam.

Course Content

Another crucial factor to consider while choosing the option is to thoroughly check the content of the course. Make sure to scrutinize whether all the topics essentially required for PMP certification are covered or not. The course must provide a comprehensive coverage of project management principles, practices, and techniques.

Trainer Qualifications

Ensure to carefully check the qualifications and experience of the leading trainer of the course. The trainer must be certified with PMP and should also hold some significant experience in project management.

Cost

Compare the costs of different courses to ensure that you are getting value for money. However, don't let cost be the only factor in your decision-making process.

Apart from the above-mentioned factors, choosing the best option also depends on an individual's learning style and preferences. Ensure to consider all these factors and on the basis of this make sure to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

A pre-requisite essential for attempting the PMP exam is the completion of 35 contact hours. More than a compulsory requirement, it is also essential for building a strong foundation of project management principles. This also, on the other hand, ensures that the individual has undergone extensive structured and comprehensive training. In fact, this required aspect can significantly affect the success of the PMP exam. Whether the individual is opting for classroom courses, online or self-study courses, make sure that these are well-aligned with PMI guidelines. Ensure that the courses offer comprehensive and high-quality training that provides both theoretical knowledge and practical insights.

For those looking for a trusted and reputed training provider, enrolling in a comprehensive PMP training program not only helps fulfill this requirement. But it also helps in passing the PMP exam smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can 35 contact hours be achieved only through self-study?

No, the 35 contact hours cannot only be achieved through self-study. These hours can be achieved through formal project management education. However, one can do self-study to better understand and achieve a good score.

2. Are PDUs and 35 contact hours the same?

No, PDUs and contact hours, both are different. PDUs (Professional Development Units) are needed to maintain the certification validity, however, on the other hand, 35 contact hours are just needed to appear for the PMP exam.

3. Is there any validity for PMP 35 contact hours?

There is no such validity for PMP 35 contact hours, as they don't expire. If the PMP exam application is rejected or postponed these hours remain valid for future attempts.

4. How soon can I take the PMP exam after completing the 35 contact hours?

Once the 35 hours are done, individuals can apply for the PMP exam immediately. PMI typically reviews applications within 5 business days.