PMP^® Exam Updates for 2026

What's New and How to Prepare with PMA Training

The Project Management Professional (PMP)^® exam is changing in 2026, marking one of the most significant updates in PMI's certification framework. These changes shift the focus toward strategic business outcomes, adaptive leadership, AI-driven decision-making, and value delivery.

If you're planning to earn the PMP certification, your timing matters. Project Management Academy provides expert-led, live PMP training designed for both the current exam and the updated 2026 version, so you can select the path that aligns with your career goals and the exam version you intend to take.

Find My PMP Exam Path

Key Changes

1 Updated Domain Weighting

This adjustment elevates strategic thinking, influencing stakeholders, and delivering value beyond outputs. The exam maintains three domains but shifts the balance of what's assessed:

People: 42% → 33%

Process: 50% → 41%

Business Environment: 8% → 26%

The biggest shift is in the Business Environment domian. This adjustment elevates strategic thinking, influencing stakeholders, and delivering value beyond outputs.

2 Expanded Skills and Competencies

Candidates must now demonstrate proficiency in:

AI-driven project work and automation support
Organizational value realization and metrics
Responsible governance and sustainability practices
Hybrid and adaptive delivery models
Leading cross-functional teams and complex stakeholder networks

3 Updated Exam Experience

As part of the exam's modernization, the question count, formats, and testing duration are being updated:

185 Exam Questions (+5 questions)
240-Minute Testing Window (+5 minutes)
Increased use of scenario-based items that evaluate applied judgment rather than memorization

Important Dates

Key dates to help you prepare to take the exam prior to the upcoming change or after.

DEC 15 2025

Pilot registration opens

JAN 5-30 2026

Pilot exam window (in-person)

APRIL 2026

Updated learning resources released

MAY 2026

PMA updated PMP training courses begin

JULY 9 2026

New PMP exam launches globally

Stay up-to-date on the PMP Exam changes

Stay Informed

Choose Your PMP Pathway

The 2026 update creates a strategic decision point. Project Management Academy helps you select the option that maximizes your probability of passing. Updated PMA Courses Begin May 2026 | New PMP Exam Launches July 9, 2026

Test BEFORE May 2026

Take the Current PMP Exam

Best suited for candidates who:

Already meet eligibility requirements
Want to train using existing materials
Prefer a familiar exam format and content structure
Plan to certify before July 9, 2026

View PMP Schedule →

Test AFTER May 2026

Take the Updated PMP Exam

Best suited for candidates who:

Are beginning their PMP journey
Want to adopt the newest standard
Prefer preparing with the updated exam content
Plan to certify after July 9, 2026

Still Unsure of Which Exam to Take?

Take our quick survey to find your best-fit pathway

Have additional Questions? Contact an Advisor→

Why Working Professionals Choose Project Management Academy

PMP certification requires more than test prep; it requires the right strategy. Project Management Academy prepares you for exam success and equips you with the leadership capabilities organizations expect from PMP-certified professionals.

The highest pass rates in the industry
The best PMP® exam simulator
Flexible scheduling with evening, mornings and weekend options
Coaching before + after class
Trusted by top companies
Instructors are real project leaders, not scripted lecturers

Knowledge Hub

Interested in learning more about the PMP exam changes? Read our expert-written blogs about upcoming changes and project management insights.

PMBOK Guide 8th vs. 7th Edition

Understand the shift in standards and what remains relevant.

Read Article →

What's Changed on the PMP Exam

A breakdown of the new domains, question types, and structure.

Read Article →

What is the PMBOK Guide 8th Edition?

A high-level overview of the new guide and its impact on the profession.

Read Article →

FAQs

What is changing about the PMP^® exam?

The PMP exam is being updated to reflect modern project management skills. Expect changes to domain weighting, question styles, and new emphasis on business outcomes, leadership, and adaptive delivery.

When does the new PMP^® exam go into effect?

The updated exam launches July 9, 2026. PMA's updated training begins May 2026 to help learners prepare in time.

Should I take the current PMP^® exam or wait for the new one?

It depends on your readiness:

Ready to study now → Take the current exam
Testing in late 2026 or beyond → Plan for the new exam

PMA helps you choose the best timeline for your goals.

Is the PMP^® credential different depending on which exam I pass?

No. The PMP certification is identical whether you pass today's exam or the 2026 version. The credential does not indicate which version you completed.

What if I already completed PMP training with PMA?

You won't lose your investment. PMA provides two options:

Refresher Course for those taking the current exam
Bridge Course for those transitioning to the updated exam

Will I need to retake full training if I switch to the new exam?

No. The Bridge Course adds only the updated content you need for the new exam. You build on your existing PMA training.

Will PMA offer updated full PMP training for the 2026 exam?

Yes. As a Premier PMI ATP, PMA will offer a fully updated curriculum aligned with the new Exam Content Outline starting May 2026.

What happens if I take the current exam and fail close to the transition date?

Your retake options depend on PMI's deadlines, but PMA will guide you on whether to retest under the current exam or transition to the new version.

How is the new exam different from today's version?

The new exam includes updated content areas, more scenario-based questions, and a higher focus on business strategy and adaptive delivery. The Business Environment domain increases from 8% to 26% of the exam.

How do I decide which exam path is right for me?

Talk to a PMA advisor. We'll review your timeline, experience, and study readiness to recommend the most successful route.

New Horizons

Project Management Academy Velopi

Velopi

Six Sigma Online

TCM Security TRACOM

TRACOM

Watermark Learning

Privacy Statement | Cookie Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us

PMI, PMBOK, PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP, PMI-SP, PMI-PBA, The PMI TALENT TRIANGLE and the PMI Talent Triangle logo, and the PMI Authorized Training Partner logo are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. | PMI ATP Provider ID #3348 | ITIL^® is a registered trademark of AXELOS Limited. The Swirl logo™ is a trademark of AXELOS Limited | IIBA^®, BABOK^® Guide and Business Analysis Body of Knowledge^® are registered trademarks owned by International Institute of Business Analysis. CBAP^®, CCBA^®, IIBA^®-AAC, IIBA^®-CBDA, and ECBA™ are registered certification marks owned by International Institute of Business Analysis. | BRMP^® is a registered trademark of Business Relationship Management Institute.

PMP® Exam Updates for 2026

What's New and How to Prepare with PMA Training

Key Changes

1 Updated Domain Weighting

2 Expanded Skills and Competencies

3 Updated Exam Experience

Important Dates

DEC 15 2025

JAN 5-30 2026

APRIL 2026

MAY 2026

JULY 9 2026

Stay up-to-date on the PMP Exam changes

Choose Your PMP Pathway

Take the Current PMP Exam

Take the Updated PMP Exam

Still Unsure of Which Exam to Take?

Why Working Professionals Choose Project Management Academy

Knowledge Hub

PMBOK Guide 8th vs. 7th Edition

What's Changed on the PMP Exam

What is the PMBOK Guide 8th Edition?

FAQs

PMP^® Exam Updates for 2026