If you want to ace the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam and enhance your project management skills, there is a course for you. Reflecting the latest Project Management Institute (PMI) exam content outline, these courses will help you pass the exam and teach you valuable skills in project management.

In this Best Courses Guide (BCG), we’ve done the legwork, using Class Central, a search engine for online courses, and other sites to identify the top PMP exam preparation courses. Achieving the PMP credential is crucial for anyone looking to elevate their career in project management. Plus, these courses offer the added benefit of earning professional development units (PDUs).

Click on the shortcuts for more details:

• Top Picks
• What is the PMP certification?
• PMP Exam and PMBOK Editions
• BCG Stats
• Why You Should Trust Us
• How We Made Our Picks and Tested Them

Here are our top picks

Course Highlight	Workload
Best University-level PMP Exam Prep (University System of Maryland)	35 hours
Best Expert-taught PMP Exam Prep for IT Professionals (Andrew Ramdayal)	35 hours
Also Great Expert-taught PMP Exam Prep (Joseph Phillips)	30 hours
Best Final Review Course for PMP Exam (Joseph Phillips)	9 hours
Best PMP Math Course for Exam Success (Joseph Phillips)	2-3 hours
Best Intro to Project Management Scheduling (Bonnie Biafore)	2-3 hours
Best Course for Renewing PMP Cert with PMBOK Guide 7th Edition (Andrew Ramdayal)	4-5 hours

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What is the PMP certification?

The PMP certification, which stands for Project Management Professional, is a globally recognized credential that validates a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and experience in project management. It is issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s leading authority on project management.

The PMP certification is considered the gold standard in project management and is sought-after by employers in many industries. According to PMI, there are over one million PMP certification holders worldwide.

To become PMP certified, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Four-Year College / University Degree plus:

• 36 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years
• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification

— or —

High School or Secondary School Diploma plus:

• 60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years
• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification

Candidates must also pass the PMP exam, which is a four-hour, multiple-choice exam that covers the five domains of project management:

• Initiating
• Planning
• Executing
• Monitoring and Controlling
• Closing

The PMP certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) and paying the fee every three years.

PMP Exam and PMBOK Editions

The content of the PMP exam reflects the principles and practices covered in the PMBOK Guide – Seventh Edition, however, the exam itself is not directly based on any specific edition of the PMBOK Guide.

While both 6th and 7th editions cover project management fundamentals, the 7th edition reflects industry shifts and emphasizes:

• Process Tailoring: Adapting practices to specific contexts
• Agile Approaches: More focus on iterative and incremental methods
• Stakeholder Engagement: Greater emphasis throughout the project lifecycle
• Risk Management & Performance Measurement: Enhanced guidance and best practices
• Terminology & Language: Minor updates for clarity and consistency.

You can explore the contents of the exam itself in the PMP Examination Content Outline (ECO).

BCG Stats

• The PMP Certification subject is followed by 5K learners on Class Central

• The most featured provider is Udemy with 5 courses.

Best University-level PMP Exam Prep (University System of Maryland)

Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Prep Training offered by the University System of Maryland is designed to guide you in passing the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam while enhancing your project management skills. This free-to-audit course is ideal for program managers and project managers seeking to earn the PMP credential.

The course content aligns with the Project Management Institute (PMI) current exam content outline, covering the PMBOK Guide 7th and 6th Editions, Agile Practice Guide, and more. It is suitable for managing predictive, adaptive (Agile), and hybrid projects.

The instructor, Crystal Richards, brings over 20 years of experience in project management across various sectors, including healthcare and federal government. She is a PMP and ACP credential holder, offering expert guidance on the PMP application process and project management processes including scope, cost, schedule, and risk management. The course also provides a strong foundation in Agile project management and prepares learners for challenging exam questions through practice exams.

To access the free-to-audit option, visit each course page linked below. The courses are:

• Project Management Principles: A thorough understanding of project management principles, including predictive, Agile, and hybrid methodologies
• Managing People with Power Skills: Skills in managing people and stakeholder expectations, with a focus on “power skills” such as negotiations and emotional intelligence
• Determining Ways of Working for Technical Project Management: Expertise in the technical aspects of project management, including scope, cost, and schedule management
• Gaining Business Acumen for Project Managers: Knowledge on aligning project goals with organizational strategy, enhancing business outcomes.

“It was awesome! All the videos, slides and examples stated in the course are insightful and leave you all the information you need to have. The modules are easy to complete and the extra information and tips at the end of each week’s lessons are a treasure!!!” Jorge Ramírez Cacho.

Best Expert-taught PMP Exam Prep for IT Professionals (Andrew Ramdayal)

This PMP Certification Exam Prep Course, led by renowned instructor and PMP author Andrew Ramdayal, is the ultimate resource for anyone aiming to pass the PMP Certification Exam on their first try.

Fully updated for the 2024 exam, this course encompasses over 35 hours of content, including 350+ videos and 400+ exam-like questions. It covers all 49 PMBOK processes, EVM, communication, estimating formulas, and provides an introduction to agile project management. Ideal for individuals looking to advance their careers in project management, this course requires learners to have a basic understanding of project management principles.

Andrew Ramdayal, with over 60 certifications and author of the Amazon Bestselling PMP Study Guide, brings his extensive knowledge and experience to the course, ensuring comprehensive coverage of both traditional and agile project management methodologies. By the end of this course, students will be well-prepared to tackle the PMP exam confidently.

What learners will gain:

• In-depth understanding of all 49 PMBOK processes, EVM, communication, and estimating formulas
• Knowledge of PMBOK Guide 7th and 6th Editions, Agile Practice Guide, and more
• Strategies to pass the PMP Certification Exam on the first attempt
• Insights into traditional, Agile, and hybrid project management approaches
• Access to 400+ realistic exam questions and a full-length mock exam.

“I cleared PMP in my first attempt and with an overall Above Target score. This certification means a lot to me as it is a testament for my skills, experience & expertise. Having said that, this course is truly spot on & revisits the core of project management & helps prepare for the PMP exam[…]” – Rahul P., Udemy learner

Also Great Expert-taught PMP Exam Prep (Joseph Phillips)

This comprehensive PMP Exam Prep Seminar is designed to fully prepare you for the PMP certification exam. Ideal for project managers seeking to solidify their knowledge and skills, this course covers all aspects of the PMBOK Guide 6th edition and project management best practices.

You’ll delve into the project management processes, knowledge areas, and the essential formulas, charts, and theories. Additionally, the course provides a strong foundation in Agile project management, crucial for the new PMP exam format.

Taught by Joseph Phillips, a renowned author and expert in project management with certifications in PMP, PMI-ACP, ITIL, Project+, and Certified Technical Trainer, this course guarantees quality training through a mix of assignments, videos, and concise explanations. Updated in November 2022 to align with the current PMP Exam and PMI’s Exam Content Outline, it includes a 90-question pre-assessment exam, a 90-question end-of-course assessment, and various assignments to ensure comprehensive understanding and readiness for the PMP exam.

What learners will gain from this course:

• Master the PMBOK Guide, project management processes, and knowledge areas
• Understand and apply formulas, charts, and theories of project management
• Gain proficiency in calculating float for complex project network diagrams and memorizing earned value management formulas
• Compare and contrast various project management processes, knowledge areas, theories, and best practices
• Build a foundational understanding of Agile project management for the updated PMP exam
• Complete hands-on assignments and exercises to reinforce learning and application of project management principles.

“I took this course with a combination of past questions and the recently updated PMBOK 7th edition courses as well. Took my PMP and passed in one shot. Although this course is based on the PMBOK 6th edition, its foundational knowledge are still valid and complements the 7th edition.” – Babajide A., Udemy learner

Best Final Review Course for PMP Exam (Joseph Phillips)

PMP Exam Cram Session is your final review if you’re ready to take the PMP exam, providing a concentrated focus on the most critical aspects needed for exam success. Ideal for learners who have completed their PMP exam preparation but seek a comprehensive recap, this course explores the essential PMP exam topics, aligning with the PMBOK Guide 6th Edition, and the Agile Practice Guide.

The course is structured around a test-passing strategy, focusing on exam objectives rather than just the content of the PMBOK Guide. It features in-depth explanations of key project management processes, PMP Memory Sheets for efficient cramming, and a complete walkthrough of the 49 processes. With specific guidelines for exam success, this course is perfect for those seeking a final push to achieve their PMP certification.

You’ll get from this course:

• A focused review on essential PMP exam topics and the most important processes to know for the exam
• Agile updates and a test-passing strategy tailored to the new PMP Exam Content Outline
• In-depth explanations of key topics like float, EVM, and charting, alongside a complete walkthrough of the 49 processes
• Access to PMP Memory Sheets for efficient study and memorization
• Practice with 135 exam questions to test readiness and build confidence
• Guidelines and strategies for PMP exam success.

“I think this class is for someone who has done some studying already and wants to revise all concepts rather quickly (yet still at a quite detailed level). I found it very useful to write one-pagers with key points.” – Maria M., Udemy learner

Best PMP Math Course for Exam Success (Joseph Phillips)

If you need to strengthen your project management math skills, another course from Joseph Philips will help you with that: PMP Math Prep – PMP Math and Formulas. Ideal for learners who may not naturally gravitate towards math, it offers a straightforward method to master all the essential formulas needed for the exam.

Through this course, you’ll gain access to a valuable PMP Math Worksheet, an Excel document filled with project management formulas for extensive practice. Designed to be concise and focused, the course covers a range of topics from time value of money and earned value management to risk management and procurement math, ensuring you’re well-prepared to tackle any math questions on the exam.

What you’ll learn:

• Master essential PMP formulas for exam success and practical application in your project management career
• Understand and apply concepts such as time value of money, float, earned value management, and risk management
• Efficiently solve procurement math questions and make informed build-or-buy decisions
• Utilize the PMP Math Worksheet for repeated practice to ensure mastery of the material.

“I loved this course and revisited it many times before successfully passing my exam. Highly recommend it.” – Trini G., Udemy learner

Best Intro to Project Management Scheduling (Bonnie Biafore)

Project Management Foundations: Schedules equips you with the skills to proactively manage and optimize project schedules. Ideal for project managers and professionals involved in project planning, this course covers the basics of creating a project schedule and advanced techniques for resolving schedule conflicts, shortening timeframes, and reducing costs.

You will learn about project schedules, identifying and organizing activities, sequencing activities, assigning resources to tasks, fine-tuning assignments, optimizing schedules, and managing schedules effectively. This course aligns with best practices from the PMBOK Guide 6th edition.

What you’ll gain:

• The importance of project schedules and how to develop a schedule management plan
• Techniques for identifying project activities, adding milestones, and organizing project work
• Methods for estimating activity durations, sequencing activities, and managing dependencies
• Strategies for assigning resources effectively, including working with part-time and remote teams
• How to identify and utilize the critical path, adjust assignments, and optimize schedules for better project outcomes
• Proactive schedule management techniques, including updating progress, finding and resolving schedule problems, and strategies to shorten schedules or reduce costs without compromising project scope.

“The course is very understandable and explanatory with good examples. it is very useful to the people who are in those managerial positions.” – Kummithi Kumaraswamyreddy, LinkedIn learner.

Best Course for Renewing PMP Cert with PMBOK Guide 7th Edition (Andrew Ramdayal)

PMBOK Guide 7th Edition Review 18 PDU’s, Renew the PMP is an essential resource for PMs looking to renew their certification. It offers a comprehensive review of the PMBOK Guide 7th Edition, covering all its main concepts such as project management terms, the value delivery system, project management principles, domains, and models.

Ideal for PMP certified individuals familiar with older versions of the PMBOK Guide, this course is relevant to all types of projects including traditional, agile, and hybrid. The instructor, Andrew Ramdayal, ensures that learners grasp the guide’s main purpose and apply its concepts to real-world projects.

What learners will learn:

• Understanding of the PMBOK Guide 7th Edition’s main concepts
• Skills to apply project management principles across various project types
• Insight into the value delivery system and project management domains and models.

“Andrew does a great job laying out the areas of the course that are important not only for PMP certification but also real life scenarios that apply to the domains discussed in the course” – Terry W., Udemy learner.

Why You Should Trust Us

Class Central, a Tripadvisor for online education, has helped 60 million learners find their next course. We’ve been combing through online education for more than a decade to aggregate a catalog of 200,000 online courses and 200,000 reviews written by our users. And we’re online learners ourselves: combined, the Class Central team has completed over 400 online courses, including online degrees.

How We Made Our Picks and Tested Them

Trying to find “the best” can be daunting, even for those of us who live and breathe online courses. Here’s how I approached this task.

First, I combed through Class Central’s Catalog and the internet to find a variety of free and paid open courses, some with certificates. You don’t need to enroll in a university to learn about the PMP Exam.

When choosing courses, I considered the following factors:

• Renowned Institutions: I looked for recognized institutions in project management and exam preparation.
• Instructor experience: I sought instructors with extensive experience and engaging presentation styles
• Popularity: I checked numbers of enrollments and views to find popular courses
• Course content: I examined courses that covered a range of topics and presentation styles, including the basics and more advanced topics. I watched some course videos to sample courses I hadn’t already taken
• Learner reviews: I read learner reviews (when available) to get a sense of the quality of each course, leveraging the Class Central database with its thousands of course ratings and reviews written by our users as well as available course provider reviews.

Ultimately, I used a combination of data and my own judgment to make these picks. I’m confident these recommendations will be a reliable way to guide you through the PMP exam.