PMP Exam Changes July 2026: Everything You Need to Know
PMI is rolling out a completely updated PMP exam on July 9, 2026. This is the most significant PMP exam change since the 2021 overhaul that shifted the exam from predictive-only to agile/hybrid content. If you're planning to pursue PMP certification in 2026, you need to understand what's changing and make a strategic decision about your testing timeline.
This guide breaks down the confirmed changes, compares the current vs. new exam, and gives you a clear framework for deciding whether to test before or after July 9.
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What's Changing on July 9, 2026
New Domain Weightings
The current PMP Examination Content Outline (ECO) has three domains. The new ECO restructures the weightings significantly:
| Domain | Current Exam (Before July 8) | New Exam (After July 8) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| People | 42% | 33% | -9% |
| Process | 50% | 41% | -9% |
| Business Environment | 8% | 26% | +18% |
The biggest shift: Business Environment jumps from just 8% to 26% — more than tripling its weight. This means the new exam will test significantly more content on:
- Benefits realization and project value delivery
- Organizational strategy alignment — how projects connect to strategic goals
- Compliance and governance frameworks
- AI and emerging technology impacts on project management
- Sustainability considerations in project decisions
PMBOK 8th Edition Integration
The new exam aligns with the PMBOK Guide, 8th Edition (released late 2025), which represents a major philosophical shift:
| Aspect | PMBOK 7 (Current Exam) | PMBOK 8 (New Exam) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 12 Principles | 6 Core Principles + 7 Performance Domains + 5 Focus Areas |
| Release | 2021 | November 13, 2025 (PDF/Kindle); January 13, 2026 (paperback) |
| Format | Separate Standard + Guide | Combined into a single volume |
| Approach | Methodology-agnostic | Stronger emphasis on adaptive/hybrid (60% of new exam) |
| AI Coverage | Minimal | AI integrated throughout PM processes (scheduling, risk, decisions) |
| Sustainability | Brief mention | One of 6 core principles: "Integrate Sustainability Within All Project Areas" |
| Processes | Knowledge Areas + Process Groups | 40 nonprescriptive processes organized by performance domains |
The 6 PMBOK 8 principles are: (1) Adopt a Holistic View, (2) Focus on Value, (3) Embed Quality Into Processes and Deliverables, (4) Be an Accountable Leader, (5) Integrate Sustainability Within All Project Areas, (6) Build an Empowered Culture.
Updated study materials for the new exam will be available from PMI starting April 14, 2026.
New Question Formats
The current PMP exam already uses some innovative question types. The new exam expands these:
| Question Type | Current Exam | New Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple-choice (single answer) | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple-response (select 2–3) | Yes | Yes |
| Matching / Drag-and-drop | Yes | Yes (expanded) |
| Fill-in-the-blank | Limited | Yes |
| Hot spot (click on diagram) | Limited | Expanded |
| Scenario-based mini-cases | Yes | Expanded (longer scenarios, 2–3 linked questions) |
Delivery Approach Rebalancing
The new exam significantly shifts the predictive vs. agile/hybrid balance:
| Approach | Current Exam | New Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Predictive (waterfall) | ~50% | ~40% |
| Agile / Hybrid | ~50% | ~60% |
This means the new exam will be even more agile/hybrid-focused. Candidates should be very comfortable with Scrum, Kanban, sprint planning, and adaptive planning techniques.
What Stays the Same (Mostly)
These elements remain consistent or see minor adjustments:
- ~180–185 questions (reports vary — PMI may increase from 180 to 185 questions)
- ~230–240 minutes total testing time (may increase slightly)
- Two breaks between three exam sections (break duration may adjust from 10 to 5 minutes)
- Computer-based testing at Pearson VUE centers or online proctored
- Passing score: PMI does not publish the exact score, but the cut-off is determined by psychometric analysis (estimated around 60–65%)
- Exam cost: $405 PMI member / $555 non-member (before August 2026 fee increase)
- 35 contact hours of project management education still required
- Experience requirements: 36 months leading projects with a 4-year degree, or 60 months with a high school diploma (new: the eligibility window expanded from 8 to 10 years)
January 2026 Pilot Exam
PMI ran a pilot of the new exam format from January 5–30, 2026 at select Pearson VUE centers (English only, in-person). Candidates who passed received full PMP certification. Those who failed received a free retake when the new exam officially launches. Participants also received a 20% fee rebate. The pilot confirms the new format is finalized and tested.
Should You Test Before or After July 8, 2026?
This is the decision every PMP candidate is wrestling with right now. Here's a framework:
Test BEFORE July 8 If...
| Factor | Why It Favors Testing Now |
|---|---|
| You're already studying | Your prep materials align with the current exam. Switching to new materials mid-study is disruptive. |
| Business Environment is your weakest area | The new exam triples this domain from 8% to 26%. If strategic/governance topics aren't your strength, test under the current weighting. |
| You prefer proven study resources | Current exam study materials (prep courses, practice exams, textbooks) are mature and battle-tested. New exam materials will be first-generation. |
| You started studying before March 2026 | If you've invested significant study time in the current format, switching isn't worth it. |
| You want to avoid AI/sustainability content | If these topics are unfamiliar to you, the current exam is more favorable. |
Test AFTER July 8 If...
| Factor | Why It Favors Waiting |
|---|---|
| You haven't started studying yet | Starting fresh with the new exam materials means you won't need to re-learn anything. |
| You work in strategic/governance roles | If Business Environment is your strength, the new 26% weighting works in your favor. |
| You're comfortable with AI concepts | The new exam rewards knowledge of AI tools in project management — if that's your world, it's an advantage. |
| You can't meet the July 8 deadline | If your 35 contact hours or experience documentation won't be ready by July, don't rush an unprepared exam. |
| You prefer the PMBOK 8 approach | If you work in agile/hybrid environments and find the PMBOK 8 principles more intuitive, wait for the aligned exam. |
The Deadline Math
| If You Decide Today... | Study Start | Target Exam Date | Study Hours Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test before change | March 1, 2026 | June 2026 | ~400 hours (16 weeks × 25 hrs/week) |
| Test before change | April 1, 2026 | Late June 2026 | ~275 hours (11 weeks × 25 hrs/week) |
| Test after change | May 1, 2026 | September 2026 | ~400 hours (16 weeks × 25 hrs/week) |
| Test after change | July 2026 | November 2026 | ~400 hours (16 weeks × 25 hrs/week) |
Bottom line: If you start studying by April 2026 and dedicate serious hours, you can still test under the current format. If you can't start until May or later, plan for the new exam.
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Our practice questions cover all three domains with scenario-based questions matching the current exam format — completely free.
How to Prepare for the Current PMP Exam (Before July 8)
If you decide to test before the change, here's your accelerated plan:
12-Week Current Exam Study Plan
| Week | Focus | Domain | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | People domain fundamentals | People (42%) | Team leadership, conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, servant leadership |
| 3–4 | People domain advanced | People (42%) | Virtual teams, emotional intelligence, negotiation, shared vision |
| 5–6 | Process domain — predictive | Process (50%) | Scope, schedule, cost, quality management, WBS, critical path |
| 7–8 | Process domain — agile/hybrid | Process (50%) | Scrum framework, Kanban, sprint planning, backlogs, burndown charts |
| 9 | Process domain — integration | Process (50%) | Change management, risk response, procurement, stakeholder communication |
| 10 | Business Environment | Business (8%) | Benefits management, organizational change, compliance |
| 11 | Full practice exams (timed) | All | Take 2 full 180-question practice exams with breaks |
| 12 | Weak area review + final exam | All | Focus on lowest-scoring domains; take final practice exam |
Study Hour Allocation (Current Exam)
| Domain | % of Exam | Recommended Study Hours |
|---|---|---|
| People | 42% | 50–60 hours |
| Process | 50% | 60–70 hours |
| Business Environment | 8% | 10–15 hours |
| Practice exams | — | 20–25 hours |
| Total | 100% | 140–170 hours |
How to Prepare for the New PMP Exam (After July 8)
If you're targeting the new exam, here's what to adjust:
Key Differences in Preparation
| Study Area | Current Exam | New Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Business Environment study time | 10–15 hours | 35–45 hours |
| AI in project management | Not tested | Must understand AI tools, automation, data-driven decisions |
| Sustainability | Not tested | Must understand sustainable project practices, environmental considerations |
| PMBOK reference | PMBOK 7 + Agile Practice Guide | PMBOK 8 |
| Benefits realization | Basic concepts | Deep understanding of value delivery metrics |
New Exam Study Plan (14 Weeks)
| Week | Focus | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | People domain | Leadership styles, team dynamics, virtual collaboration, stakeholder mapping |
| 3–4 | People domain + conflict | Conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, mentoring, negotiation |
| 5–6 | Process domain — predictive | WBS, critical path, EVM, quality management, scope control |
| 7–8 | Process domain — agile/hybrid | Scrum events, Kanban metrics, backlog refinement, continuous integration |
| 9 | Process domain — integration | Risk management, procurement, change control, communications |
| 10–11 | Business Environment (expanded) | Benefits realization, strategic alignment, compliance, governance models |
| 12 | AI & sustainability in PM | AI tools for scheduling/risk, sustainable project practices, data analytics |
| 13 | Full practice exams | 2 timed practice exams matching new format |
| 14 | Weak area review + final exam | Focus on new Business Environment content; exemptions drill |
PMP Exam Cost and Fee Changes (2026)
PMI is also adjusting exam fees effective August 2026:
| Fee | Current (Before Aug 2026) | New (After Aug 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| PMI member exam fee | $405 | $445 |
| Non-member exam fee | $555 | $675 |
| PMI membership | $129/year (+$10 application fee) | $129/year |
| Re-exam fee (member) | $275 | TBD |
| Re-exam fee (non-member) | $375 | TBD |
Cost-saving tip: Joining PMI ($129/year) saves you $150 on the exam fee ($555 − $405 = $150). It also gives you free access to PMBOK 8, the Agile Practice Guide, and PMI's digital learning library. The membership pays for itself with a single exam registration.
PMP Retake Policy
| Detail | Current Policy |
|---|---|
| Wait period | 1 year from initial exam date, up to 3 attempts |
| Retake fee | $275 member / $375 non-member |
| Exam version on retake | You take whatever version is current at the time of your retake |
| If you fail before July 9 and retake after | You will take the NEW exam format |
Important: If you fail the current exam close to July 8 and your retake falls after the transition date, you'll need to study additional Business Environment, AI, and sustainability content for the new format. This is another reason to test early if you choose the current exam — give yourself buffer time for a potential retake.
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Our comprehensive PMP study course includes:
- All three domains (People, Process, Business Environment) with detailed explanations
- Scenario-based practice questions matching the current exam format
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The PMP is the #1 project management certification worldwide. 1.4 million professionals hold it. Don't wait — start studying today.
Official PMP Resources
- PMI Official PMP Page — Exam registration, eligibility
- PMI New PMP Exam Information — July 2026 changes details
- PMI Examination Content Outline — Current and new ECO
- Pearson VUE — PMI Testing — Schedule your exam
- PMBOK Guide, 8th Edition — New exam reference