Before you can sit for the CAPM exam, you must satisfy PMI's education requirement: 23 contact hours of project management education. This isn't optional—without documentation of these hours, your application will be rejected.
The good news? Since PMI removed the 1,500-hour project experience option in August 2024, the 23-hour education requirement is now the only prerequisite beyond a secondary degree. This change made CAPM more accessible to students, career changers, and anyone without formal project management experience.
This guide walks you through every approved option for earning your contact hours, from premium PMI Authorized Training Partners to budget-friendly alternatives—helping you choose the path that fits your learning style, timeline, and budget.
📋 Table of Contents
Understanding the 23 Contact Hour Requirement
A "contact hour" represents one hour of scheduled instruction in project management. This can be delivered through various formats—classroom, online, live virtual, or self-paced—but must meet specific criteria to qualify.
Current CAPM Eligibility Requirements (2025)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Secondary degree (high school diploma, GED, associate's degree, or global equivalent) |
| Project Management Education | 23 contact hours of formal PM instruction |
| Experience | Not required (removed in August 2024) |
| Timing | Education must be completed before exam date (not before application) |
💡 Key Change: Experience No Longer Required
In August 2024, PMI eliminated the alternative option of 1,500 hours of project experience. Now, all candidates must complete 23 contact hours—there's no experience-based shortcut. This change makes CAPM ideal for students and career changers with no prior PM experience.
What Counts as Contact Hours (And What Doesn't)
Approved Sources of Contact Hours
- PMI Authorized Training Partners (ATPs): Organizations officially authorized by PMI to deliver training
- University/College Programs: Academic courses in project management from accredited institutions
- Continuing Education Programs: Distance learning courses with end-of-course assessments
- Company Training Programs: Employer-provided PM training (must document hours)
- PMI Chapter Events: Learning activities at PMI chapter meetings (limited; must be structured learning)
- Self-Study Courses: Structured courses with defined hours (from recognized providers)
- Online Learning Platforms: Courses from providers like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera (if they specify contact hours)
What Does NOT Count
- Work experience: On-the-job learning doesn't count, regardless of hours
- Informal self-study: Reading the PMBOK Guide independently doesn't qualify
- General business courses: Leadership, communication, or MBA courses not specifically focused on PM
- Courses without documented hours: Training must specify contact hours to count
- Certificates from unaccredited providers: PMI verifies provider credibility
- Watching YouTube videos: Unstructured content without assessments doesn't qualify
⚠️ Documentation Is Critical
If PMI audits your application, you'll need to provide proof of your 23 hours. Keep certificates, transcripts, or letters from training providers that clearly state: the course name, provider name, completion date, and number of contact hours.
Required Topics
Your 23 hours should cover project management fundamentals aligned with the PMBOK Guide and CAPM Exam Content Outline. Qualifying topics include:
- Project integration, scope, schedule, cost, quality management
- Resource, communication, risk, procurement, stakeholder management
- Agile and adaptive project management methodologies
- Business analysis fundamentals
- Project life cycles and process groups
All Approved Options for Earning Contact Hours
PMI Authorized Training Partners are organizations officially vetted by PMI to deliver certification training. ATP courses guarantee your hours will be accepted and provide the most comprehensive exam preparation.
Popular ATP Providers:
- Project Management Academy
- Velociteach (The PM PrepCast)
- BrainSensei
- Simplilearn
- PMTI (Project Management Training Institute)
✅ Pros
- Guaranteed PMI acceptance
- Comprehensive exam prep included
- Often includes practice exams
- Instructor support available
⚠️ Cons
- Higher cost
- May be more than 23 hours (35+ common)
- Fixed schedules for live courses
Many accredited universities and community colleges offer project management courses or certificate programs. Academic credits can satisfy the contact hour requirement.
Types of Programs:
- Project Management Certificate Programs
- Individual PM courses within degree programs
- Continuing Education units (CEUs)
- Professional development courses
✅ Pros
- Academic credentials add resume value
- May count toward degrees
- Networking opportunities
- Financial aid may apply
⚠️ Cons
- Typically most expensive option
- Longer time commitment
- May not focus specifically on CAPM
Platforms like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera offer affordable CAPM prep courses that specify contact hours. These self-paced options provide flexibility and significant cost savings.
Popular Platforms:
- Udemy (multiple CAPM courses with 23+ hours)
- LinkedIn Learning (project management paths)
- Coursera (Google Project Management Certificate)
- edX (university-backed courses)
✅ Pros
- Most affordable option
- Self-paced flexibility
- Lifetime access (often)
- Frequent sales/discounts
⚠️ Cons
- Verify hours are explicitly stated
- Quality varies by instructor
- Less instructor support
- Self-discipline required
Many employers offer internal project management training or will sponsor external courses. Check with your HR or Learning & Development department about available programs.
What to Ask For:
- Internal PM training programs
- Tuition reimbursement for external courses
- Professional development budget allocation
- Letter documenting training hours if internal
✅ Pros
- No out-of-pocket cost
- Training during work hours
- Demonstrates initiative to employer
⚠️ Cons
- Not all employers offer this
- May require service commitment
- Documentation may need extra effort
PMI offers its own official CAPM exam preparation course, delivered through their learning platform. This option guarantees alignment with exam content and satisfies the education requirement.
✅ Pros
- Directly from PMI—100% acceptance
- Perfectly aligned with current exam
- Includes practice questions
- Member discounts available
⚠️ Cons
- Mid-range pricing
- Self-paced only
- Limited instructor interaction
Total Cost Comparison
The total cost of CAPM certification includes more than just training. Here's a complete breakdown:
💰 Budget Path (Non-Member)
💎 PMI Member Path
🎓 Student Bundle Path
How to Choose the Right Option
Consider these factors when selecting your training path:
Your Learning Style
- Self-directed learners: Online self-paced courses (Udemy, LinkedIn Learning)
- Prefer structure: ATP boot camps or live virtual training
- Need accountability: Instructor-led courses with deadlines
Your Timeline
- Urgent (1-2 weeks): Self-paced online courses you can complete quickly
- Standard (1-2 months): Most options work; choose based on preference
- Flexible (3+ months): Consider academic programs for additional credentials
Your Budget
- Under $100: Udemy courses during sales
- $100-$500: Quality online prep courses with good support
- $500+: ATP boot camps, PMI official prep, or academic programs
✅ Our Recommendation for Most Candidates
For the best value, consider becoming a PMI member ($129) to get the discounted exam fee ($225 vs $300) and free PMBOK Guide access. Then purchase a well-reviewed Udemy course during a sale ($15-50). Total investment: ~$370-400, with comprehensive preparation.
The PMI Student Bundle
If you're enrolled in an accredited degree-granting program, the PMI Student Bundle offers exceptional value:
| Benefit | Student Bundle | Regular Path |
|---|---|---|
| PMI Membership | $32/year | $129/year |
| CAPM Exam Fee | $225 | $225-$300 |
| PMBOK Guide Access | Free (digital) | Free with membership |
| Total (excluding training) | $257 | $354-$429 |
To qualify for the student bundle, you must provide proof of enrollment in an accredited academic program (university, college, or equivalent).
Documentation & Application Process
When you apply for the CAPM exam, you'll enter your education details in PMI's online system. Here's how to document properly:
📋 Documentation Checklist
PMI Audit Process
PMI randomly selects some applications for audit. If audited, you'll have 90 days to submit documentation proving your education hours. Keep all certificates and records until you pass the exam (and beyond, for your own records).
⚠️ Audit Warning: Be Honest
Never falsify your application. PMI takes integrity seriously. If caught submitting false information, you'll be permanently banned from all PMI certifications—not just CAPM. It's not worth the risk.
Application Steps
- Create a PMI account at pmi.org (required even if not becoming a member)
- Start your CAPM application in the certification portal
- Enter your secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent)
- Enter your 23 contact hours of project management education
- Pay the exam fee ($225 member / $300 non-member)
- Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE once approved
Bonus: CAPM to PMP Pathway
Good news for future PMP candidates: if you already hold a CAPM certification when you apply for PMP, PMI waives the 35-hour education requirement for PMP. Your CAPM journey builds directly toward the next level.
🔑 Key Takeaway
The 23 contact hour requirement is straightforward to meet with multiple approved options for every budget. Choose a training path that fits your learning style and timeline, document everything carefully, and you'll be ready to apply for your CAPM exam. The investment in quality training pays dividends through better exam preparation and career advancement.
Next Steps
- Choose your training path based on budget, timeline, and learning style
- Complete your 23 contact hours and save all documentation
- Consider PMI membership for exam fee discount and free PMBOK access
- Apply for the CAPM exam once training is complete
- Continue studying while awaiting application approval
Ready to Start Your CAPM Journey?
Once you've completed your 23 contact hours, test your knowledge with our comprehensive practice exams.