Get your Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate with one of the best PMP exam prep courses below.
The PMP certificate is recognized globally and is a fantastic way for anyone in the industry to gain some valuable experience.
Currently, there are more than 1,000,000 people who hold a PMP certification. Individuals who have their PMP certificate were found to earn up to 25% than those who did not have the certificate.
Use our reviews of the best PMP prep courses to find the best option for you.
Summary: Find and compare the best PMP prep courses below.
Best PMP Exam Prep Course Reviews (2023)
| PMP Exam Prep | Brain Sensei | PMtraining | Simplilearn | PM PrepCast | Project Management Academy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Rating |
95 |
89 |
84 |
78 |
75 |
| Best For | Best Overall | Best for Live Online Learning | - | - | - |
| One of Our Picks | TG Recommended | TG Recommended | - | - | - |
| Pricing |
$499 $449 View Discount |
$1,398 $998 |
$999 | $349 | $995 |
| Subscription Length | 1 Year | 1, 2, or 6 Weeks | Lifetime Access | Access Until PMP Exam is Updated | 180 Days |
| Free Trial | |||||
| Guarantee | |||||
| Practice Questions | 1,500+ (Adaptive Questions) | 1,000+ | 1,400+ | 1,200+ | 2,000+ |
| Practice Exams | Unlimited | 21 | 8 | 6 | 1 |
| Delivery Options | Online (Self-Paced) or Live Online | Live Online | Online (Self-Paced) + Live Online | Online (Self-Paced) | Online (Self-Paced), Live Online, In-Person |
| Videos | - 35 Hours of Video Lessons | - Live Instruction | - 20 Hours | - 60 Hours | - 50 Recorded Lectures |
| PMI Registered Provider? | |||||
| Meets 35 Hour Requirement? | |||||
| Best Feature | Course Delivery and Adaptive Questions | Live Online Learning | Live Online + Self-Paced Format | PM Exam Simulator | Number of Practice Questions |
| Summary | Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
| Learn More |
Our Picks for Best PMP Prep Courses
- Best Overall – Brain Sensei
- Best for Live Online Learning – PMtraining
Brain Sensei: Best Overall
TG Recommended
Best For
- Individuals looking for a great price
- Individuals who want a ton of practice questions and exams
- Individuals who want to ensure they pass (99.6% exam pass rate)
Not Recommended For
- Someone wanting a physical textbook to learn from
Save 10% With Code: TG10
Key Decision Making Factors
Price
Great value for everything included in the course.
Guarantee
100% pass and money-back guarantee.
Content
Content is presented in unique way. Nice change of pace from traditional prep courses.
Questions
1500+ practice questions and unlimited PMP practice exams.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique ways to learn content
- Number of practice questions and exams
- 100% pass and money-back guarantee
Cons
- Lack of physical textbook
What to Expect – Hands on Walkthrough
Brain Sensei offers both an online self-paced course and a live online course. We will go over both of those options below.
Brain Sensei Self-Paced PMP Prep Course
Brain Sensei offers their PMP prep course for $449 (using our exclusive discount code TG10). The course is an online self-paced course and candidates will get access to the course for 1 full year. Brain Sensei’s material is aligned to the PMI’s latest documentation (e.g. PMBOK 7th edition, Agile Guide etc.). They offer a 100% pass guarantee and have a 99.6% first-try pass rate.
The course includes 9 learning modules, all of which follow an interactive story to keep candidates engaged. Each module also includes self-assessments so candidates can test their knowledge and ensure they are learning the material.
As well as the self-assessments, candidates can also test their knowledge by taking a practice exam. The course includes unlimited practice exams and creates a unique practice exam each time you take one.
The unlimited practice exams pull questions from the 1500+ practice questions that are included in the course. All in all, the course provides the 35 educational/contact hours required for the PMP certification.
One of the best features of this course is the adaptive practice questions. After users answer questions, the software of the course will determine if the question was too easy or too hard for that particular student. This feature helps students study more efficiently.
Another great feature is the offline video walkthrough of learning modules (Apple podcast users only). This is also available to stream online for Android and Apple users via Spotify and Apple podcast apps.
While it may look like they do not offer as many practice questions as the other providers, these questions are more targeted to specific users.
Brain Sensei has a 100% pass guarantee and a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the course. As well as offering both of those guarantees, they also offer a free trial for candidates to test-drive the course. Another unique feature of this course is the interactive modules that follow a story line. This is a vastly different way to teach the material and different from other traditional styles.
Brain Sensei Live Online PMP Prep Course
Brain Sensei offers a live online PMP prep exam prep course for $1079 (using our exclusive coupon code TG10) taught by world class and experienced instructors. The course is online with a real instructor, and students will also get access to the self-paced PMP course material for 1 year ($499 value).
Brain Sensei offers several class schedule options, including a 5-day bootcamp, weekends only, or weekday evenings.
Brain Sensei’s material is aligned to the PMI’s latest documentation (e.g. PMBOK 7th edition, Agile Guide etc.). For that, they offer a 100% pass guarantee, and have a 99.6% first-try pass rate.
The live virtual instructor course contains the most up to date material, and provides the 35 educational/contact hours required for the PMP certification.
This live online course is a great option for individuals who may learn better in an online classroom setting. You will be able to interact with your instructor and other students in the virtual classroom. You will have an experienced project manager teaching the course and will also have access to everything within the self-paced course if you want to brush up on certain topics after an online class session.
If you are someone who needs structure and may struggle with a self-paced course, this live online PMP course is a great option for you.
Additional Screenshots
Key Features
- 1500+ practice questions
- Unlimited practice exams
- 9 interactive story-based eLearning modules
- 100% refund and pass guarantee
Key Differences from Other PMP Courses
- Unlimited exams
- Unique way of learning material
- 99.6% exam pass rate
Differences from Previous Versions
- Added unlimited practice exams
TG Recommended
Score: 95
Why Choose BrainSensei PMP
- Unique way of learning
- Unlimited practice exams
- Great course guarantee and high pass rate (99.6%)
Save 10% With Code: TESTGUIDE1
PMtraining: Best for Live Online Learning
TG Recommended
Best For
- Students looking for live instruction
- Students looking for 1-on-1 access with instructors
- Students looking for flexible scheduling options
Not Recommended For
- Students looking to self-study (on-demand course does not meet 35 required hours)
Key Decision Making Factors
Price
On the more expensive side, but it is a live online course.
Guarantee
They offer a 100% pass guarantee on their PMP prep course.
Content
Live courses with awesome instructors that follows the official PMP call curriculum.
Questions
100s of practice questions and PMP exams. Knowledge quizzes too.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Actual instruction
- Content of the course
Cons
- Price
- On-demand course does not meet required hours
What to Expect – Hands on Walkthrough
Candidates can purchase the PMP prep course from PMtraining starting at $998. The courses can be completed in 1, 2, or 6 weeks. Students who need to complete their 35 contact hours quickly can signup for the 1 week bootcamp course and be ready to take the PMP exam within a week. If you have more time, our team recommends the 2 and 6 week prep courses.
These courses are taught by real instructors in an online classroom setting. These courses are perfect for individuals who wish to learn in a classroom setting and not via on-demand videos.
These courses meets the 35-hour education requirement to sit for the PMP and is a Registered Education Provider of the Project Management Institute. The course comes with a 100% pass guarantee. Students will also have 1-on-1 access to their instructors for any questions they may have.
In addition to the live online learning aspect, students will also have access to the PMP practice exam portal. This is where students can practice various questions and take practice exams.
Also included in your live online course is access to the on-demand course. This on-demand course includes 30 PDUs to help you keep your future certification valid – our team thought that this was a nice feature and can be used to save money down the road.
It is worth noting that the on-demand course does not include the necessary contact hours for individuals looking to receive their first certification.
Key Features
- 1000+ practice questions
- 21 practice exams
- Live online classes with flexible scheduling
- Access to the on-demand course to help keep your future certificate valid
Key Differences from Other PMP Courses
- PMtraining focuses on live online learning
- 1-on-1 access with your instructor if needed
Differences from Previous Versions
- Added access to on-demand course so you can keep your future certificate valid
TG Recommended
Score: 89
Why Choose PMtraining PMP
- Live online learning
- Flexible scheduling
- Access to on-demand course to help with keeping your certificate valid in the future
SimpliLearn Review
SimpliLearn
Best For
- Someone looking for a combination of self-paced + live online learning
- Corporations looking for training packages in bulk
Not Recommended For
- Someone shopping on a budget
Key Decision Making Factors
Price
On the higher end of courses we reviewed.
Guarantee
100% money-back offered which is a nice feature.
Content
20 hours of videos. Mix on self-paced learning and live online classes.
Questions
1400+ practice questions and 8 PMP practice exams.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Case studies
- Live online class + self-paced
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Could have some more video hours in the course
- Expensive
What to Expect – Hands on Walkthrough
SimpliLearn has a couple of different options for their PMP prep courses. They offer an online bootcamp course for $999 and customizable corporate training packages with varying prices based on your needs. We will be looking at the online bootcamp for our purposes.
The online bootcamp includes 20 hours of video lectures, 8 PMP practice exams, and over 1400 practice questions. As well as those standard features, this course also includes 8 industry case studies on real business problems and 6 hands-on projects to help candidates perfect their skills.
The course grants access to candidates for their lifetime – study time should not be an issue with this course. The instructors within the course are leading experts who are still active in their field – our team likes that they are still active.
This course meets the 35-contact hour requirement for PMP candidates and is a Registered Education Provider of the Project Management Institute. The course comes with a 100% money-back guarantee and covers all skills necessary to pass the PMP exam. Candidates will have access to 24/7 learner assistance support and the course is compatible with all devices.
This online bootcamp is unique because students will have access to 90 days of flexible access to online classes. Students can also choose to learn in a self-paced format as well – it is up to them!
Key Features
- 1400+ practice questions
- 8 practice exams
- Self-paced + live online learning
- Corporate training packages available
Key Differences from Other PMP Courses
- Mix of self-paced and live online learning
- Can purchase and customize corporate training packages
Differences from Previous Versions
- Added additional class options
SimpliLearn
Score: 84
Why Choose SimpliLearn PMP
- Mix of self-paced and live online learning
- Experience of teachers
PM PrepCast Review
PM PrepCast
Best For
- Someone looking to learn from videos
- Someone who wants a lot of practice questions
Not Recommended For
- Someone wanting to learn from something other than videos
Key Decision Making Factors
Price
Cheapest course we reviewed. Starting at $349.
Guarantee
90 day money-back guarantee. Good period of time to test it out.
Content
Very video heavy. Not many other ways to learn from this course.
Questions
2280+ practice questions and 6 PMP practice exams.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Price
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Reliance on video
What to Expect – Hands on Walkthrough
PM PrepCast offers two versions for their PMP prep courses. The first version (PrepCast Basic) costs $279. The second version (PrepCast Elite) costs $349 and is the elite version. We will be taking a look at the elite version as that is the version that candidates will want in order to succeed on the PMP exam.
The elite version is available for $349 and candidates will get access to this course until the PMP exam is updated a new prep course is needed. The elite version includes 60 hours of videos, 6 PMP practice exams, and 2280 practice questions.
One of the best features of this course is the PM Exam Simulator. This feature allows candidates to get access to the most realistic and up-to-date exam questions that could be seen on the PMP exam. Candidates will have access to the simulator for 90 days.
This course meets the 35-hour education requirement to sit for the PMP and is a Registered Education Provider of the Project Management Institute. If candidates are not happy with the course, PM PrepCast offers a 90-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.
Key Features
- 2280+ practice questions
- 6 practice exams
- Download all lessons on phone or tablet
Key Differences from Other PMP Courses
- Focus on video learning
- Can download all lessons on your phone or tablet
Differences from Previous Versions
- Ability to download information
- Added more practice questions
PM PrepCast
Score: 78
Project Management Academy Review
Project Management Academy
Best For
- Someone looking for different learning options
Not Recommended For
- Someone wanting a lot of practice exams
Key Decision Making Factors
Price
More expensive when compared to other PMP prep courses.
Guarantee
100% pass and money-back guarantee.
Content
Different options to choose from when selecting your course
Questions
2000+ practice questions and 1 PMP practice exam.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Number of practice questions
- Can choose from different learning options
Cons
- Price
What to Expect – Hands on Walkthrough
Project Management Academy has a variety of PMP prep course options. They offer in-person courses, live-online course, and online on-demand courses. We will be looking at the online on-demand course.
The on-demand course is available to candidates for $995 and candidates will have access to the course for 180 days. All courses have a 100% money-back and 100% pass guarantee.
The on-demand course from Project Management Academy includes over 2000 practice questions, 50 recorded video lectures, a mock PMP exam, and access to additional web-based videos. This course satisfies the 35 contact hours required by PMI.
This course is also a Registered Education Provider of the Project Management Institute.
Project Management Academy has an audited pass rate of 99.9% for candidates who took their course and then took the PMP exam. Some other unique features of this course are the exercises and games included, flashcards with customizable cards, and the strategy guide.
Some of the other options that PM Academy offers include:
- Weekday bootcamp – completed in 4 days
- Morning bootcamp – 8 week day morning sessions
- Afternoon bootcamp – 8 week day afternoon sessions
- Evening bootcamp – 8 weekday evening sessions
- Weekend bootcamp – completed in 2 consecutive weekends
Please note that the above courses are live online options.
Key Features
- 200+ practice questions
- 1 practice exam
- 50+ lecture videos
- Supplemental learning material
Key Differences from Other PMP Courses
- Offer a number of different learning options and times
Differences from Previous Versions
- Added more learning options for students
Project Management Academy
Score: 75
How to Choose a PMP Course
The PMP certificate is the most widely respected credential for project management professionals. The PMP exam is challenging, and high scores are critical.
There are a couple of requirements that candidates must fulfill before applying for their PMP certificate. Candidates must complete one or the other:
- 4-year degree; 3 years of leading projects; 35 hours of project management education/training
- High school diploma or an associate degree; 5 years of leading projects; 35 hours of project management education/training
When choosing a PMP course, it is important to make sure the course will allow you to meet the 35 hours of project management education/training. There are some other factors to consider that we will review below.
What to Consider When Purchasing a PMP Prep Course
Finding your best approach to preparing for the PMP exam can be challenging. PMP exam prep courses can be time-consuming and expensive. Do you need a PMP exam prep course? The answer depends on many factors.
Required Training Hours
You need 35 hours of PMI approved training hours. Our recommended courses meet this requirement.
Budget
PMP exam prep courses can get expensive. If money is tight, consider some of the more affordable options listed above.
Other Factors to Consider
Some other factors to consider include:
- Simulates actual test – the online exams included in a PMP exam prep course do a great job of simulating the actual PMP exam.
- Quality instructors – courses that include live instructors will help you with efficient strategies, motivation, and one-on-one feedback.
- Comprehensive study plans -PMP exam prep courses will help you craft, and stick to, a customized study schedule that works for you
Alternatives: Do I Need a PMP Prep Course?
Technically, no. However, you do need 35 contact hours to be able to earn your PMP certification. While you can earn these hours other ways, a PMP prep course is usually the easiest and fastest way to do so.
It is important to note that the following will not count towards your 35 contact hours:
- PMI led-sessions
- Self-study hours
- MBA programs – you may be able to earn some hours with specific classes
Methodology: How We Tested PMP Prep Courses
Our team looked at 10+ different PMP prep options and narrowed it down to 5 of the best PMP courses. After narrowing it down, our team took a deep dive into these specific courses. We looked for things that we though students would actually find useful.
After conducting an ample amount of research, we have the courses different ratings based on 5 different criteria. Each of those criteria are assigned a different weight which helps us arrive at a final weighted score and star rating.
For more details, read about our independent review process.
FAQs About PMP Prep
What is the best course for PMP?
Our team looked at numerous different options and found that Brain Sensei was the best course for PMP.
Brain Sensei has a great combination of price, practice questions, practice exams, and unique learning materials.
Another one of our recommended picks for PMP prep was PMtraining. PMtraining is a great option for students looking for live online learning.
Are PMP prep courses worth it?
PMP prep courses are definitely worth it. In order to earn your PMP certificate, you will need 35 contact hours. You cannot self-study and earn these hours. A PMP prep course will provide you with the necessary hours to sit for your certification.
Can you study for PMP by yourself?
Yes, you can study for the PMP by yourself, but you will still need the 35 hours of education/training in order to be eligible to qualify for your PMP certification.
While there are some other ways to earn the 35 hours, a PMP course will most likely be your easiest and fastest route to earning those hours. You will also get all of the prep materials included in the PMP prep course.
