What’s new with the PMP® Exam - and what’s staying the same
The PMP exam is evolving. Let’s break it down what’s really happening.
The new exam will be released in July 2026
According to the official PMI page, a new version of the PMP exam is scheduled to launch in July 2026. That means PMI is refreshing the exam to better match how project management is practiced in today’s world. There’s also a pilot exam window in January 2026 where early candidates can try the new format and give feedback. So, if you’re taking the exam in 2025, you’ll still be dealing with the current exam structure—but changes are on the horizon.
What the “current” Exam looks like (2025)
Even before the 2026 update rolls out, the exam format we use today was redesigned a few years ago and is still in effect in 2025. Key features include:
Three main domains
- People (~42%) – leadership, team management, communication
- Process (~50%) – core project management skills
- Business Environment (~8%) – strategic alignment and value delivery
180 total questions (175 scored + 5 unscored) over 230 minutes.
Questions aren’t just simple multiple-choice anymore, including matching, hotspot, fill-in-the-blank.
This structure has been shaped to reflect real project management skills, mixing traditional, agile, and hybrid approaches so you’re tested on how you’d act in real situations—not just what you memorized.
What’s changing
New Exam Cycle Starts in July 2026. PMI’s official announcement makes it clear that the next big version of the PMP exam will be rolled out mid-2026. It will include updated domains and content areas, focusing even more on things like value delivery, AI, sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and modern project practices.
There’s even a pilot exam opportunity in January 2026 for early adopters who want a sneak peek and a small rebate.
Why PMP exam is changing
PMI regularly reviews and updates the exam so it keeps pace with how project managers actually work in the real world. That means:
- Leadership and strategic skills matter more (not just processes)
- Agile and hybrid approaches are essential
- Emerging topics like AI and sustainability are gaining attention
- Scenario-based thinking is becoming increasingly important and continues to be one of the key factors that make the exam more challenging.
So what should you do if you’re studying now?
- If you plan to take the exam in 2025, go for it under the current exam format.
- Our PMP® Prep Course guides you step by step, helping you focus on what truly matters for exam success. Start your PMP® preparation today.
- Use updated study resources that reflect the three-domain structure and scenario-focused questions.
- Focus on real-world application, not just memorization.
- If you’re targeting mid-2026 or later, keep an eye on how PMI rolls out the new exam content outline, and plan your prep accordingly.
See more about our PMP Prep Course