PMP Exam 2026 Changes & PMBOK 8: What's New

The PMP exam changes on 9 July 2026, when it aligns to the eighth edition of the PMBOK Guide. The practical takeaway is simple: either sit the exam before that date under the current outline, or prepare specifically for the updated version after it. The certification itself does not change — the reference material and emphasis behind the exam do.

When does the PMP exam change?

PMI has set 9 July 2026 as the changeover date. Candidates who test before then sit the current exam; those who test on or after it sit the updated exam aligned to PMBOK 8. Your eligibility, your application and the 35 contact-hour requirement are unaffected by the change.

What is changing?

The updated exam aligns to PMBOK 8 and reflects how the profession has evolved — a stronger emphasis on the business environment and value delivery, and on the role of data, artificial intelligence and sustainability in modern projects, alongside the existing predictive, agile and hybrid approaches. PMI publishes the authoritative detail in its Exam Content Outline, which is the document to study from.

Should you sit the exam before or after the change?

If you are already well prepared under the current outline, testing before 9 July avoids re-learning to a new reference. If you are early in your preparation, it can be simpler to prepare directly for the updated exam rather than rush. Either way, study from PMI's current Exam Content Outline for your test date.

How PMCOE prepares you

PMCOE is a PMI Authorized Training Partner, so our live, instructor-led PMP course uses PMI's current materials and is kept aligned to the exam version you will sit, including PMBOK 8. The course also provides the 35 contact hours required to apply for the exam.