PMI Announces Major Updates: New PMP® Exam in 2026 and PMBOK® Guide – 8th Edition Release
PMI has announced significant milestones that will shape the future of project management certification and training. These updates include the upcoming PMP® exam change and the release of the PMBOK® Guide – Eighth Edition. As a PMI Approved Training Partner, 3FOLD Training is pleased to share the key details to support current learners and future PMP® candidates.
1. New PMP® Exam Coming in July 2026
The PMP® certification will undergo a major update, with the new exam launching globally in July 2026. This enhanced exam reflects the practical realities of project delivery, integrating leadership, strategic decision-making, and value-focused performance.
Key Timelines
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- Now Live – New PMP® Examination Content Outline (ECO)
- April 2026 – Official launch of updated PMP® ATP training materials and new learner resources
- July 2026 – Full rollout of the updated PMP® exam
- July 2026 – PMBOK® Guide – 7th Edition retired
These updates ensure the PMP® continues to uphold its international accreditation under ANSI/ISO 17024 and ISO 9001.
What This Means for PMP® Aspirants
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- Candidates may take the current PMP® exam until July 2026.
- Learners planning to transition to the new exam can begin studying with updated resources starting April 2026.
- The new exam will focus on outcomes, business value, stakeholder engagement, modern delivery methods, and emerging practices such as AI and sustainability.
2. PMBOK® Guide – Eighth Edition Released
The PMBOK® Guide – 8th Edition is now officially available. It is the most community-driven edition developed by PMI and reflects current global project management practices.
Important Notes for Learners
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- PMI members can download the PMBOK® 8th Edition for free from their PMI account.
- The PMBOK® update does not change the PMP® exam. PMP® exams are based strictly on the Examination Content Outline (ECO), not the PMBOK® Guide.
- ATPs who reference the PMBOK® Guide in optional reading lists should now update these references to the 8th Edition.
3. Clarity for Students: PMBOK® Updates Do Not Influence the PMP® Exam
PMI has reconfirmed that changes to PMBOK® editions do not alter the PMP® exam structure.
This means:
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- The current PMP® exam remains unchanged until July 2026.
- The PMBOK® 8th Edition is a helpful resource but is not an exam driver.
- The PMP® Examination Content Outline (ECO) remains the authoritative document for exam preparation.
4. Comparison of PMP® ECO: 2021 vs. 2026
The table below highlights the main differences between the current ECO (2021) and the newly released ECO for 2026.
| Component | ECO 2021 | ECO 2026 | Key Change |
| Domains | People – 42%
Process – 50% Business Environment – 8% |
People – 33%
Process – 41% Business Environment – 26% |
Significant rebalancing; higher weight on Business Environment |
| Content Themes | Leadership, process execution, and business factors | Value delivery, stakeholder engagement, AI, sustainability, decision-making | Updated to reflect modern project practices |
| Methods | Predictive, Agile, Hybrid | Greater focus on adaptive and hybrid approaches | Stronger alignment with real-world project dynamics |
| Exam Format | 180 questions, 230 minutes | 185 questions, 240 minutes | Increased question count; more interactive and scenario-based |
5. Updates for ATP Student Materials
PMI has provided the following key operational updates for Authorized Training Partners:
Student Materials
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- Official student materials for the new PMP® course will be released in April 2026.
6. 3FOLD Training’s Schedule for the New PMP® Course
To align with PMI’s global rollout, 3FOLD Training will offer the new PMP® Exam Preparation Course starting in April 2026. This ensures our learners receive the most accurate and up-to-date content aligned with the July 2026 exam format.
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