CompTIA Project+ Guide 2025: Exam, Cost, CE Changes
If you’re stepping into project management—especially in IT—CompTIA Project+ is one of the fastest, most practical ways to prove you can plan, lead, and deliver real projects. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about CompTIA Project+ in 2025: what it is, who it’s for, the current exam (PK0‑005), exact costs, an evidence‑based study plan, and the important continuing education (CE) change taking effect on October 1, 2025. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap from “I’m interested” to “I passed”—and you’ll know how to turn this certification into career momentum.
What Is CompTIA Project+?
CompTIA Project+ is a vendor‑neutral, entry‑level project management certification designed for professionals who manage small to mid‑size projects, often alongside other responsibilities in IT. The current exam version is PK0‑005, launched November 8, 2022. There are no formal prerequisites; CompTIA recommends about 6–12 months of project experience in an IT environment. Project+ tests practical skills—like defining scope, managing risk and change, and navigating IT governance—so you can perform on day one.
Actionable takeaway:
If you’re already coordinating projects in help desk, networking, software, or business analysis, Project+ gives you an industry signal that you can handle the essentials—without the heavy prerequisites of advanced credentials.
Learn more: Project+ exam overview and audience on CompTIA’s official page (search “CompTIA Project+”).
Why CompTIA Project+ Over Other PM Certifications?
There’s no one “best” certification for everyone. But Project+ shines in a few key ways:
Speed to value: No application audit or verified hours required to take the exam. You can begin studying immediately and test as soon as you’re ready.
IT‑centric focus: You’ll learn project management with a technology lens—covering governance, security, and change control that mirrors real IT projects.
Practical testing: In addition to multiple‑choice questions, expect performance‑based items that assess applied judgment.
Stackability: Use Project+ to secure an entry‑level PM/coordinator role, then build toward PMI’s CAPM and ultimately PMP as your experience grows.
How it compares:
Project+: No experience required to sit; IT emphasis; 90‑minute exam; performance‑based items; as of Oct 1, 2025, new earners join the CE program with a 3‑year renewal cycle.
PMI CAPM: No project experience required, but you need formal PM education hours; ideal stepping stone to PMP; 3‑year renewal with PDUs.
PMI PMP: For experienced project managers with verified experience and formal training; highly recognized for mid‑to‑senior roles.
Actionable takeaway:
If you want a recognized, practical credential you can earn in weeks—not months—Project+ is a strong first move. If your goal is PMP, Project+ can accelerate your transition into PM roles that give you the experience hours you’ll need.
Exam Overview: PK0‑005 Essentials
Here’s what to expect on the current PK0‑005 exam:
Format: Up to 90 questions
Time: 90 minutes
Types: Multiple‑choice (single/multiple response) and performance‑based
Passing score: 710 (on a 100–900 scale)
Languages: English, Japanese, Thai
Delivery: Pearson VUE (in‑person test centers or online proctored)
CompTIA also publishes official exam objectives. Read them carefully: the bullet points under each objective are examples; the full objective stem defines the scope.
Actionable takeaway:
Budget to answer about one question per minute. Flag tougher items and return later—don’t let one question eat five minutes.
The Four Exam Domains (With Study Tips)
CompTIA organizes PK0‑005 into four domains. Each domain is weight‑scored, so you know where to spend your study time.
1) Project Management Concepts (33%)
What you’ll learn:
Project roles and responsibilities, constraints, and methodologies
Stakeholder analysis and engagement strategies
Estimation techniques and scheduling basics
Communication planning and quality concepts
Study tips:
Be comfortable distinguishing key roles (sponsor, PM, SME) and responsibilities.
Practice estimating tasks with simple techniques (three‑point, analogous).
Draft a basic communication plan: who needs what, when, and how.
Actionable takeaway:
Create a one‑page “project quickstart” template with stakeholders, objectives, constraints, and communications. Use it for every practice scenario.
2) Project Life Cycle Phases (30%)
What you’ll learn:
Initiation, planning, execution, monitoring/control, and closing
Change control, issue management, and variance analysis
Hybrid and Agile elements integrated across phases
Study tips:
Link key artifacts to each phase: charter (initiation), WBS/schedule (planning), status and change logs (execution/control), and lessons learned (closing).
Practice explaining how a change request moves from submission to decision to implementation.
Actionable takeaway:
Build a simple change‑control workflow (request → impact analysis → CAB/decision → implement → verify). Be ready to apply it to sample scenarios.
3) Tools and Documentation (19%)
What you’ll learn:
Core documents: project charter, scope statement, risk register, issue log, RACI matrix, communications plan
Basic scheduling views and reporting
Collaboration and PM tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Asana, ServiceNow)
Study tips:
Don’t just memorize—fill out each artifact for a hypothetical or past project.
Practice converting a messy problem statement into a neat charter and RACI.
Actionable takeaway:
Assemble a mini‑portfolio: sample charter, RACI, risk/issue logs, status report. You’ll remember better—and have something to show in interviews.
4) Basics of IT and Governance (18%)
What you’ll learn:
IT governance, change control, and policy alignment
Security/privacy considerations throughout the project life cycle
Release and deployment considerations across environments (dev/test/prod)
Study tips:
Be able to spot when to involve InfoSec or Compliance (e.g., data handling, access, vendor risk).
Understand basic change‑management guardrails in IT (maintenance windows, approvals, rollback plans).
Actionable takeaway:
Draft a simple “governance checklist” you can reuse: security/privacy review completed? change approval documented? rollback plan ready? communication to stakeholders planned?
What Changed in PK0‑005 (vs. PK0‑004)
If you find older study materials, know the differences:
About 30% of content was refreshed.
Stronger emphasis on Agile, risk management, and IT governance.
Domain structure and weights were updated to better reflect modern IT projects.
Actionable takeaway:
Verify that any third‑party book or course you use explicitly targets PK0‑005. If it’s PK0‑004, treat it as supplemental context only.
Eligibility and Prerequisites
Formal prerequisites: None
Recommended background: 6–12 months of project involvement in an IT environment
Best candidates: IT support leads, junior BAs, QA leads, sysadmins, and coordinators who informally manage tasks and want to formalize their skills
Actionable takeaway:
New to PM? Pair your study with a small, real project—like a lab deployment or internal process improvement—so concepts stick.
Costs and Budgeting (U.S. 2025)
Exam voucher: $369 USD (country prices vary; check CompTIA’s exam prices page for your region)
Official Study Guide: typically ~$139–$149 (eBook/print)
Bundles (voucher + training + retake): commonly $591+ depending on inclusions and promotions
Training access windows: CompTIA digital training products usually must be redeemed within 12 months; access typically lasts 12 months once redeemed
Retakes: No wait between your 1st and 2nd attempt; 14‑day wait before a 3rd attempt; each attempt needs a separate voucher
Actionable takeaway:
If your budget is tight, get the exam objectives, the Official Study Guide, and one solid practice bank. Add a bundle only if you want an official retake and structured eLearning.
The Big 2025 Update: Project+ CE and Renewal
Historically, Project+ has been “Good for Life.” That’s changing for new earners.
Through September 30, 2025: certifications earned remain Good for Life (no renewal required).
Starting October 1, 2025: new earners receive Project+ CE, which must be renewed every three years via CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. Project+ CE requires 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over the 3‑year cycle.
Existing Project+ holders (earned before Oct 1, 2025) may optionally participate to earn a Project+ CE, but they are not required to renew their lifetime credential.
CE fee: CompTIA lists a total CE fee of $150 per 3‑year cycle for Project+ CE when renewing via CEUs.
Actionable takeaway:
Earning Project+ after Oct 1, 2025? Plan your renewal path now: track webinars, trainings, higher‑level certs, or college coursework to accumulate 30 CEUs within three years.
A Proven 6–8 Week Study Plan
Here’s a practical plan that balances depth and speed. Adjust timing if you’re brand‑new to PM (aim 10–12 weeks) or if you already have strong fundamentals (6 weeks).
Week 1: Orient and organize
Download the official exam objectives; skim all domains.
List your strong/weak topics.
Set a weekly schedule: 5–7 hours/week minimum, with one 2‑hour practice block.
Week 2: Domain 1—Concepts
Read/study: roles, constraints, methodology pros/cons, comms planning.
Create: a one‑page kick‑off checklist and a simple communications plan.
Quick drill: 20–30 practice questions; review misses right away.
Week 3: Domain 2—Life Cycle (Initiation/Planning)
Read/study: charters, scope, WBS, estimation, schedule baselines.
Create: a project charter for a real or hypothetical project plus a mini‑WBS.
Drill: 20–30 questions focused on planning and estimation.
Week 4: Domain 2—Life Cycle (Execution/Control/Closing)
Read/study: change control, issue/risk, status by exception, lessons learned.
Create: change‑request form and a basic change‑control workflow.
Drill: 30–40 mixed questions; practice timeboxing your responses.
Week 5: Domain 3—Tools & Documentation
Read/study: RACI, risk register, issue log, reporting views.
Create: a filled sample RACI and a risk/issue log with 6–8 realistic entries.
Drill: 30–40 questions; convert a scenario into the right document.
Week 6: Domain 4—IT & Governance
Read/study: governance frameworks, security/privacy integration, release control.
Create: a governance checklist; outline when to involve security/compliance.
Drill: 30–40 questions; scenario practice with dev/test/prod transitions.
Week 7: Full‑length exam rehearsal
Take a timed 90‑minute practice exam; debrief every missed question.
Fill knowledge gaps; create 2‑page “cheat sheets” per domain (big concepts, formulas, checklists).
Week 8: Final prep and scheduling
Take a second full practice test; aim for consistent 80%+.
Book your Pearson VUE slot (test center or online). Verify ID and environment requirements.
Light review and rest 24 hours before the exam.
Actionable takeaway:
Create your own “formula/flow” sheet: change control steps, communication escalation paths, and risk response strategies. Bring these patterns to mind during performance‑based items.
Study Resources That Work
Official Exam Objectives: Start here to scope your study. Treat bullet points as examples under broader objectives.
Official CompTIA Content:
CertMaster Learn (eLearning)
CertMaster Labs (hands‑on activities)
CertMaster Practice (question bank)
Official Study Guide (print/eBook)
Practice banks: Choose reputable providers that clearly target PK0‑005 and explain rationales—quality matters more than quantity.
Project artifacts: Build your own charter, RACI, risk/issue logs, and sample status report to translate theory into muscle memory.
Actionable takeaway:
Mix modalities. Reading + doing + testing beats any single study method, especially for performance‑based items.
Scheduling, Test Day, and Retakes
Scheduling: Book via Pearson VUE for a test center or online proctored session. Check ID requirements, room scan rules, and system tests if testing from home.
Time management: Aim for roughly 1 minute per question. Use the flag feature and move on if you’re stuck.
Retake policy: No waiting period between your 1st and 2nd attempt; 14‑day wait before a 3rd attempt. Every attempt needs a new voucher—plan your budget accordingly.
Cancellations/reschedules: Review CompTIA’s testing policies for timelines and fees so you don’t lose your spot or voucher.
Actionable takeaway:
Before exam day, do one “dress rehearsal”: timed practice test, equipment check, and a quick walk‑through of rules. Reduce surprises, reduce anxiety.
How to Apply Project+ Skills on the Job
Project+ is practical by design. Here’s how to translate what you study into daily work:
Initiation: Clarify objectives and constraints. Draft a one‑page charter and confirm stakeholder roles before you plan.
Planning: Build a minimally sufficient plan—WBS, schedule, RACI, risk/issue logs, comms plan. Don’t overcomplicate; clarity beats complexity.
Execution: Run concise standups, track changes with your workflow, escalate issues using your communication plan, and report status by exception.
Monitoring/Control: Track scope, schedule, and quality. Update risk/issue logs weekly. Use change control for anything that affects baseline.
Closing: Capture lessons learned and clear out loose ends (documentation handed off, approvals captured, stakeholders informed).
Actionable takeaway:
Keep templates simple and consistent. Stakeholders will engage more if they can read your documents in minutes, not hours.
Career Value and ROI
Demand signal: PMI projects a significant global need for project professionals well into the 2030s. That suggests long‑term opportunity for those with demonstrable skills.
Salary signal: U.S. Project Management Specialists report median pay in the upper $90Ks according to government and major career sources. Entry‑level roles (coordinator/analyst) start lower and vary by region and industry—use these figures directionally, not as guarantees.
Positioning: Project+ can help you move from “IT contributor who sometimes coordinates tasks” to “recognized project coordinator/analyst.” Use the credential to jump onto cross‑functional projects, then build toward CAPM/PMP as your experience grows.
Actionable takeaway:
Update your resume and LinkedIn with your Project+ and—crucially—your project artifacts. Showcase real outcomes: timelines met, risks mitigated, processes improved.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Memorizing definitions without practicing documents: You’ll struggle on performance‑based items. Build the artifacts.
Ignoring IT governance: Many candidates underprepare for security, privacy, and change control. Master the basics.
Not rehearsing exam timing: Even strong candidates miss the mark if they run out of time. Practice under pressure.
Studying with outdated (PK0‑004) materials: Verify that your resources target PK0‑005.
Actionable takeaway:
Do a mid‑study audit at Week 4: check that your materials and practice questions explicitly reference PK0‑005 and include governance and Agile content.
Sample Artifacts You Should Practice
One‑page project charter (goals, success criteria, stakeholders)
Scope statement (what’s in/out)
RACI matrix (clarify responsibilities early)
Risk register (probability, impact, response strategy)
Issue log (owner, due date, resolution)
Change‑request form and change‑control workflow
Status report (by exception: only what changed or is at risk)
Actionable takeaway:
Bring these into interviews. Showing that you’ve “done” project management—on paper and in practice—can outshine a list of buzzwords.
Putting It All Together: Your Action Plan
Decide your path
Need a fast, practical PM credential in 2025? Choose Project+. If you’ll test on/after Oct 1, 2025, plan for CE renewal (30 CEUs/3 years). If you’re a legacy holder (earned before Oct 1), consider opting into CE if your employer values active renewals.
Lock your budget and timeline
U.S. costs: $369 exam, ~$139–$149 for the Official Study Guide; consider a bundle if you want a retake and eLearning. Set a 6–8 week plan if you have some PM exposure, 10–12 weeks if new.
Build skills, not just test‑taking
Create artifacts for a real or hypothetical project; drill scenarios, not just flashcards.
Rehearse test day
Two timed practice tests, one full “dress rehearsal,” and a clear timing strategy.
Plan the next step
Leverage the cert for a coordinator/analyst role; track experience and consider CAPM or PMP as you grow.
FAQs
Q1: Is CompTIA Project+ still a lifetime certification?
As of September 30, 2025, certifications earned remain Good for Life. Starting October 1, 2025, new earners receive Project+ CE, which must be renewed every three years with 30 CEUs. Existing holders may optionally participate to earn a Project+ CE; they are not required to renew their lifetime credential.
Q2: How much does the Project+ exam cost?
In the United States, the exam voucher is $369 as of 2025. Prices vary by country—always check CompTIA’s official exam prices page for current regional pricing.
Q3: What’s on the exam and how long is it?
The PK0‑005 exam has up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, multiple‑choice and performance‑based items, and a passing score of 710/900. Domains: Concepts (33%), Life Cycle (30%), Tools & Documentation (19%), IT & Governance (18%).
Q4: Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes. There is no wait between your first and second attempt. A 14‑day waiting period applies before a third attempt. Each attempt requires a new voucher.
Q5: Should I choose Project+ or CAPM?
If you need a fast, IT‑friendly credential with no prerequisites, Project+ is ideal. If you’re targeting PMI’s ecosystem and a PMP trajectory, CAPM is also a strong choice. Many early‑career candidates earn Project+ first to secure hands‑on PM roles, then add CAPM/PMP later.
Conclusion:
You don’t need years of experience to start a project management career. With CompTIA Project+, you can build a practical foundation, validate it with a respected credential, and apply it immediately on the job. Use this guide to structure your study, build real artifacts, and plan your exam date. Then leverage your win—update your resume, volunteer for visible projects, and aim for roles that grow your experience toward CAPM or PMP if that’s on your roadmap. You’ve got this.
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