CompTIA Project+ Certification: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

If you manage IT tasks that look and feel like projects—even if “project manager” isn’t on your badge—the CompTIA Project+ certification can be your fast, credible entry into project management. It’s vendor-neutral, tuned for real-world IT work, and requires only a single exam. In this friendly, step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly what the Project+ exam covers, how to study, how much it costs, what changed in 2025 (big news: renewal!), and where this credential fits alongside CAPM and PMP.

By the end, you’ll have a study plan, a booking checklist, and a clear path from “interested” to “certified.”

What Is CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)?

CompTIA Project+ is a vendor-neutral project management certification designed for professionals who coordinate or manage small-to-medium projects—especially in IT environments. It validates your ability to move a project from kickoff to close with solid fundamentals in scope, schedule, cost, risk, communication, and governance.

• Current exam code: PK0-005 (also called “Project+ V5”).

• Launch date: November 8, 2022.

• Status: Active as of today (always confirm live details on CompTIA’s exam page before you register).

CompTIA confirms PK0-005 details and typically retires exams on a roughly three-year cadence, but no firm retirement date is posted—always check before you book.

Why students and early-career pros choose it:

• It’s a single exam (no application with experience audits).

• It’s methodology-agnostic: you’ll see Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid concepts.

• It’s tailored to the realities of IT projects—change control, risk, documentation, and governance are front and center.

Actionable takeaway:
If you’re in IT support, business analysis, systems, networking, cybersecurity, or software delivery and you often coordinate tasks, meetings, and timelines, Project+ is a practical first PM credential that you can earn within a few weeks to a couple of months.

Who Should Pursue Project+ (and Who Shouldn’t)?

Project+ is a strong fit if you are:

• An IT professional who coordinates or leads small/medium initiatives (software rollouts, migrations, upgrades, refreshes).

• A new or aspiring project coordinator, junior PM, scrum master, business analyst, or team lead.

• Someone who wants a recognized credential without the time and paperwork of PMP.

It’s not the best first step if you:

• Already qualify for PMP and need a credential for senior PM roles.

• Work in a non-IT context where strict PMI alignment is required for your organization—there, CAPM may align better with PMBOK processes from day one.

Actionable takeaway:
If you see “Project Coordinator” or “IT Project Analyst” roles in your job search, Project+ gives you a fast, recognized signal that you can handle the fundamentals.

Exam Basics: Structure, Scoring, and What to Expect

You’ll sit one exam: CompTIA Project+ PK0-005.

Key facts:

• Format: Multiple-choice (single/multiple response) plus performance-based items.

• Questions: Up to 90.

• Time: 90 minutes.

• Passing score: 710/900.

• Languages: English, Japanese, Thai (always confirm current languages on the exam page).

Domains and Weights (What the Exam Measures)

• Project Management Concepts – 33%

• Project Lifecycle Phases – 30%

• Tools and Documentation – 19%

• Basics of IT and Governance – 18%

What “Performance-Based” Feels Like

Expect scenario-style items that ask you to apply PM fundamentals in IT contexts—for example, choosing a change control path or triaging a risk/issue scenario.

Actionable takeaway:
Build speed and confidence with timed practice and scenario questions. The exam is short—your pacing and decision-making matter as much as your memory.

What Changed in 2025? (Important!) Project+ Renewal Moves to CE

This is the year Project+ changed from Good-for-Life to CE (Continuing Education) for new earners.

• Before Oct 1, 2025: Project+ was lifetime for those who earned it.

• On/after Oct 1, 2025: New earners receive Project+ CE and must renew every 3 years.

• If you earned Project+ before Oct 1, 2025: Your lifetime credential remains valid; you may optionally join CE.

Renewal Requirements for Project+ CE

• 30 CEUs every 3 years (Continuing Education Units).

• US$150 total CE fee per 3-year cycle if you renew by CE activities.

• The CE fee can be waived if you renew by passing the newest Project+ exam or by earning a qualifying higher-level CompTIA certification.

Actionable takeaway:
If you’re earning Project+ now, plan to bank ~10 CEUs per year so you’re never scrambling at the end of the cycle—and budget the CE fee if you choose the CEU route.

How Much Does Project+ Cost in 2025?

Typical U.S. CompTIA Marketplace pricing:

• Exam voucher: ~US$390

• Voucher + retake (Take 2): ~US$737

Training resources (pricing varies by promotion/region):

• Official resources include CertMaster Learn, CertMaster Labs, CertMaster Practice, and the Official Study Guide.

Actionable takeaway:
If you’re cost-sensitive, start with the official exam objectives (free), a reputable study guide, and one good practice bank. Add CertMaster Learn and Labs if you want a structured path and hands-on tool practice.

What You’ll Learn: The Skills Behind the Domains

1. Project Management Concepts (33%)

You’ll master the basics: scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, communications, risks, and procurement. Expect Agile vs. Waterfall comparisons, change control, and stakeholder strategies.

2. Project Lifecycle Phases (30%)

From initiation to close, you’ll plan, execute, monitor/control, and wrap up projects. You’ll handle baselines, status meetings, variance analysis (e.g., schedule slippage), and lessons learned.

3. Tools and Documentation (19%)

Think WBS, Gantt, action logs, risk registers, RACI, status reports, and change requests—plus how to keep these artifacts current and useful.

4. Basics of IT and Governance (18%)

This is where Project+ differs from many other entry-level PM certs. You’ll be tested on IT change management, security considerations, regulatory impact, and the way IT organizations make decisions.

Actionable takeaway:
Don’t just memorize terms—practice choosing the right artifact or action for a scenario. For instance: “Stakeholders disagree on a requirement change two weeks before release—what’s the best next step?”

How to Study: A 6–8 Week Plan That Works

Week 1: Scope Your Gaps

• Download the official objectives and rate yourself against each bullet.

• Book your exam for 6–8 weeks out to create a deadline.

Weeks 2–3: Foundations + Quick Wins

• Learn the language of PM: scope, schedule, cost, risk, change, stakeholders.

• Practice short scenario drills (10–15 questions/day) to build decision speed.

Weeks 4–5: Scenarios + Artifacts

• Focus on the Tools and Documentation domain.

• Build or review sample risk registers, change request forms, and status reports.

• Do one timed half-length practice each week; analyze misses.

Week 6: Performance-Based Readiness

• Complete one full-length timed practice.

• Rehearse critical flows: change control, risk response, communication plans.

• Create a 1-page “exam day” sheet (key formulas, flows, definitions) for last-minute review.

Optional Weeks 7–8: Confidence and Polish

• Target stubborn weak spots; redo tricky PBQ-style items.

• Keep your study sessions short and frequent—consistency beats cramming.

Actionable takeaway:
Track your progress by domain. If one area stays <70% on practice, isolate it for daily, focused reps until it climbs.

Official Resources You Can Trust

• CompTIA Project+ certification page: exam format, objectives, languages, and updates.

• CompTIA “Your Questions Answered” for PK0-005: domain weights and content emphasis.

• CompTIA Store: vouchers, retake bundles, and official training materials.

Actionable takeaway:
Bookmark the main Project+ page and check it right before scheduling to confirm exam code, status, and languages.

Scheduling, Policies, and Retakes (Don’t Skip This)

Where to Test

You’ll test via Pearson VUE, either at a test center or through OnVUE online proctoring.

ID and Check-In

• You’ll need acceptable, unexpired ID that matches the name on your registration.

• For online exams, test your system ahead of time and prep your space.

Reschedule/Cancel

• In-person: follow Pearson VUE timing (generally at least 24 hours before).

• Online: changes are usually allowed up to the scheduled start time (policy language can change—verify before you book).

Retakes

• No waiting period between your 1st and 2nd attempts.

• 14-day wait before a 3rd attempt.

• Each attempt requires a new voucher unless you purchased a retake bundle.

Actionable takeaway:
If your budget allows, consider the voucher + retake bundle. It reduces stress and can save money if you need a second try.

Career Impact: Where Project+ Can Take You

Common roles:

• Project Coordinator

• IT Project Analyst

• Junior Project Manager

• Business Analyst

• Scrum Master (junior)

• Team Lead

What employers want:

Solid fundamentals (scope/schedule/cost/risk) plus the ability to keep stakeholders aligned and documentation tight. Project+ emphasizes these in IT contexts.

Market context:

• Demand for project management specialists is expected to grow steadily through the next decade.

• PMI’s global outlook points to ongoing demand for project talent and long-term growth in PM roles.

• Wages vary widely by location and industry; local labor statistics sites can give specific numbers for your region.

Actionable takeaway:
Use Project+ to land your first PM-adjacent role. After 12–24 months of experience, consider CAPM (if PMI alignment helps) or build toward PMP when you meet the experience requirements and want senior roles.

Project+ vs. CAPM vs. PMP: Which One Should You Choose?

CompTIA Project+

• Best for: IT professionals entering PM or managing smaller projects.

• Pros: Single exam, IT context, fast to earn.

• Cons: Not as recognized as PMP for senior roles.

• Renewal: 3-year cycle for new earners after Oct 1, 2025 (30 CEUs; US$150 CE fee if renewing via CEUs).

PMI CAPM

• Best for: Those who want early alignment with PMI/PMBOK frameworks; helpful if your org is PMI-centric.

• Pros: Recognized foundation for PMP path; strong process orientation.

• Cons: Less IT-specific; exam/renewal details and costs differ—verify on PMI’s site.

PMP

• Best for: Experienced PMs seeking mid/senior roles and higher pay.

• Pros: Highly recognized globally.

• Cons: Application process, experience requirements, higher exam cost.

• Salary context: Salary surveys consistently show PMP holders earning more on average.

Actionable takeaway:
If you’re early in your career and in IT, start with Project+ to prove fundamentals fast. Add CAPM if PMI alignment helps at work. Target PMP once you’ve built the required experience.

Real-World Project+ Scenarios (So You See It in Action)

• Email migration: A company migrates from on-prem email to Microsoft 365. You plan the schedule, coordinate cutovers, manage change requests, update the risk log for mail flow issues, and communicate to stakeholders weekly.

• Network upgrade: A network upgrade across three sites. You track hardware deliveries, manage vendor dependencies, schedule maintenance windows, and control scope creep when a site asks for extra access points.

• ERP module rollout: An ERP module rollout where you align IT and finance teams, manage test cycles, capture defects as issues with owners and due dates, and run a formal change request when the scope shifts.

CompTIA highlights that Project+ emphasizes documentation, stakeholder communication, and governance—skills hiring managers want to see in these situations. Practitioners often leverage Project+ to step into IT PM roles.

Actionable takeaway:
During your study, practice writing one sample artifact per week (e.g., a risk register or a change request). Bring these to interviews; concrete examples stand out.

Building Your CE Plan (For New Earners After Oct 1, 2025)

Your renewal target is 30 CEUs every 3 years. Common ways to earn CEUs:

• Approved training or higher-education courses.

• Webinars and conferences (CompTIA and others; verify CEU eligibility).

• Work experience that maps to the CE categories.

• Passing the latest version of the Project+ exam or earning a higher-level qualifying CompTIA cert (often waives CE fees).

Actionable takeaway:
Start a simple CE log on day one. Aim for ~1 CEU/month so you never face an end-cycle scramble, and note potential fee waivers if you renew by exam or higher-level cert.

Budgeting and Buying: Smart Ways to Save

• Watch for CompTIA promotions (Black Friday, Back-to-School) on vouchers and training bundles.

• Consider the voucher + retake option if you’re on a tight timeline; the second attempt can be cost-effective peace of mind.

• If your employer offers tuition assistance or professional development funds, ask if they’ll cover CompTIA vouchers and CE fees.

Actionable takeaway:
Price out your whole journey before you start: voucher, optional training, plus CE over 3 years. Then look for bundle discounts to cut the total.

A Simple Exam-Day Checklist

• Confirm your test time, location (or OnVUE link), and ID requirements 48 hours before.

• Bring valid IDs (names must match your registration exactly).

• If testing online: run the system test, prepare a quiet space, and keep your desk clear.

• Arrive/log in early; use the tutorial time to breathe and plan your pacing.

Actionable takeaway:
Decide your pacing rule before you start (for example, “no single question gets more than 75 seconds on the first pass”).

What Employers and the Community Say

Employers/economists:
Project roles exist across industries and continue to grow, with solid wage potential. Certifications help signal skills to hiring managers.

Practitioner community:
Many see Project+ as a practical way to formalize fundamentals in IT; it’s often paired with CAPM or followed by PMP as careers advance. Discussions in 2025 focused heavily on the change from lifetime to CE renewal (for those earning after Oct 1, 2025).

Actionable takeaway:
On your resume and LinkedIn, tie Project+ to outcomes—“Reduced deployment delays 20% by formalizing change control and risk reviews”—not just the credential name.

FAQs

Q1: Does CompTIA Project+ expire now?
A1: If you earned it on or after Oct 1, 2025, yes—Project+ is now a CE certification that renews every 3 years with 30 CEUs (US$150 CE fee if renewing via CE activities). Credentials earned before Oct 1, 2025 remain Good-for-Life.

Q2: How much does the Project+ exam cost?
A2: In the U.S., the Project+ voucher is around US$390, and a voucher + retake bundle is around US$737. Prices may vary by region and promotions.

Q3: How many questions are on the Project+ exam?
A3: You’ll see up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 710/900. The exam includes multiple-choice and performance-based items.

Q4: Can I take Project+ online?
A4: Yes. You can test via Pearson VUE at a test center or online (OnVUE). Review ID requirements, name matching, and reschedule rules before exam day.

Q5: What’s the retake policy?
A5: There is no waiting period between your first and second attempts, but you must wait 14 days before a third attempt. Each attempt needs its own voucher unless you purchased a retake bundle.

Conclusion

CompTIA Project+ gives you a fast, practical way to prove you can plan, execute, and close IT projects with confidence. It’s a single exam, it speaks the language of IT, and it sets you up for roles like project coordinator, IT project analyst, and junior PM. With the 2025 shift to CE renewal, you’ll need a light maintenance plan—bank a few CEUs each quarter and you’re set.

If you’re ready to level up, download the objectives, map your gaps, pick a 6–8 week study window, and book the exam. Your future team is waiting for someone who can turn chaos into clarity—let that be you.