Most working professionals have the same concern while pursuing the PMP – which course should I take? What will be the best use of my time and resources? And, we’re here to answer that!
For the purpose of this blog, I’ll assume you work a standard 40 hours from Monday through Friday. Since you work 40 hours a week and don’t have time to waste, the key factor is efficiency—not just cost.
There are generally two types of courses aspirants are confused with – 1. A self paced course & 2. Instructor-led course (Online/Offline).
In a gist, the biggest risk with a self-paced course is procrastination and poor retention. Meanwhile, the biggest risk with classroom training is cost and scheduling inflexibility.
In this article, I’ll mention which option would work best for professionals like you – who want to upskill but don’t have time to waste!
What is a PMP course?
I know you are aware of the PMP certification. But the PMP course aspect might swirl a little confusion among people new to it all. So, I’ll just quickly clear the air.
For the PMP exam, you need to record 35 hours of project management learning in your application. You can do so by submitting the certificate offered by your training provider for PMP.
Enrolling in a PMP course is not just a formality though. It helps cover all the different domains of the syllabus, the practices in it, and the like. The exam fees for PMP are placed at $405 minimum – you wouldn’t want that to go down the drain, would you?
Hence, bottom line – PMP Certification course = Important.
What is a Self-paced Course?
A self paced PMP course is where you’d be watching recorded sessions. You can adjust the pacing of the session – slow it down, speed it up, or skip a few lessons, rewatch it, and learn whenever you like. It’s convenient, simple, and usually cheaper than other courses with live interactions.
There are quite a few such courses available online. One is even offered by PMI itself – to log the 35 hours. However, PMP candidates tend to go for other Authorized partners for the course due to the availability of extra guidance and tips and tricks.
What is an Instructor-led Course?
As the name suggests, here you have an Instructor teaching you the concepts in present time. You can interact with them, ask doubts, and even interact with other batch mates.
There are two types of Instructor-led PMP Courses:
- Online – Virtual Live Courses
- Offline – In person Classroom courses
So, should you go self-paced or instructor-led?
Go for self-paced if:
- You can stay disciplined and complete the course in a set timeframe.
- You supplement it with structured practice (mock tests, study groups).
- You choose a high-quality course with a strong discussion forum or support system.
- You need a budget-friendly option but are willing to put in the effort.
Avoid self-paced if:
- You struggle with focus and need external motivation.
- You tend to start courses and not finish them.
- You retain information better when discussing it in real-time.
Go for instructor-led if:
- You absorb concepts better through discussion and real-life examples.
- You need accountability and motivation to stay on track.
- The extra cost is worth saving time and ensuring deeper understanding.
Advice (based on your situation)
- If money is a concern → Try a self-paced course, but be disciplined about your study schedule.
- If time is more important than cost → Classroom training is better since it forces engagement.
- Middle-ground option → Enroll in a structured self-paced course (e.g., from Udemy) and join a PMP study group for accountability.
Wait, what if there’s an option of Offline Instructor led training – that is on Weekends?
Since the offline course is on weekends, that removes the biggest drawback of classroom training—schedule conflicts. Now, the real question is:
➡ Is the extra cost worth the engagement and retention boost?➡ Can you commit to weekend sessions without burnout?
Key Considerations for You
- Time Investment vs. Retention
- If you struggle with absorbing content from self-paced courses, you might waste more time rewatching videos and self-studying.
- Classroom training, even though it’s longer, could save time overall because you grasp concepts faster through discussion.
- Burnout Risk
- If your weekdays are exhausting, spending weekends in an intensive class could feel overwhelming.
- However, if you’re okay with a structured weekend schedule, this might actually help you stay on track.
- Cost vs. Effectiveness
- If the price difference isn’t painfully high, consider the value of faster learning and interaction.
- If the cost is a huge concern, a structured self-paced course plus a PMP study group could be a compromise.
My Recommendation Based on Your Situation
If you retain information better with interaction, don’t want to risk self-paced procrastination, and the cost is manageable, go for the weekend classroom training. It’s engaging and keeps you accountable— without affecting your work hours.
But if you prefer learning at your own pace and stick to a schedule by yourself, then a self-paced course would work just as well for you.
I hope this helps!
