2026 PMP CEF Application Guide: Process, Eligibility & Document Checklist (Claim Up to HK$25,000)

For many ambitious professionals in Hong Kong, the biggest hurdle to obtaining the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification isn't the difficulty of the exam—it's the price tag. When you combine the training course fees with the official exam registration (approx. HK$4,000 - $5,000), the total investment can easily approach HK$20,000.

But what if you only had to pay roughly 20% of that cost, with the Hong Kong Government footing the rest of the bill? This is the power of the Continuing Education Fund (CEF). With the subsidy ceiling raised to HK$25,000, 2026 is arguably the best time in history to leverage public funds for your career advancement.

In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify the application process, help you calculate the actual pmp course hong kong cef price (your out-of-pocket expense), and highlight the critical "pass criteria" to ensure your application is approved without a hitch.

Eligibility & Requirements: The "Golden Rules" to Get Paid

A common misconception is that simply "enrolling" in a CEF-reimbursable course guarantees the money. This is incorrect. The CEF office (OCEF) is strict. To successfully claim your reimbursement for pmp cef courses, you must satisfy two non-negotiable conditions during your study period:

1. Attendance Rate Must Be 70% or Higher

The government does not subsidize skipping classes. KORNERSTONE, as your training provider, is required to submit accurate attendance records to the authorities. If your course consists of 10 sessions, you must attend at least 7. If you miss one too many classes, your eligibility is instantly voided, regardless of your exam results.

2. Pass the Internal Course Assessment

This is the most confusing part for many students. To claim CEF, you must pass the training institution's internal assessment, not necessarily the external PMI official exam immediately (though passing the PMP exam is the ultimate goal!).

For KORNERSTONE's CEF-approved course (Foundation Certificate in Project Practices, Course Code: 33C159589), you are required to pass our graduation test. Once you achieve the passing grade, you will be issued a "Certificate of Completion," which is the golden ticket required for your CEF application.

Note: Applicants must be Hong Kong residents aged between 18 and 70 (i.e., before reaching the age of 71) at the time of application submission.

How to Calculate Your Subsidy? (2026 Calculation Example)

The CEF calculation formula can be tricky because it operates on a "Two-Tier" system. Here is the breakdown of how the maximum HK$25,000 subsidy works:

• The First HK$10,000: You pay 20%; The Government pays 80%.
• The Remaining HK$15,000: You pay 40%; The Government pays 60%.

Real-World Example: How much do you actually pay?

Let's assume you enroll in a pmp course hong kong cef approved program with a tuition fee of HK$18,000, and you have not used any CEF funds previously (i.e., your account balance is full at $25,000):

Calculation Tier	Tuition Breakdown	Subsidy Rate	Government Pays (Reimbursement)	You Pay (Cost)
Tier 1	First $10,000	80%	$8,000	$2,000
Tier 2	Remaining $8,000	60%	$4,800	$3,200
TOTAL	$18,000	-	$12,800 (Subsidy)	$5,200 (Net Cost)

The Verdict: For a course originally priced at HK$18,000, your actual cost is only HK$5,200. You are effectively saving over 70% on your professional development!

Want to check the exact pricing for KORNERSTONE's upcoming intake? Click here to view the latest fee schedule.

Step-by-Step Application Process (SFO 313 Form)

The bureaucratic process can be daunting, but if you follow this timeline, you will receive your reimbursement without issues:

Step 1: Enrollment & Payment

Register for KORNERSTONE's CEF-approved PMP course. Important: You must settle the full tuition fee upfront. Keep your Official Receipt safe; you cannot claim the money without the original copy.

Step 2: Study & Graduate

Attend your classes (maintain >70% attendance) and pass the internal course assessment. Upon completion, KORNERSTONE will issue you a "Proof of Completion of Course" and stamp your application form.

Step 3: Fill Out Form SFO 313

You must submit your application within one year of successfully completing the course.

• Download the SFO 313 Form from the government website.
• Fill in your personal details and the correct Course Code (KORNERSTONE PMP Code: 33C159589).
• Crucial Step: Ensure the "Institution Certification" section of the form is signed and stamped by KORNERSTONE (we usually arrange this during the final class).

Step 4: Submission & Payment

Submit the form along with copies of the following documents to the OCEF (via post or drop-in box):

1. Copy of your Hong Kong Smart ID Card.
2. Copy of the front page of your bank passbook or statement (showing your name and account number for the transfer).
3. Original Tuition Fee Receipt.
4. Copy of the Proof of Completion (Certificate).

Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks. Once approved, the funds will be deposited directly into your bank account.

Worried About Paperwork Errors? Let Us Help.

Government forms are notorious for being rejected due to minor errors—a wrong course code or a missing signature can delay your money for months. At KORNERSTONE, we understand that your time is valuable.

All students enrolled in our PMP program have access to our Complimentary CEF Consultation Service. Our course consultants will guide you through the SFO 313 form, verify your documents, and calculate your exact reimbursement amount to ensure a 100% success rate.

Unsure how much CEF balance you have left? Or want to verify your eligibility?
Contact us via WhatsApp for a quick calculation.

👉 Click to WhatsApp Us (Free Subsidy Calculation)