The PMP exam is one of the most challenging certifications in the project management field. With a 40% overall fail rate and a 230-minute test staring you down, picking the right prep course makes all the difference.
If you’ve started researching study options, you’ve probably heard of two big names: Brain Sensei and PM PrepCast.
But which one suits your budget, schedule, and learning preferences the most?
In this comparison, I’ll break down their cost, study materials, and features to help you prepare to decide which of these PMP exam prep courses is best for you.
Brain Sensei vs. PM Prepcast Course Comparison
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Live Instruction |  | |
| Money-Back Guarantee |  | |
| Practice Exams | | |
| Study Materials | Videos, Flashcards, Notes | Videos, Workbook |
| Student Support | Email, Chat, Private Facebook Community | Online Forum, Live Feedback |
| Access Period | 12 Months | 90 Days |
| Refund Policy | 30-Day (Varies by Course) | 30-Day |
| Pricing | $499 | $279-$389 |
| Discounts | Save $150 | Save 25% |
| Learn More | Get Started | Get Started |
Choosing Your PMP Prep Course
- Choose Brain Sensei if you want an interactive learning platform. With engaging and memorable cartoon-style lessons, Brain Sensei makes project management concepts easier to remember.
- Choose Brain Sensei if you need long-term access. Brain Sensei gives you 12 months to study and take mock exams, while PM PrepCast has a 90-day limit.
- Choose Brain Sensei if passing on the first try matters to you. Brain Sensei has a 99.6% first-try pass rate and a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t—no questions asked.
- Choose PM PrepCast if you prefer a traditional study system. PM Prepcast courses include 50+ hours of video instruction, quizzes, and a detailed workbook for conventional professionals.
- Choose PM PrepCast if you’re on a budget. PM PrepCast’s Basic training course costs $279, while Brain Sensei’s is $499—or $349 when on sale.
Overview: Brain Sensei vs PM PrepCast
Brain Sensei and PM PrepCast are leading resources for PMP exam prep, but they’re fundamentally different from each other.
Brain Sensei PMP Review: Thinking Outside the Box
John Estrella and Chris Stafford, who have over 20 years of experience in project management, developed Brain Sensei’s narrative teaching method after they observed that cookie-cutter PMP exam courses were too tedious.
Their tagline, “eLearning with a punch” is what they’ve achieved by creating the Brain Sensei courses. (Because who said exam prep can’t be an adventure?) Using storytelling, which is proven to be more effective, they created an online learning system that makes studying immersive.
The result?
Students who don’t just memorize but understand, apply, and ace the exam with confidence.
Key Features of Brain Sensei
- Flexible, Self-Paced Learning: Study anytime with 24/7 access and no deadlines to learn at your own speed—without the stress.
- 99.6% First-Time Pass Rate: Brain Sensei has an impressively high pass rate, showing that its extremely unique teaching style works for students.
- 1,500+ Realistic Exam Questions: The course includes a thorough exam simulator with questions that mimic what you’ll see on the actual PMP exam.
- Targeted Performance Analytics: Detailed reports identify your weak areas, guiding your focus toward opportunities for improvement.
One student left the following review: “I love how Brain Sensei appeals to multiple learning styles. I was able to utilize the slides and transpose them into my own notes, watch the videos to stay engaged, and then participate in the small quizzes at the end of each section without feeling overwhelmed.”
Brain Sensei
PM PrepCast: Tried-and-True
PM PrepCast follows a straightforward educational experience. As the world’s most popular PMP training course, it uses traditional best practices to help students master the material. On the market since 2006—long before Brain Sensei—it’s helped over 62,000 project managers prepare for the PMP exam.
Cornelius Fichtner, a project management expert with 20 years of experience, developed PM PrepCast. He believes this course suits students who prefer a classic study method. However, Fichtner wants us to know that PM PrepCast isn’t a snooze-fest.
He notes, “Students often comment how I’m able to make a dry subject like PM theory come alive. I’m able to motivate, excite, and inspire them, so they keep going on the road to passing their exam. I’m able to put myself into the shoes of our students and see our products from their perspective.”
PM PrepCast
The result?
A time-tested learning approach that sticks to the fundamentals without being completely drudging.
Key Features of PM Prepcast
- 35+ Hours of Video Lessons: PM PrepCast provides over 100 in-depth video lessons that cover topics not taught in regular project management classes.
- Learning Management System (LMS) Access: Track your progress through its LMS and refresh your knowledge whenever you want. You can also revisit past lessons or create new ones featuring over 2,280 practice questions.
- Agile & Hybrid Topics: Given the heavy focus on Agile and Hybrid project management in the PMP exam, PM PrepCast covers these topics through 25 lessons.
A student says: “I evaluated three exam simulators and determined PrepCast to be the best for me because of its thorough explanation of not only why answers are correct, but why the others are not. Also, its questions filtering showed me exactly where to focus my learning.”
Comparing Study Materials
The variety and quality of study materials are two of the most important test prep components. Here’s how Brain Sensei and PM PrepCast stack up:
Brain Sensei
- Video Lessons: Unique cartoon-based lessons for a fun, narrative-driven approach that keeps you engaged. Imagine learning in feudal Japan!
- Practice Exams & Quizzes: Practice questions, quizzes, and mock exams that help prepare you for the actual exam.
- Study Notes: Easily accessible course notes summarizing key concepts, so you can quickly review important material, even on mobile.
- Real-Time Progress Tracking: Track your progress and focus on project management professional (PMP) areas that need a little TLC.
PM PrepCast
- Written Materials: A detailed workbook that covers all the exam objectives with in-depth explanations and examples.
- Video Lectures: Over 50 hours of video content, breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand lessons.
- Practice Exams: Exam simulators designed to mirror the PMP and CAPM exams, giving you a feel for the real test.
- Study Notes: Downloadable study guides and notes to help you review on the go.
- Webinars & Additional Resources: Free access to webinars and other resources like interviews and forums to complement your study materials.
The Winner: Brain Sensei 🏆
Both have tons of practice questions and resources, so you really can’t go wrong. However, Brain Sensei’s animated content and progress tracking make it a strong choice for visual learners, while PM PrepCast offers in-depth video instruction with a structured learning system.
Tech and Videos
Brain Sensei and PM PrepCast prioritize user-friendly learning with tech that compliments their platform, but who does it better?
Brain Sensei
- Tech-Forward Platform: A smooth, intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate through lessons, quizzes, and exams.
- Mobile-Friendly: You can access this course on your mobile device, though you’ll need an internet connection to use it.
PM PrepCast
- Offline Access: Videos and study materials are downloadable, allowing you to study anywhere, even without an internet connection.
- Play Speed Options: Adjust video speed to match your personal learning pace, making sure you get the most of every lesson.
The Winner: PM Prepcast🏆
PM PrepCast takes the win here due to its offline access, which is incredibly convenient to students on the go. The option to adjust video speed is also convenient, as some prefer to up the tempo of (or slow down) their lessons.
Access Period and Pricing
Brain Sensei and PM PrepCast offer flexible pricing and access options based on different needs and budgets. Here’s how they compare:
Brain Sensei
- Pricing: Pricing for the PMP course is $349 on sale.
- Access Period: 12-month access, so you have plenty of time to complete the course at your own pace.
- Refund Policy: Offers a 100% refund policy if you’re not satisfied with the course or if you don’t pass your exam.
PM PrepCast
- Pricing: The Basic package is $279, Elite is $349, and Elite PLUS is $389.
- Access Period: 90-day access period to complete the course.
- Refund Policy: If you haven’t already generated your 35-contact hour certificate, you can request a full refund within the first 30 days.
The Winner: Brain Sensei 🏆
While Brain Sensei is pricier, the rich learning materials and immersive experience it provides are well worth the investment. Plus, you get a full year of access to the course and a Facebook community to collaborate with peers and instructors. If you have a lot of questions and a limited schedule, Brain Sensei has you covered.
Support and Access
Let’s face it: exam prep can feel isolating. Both Brain Sensei and PM PrepCast are passionate about strong student support, though the ways they provide assistance are different. Here’s how each platform stands out:
Brain Sensei
- Email and Chat Support: Offers email-based customer support and a live chat. Cue the elevator music–no waiting 20 minutes on the phone to talk to someone.
- Facebook Community: Be a part of an active, private Facebook study group to ask questions and get to know your instructors and peers.
PM PrepCast
- Around-the-Clock Support Channels: Provides 24/7 email support to students so help is always available whenever needed.
- Community Forum: PM PrepCast also has an active forum where students can interact with instructors and peers, ask questions, and exchange tips.
The Winner: Brain Sensei 🏆
Brain Sensei offers strong community engagement through its private Facebook group, while PM PrepCast provides 24/7 support and an active student forum. The best option depends on whether you prefer real-time peer interaction or structured instructor responses.
Course Discounts
What if I told you that you could get the same course for less? Save $150 on Brain Sensei. Save 25% on PM Prepcast if that is the course you prefer.
Course Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Live Instruction | | |
| Money-Back Guarantee | | |
| Practice Exams | | |
| Study Materials | Videos, Flashcards, Notes | Videos, Workbook |
| Student Support | Email, Chat, Private Facebook Community | Online Forum, Live Feedback |
| Access Period | 12 Months | 90 Days |
| Refund Policy | 30-Day (Varies by Course) | 30-Day |
| Pricing | $499 | $279-$389 |
| Discounts | Save $150 | Save 25% |
| Learn More | Get Started | Get Started |
Final Verdict: Brain Sensei vs PM Prepcast
Both courses offer strong PMP preparation, but Brain Sensei stands out for its interactive approach, while PM PrepCast excels in comprehensive content and affordability.
If you’re a visual learner or prefer a more engaging, narrative-based experience, Brain Sensei’s animated lessons and flexible study format may be the better fit.
On the other hand, if you value a traditional, content-rich structure with extensive practice questions and the ability to study offline, PM PrepCast offers excellent value—especially for budget-conscious learners.
Ultimately, your ideal course depends on your learning style, schedule, and study preferences. Both are reputable options with proven results.
FAQ
Brain Sensei is better for visual learners because it uses animated storytelling to explain concepts in an engaging way. PM PrepCast relies on traditional video lectures and a workbook, which may suit learners who prefer a structured, text-based approach.
Brain Sensei offers 1,500+ PMP-style questions with performance analytics to track progress. PM PrepCast provides 2,280+ exam simulator questions with detailed explanations, making it ideal for those who want extensive test practice.
Yes, both courses satisfy the 35-contact-hour requirement for PMP certification. However, PM PrepCast requires you to complete all lessons and quizzes before issuing the certificate, while Brain Sensei includes it automatically.
Brain Sensei provides 12 months of access, while PM PrepCast’s standard plan only offers 90 days (with longer access available in higher-tier plans). If you need more study time, Brain Sensei is the better choice.
Brain Sensei offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t pass the PMP exam. PM PrepCast provides refunds within 30 days, but only if you haven’t generated your 35-contact-hour certificate yet.
