Would you like to certify yourself as a Project Management Professional (PMP)? Among the most esteemed certification in the field of project management is the PMP one. It can enable you to advance yourself, land better employment, and increase your income. One crucial fact, nevertheless, should be known before you begin preparing for the exam is its price.
This guide will show you how much the whole thing costs, including the PMP Exam Fee, study tools, and any other costs you might not know about. Let’s break the numbers down so you can make a budget.
What is the PMP Certification?
Let’s quickly go over what the PMP certification is before we get to the costs. Professionals who want to show how good they are at handling projects can get this credential from the Project Management Institute (PMI). To become certified, you’ll have to pass a tough test that checks how much you know about project management principles, methods, and best practices.
PMI Membership: Is It Worth It?
Being a PMI member is something you can do before you even sign up for the exam. One of the perks of this membership is a discount on the PMP test fee.
PMI Membership Fees:
- Annual membership: $129
- One-time application fee: $10
That means you’ll pay $139 for the first year of. But why should you try to join? Let’s take a look at the benefits
Benefits of PMI Membership:
- Lowered cost of the PMP test (we’ll talk more about this next section)
- The PMBOK Guide is the official study guide for the PMP test. You can get a free digital copy now.
- Access to PMI’s online resources and communities
- Networking opportunities with other project management professional
PMP Exam Fees: How Much Does It Cost?
The PMP Exam Fee changes based on whether you are a PMI member or not. This is how it breaks down:
For PMI Members:
- PMP Exam fee: $405
For Non-Members:
- PMP Exam fee: $555
That’s a $150 change! If you want to take the PMP exam, the $139 membership fee might be worth it because you’ll save $11 in total and get more study materials..
Upcoming Fee Changes in 2025
The fees for PMI exams are going up as of August 6, 2025. This is how the new prices will look:
- Non-Members: $595 to $675 (depending on location)
- Members: Slight increase, but still cheaper than the non-member fee
Other Costs to Consider
You have other costs to think about besides the PMP Exam Fee. Let’s understand this
1. Study Materials
- PMBOK Guide: Free for PMI members; around $50 for non-members.
- PMP prep books: $40 – $100
- Online study courses: $500 – $2,000
- Practice exams and mock tests: Free to $200
You can get by with just the PMBOK Guide and some free online tools if you want to learn on your own. You might want to buy online classes or boot camps, though, if you like learning in a structured way.
2. Exam Rescheduling Fees
In the 30 days before your test, PMI will charge you a fee if you need to change the date of your exam. Prices range from $70 to $150, but the closer you get to your test, the more you can expect to pay.
3. Retake Fees
Not able to pass the first time? You will have to pay to take the test again.
- PMI Members: $275 per retake
- Non-Members: $375 per retake
You can take the exam three times in a year, so if you fail the first time, you’ll have to pay again.
Cost of Maintaining Your PMP Certification
That’s right, you’ll have to update your PMP every three years. The renewal PMP exam fees aren’t free, but they’re not too bad when you compare them to the cost of the first test.
Renewal Fees:
- PMI Members: $60
- Non-Members: $150
To keep your license, you must also earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years. There are some PDUs that are free, but if you take paid classes, you might spend an extra $100 to $500.
How to Save Money on the PMP Exam
Want to cut down on costs on PMP Exam Fee? Here are a few tips:
- If you join PMI, you can get free study tools and a discount on the test.
- There are many free study groups, online boards, and practice tests you can use.
- Check with your boss to see if they will pay for or repay you for the test..
- Do well on the test so you don’t have to pay to take it again!
Getting the PMP certification is good for your job and won’t cost a lot of money. If you think things through and choose wisely, you can save money on PMP Exam Fee and improve your chances of passing the first time.
Is it worth the money to get the PMP certification? Of course! Just be smart about your spending and use all the tools you can find to make the trip go as smoothly (and cheaply) as possible..
Best of luck on your way to becoming a PMP!