cost of pmp certification

If you are in the project management profession, you may have considered becoming a PMP credential holder and may have wondered what the PMP test costs.

The PMP certification is the most popular, and the PMP certification cost is not cheap. Apart from the cost, you will need to spend a lot of time preparing for the exam.

In today’s blog post, I will provide complete information on the cost of the PMP certification process, the cost of re-attempting the PMP certification, the cost of PMP renewal, the cost of PMP training, cost of PMP books, etc., but first, let us understand the PMP certification.

What is PMP Certification?

PMP stands for “project management professional.” It is a credential for project-management professionals awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) USA. It is the most popular certification for experienced project management professionals. 

With this certification, professionals grow their careers and earn better salaries. According to this report, PMP credential holders earn more than 16% more salary than non-certified professionals.

To become a PMP, you must go through a process that requires you to attend a PMP training and study the PMBOK Guide and reference books. This ensures that your knowledge gaps are filled and you are a better project manager.

The PMP exam content outline teaches you waterfall, agile, and hybrid frameworks. Your knowledge of managing projects will be far ahead of your competitors.

PMP Certification Cost

Let’s talk about the cost of the PMP certification.

The first cost is the cost of the PMP Exam.

The primary cost of obtaining a PMP certification is the examination fees. The examination fee is different for PMI members and non-members. 

PMI members pay 405 USD for the exam, while non-members pay 555 USD.

Becoming a PMI member before registering for the exam can result in significant savings, which may make it a smart choice for you.

For the most updated PMP exam fee information, refer to the PMP handbook or visit the PMP exam fee link.

The PMI membership fee is 139 USD per year. So, if you become a PMI member and then apply for the PMP exam, you will pay 544 USD, resulting in a direct savings of 9 USD.

Also, you can download the PMBOK Guide for free.

You can try twice if you fail the PMP exam on your first attempt.

The reexamination fees are as follows:

  • For PMI Members: 275 USD
  • For Non-PMI Members: 375 USD

What is the PMP Certification Renewal Fee?

The PMP Certification is valid for three years; after three years, you need to renew the certification for another three years.

The PMP renewal costs are as follows:

  • PMI Members: 60 USD
  • Non-PMI Members: 150 USD

To renew the certificate, you will need to earn 60 PDUs and report to PMI before the expiry of your certification. This process is known as completing the CCR cycle. You must submit the PDUs within 90 days of your cycle and make the payment for certification renewal.

If you fail to do so, your certificate will be suspended for one year, and during this duration, you cannot use the “PMP” title but can revoke the suspension by submitting the PDUs and making the payment.

However, if you still do not complete the above CCR cycle, your credentials will expire, and to become a PMP, you must pass the PMP exam again.

After you complete the process, you will receive a confirmation email that your credential has been renewed, and you will receive your certificate within 4 to 8 weeks.

Please keep a record of your PDUs for at least 18 months, as the PMI reserves the right to audit your PDUs, and if they do so, you will need to show them proof of completing the PDUs.

Cost of PMP Certification Training

Attending 35 contact hours of PMP training is a requirement to apply for the PMP exam. The rate of PMP training varies based on several factors, such as the mode of training (e.g., physical classroom, online/virtual, etc.) and your location. For example, if you are in the US, the cost can vary from 1,000—5,000 USD, but if you are in India, the cost may vary from 200—1,000 USD.

Let’s discuss each option in brief.

Live Classroom Training Program

This is the traditional method of training. Here, you join a training institute to get the training. They fix the schedule and book a trainer. On the fixed schedule, you attend the class physically, the trainer teaches you the project management concepts, and you get your 35 contact hours certificate in three or four days.

This is the costliest method to get the required education. The price can vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the location, training provider, and individual trainer.

Online Training Courses

This is the most popular choice for a formal project-management education. You can join these courses from any location and complete them at your own pace. A few online programs give you one year of access, while others provide lifetime access to finish the course. These courses sometimes provide pre-recorded training material that you can download to your PC.

The cost of these courses varies from 100—1,000 USD.

If you are a working professional and want to complete the training at an affordable cost and self-paced, you can join the online course to complete your training.

If you have not completed your PMP training, you can join the following online training program to earn your contact hours:

PM Sprout PMP Training Program

Virtual Courses

In virtual courses, a trainer conducts the class virtually. You will need a PC or laptop with internet, microphone, and webcam. The trainer will conduct the sessions using webinar software, and you can participate in real-time.

This training is useful when the trainer is experienced and/or you cannot join their class physically. The cost of these PMP courses is higher than the online courses but cheaper than the classroom training.

These programs cost around 1,000 USD.

Hybrid Training

This is the combination of classroom, live virtual, and online methods. Here, the trainer can conduct part of the course live virtually, and the remaining can be done online or offline.

I used this option for my PMI-RMP training. The trainer sent me material through post, I finished reading, and in between, I had to send him the assignments as proof of my progress.

When I submitted the last assignment, I got my training completion certificate.

The cost of this training can vary from several hundred to thousand dollars.

The Cost of PMP Exam Preparation Books

I recommend you study at least three books during your PMP exam prep. The first should be the PMBOK Guide, and the other two can be reputable exam references. The cost of the two other books can be between 80—220 USD.

You can download the PMBOK Guide for free if you are a PMI member. Otherwise, you must pay around 60 USD. Many people use one reference and the PMBOK Guide, but I suggest two books to get different perspectives.

I have seen many professionals pass the exam without studying the PMBOK Guide; don’t do this. Although you may initially find the PMBOK Guide tedious, it becomes more enjoyable the more you understand it.

The Cost of PMP Exam Sample Questions

You have to answer 180 questions in 230 minutes. You must practice PMP exam sample questions to build stamina.

There are several reputable PMP exam simulators and practice-question providers. The cost of these simulators varies between 149 USD (PM-Exam Simulator) and 299 USD (Rita Fast Track).

These practice tests have over 2,000 sample questions. You can subscribe to any of them.

Other PMP Certification Costs

The other costs include optional materials for the PMP exam preparation, such as the PMP Formula Guide (5.99 USD) and the PMP Exam Preparation Tool (49.99 USD).

This part is optional, so I won’t add it to the PMP certification costs.

These calculations do not include travel, lodging, food, or other costs incurred by selecting a classroom training program outside your immediate area. You can avoid these costs easily by opting for online training programs.

The Total Cost for the PMP Certification

Let’s summarize the total cost of the PMP exam preparation.

ItemMinimum Cost (USD)Maximum Cost (UAD)
Training150> 1000
Books80220
Sample Practice Questions139299
Exam Fee405555
PMI Membership Fee130
Total Cost9132,074

So, if you want to become a PMP, then be ready to spend at least 913 USD.

How Useful is the PMP Certification?

The PMP certification is highly valuable for professionals in project management. According to a survey by the Project Management Institute (PMI), PMP-certified professionals earn, on average, 25% more than their non-certified counterparts in the USA. 

This certification is recognized globally and shows that you have demonstrated a standardized set of skills and knowledge essential for managing complex projects.

The PMP certification improves job prospects. A study by Anderson Economic Group found that organizations with over 1/3 of PMP-certified project managers completed projects with better success rates. PMP-certified professionals are equipped with a common language and framework, thus facilitating smoother team collaboration and communication.

PMP certification holders positively impact project outcomes. The same PMI survey reveals that projects managed by PMP-certified professionals have a higher success rate (76%, as compared to 54% for non-certified managers).

Passing the PMP exam is difficult; you must pass a computer-based test in a controlled environment. This test has 180 questions; you must solve them in 230 minutes.

The distribution of questions under each domain is as follows:

  1. People: 42%
  2. Process: 50%
  3. Business Environment: 8%

Key Benefits of the PMP Certification

The cost of attaining the PMP certification is high but worth it.

The key advantages of the PMP certification are as follows:

  • Filled Knowledge Gaps: You must go through many processes to pass the PMP certification. This will improve your project-management skills and fill your knowledge gaps. You will know the latest, best project management practices, tools, and techniques.
  • High Salary: According to many surveys, PMP credential holders earn 16—25% more than non-credential holders. So, if you have this certification, then you will earn more.
  • Better Job Prospects: If you search for project manager positions on job portals, you will notice that many companies have made PMP certification a requirement. Without this certification, you cannot apply for the job. So, this certification will help you get more interviews.

How Long Does it Take to Earn PMP Certification?

It depends on your education and experience. The details are as follows:

If you have a four-year college/university degree, you need 36 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years and 35 hours of project-management education/training or CAPM® certification.

or,

If you have a high school/secondary school diploma, you need 60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years and 35 hours of project-management education/training or CAPM® certification.

Training

This won’t take long. You can complete it within three to four days or at least one week.

Application Processing Time

This will take one to two weeks maximum. However, this process can stretch to three months if you are selected for a PMP audit. Ensure you provide PMI with the correct and required information. For example, if you must provide three years of experience, don’t provide more; otherwise, you will have to send them the documents for your previous work experience.

PMP Exam Preparation Time

The preparation time depends on your existing knowledge, the effort you can give daily, and your dedication. If you can dedicate two to three hours daily, two to three months is enough to pass the PMP exam.

I recommend you not stretch this duration more than four to six months as it may demoralize you, and you may lose interest in the credential.

Job and Salary Prospects for PMP Certification Holders

Job and salary prospects for PMP credentials in project management with different titles are as follows.

Job TitleAverage Salary (USD)Salary Range (USD)
Project Coordinator65,36124,000 – 175,000
Implementation Specialist80,54638,000 – 235,000
Project Manager96,04345,000 – 270,000
Senior Project Manager134,09584,000 – 265,000
Senior Business Analysts101,77860,000 – 188,000

Please note that the following factors can affect job and salary prospects:

  • Experience: Salaries increase significantly with experience, with senior roles commanding higher pay.
  • Education: A relevant degree or certification (e.g., PMP) can boost earning potential.
  • Location: Salaries can vary depending on the city, state, and cost of living.
  • Industry: Certain industries (e.g., tech, healthcare, and finance) typically offer higher salaries.
  • Company Size: Larger companies often pay more than smaller ones.

Sources

How Many Times Can I Take the Exam, and What is the Cost of Each Attempt?

You can attempt the PMP exam three times in one year from the day your eligibility starts. If you don’t pass the exam within three attempts, you must wait one year to apply for the PMP exam again.

The cost of each attempt for the PMP exam is as follows:

  1. First Attempt: PMI members pay 405 USD for the exam, while non-PMI members pay 555 USD.
  2. Second & Third Attempt: PMI members pay 275 USD for the exam, while non-PMI members pay 375 USD.

What is the PMP Exam Refund Policy?

The PMI PMP exam fee refund policy says:

“To obtain a refund for the PMP credential, you must request PMI at least 30 days before the exam eligibility expiration date. PMI will retain a processing fee of 100 USD if you have not yet scheduled or taken the examination. Also, you can receive a refund (less a 100 USD processing fee) if you fail to meet audit requirements. After the refund is processed, the application will be closed, and the eligibility period will no longer be valid. If a scheduled exam is canceled and rescheduled outside of 30 days from the date of purchase up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled testing date, there is a rescheduling fee applied. Within 48 hours of the scheduled testing date, all fees and the ability to reschedule are forfeit.”

Therefore, you will get your money back if you have not yet scheduled the exam and have over 30 days until your PMP exam eligibility expires. The PMI will deduct a 100 USD fee for processing costs.

If you did not show up or failed the exam, or your eligibility period has expired, you won’t get your money back. 

You will also get your money back (with a deduction of 100 USD) if you fail the audit.

You will not get your money back in the following cases:

  • Your eligibility period has passed, and you did not schedule the exam.
  • You scheduled the exam but did not attempt to take it, and no proper reason was provided.
  • You failed the PMP exam.

However, in the case of extenuating circumstances, you can receive a full refund.

Must I Pay to Reschedule or Cancel the PMP Exam?

You can reschedule your PMP certification exam appointment two days before the appointment. You must pay 70 USD to PMI to change your exam date 30 days before your scheduled time, but doing so within two days of the test date will forfeit your total exam fee.

You can reschedule the exam for free 30 days before the appointment date.

A similar rule applies to cancellation.

PMI will not charge you if you cancel the exam appointment 30 days before the scheduled date. However, they will charge you a 70 USD fee if you cancel within 30 days. 

The PMI will forfeit the full fee if you cancel within two days of the exam.

According to the PMI, you can reschedule or cancel your exam at any time if you do so more than two full calendar days before your exam appointment. However, you will be charged a 70 USD fee if you reschedule or cancel within 30 days. If you wait until you are within two days of your exam appointment, then you cannot reschedule or cancel your exam, and you must forfeit the total exam fee.

Extenuating Circumstances: You can reschedule or cancel the PMP exam within 30 days if you cannot attend the exam. You must cancel or reschedule due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., a medical emergency, natural disaster, or death in the family). You must contact PMI customer care with supporting documents, and they will decide on a case-by-case basis.

FAQ

Q1: Are there any additional costs (besides the PMP exam fee)?

There may be additional costs (e.g., PMI membership fees, study materials, and training courses). PMI membership costs 129 USD annually and offers discounted exam fees and access to various resources.

Q2: Can I self-study to reduce costs?

Yes, you can. However, ensuring access to quality study materials, practice exams, and a comprehensive understanding of the PMBOK guide is vital. Consider the cost of study resources when evaluating the expense.

Q3: Is financial assistance available for PMP certification?

PMI provides the PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF) scholarships for project management students and professionals. Additionally, some employers may offer reimbursement for certification costs. Check with your employer and explore available scholarships.

Q4:  Are there any hidden costs in the PMP certification process?

Be mindful of hidden costs, such as rescheduling fees, reexamination fees, and the cost of maintaining PMI membership. Carefully review PMI’s official documentation for a transparent understanding of all potential expenses.

Q5. How can I estimate the total cost of obtaining PMP certification?

To estimate the total cost, consider exam fees, PMI membership, training course costs, study materials, and any additional resources you may need. Creating a budget beforehand will help you plan for the investment required.

Summary

The PMP certification is not cheap, but it is worthwhile. The calculations given here are for you to make an informed decision. The PMP certification cost depends on many factors, including your personal preference. The costs and policies can change; therefore, you must always refer to the official PMI website and the PMP handbook for the most accurate, updated information.

Fahad Usmani, PMP

I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.