Are you planning to earn the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential soon? If so, you should know the updated PMP exam fee before you hit “submit.” The PMP exam cost varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or not, and changes are coming in 2026.
This blog post guide breaks down current fees, shows why PMI membership can save you money, and explains how new exam rules will affect your budget. It also helps you plan for retakes and other expenses. As a result, you can avoid surprises and focus on passing the exam.
Key Takeaway
- Current exam fees: PMI members pay about USD 405 to take the exam and non-members pay about USD 655. This fee is per attempt.
- Membership saves money: PMI membership costs USD 139 plus a USD 10 one-time application fee and USD 30 for a local chapter. Members also receive a free digital copy of the PMBOK guide and a discount on the exam fee.
- 2026 fee increase: Starting August 2026, PMP exam fees will rise. Member fees will increase to USD 445, and non-member fees will remain about USD 675.
- Extra costs: Retaking the exam costs about USD 275 for members and USD 375 for non-members, so it pays to prepare well the first time.
- New exam format: The PMP exam will add new domains and topics, such as AI and sustainability, in July 2026. Schedule your exam accordingly.
What is the PMP Exam Fee?
The PMP exam fee is what you pay to sit for the certification test. It is not the total cost of becoming certified. Training courses, study materials, and post-certification maintenance will add to your overall budget. The price you pay depends on whether you are a PMI member.
Members pay less because they support the organization through annual dues. Non-members pay the full rate. According to an analysis by the Persimmon Group, the member exam fee in 2025-2026 is about USD 405, while the non-member fee is about USD 655. These figures are current until the planned price change in mid 2026.
| Year | Member fee (USD) | Non-member fee (USD) |
| 2025 | 405 | 655 |
| 2026* | 445 | 675 |
*Planned for August 2026.
These fees cover one attempt. PMI will charge a re-examination fee if you need to retake the test. Taxes may apply in some countries.
PMI Membership Cost and Why It Matters
Joining PMI is optional, but it affects how much you pay for the PMP exam. The PMI Pikes Peak Chapter lists the cost of an individual membership as USD 139 to join, plus a one-time USD 10 application fee and USD 139 to renew. Many local chapters also charge about USD 30 per year. Student and retiree rates are lower.
The main reason to join is the exam discount: you save about USD 250 on your first attempt (USD 655 minus USD 405). Members also get a free digital copy of the PMBOK guide and the Agile Practice Guide, access to webinars, and discounts on professional development units (PDUs). These benefits can outweigh the cost if you plan to remain in the profession.
If you join PMI after paying the non-member exam rate, you won’t receive a refund for the price difference. To maximize your savings, purchase a membership before you pay the exam fee.
Budgeting for Retakes and Other Costs
Passing the PMP exam on the first try saves both time and money. If you need to retake the exam, PMI charges a reduced fee. Current retake fees are about USD 275 for members and USD 375 for non-members. These fees may increase after 2026. You may attempt the exam up to three times within your one-year eligibility period. After that, you must reapply and pay the full exam fee again.
Other expenses to consider include training courses, practice exams, and study materials. Prices for online courses can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Many candidates use the PMP Question Bank and PMP Training Program to practice at a lower cost. Investing in quality preparation materials can reduce the need for multiple attempts.
How to Schedule and Pay for Your PMP Exam
- Join PMI (optional but recommended): If you decide to become a member, complete the membership application and pay the fee before submitting your exam application.
- Submit your application: Log in to PMI’s online certification portal and provide details about your education and project management experience. PMI will review your application. If selected for an audit, you must provide documentation.
- Pay the exam fee: Once your application is approved, PMI will invite you to pay the exam fee. Use a credit card to pay the member or non-member rate.
- Schedule your test: PMI will send you to the Pearson VUE scheduling system. You can choose an in-person test center or an online proctored exam. According to the Persimmon Group, you can schedule the exam up to one year from the date of your application. Tests are offered daily, but prime slots fill up quickly.
- Prepare and sit for the exam: Allow enough time for study before your test date. Many candidates schedule their exam within 45 days of completing a prep course to keep the material fresh.
You may reschedule or cancel your test, but PMI charges a fee for changes made within 30 days of the exam date. Review PMI’s rescheduling policy to avoid extra costs.
FAQs
Q1. What are the PMP exam fees for members and non-members?
Members pay about USD 405 and non-members pay about USD 655 for the PMP exam. These prices apply through mid-2026.
Q2. How much will the exam cost in 2026?
Starting in August 2026, PMI plans to raise exam fees to about USD 445 for members and USD 675 for non-members.
Q3. What does PMI membership cost and is it worth it?
A standard PMI membership costs USD 139 plus a USD 10 one-time application fee and about USD 30 for a local chapter. Membership saves you about USD 250 on the exam and gives access to valuable resources.
Q4. How many times can I retake the PMP exam?
You may take the exam up to three times within a one-year eligibility period. Each retake costs about USD 275 for members and USD 375 for non-members.
Q5. Is the exam fee refundable?
PMI does not issue refunds after you schedule your exam. However, you can reschedule or cancel with minimal fees if you do so at least 30 days before your test date.
Summary
Understanding the PMP exam fee helps you plan for certification without unexpected costs. Membership in PMI reduces the exam price and provides access to study materials, while new exam topics in 2026 will require more preparation. Decide whether to take the exam before the fee increase or wait for the new format based on your goals and study timeline. With good planning, a realistic budget, and focused study, you can earn your PMP credential and advance your project management career.
Reference:
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.
