The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a globally recognized credential for project managers. However, the process involves significant time and financial investment. A common question among aspirants is: Do I need to become a PMI member before signing up for the PMP exam?
The short answer is no, but becoming one can save you money and give you valuable benefits.
In this post, I will explain to you how PMI membership affects your PMP exam cost, what savings you can expect, and why joining before applying can be a smart move.
Key Takeaways
1. PMI Membership Is Optional but Valuable
- You don’t need a PMI membership to apply for the PMP exam.
- However, joining before applying can save money and add long-term career benefits.
2. Clear Cost Savings for Members
- PMP Exam Fee (Non-Member): USD 655
- PMP Exam Fee (Member): USD 405
- PMI Membership Fee: USD 149 (includes a USD 10 application fee)
- PMBOK Guide (7th Edition): Free for members, USD 65 for non-members
- Total Savings: USD 166
Example:
- Without membership ? USD 720 total cost
- With membership ? USD 554 total cost
3. Career Growth and Learning Opportunities
- PMI’s 2024 survey shows 82% of members feel more connected to the project management community.
- Members gain access to career tools and industry insights on agile and hybrid methodologies.
- Ideal for professionals seeking career advancement or transitioning roles.
PMP Exam Cost Comparison: Member Vs Non-Member
PMI membership provides a direct cost advantage when registering for the PMP exam. Below is an updated cost comparison for 2025-26, based on PMI’s official pricing (source: PMI.org):
- PMP Exam Cost for Non-Members: $655 USD
- PMP Exam Cost for PMI Members: $405 USD
- Difference: $655 – $405 = $250 USD
- PMI Membership Cost: $149 USD (including a $10 application fee, as of 2025)
- Net Savings: $250 – $149 = $101 USD
By joining PMI, you save $101 on the exam fee alone. Additionally, membership includes a free digital copy of the PMBOK Guide (7th Edition), valued at $65 USD (for the printed version). This brings total savings to:
- Total Monetary Savings: $101 + $65 = $166 USD
Cost Comparison Table
| Item | Non-Member Cost | Member Cost | Savings |
| PMP Exam Fee | $655 | $405 | $250 |
| PMI Membership | – | $149 | – |
| PMBOK Guide (7th Ed.) | $65 | Free | $65 |
| Total | $720 | $554 | $166 |
So, even after paying for the membership, you end up paying less for the exam.
Other PMI Membership Benefits
When you join PMI, you gain more than just savings.
Here are some perks:
- Access to PMI’s global community and local chapters.
- Free resources, webinars, and tools to support your exam preparation.
- Networking opportunities with certified PMPs and project managers worldwide.
- Member-only discounts on renewals, training, and certifications.
Is it Necessary to Become a PMI Member for the PMP Exam?
No, PMI membership is not required to take the PMP exam. But I highly recommend you join it.
You’ll save on exam fees, get study materials, and join a community that supports your career. For most candidates, the value far exceeds the cost.
Quick Example: How PMI Membership Helps
Imagine you’re preparing for the PMP exam.
Without membership, you pay USD 655 for the exam and another USD 65.00 for the PMBOK Guide—totaling USD 720.00.
With membership, you pay USD 149 (membership) + USD 405 (exam) = USD 554.
That’s a USD 166.00 saving and access to ongoing professional benefits.
Why PMI Membership is Worth it
Joining PMI before applying for the PMP exam is a good choice. Beyond the $166 in savings, membership offers many long-term benefits:
- Career Growth: Networking with PMPs and industry leaders can lead to job opportunities. PMI’s 2024 survey found that 82% of members felt more connected to the project management community.
- Access to Tools: Free templates and standards streamline project work, saving time and effort.
- Continuous Learning: Free webinars and events help you stay up to date on trends such as agile and hybrid methodologies, which are critical in the project management landscape.
For unemployed or transitioning professionals, PMI membership can bridge the gap to better opportunities. The investment pays off through savings, resources, and career advancement.
FAQ
Q1. Is PMI membership required for the PMP exam?
No, you can apply without it, but members get discounts and other benefits.
Q2. How much does PMI membership cost?
USD 139 per year, including a one-time USD 10 application fee.
Q3. How much is the PMP exam fee?
USD 555 for non-members and USD 405 for PMI members.
Q4. Do members get the PMBOK Guide for free?
Yes, as a PMI member, you can download the free digital version of the latest PMBOK Guide.
Q5. Can I cancel PMI membership after the exam?
Yes, it’s optional to renew. However, many professionals keep it for continuous learning and networking.
Conclusion
PMI membership is optional but highly beneficial. It saves you about USD 166 and gives you access to a network of professionals, free learning tools, and career resources.
So, if you’re serious about the PMP exam, consider joining PMI before you apply. It’s a small investment that can deliver long-term value.
Have you joined PMI yet, or are you planning to? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Further Reading:
- What are the Benefits of PMI Membership?
- Download PMBOK Guide 7 Edition (PDF) for Free
- What is the PMI Membership Fee?
- What is the PMP Certification?
- What are the PMP Eligibility Requirements?
- What is the PMP Application Process?
- What is the PMP Examination Structure?
References:
- PMI official pricing: PMI.org
- PMBOK Guide cost: PMI Marketplace
- Global average savings and member perks: PMI Membership Benefits
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.
I have a career break between 2014 and 2022. I have the necessary Project Management Experience prior to 2014. Will those years qualify as I can take the PMP Exam?
Has membership fee to be paid annually?
is pmp relevant for non engineers???
I don’t have 8 consecutive years of PM since I took off a few years to take care of my kids. So I can’t join PMI but I can still sit for the PMP right?
If you are required experience in last ten years, you can apply for the PMP exam.
I’m transitioning careers and am thinking of getting PMP certified. I don’t know if I’ll qualify. Is there any way to check that without having to pay the membership fee?
Or if I become a member and then don’t qualify to take the exam, will I be able to receive a refund?
Please refer to the following blog post:
https://pmstudycircle.com/2012/01/what-is-the-pmp-eligibility-criteria/
Hello,
Thanks for the nice and to the point explanation. one question i have, i have completed few online courses and those are eligible for the PDUs claim. i am not able to see the Report PDU section in the CCRS left navigation. is this option only available for the members?
how can a non-PMI-member claim the PDUs
thanks in advance
Procedure is same. Login to PMI site, click on mypmi, then click on “Report PDUs on CCRS”.
I am unemployed and seeking a position as project manager. the better jobs require pmp certification. I decided to take the exam and completed a training course. then i went to the pmi site and was recognized as a past member (around 2004) and I believe I simply renewed my membership. In the PMP exam application my PM experience was rejected because it’s older than 8 years. I dont qualify for the exam and I’m out $164. PMI has a no refund policy (of course i dont recall seeing this policy or the 8 year rule). I’m 68 on social security and need additional income. I $164 was a bad investment and i could use the money the money for living expenses. Can you offer advice? I contacted customer service was told about the 8 year rule and no refund policy. i asked for to speak with a manager but got the brush off. Thanks
You can ask them that you dont want to renew your membership and want to join as a new member. In this way you will pay only for one year not for previous years.
If you can, I suggest you prepare now and pass the exam as it will take some time for publishers to update the content as per the new guidelines.
Membership duration is one year.
i am planning for PMP and i am thinking to get membership , having information in advance that PMBOK is going to release in new PMBOK 6 edition , so should i get membership now or after release of 6th Edition PMBOK.
also wants to know about membership duration.
The cost of a PMI membership is $129 USD + $10 Application Fee + $35 Chapter membership fee = $175.
The difference in the fee between non-members and members is $150 USD
Am I missing something?
is it mandatory to select a chapter membership?
Thanks in advance
The PMI membership cost is 139 USD.
Chapter membership is an optional choice.
I applied for the credentials and my Application is accepted. Now PMI has asked me to pay for Fee. Can I still become a member of PMI first and then Pay to get discount and PMI membership benefits.Thanks
As per my understanding now you will have to pay full amount. To get the discount, you should have become the PMI member before applying for the exam.
No. I have checked up with PMI helpdesk in India. They have informed me that if you become member before paying exam fees, you can get exam fees discount. In a nutshell, One need to be PMI member before paying exam fees and not before applying for PMI.
Thanks for correcting me Brij.
Iam about to start my application. So I can pay for membership once I reach my payment page?
As mentioned above, become a PMI member before making payment to get the discount.