You’re planning for your PMP exam when work deadlines stack up. Then a family emergency hits. Suddenly, you might need to reschedule—or even cancel—your PMP exam. But what does that cost? Is it a $70 fee or the full exam price?
Many PMP candidates ask, “Do I have to pay extra if I reschedule my PMP exam date?”
Yes, you can change or cancel your exam. But timing matters. Depending on when you do it, you might pay a fee or lose your full payment. Knowing the rules in advance can save you money and stress later.
PMP Exam Rescheduling Policies
PMI allows you to reschedule your PMP exam at any time during your 1-year eligibility period (up to 3 attempts). You schedule via Pearson VUE—online proctored or center-based.
Key rule: Act early. Reschedule more than 30 days before your date? Zero fees. Within 30 days? Pay up.
Policies apply equally to online and in-person exams. No exceptions without proof.
PMP Exam Reschedule Fee Breakdown
Here’s the fee structure for rescheduling the PMP exam:
| Time Before Exam | Reschedule Fee | Notes |
| >30 days | $0 | Free change. Act fast! |
| Within 30 days | $70 + taxes | Standard PMP rescheduling fee.2 |
| Within 48 hours | Cannot reschedule | No-show = full exam fee lost ($425 members / $675 non-members). |
How to Reschedule Your PMP Exam Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to change your PMP exam date smoothly:
- Log in to PMI.org: Go to “myPMI” > “Review Application Status.”
- Click “Reschedule Exam”: Redirects to Pearson VUE.
- Select Appointment: Pick a new date/time (availability varies).
- Pay if Needed: $70 auto-charges within 30 days.
- Confirm: Get email receipt. Done!
Pro Tip: Check slots early. Popular dates fill fast. Phone support: +1-866-241-5527 (NA).
PMP Exam Cancellation Rules
Cancel PMP exam? Same fees as rescheduling. Within 30 days: $70. Get a refund? Only within 30 days of purchase (pre-scheduling).
No cancel within 48 hours? Counts as no-show.
These rules apply to the PMP exam administered by PMI via Pearson VUE.
Note: The “2 days” means 48 hours or less before the appointment.
Extenuating Circumstances: Full Refund?
What if an emergency happens? PMI does allow full refunds in extreme cases, like:
- Serious medical emergency
- Natural disaster in your area
- Death of a close family member
These are classed as “extenuating circumstances”. You may submit supporting documentation and request a refund of the US$70 fee (or the exam fee if applicable). PMI reviews each case individually.
Key points:
- You still must notify PMI/Pearson VUE as soon as you can.
- Have official documents ready (hospital report, police report, etc.).
- Refunds are not guaranteed; it’s not automatic.
PMI Membership: Lower Costs Overall
Members pay $425 exam fee (vs. $675). PMP rescheduling fee is the same $70. Plus resources. Worth it?
Smart Tips to Avoid Paying a Fee
Here are six smart moves to keep your costs to zero:
- Pick your exam slot carefully — avoid placing it too close to busy work or personal periods.
- Confirm your schedule 60+ days ahead so you’re outside the 30-day window.
- If you need to switch, do so when you’re still more than 2 days away from the date.
- Keep backup documentation ready in case something unexpected happens (travel delays, illness).
- Join PMI (members sometimes get guidance and support) and stay up to date with policy changes.
- Use a checklist: read the scheduling instructions PDF from Pearson VUE.
FAQs
Q1. Can I reschedule more than once without cost?
Yes. If you reschedule more than 30 days before your exam date, you pay no fee—even if you change multiple times.
Q2. Does the US$70 fee apply worldwide or only to US-based test centers?
Yes, the policy applies globally through the Pearson VUE/PMI scheduling system, regardless of country.
Q3. If I pay the US$70 fee and later have an extenuating circumstance, can I get that refunded?
Yes. Submit your case, along with the documentation, to PMI. If approved, you may get a refund of the fee.
Q4. What if I miss the exam due to technical issues (online version)?
You should contact Pearson VUE and PMI immediately. If the fault lies with the test provider, you may avoid forfeiture—but policies vary by region.
Q5. Does rescheduling within 30 days delay my eligibility period?
No. Rescheduling shifts your exam date but does not extend or reduce your one-year eligibility period after approval. Always check in your myPMI dashboard.
Summary
Changing the exam date for your PMP doesn’t have to cost you extra—if you act early. Knowing the deadlines and fee structure keeps you in control of your schedule and budget. If you found this helpful guide, you might also like our post on PMP exam cost breakdown and retake fees.
Have you ever had to reschedule or cancel your PMP exam? Share your experience in the comments below to help others learn from your situation.
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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 rescheduled my PMP exam because I had CoVid when I was scheduled to take it. I paid $70 to reschedule. After rescheduling, I filled out a form to request reimbursement. PMI cancelled the rescheduled exam and kindly extended my window, but they did not refund the $70. I am thankful for the extended time and that CoVid didn’t cost me more than $70, it could have been much worse.