By El Mehdi Bouchti, PMP, PMI-ACP · Updated
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PMP Exam Cost 2026: Full Breakdown of Fees and Expenses
The total cost of PMP certification depends on PMI membership, the official exam fee, qualifying education, optional study tools, regional taxes, and any retake. This guide separates current PMI-listed US prices from variable third-party costs.
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Complete PMP cost breakdown (2026)
| Cost item | PMI member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| PMI annual membership | $164 | — |
| PMP exam fee | $405 | $655 |
| Training course (35 hrs) | $200-$2,500 | $200-$2,500 |
| Study books / materials | $0 (PMBOK free w/ membership) | $50-$150 |
| Practice platform | $0 (PMP Exam Lab free tier) | $0-$100 |
| Estimated total | Depends on training | Depends on training |
PMI exam fees
PMI currently lists the US exam fee at $655 for non-members and $405 for PMI members. US individual membership is listed at $164 per year, so membership plus the member exam fee is $569 before taxes, $86 less than the non-member exam fee. Prices can vary by country; confirm the final amount with PMI.
Exam fees verified September 13, 2026 from the official PMI PMP certification page. PMI may display localized pricing or taxes at checkout.
PMI membership also includes:
- Digital access to PMI standards and guides included with membership
- Free digital access to the Agile Practice Guide
- Discounts on PMI courses and events
- Access to local chapter resources and networking
Using current US list prices, membership plus the member exam fee is $86 below the non-member exam fee before taxes. Confirm regional pricing and membership benefits before purchasing.
PMP budget scenarios
These planning scenarios combine the current US exam prices above with the training ranges used in this guide. They exclude taxes, travel, retakes, and optional materials.
| Scenario | Estimated total | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Member, exam only | $569 | Membership + member exam fee |
| Non-member, exam only | $655 | Non-member exam fee |
| Member + self-paced training | $769-$1,169 | $569 + $200-$600 training |
| Member + live virtual training | $1,369-$2,069 | $569 + $800-$1,500 training |
Training course costs (required 35 contact hours)
PMP applicants must meet PMI's current project-management education requirement. Training costs vary widely by provider and format. The examples below are planning ranges, not PMI prices:
| Format | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Self-paced online course | $200-$600 | Budget-conscious, flexible schedule |
| Live virtual instructor-led | $800-$1,500 | Structure, Q&A, accountability |
| In-person boot camp | $2,000-$3,000 | Intensive prep in 3-5 days |
| Employer-sponsored training | $0 (if eligible) | Check with your employer or HR |
Before purchasing, confirm that the course and completion record satisfy the eligibility rules shown on PMI's official PMP certification page. Provider programs and requirements can change.
Study materials and books
PMI membership includes digital access to selected standards and guides, so book costs can be minimal. Confirm the current member library before purchasing separate copies. Beyond those core references, additional study materials are optional:
- PMP exam prep books (e.g., Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep): $50-$80
- Practice question apps or platforms: $0-$100 (PMP Exam Lab is free to start)
- Flashcard apps: $0-$30
Retake fees
After PMI approves your application, you have a one-year eligibility period with up to three exam attempts. A second or third attempt within that period costs less than the first. The re-examination fee is commonly reported as $275 for PMI members and $375 for non-members. PMI shows the exact amount only in your account, so confirm it there before budgeting.
| Scenario | PMI member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| First attempt | $405 | $655 |
| Each retake (attempt 2 or 3) | $275 | $375 |
| Worst case: three attempts | $955 (plus $164 membership) | $1405 |
If you do not pass within three attempts or one year, you must wait before reapplying and pay the full exam fee again; check PMI's current rules in your account. The cheapest retake is the one you avoid: take full timed mocks and fix weak domains before booking. Our guide to the PMP passing score explains how to read a failed score report, and our PMP exam tips cover diagnostic practice and error review.
Maintenance costs after earning the PMP
Once you earn the PMP, the certification is valid for 3 years. To renew, you must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within each 3-year cycle and pay a renewal fee, commonly reported as $60 for members and $150 for non-members (confirm in your PMI account). PDUs can be earned through courses, webinars, presentations, volunteering, and on-the-job practice. See our PMP PDU and renewal guide for a three-year plan.
PMI members get discounted or free PDU opportunities. Many PDUs are available through free webinars, local chapter events, and PMI's online learning platform.
Budgeting in another currency? See the PMP cost guides for the UK, Australia, Pakistan, India, Canada and the UAE. The PMP application guide explains when each fee is paid.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does the PMP exam cost in the United States?
- PMI currently lists the US exam fee at $405 for members and $655 for non-members. Prices, taxes, and regional offers can change, so confirm the checkout total with PMI.
- Does PMI membership reduce the exam cost?
- Using the currently listed US prices, membership is $164 and the member exam fee is $405. The combined $569 is $86 below the $655 non-member exam fee before taxes, and membership includes other benefits.
- What other costs should I budget for?
- Include qualifying project-management education, optional study tools, possible taxes, travel if applicable, and potential retake costs. Training prices vary substantially by provider and format.
- Where should I verify current fees?
- Use PMI’s official PMP certification and membership pages and verify the final regional checkout price. Third-party pages can become outdated when PMI changes fees.
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