In the United States, the PMP exam costs $675 for non-members and roughly $425 to $445 for PMI members in 2026. PMI membership costs about $139 a year, plus a $10 joining fee. For most candidates, joining PMI before paying for the exam lowers the total cost.
The exam fee is only one part of your budget. You also need the required 35 hours of training and some study materials. You may need to pay a retake fee, and after you pass, you pay a renewal fee every three years. This guide explains each cost so you can plan your full PMP exam cost from the start.
Check the live price before you pay. PMI changed its exam fees on August 6, 2026, and published figures still vary between sources, especially the member price. Fees also differ by country. Treat every number in this guide as a planning estimate and confirm the current fee on PMI's official PMP certification page before paying.
PMP fees at a glance
| Fee (US, approximate) | PMI member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| PMP exam fee | $425 to $445 | $675 |
| Re-examination (retake) fee | $275 | $375 |
| Certification renewal (every 3 years) | About $60 | About $150 |
| PMI membership | About $139 a year, plus a $10 joining fee | Not applicable |
PMP exam fee: member vs non-member
PMI charges two prices for the same exam. The price you pay depends on whether you are an active PMI member at the moment you pay. The key point is timing: your membership must already be active before payment, or you pay the non-member rate.
PMI membership cost: should you join before applying?
This is the biggest cost decision for most candidates. A simple way to decide is to compare the two paths side by side.
| Path | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Non-member: exam fee only | $675 |
| Member: membership ($139 + $10) plus member exam fee ($425 to $445) | About $574 to $594 |
| Approximate saving from joining first | About $80 to $100 |
In most cases, the member path costs less, even after you pay for membership. The member discount also applies to retake and renewal fees. Membership includes a free digital copy of the PMBOK Guide, so you do not need to buy one separately.
Example: You plan to take the exam next month and you are not a PMI member. If you pay as a non-member, the exam costs $675. If you join PMI first, you pay $149 for membership and the joining fee, then $425 to $445 for the exam, which is about $574 to $594 in total. Joining first saves you about $80 to $100.
Is there a separate PMP application fee?
No. There is no separate PMP application fee in addition to the exam fee. You submit your application first. After PMI accepts it, you pay the exam fee and schedule your exam. The only other one-time charge is the $10 joining fee, and you pay it only if you decide to become a PMI member.
What the exam fee includes, and what it does not
- Included: application review and one attempt at the exam.
- Not included: the 35 hours of required training, study materials, a simulator, or PMI membership.
- Not included: a second attempt if you do not pass. That is a separate re-examination fee.
PMP retake fee
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you do not pay the full exam fee again. PMI charges a lower re-examination fee: about $275 for members and $375 for non-members. You can take the exam up to three times within your one-year eligibility period. After three attempts, or after the one-year period ends, you must apply again and pay the full exam fee.
Ask yourself: what would a second attempt cost you? For a member, it is about $275 more, plus extra study time. This is why good preparation is also the cheapest option.
PMP renewal fee: keeping your certification active
After you pass, the PMP stays active for three years. To renew it, you earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) and pay a renewal fee of about $60 for members or $150 for non-members. Many candidates plan only for the exam and forget this cost, so include it in your long-term budget.
Hidden costs candidates often miss
- The 35 contact hours of required training. The cost varies widely by provider. See our PMP 35 Training Hours guide for what counts.
- Study materials, including simulators, books, and practice question banks.
- Optional local PMI chapter membership, which adds a small yearly fee.
- Rescheduling or cancellation fees if you change your exam date shortly before your appointment.
- A second course if your first one turns out not to be updated for the 2026 exam.
- Travel costs and time off work if you take the exam at a test center instead of online.
How to reduce your total PMP cost
- Join PMI before you pay for the exam. In most cases, the member discount is larger than the cost of membership.
- Choose one training provider that includes the 35 hours, mock exams, and a study plan. This is usually cheaper than buying several separate resources.
- Before you buy a course, check that it is updated for the 2026 exam. Otherwise, you may need to pay for new materials later.
- Study on a realistic timeline so you pass the first time and avoid the retake fee. Our PMP study plan can help.
- Add your renewal date to your calendar, and start earning PDUs early instead of in the last few months.
Common mistakes
- Budgeting only for the exam fee and forgetting training, materials, and a possible retake.
- Paying the non-member fee without checking whether membership would cost less overall.
- Letting the one-year eligibility window lapse after a failed attempt, which means reapplying and paying the full fee again.
- Forgetting the renewal fee and PDU requirement until the three-year deadline is close.
- Assuming all training providers charge the same for the 35 hours. Prices vary a lot between providers.
Your next step
Before you pay any fee, confirm that you qualify with our PMP Eligibility Requirements guide. When you are ready to prepare, our PMP Exam Prepare Course includes the 35 training hours and 8 exam simulators. You can also start with a free PMP practice test to check your current level.
Frequently asked questions
The exam fee is $675 for non-members and roughly $425 to $445 for members. Your total also includes the required 35 hours of training, study materials, optional PMI membership, and possibly a retake fee. For most candidates, the total is much higher than the exam fee alone.
$675 for non-members and roughly $425 to $445 for PMI members in the United States, following PMI's August 2026 fee change. Confirm the current figure on PMI's official certification page.
For most candidates, yes. Membership plus the member exam fee usually comes to about $80 to $100 less than the non-member fee, before counting the free digital PMBOK Guide and lower retake and renewal fees.
About $275 for members and $375 for non-members, payable within your one-year eligibility period.
You can take the exam up to three times within your one-year eligibility period. After that, you need to reapply and pay the full exam fee again.
About $60 for members and $150 for non-members every three years, along with 60 PDUs.
No. You pay the exam fee after PMI accepts your application. The only extra one-time charge is the PMI joining fee if you become a member.
Probably, at some point. PMI changes its fees from time to time, so always check the official certification page before you pay.
