How Much Does the PMP Exam Cost? With Cost-Saving Tips

If you’re considering the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: how much does the PMP exam cost?  To a large extent, the answer depends on whether you decide to get the PMI member and what kind of PMP training do you get and how you plan for additional expenses on supplemental books, tests or add-on resources. 

Earning the PMP will set you back $425 USD if we only consider the exam fee. However, when you factor in all the other necessary expenses, the total cost can range from about $700 on the lower end to over $2,000 on the higher end.

This guide clarifies the PMP exam cost in 2025 and breaks down all expenses, including training, PMI certification fees, prep materials, retake charges, and renewal fees, while offering practical tips to keep your budget in check.

Ready to apply for the PMP? Don’t miss our guide “How to Fill Your PMP Application,” which walks you step by step through the process with examples and practical tips.

What is the Project Management Professional (PMP) and why should you invest in it?

Before diving into numbers, it’s worth asking: is the PMP certification worth the investment in the first place? For most project managers or individuals aspiring to a thriving career in project management, the answer is a resounding yes.

The PMP is the most recognized project management certification in the world, backed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Now more than a 1.5+ million PMP certified professionals exist in the world and the numbers are exponentially growing every single year. 

Additionally, holding it signals that you meet PMI's strict certification requirements, including verified project management experience and 35 hours of project management education.

Tangible Career Benefits of PMP Certification

• Higher salaries for PMP: In the U.S., PMP certification holders command earnings that are 20–25% higher than those of their non-certified peers. Even in other countries, PMPs are viewed more favourably than their counterparts who don't have the certification.

  
  

• Global recognition: The PMP is accepted in over 200 countries, giving you credibility whether you manage teams in the US or work with remote teams globally.

  
  

• Career advancement: Many employers list “PMP certified” as a requirement for senior project manager roles.

  
  

• Credibility with clients and stakeholders: It demonstrates proven knowledge and understanding of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and added capabilities and skills to deliver projects. 

  
  

Put simply, the benefits of PMP credential far outweigh the upfront PMP certification fees. When viewed as a long-term career investment, the cost is easier to justify.

PMP Exam Cost 2025 Overview

PMP Exam Fee Breakdown in 2025: PMI Members vs Non-Member

Let’s start with the core question on every project manager’s mind: how much is the PMP exam in 2025?

• The PMP exam cost is $425 USD for PMI members in the US. 

• PMI membership will cost you $169 USD. Total cost with membership will be $425 + $159 = $594 USD 

• As a non-member, expect to pay the current rate of $675 in 2025. 

You save $81 USD right off the bat, making the ‘PMP exam cost PMI member vs non-member’ a key calculation for your budget.

Here's a breakdown of PMP exam cost across different countries [See Image below]:

Advantages of becoming a PMI Member 

On paper, the PMI membership might feel like an extra expense, but if you’re already headed to take the exam, as you can see above, the math works in your favour.

Apart from the $81 exam savings, PMI membership also offers tangible benefits, including valuable prep advantages:

• Free PMI Resources : You get free access to the latest PMBOK Guide [PMBOK7], other PMI books and valuable training resources.

• PMI Chapters & Tools : You can tap into local chapter meetups, webinars, templates, and tools that support your preparation, and potentially reduce your exam prep costs.

• PMP Renewal Advantages: Members pay a reduced renewal fee compared to non-members and also gain access to free and discounted Professional Development Units (PDUs) through webinars, online courses, and chapter events.

So when you factor in savings on exam fees, access to prep materials, and ongoing professional development, becoming a PMI member makes financial sense, especially if you're aiming to pass on your first try.

Additional Costs Beyond the Exam Fee 

Earning your PMP certification involves more than just paying the exam fee. To fully prepare and maintain your credential, you’ll likely encounter several additional expenses that can make a noticeable difference in your total PMP certification cost.

PMP Certification Training Cost in 2025

The biggest expense outside of the exam itself is usually preparation. While some professionals prepare for the PMP exam using self-study, most candidates benefit from investing in a structured PMP certification course to improve their chances of success.

From a PMP exam cost perspective, there is a wide range of course materials available at various price points:

• Online self-paced courses: $20 to $600. E.g. Udemy online courses. 

• PMP Blended Programmes [mix of classroom, self-study & personalized coaching]:  $300 - $600 

• Instructor-led virtual training: $600–$1,200

• PMI Authorized Training Partners bootcamps: $1,200– $3000 or higher

So, when you think of PMP exam prep cost, it’s less about a single figure and more about what type of training course fits your learning style.

Comparison table [PMP Online Courses vs PMP Boot Camps Vs Blended Programme]:

Wondering what's the best way to prepare for the PMP? Consider the CareerSprints PMP Blended Programme which includes complete help with your PMP Application Approval + personalized coaching and support for exam prep + comprehensive PMP e-learning course + >1000 PMP exam style practice questions. 

Prepare for the PMP: Additional Study Materials & Practice Exams

Beyond their PMP course, many candidates invest in extra resources to boost their confidence before sitting the PMP certification exam.

• Popular study guides or PMBOK-based books: $50–$100 [E.g Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep book]

• Online mock tests or PMP practice exams: $100–$300 [e.g PMI study hall].

• Mobile apps, flashcards, or add-on tools: $50–$100 [E.g PocketPrep]

  
  

Altogether, the cost of PMP study materials can range from $50 to $500, depending on how many supplemental resources you choose. Many candidates find these worthwhile, as consistent practice with real-style exam questions often makes the difference between passing on the first attempt and needing a costly retake.

Retake, Rescheduling, and Cancellation Fees

Even with good preparation, not everyone passes the first time. This is primarily because PMI regularly updates the exam questions and the exam difficulty level for everyone is not consistent. 

Cost to Retake PMP exam

In case of failure, the cost you incur to retake the PMP exam comes at a reduced, but still significant, fee charged by PMI:

• $275 retake fees for PMI members

• $375 exam retake fees for non-members

Rescheduling Fees

If you need to change your exam date within 30 days, PMI applies a rescheduling fee of up to $70.

Further, you forfeit your PMP exam fee if you don’t reschedule or cancel at least 48 hours before your exam.

PMP Certification Renewal Costs

Passing the exam is only the start. To remain a certified Project Management Professional, you must renew your credential every three years by earning 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units).

• Renewal fee: $60 for PMI members, $159 for non-members

• Additional PDU training or courses: PDUs can be accumulated using both free and paid resources. The cost for paid resources can vary widely, often $200–$500, depending on the source.

This makes the PMP renewal fee another recurring factor in your long-term certification process. However, this expense is incurred only after passing the exam, making it more of a certification maintenance cost.

Total Cost Estimate for PMP Certification

So, what is the total cost to obtain the PMP certification? While the direct PMP exam fee may look manageable at first glance, the total PMP certification cost estimate includes more than just registration. When you add membership, training, study materials, and long-term renewal, most candidates should plan for a budget of around $2,000.

Realistic breakdown of PMP Certification Cost [Cost of Study + Exam Cost+ Renewal]:

Total Average Investment: Around $1,800–$2,300 over 3 years

This figure aligns with what many training providers, including The Digital Project Manager and Prepsaret, estimate for the cost of PMP certification when considering the full lifecycle.

The bottom line: budgeting only for the exam fee can be misleading. To truly get your PMP certification and maintain it, plan for prep, materials, and renewal.

Tips to Optimize Your PMP Certification Costs

Becoming a PMP does not have to be necessarily costly. Here are some cost reduction strategies to consider: 

#1 Get the PMI membership

One excellent way to reduce the overall cost of the PMP exam is to register for PMI membership. With the membership, your exam cost in the US goes down by $675-$425= $250 USD. The membership fee also includes free access to the digital PMBOK® Guide and other resources, saving on additional study material costs.

#2 Invest in end-to-end PMP training courses

Your PMP training fee can easily run up to more than $1,000 if you choose a PMP boot camp or classroom course. A better strategy is to opt for a comprehensive PMP exam preparation program that covers all aspects of certification, including study materials, PMP application support, 35 contact hours, numerous practice questions, and personalized guidance.

Since the provider bundles all the necessary resources and support into a single package, candidates don’t have to spend money separately on multiple resources.

#3 Use the self-study option

Opting for an e-learning course which you can cover in your own time is probably the cheapest way to prepare for the PMP. Various platforms offer PMP courses for as little as $10–$20 USD, although these courses alone may not be sufficient to thoroughly prepare for the exam.

#4 Use Discount Codes and Early-Bird Offers

Keep an eye out for discount coupons, promo codes, and early-bird offers on forums, community sites like the r/pmp subreddit, LinkedIn, and coupon websites. You can also check with your provider to see if they offer discount codes that reduce the cost of your exam by 10–20%.

#5 Utilize free resources online

Youtube and Google are a gold mine of quality free resources that can you can use in conjunction with your provider's course materials. For example, you can find free PMP style practice exams on several sites and solved questions on YouTube.

#6 Use employer reimbursement

Check with your HR or L&D team to see if your company offers professional development benefits, tuition assistance, or certification reimbursement, as many organizations are willing to cover PMP exam and training costs.

#7 Avoid retakes with proper preparation

Your PMP test retake will cost you $275, an unnecessary expense you can avoid with the right preparation. It’s always better to spend a few extra weeks studying thoroughly using mock tests or structured prep programs than to rush into the exam unprepared and risk failing.

Salaries for PMP professionals

We've extracted the salaries that PMP-certified professionals are earning across multiple countries from PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey report.

• From 20,000 survey respondents in 21 countries, it was found that PMP® certification holders earn median salaries about 33% higher than those without the certification.

• Beyond salary increases, several survey respondents highlighted that the PMP also provided intangible benefits such as recognition, better job opportunities, and professional growth.

  
  

According to the table below, median salaries for project professionals are highest in the US at $120,000, followed by Australia and Germany.

• In the United States, PMP-certified professionals earn $130,000–$150,000, about 44% more than non-PMPs who earn $90,000.

• Experience amplifies value- With 10+ years’ experience, PMP-certified professionals earn the highest salaries. 

• In developing economies, PMP offers the most dramatic relative salary uplift—67% in South Africa ($60,135 vs $36,081), 65% in Colombia ($28,116 vs $17,040), and 60% in Nigeria ($24,206 vs $15,140).

• In every country listed, a meaningful portion of professionals report that PMP is valuable (ranging from ~37% in South Africa to ~70% in Colombia). This shows broad recognition across regions.

  
  

• In both the US and Canada, the PMP is regarded as a key differentiator and often translates into higher salaries. It continues to stand as one of the top benchmarks for project managers.

  
  

• PMP certification delivers the strongest career value in emerging markets such as Mexico, Nigeria, and Colombia, where more than 70% of professionals see it as highly valuable.

CAPM vs. PMP: Cost Comparison

For professionals early in their careers and who aren't able to meet the PMP certification requirements, the CAPM certification or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is good second choice and a more cost-effective option.

• CAPM exam cost: $225 (PMI member) / $300 (non-member)

• PMP exam cost: $425 (member) / $675 (non-member)

  
  

Beyond the exam fees, the differences extend to requirements and prep:

• CAPM requires only a high school diploma and 23 hours of project management education.

• PMP requires a bachelor’s degree plus 36 months of experience (or more for non-degree holders), along with 35 hours of project management education.

This makes CAPM cheaper not only in exam fees but also in prep costs, fewer training hours, and generally less expensive courses.

In short, if you’re comparing CAPM vs PMP cost, the CAPM is a lower investment but also comes with slightly less industry weight. The PMP is the gold standard for experienced professionals, while the CAPM is better suited for newcomers seeking a stepping stone into project management roles.

Have some work experience and debating between CAPM or PMP certification? As part of our PMP Application Review and Rewrite Service, we help you determine your eligibility for the PMP exam and qualify for the test. We have helped 500+ individuals who weren't sure if they qualify for the PMP or not.

PMP Certification Exam Cost: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#1 How much does the PMP exam cost in the US?

As of 2025, the PMP exam cost is $425 for PMI members and between $675 for non-members in the USA. 

#2 What is the PMP exam fees in Canada? 

The PMP exam fees in Canada is $405 USD for PMI members and $655 USD for non-members. It is advisable to get a PMI membership to avoid paying the non-member fees, which are higher than the combined cost of the member exam fees and PMI membership.

#3 How much does PMP exam cost in India?

The cost of the PMP certification in India is ₹24,708 for PMI members and ₹50,025 for non-members. Investing in a PMI membership costs ₹10,440, which allows you to purchase the PMP exam at the PMI member rate.

#4 Is PMP certification worth the cost?

Yes. Despite a total investment of around $2,000, the benefits of PMP certification, salary increases, global recognition, and career growth make it worthwhile for most professionals.

#5 Does the PMI membership help me save money?

Yes. Even after paying the $169 membership fee, joining PMI saves you about $81 on the first exam alone, plus gives you access to the PMBOK Guide and other resources.

#6 What are the PMP retake fees?

If you fail, the retake fee is $275 for PMI members and $375 PMP exam cost for non-members.

#7 How much does PMP certification renewal cost?

PMP certification renewal cost estimate to around $60 for PMI members and $150 for non-members every three years, and requires completion of 60 PDUs.

#8 What is the total cost of getting PMP certified?

Including exam fees, prep, study materials, and renewal, the total PMP certification cost estimate ranges from $1,800–$2,300 over 3 years.

#9 How does CAPM compare in cost to PMP?

The CAPM exam is $225–$300, making it significantly cheaper than the PMP. However, CAPM is entry-level, while PMP is recognized as the top professional project management certification worldwide.

PMP Certification FAQs

#1 Is the PMP exam worth it?

Yes, the PMP is worth it since the career benefits of having it outweigh the costs. PMP is a highly regarded credential in most industries, and many project management job postings list PMP as a requirement in their descriptions. Thus, a PMP certification can open doors to new jobs, promotions, and larger projects.

Refer to the table above, which shows data on the perceived global value of a PMP certification among candidates who hold it.

#2 What are the PMP certification requirements? 

To qualify for the PMP, you need either 36 months of project management experience with a Bachelor's degree or 60 months without one. You don’t need the formal title of Project Manager, but you must show you’ve led and directed projects. Applicants come from all kinds of backgrounds, including self-employment, teaching, or military experience.

Apart from experience you need 35 contact hours [project management education] to apply for the PMP.

Have an unconventional work background and worried about a PMP Application rejection? We can help you qualify for the exam. Reach out to us.

#3 What is the PMP Exam Format?

The PMP Exam format consists of 180 questions on the PMP, which you must complete within 230 minutes. The exam is designed to test both your knowledge and application of project management concepts, so most questions are scenario-based multiple-choice items that mirror real-world project situations.

You can take the exam at a test center or choose the online PMP exam option, which allows you to test from home under proctor supervision. 

#4 What is the PMP Exam Syllabus?

The PMP Exam syllabus is based on the PMP Exam Content Outline, which is divided into three domains: People, Process, and Business Environment. These domains cover leadership skills, technical project management practices, and the impact of projects on the organization.

Read through the exam content outline at least once to know about the PMP in detail and center your preparation strategy around it. This gives you the best chance to pass the PMP exam on your first attempt.

#5 How to effectively prepare for the PMP Exam?

To earn your PMP certificate, plan 2–3 months of focused study before you take the PMP certification exam.

Use high-quality study materials, understand both waterfall and agile project management, and follow the PMP exam content outline. Practice with timed mock exams, aim for consistent 70–75% scores, and mix reading, videos, and interactive tools to strengthen your preparation.

#6 Can I pass PMP in 3 months? If yes, how?

Yes, it is possible to pass the PMP in 3 months if you plan your preparation well. Here’s how:

• Review PMI’s Exam Content Outline to understand the PMP syllabus.

• Ensure you meet PMI’s eligibility requirements and complete the 35 contact hours of project management education.

• Reserve a couple of days to work on your PMP application project descriptions and submit it for approval.

• Create a structured study plan where you dedicate a set number of hours each week.

• Go through a PMP training programme or a self-paced course to gain a solid understanding of the exam materials and PMI’s mindset.

• Practice situational questions of varying difficulty for at least 20–30 days.

• Take full-length mock exams to build stamina and time management skills.

• Consistently secure 70–75% in multiple practice tests to feel confident about your preparation.

  
  

#7 Is the PMP exam tough?

Yes, the PMP exam is difficult, and preparation should be treated more like a marathon than a sprint. You cannot wing this exam with light studying. A strong conceptual understanding of project management and familiarity with PMI’s mindset are essential to pass.

Some key reasons the exam is tough include its expansive syllabus, which requires absorbing over 40 hours of learning material, and PMI’s testing style, which uses scenario-based exam questions that require critical thinking to assess situations and select the most appropriate answer.

Additionally, the PMP exam difficulty varies for each individual, and PMI does not have a uniform passing score. This means that two candidates could answer the same number of questions correctly but receive different results depending on the difficulty of their specific exam version.

Conclusion

The PMP exam cost overview 2025 shows that while the initial fee is clear-cut, $425 for members or up to $675 for non-members, the total cost of PMP certification goes far beyond that. Training, study materials, retakes (if required), and renewal fees can push the overall investment closer to $1,500–$2,000, depending on the route taken.

Is PMP certification worth it? For most professionals interested in moving into a project management career, the answer is in the affirmative. A significant majority of individuals who obtained the PMP certification attest that it had a positive impact on their careers—leading to growth, higher salaries, recognition within their companies, and enhanced credibility in the job market.

However, the key is optimizing the cost of your PMP prep requires smart planning: budget for prep, use PMI membership, and rely on affordable resources to keep expenses low. When you approach certification with both financial planning and disciplined preparation, the PMP becomes more than just an exam fee; it becomes a career investment with returns that last for years.