If you’re here, you’re probably deep into your PMP® certification journey and ready to get practical. You’ve wrapped your head around the project management principles, you know the value of a career in project management, and now you’re asking the real question: How much does the PMP exam cost? What expenses should you plan for? And how can you make sure every dollar, and study hour, is well spent?
This article breaks down the PMP exam fee, training expenses, certification fees, and membership fees and perks, so you can budget for the entire certification process. Whether you're pricing out your study timeline or preparing for a reimbursement conversation with your employer, we’ve got you covered.
But first…
The Ultimate Study Weapon for your Project Management Education
Hi! In case you were wondering, we’re Brainscape, an adaptive web and mobile flashcards app built on a bedrock of cognitive science research into how humans are fundamentally hardwired to learn. (We obsess over this so that we can build a study system that helps you learn as fast and as painlessly as humanly possible!)
We've partnered with one of the most trusted leaders in project management certification training, Instructing.com, to create a comprehensive set of flashcards specifically for the PMP exam, which is closely aligned with the PMI Exam Content Outline and other widely-used PMP test prep materials, like the PMBOK.
These flashcards will help you efficiently ingrain and retain the enormous volume of content, terms, and definitions you need to know to crush the PMP exam.
But you've got questions about cost! And we've got answers...
In this guide, we’ll share insights on PMP exam pricing from the team at Instructing.com, so you get expert advice alongside financial clarity.
Let's get to it.
What Are the PMP Exam Fees?
The current PMP exam fee for Project Management Institute (PMI) members is $405, and for Non-PMI Members, it’s $655. PMI membership itself costs $164/year, which means if you plan to take the certification exam, joining PMI first can save you money.
What Do the PMP Examination Fees Cover?
This exam cost includes one attempt at the exam and access to PMI’s digital resources.
What Are the PMP Re-examination Costs?
Didn’t pass the first time?
You can retake the exam up to two more times within your eligibility year. The certification exam fee for a re-test is $275 for PMI members and $375 for non-members.
What Are the PMP Renewal Fees?
The PMP certification is valid for three years. To maintain your credential, you’ll need to earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) and pay a renewal fee: $60 for members and $150 for non-members. Not exactly pocket change, but still far more affordable than restarting the entire process.
(Please note that these costs are valid at the time of writing in 2025. We advise you to check out the Project Management Institute's website for real-time estimates on PMP exam costs.)
What Are the Benefits of PMI Membership?
Joining PMI isn’t just about saving money on PMP certification costs (although that’s a nice perk). It also unlocks a wide range of resources to boost your project management education.
PMI membership saves on the initial exam cost, re-takes, and certification renewal. If you're even halfway serious about becoming a certified Project Manager, this one’s a no-brainer.
Members also get access to a global community—many of them experienced certification holders—who can support your growth and open doors to new career opportunities. This is not even to mention a wealth of discounts and benefits to enhance your daily work life.
What Additional Expenses Should You Expect for PMP Preparation?
The PMP exam fee is just the start.
Many candidates enroll in formal training, which can cost well over $2,000 depending on the provider. Then, you’ll definitely want access to practice exams and question banks. These are essential. Realistic practice exams not only test your knowledge but also help you practice your time management skills.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective PMP training bundle, here’s what we suggest.
Instructing.com’s PMP Power Pack offers a complete suite of PMP training materials, masterclasses, and practice questions for $199. This comprehensive package includes all the required training hours for PMP exam eligibility and with 12 full-length mock exams, you’ll be fully equipped to walk into your exam with confidence. Brainscape Pro, which will help you ingrain the necessary terminology super efficiently, costs as little as $7.99/month and covers the essential PMP foundational knowledge you need to know.
Together, you're looking at less than $250 for the study materials you need to pass the PMP exam, which is less than the exam fee!
What Are the Refund Policies & Cancellation Processes?
You can request a refund within 30 days of payment if you haven’t scheduled or taken the exam. PMI will retain a $100 processing fee.
Canceling or rescheduling? Here’s what the PMI website says:
- More than 30 days in advance: free reschedule or cancellation.
- Within 30 days: $70 fee applies.
- Within 48 hours: no changes or refunds allowed.
(Please refer to the Project Management Institute's website for up-to-date information on their refund policies.)
What is the Annual Salary of a Project Manager?
The annual salary of a project manager varies tremendously based on several factors, such as industry, geographic location, level of experience, and whether one holds a PMP certification.
For example, project managers in the IT industry often earn higher salaries compared to those in non-technical fields. Salaries are generally higher in urban areas with a high cost of living or in regions with a strong demand for skilled project management professionals.
Holding a PMP certification often results in a significant annual salary boost. Certified project managers can earn between 16% and 30% more than their non-certified peers, reflecting both their enhanced skills and the recognition the certification carries.
Finally, experience matters:
- Entry-level average salary: $60K–$80K
- Experienced PMs: $90K–$120K+
- With PMP® certification: 16–30% average salary boost
This bump reflects not only your knowledge but the credibility that comes with being a PMP certification holder!
Final Thoughts on PMP Exam Costs
Is the PMP certification worth the cost?
Absolutely. While the PMP exam fee and related expenses may seem steep upfront, the returns—both financial and professional—can be enormous. You’ll gain access to higher salaries, more career opportunities, and a respected place in the global project management community.
It’s not just a credential—it’s a project management career accelerator.
From exam costs to certification renewal, it pays to plan ahead. Even better? Study smarter.
Brainscape’s PMP flashcards are the most efficient way to prep—backed by science and designed to maximize every minute. No overpriced boot camps. No wasted weekends. Just the knowledge you need to study quickly and painlessly, and pass the PMP exam the first time around.
If you’re ready to invest in yourself, choose the tools that get you results. Get started with Brainscape today and turn your certification costs into a career milestone.
Additional Reading…
Disclaimer: Brainscape and Instructing.com are not affiliated in any way with the Project Management Institute. The advice we provide in this guide is based on the information presented on the PMI website.