PMI raised the PMP exam fee on 6 August 2026. If you are budgeting for the certification now, here is every cost you may face, and how to keep the total down.
The exam fee
| PMI member | Non-member | |
|---|---|---|
| Before 6 August 2026 | $405 | $555 |
| From 6 August 2026 | $445 | $675 |
The gap between member and non-member fees is now $230.
Should you join PMI first?
Almost always, yes. Individual membership costs roughly $139 to $164 a year depending on your region. Because it cuts the exam fee by $230, joining before you pay for the exam saves money on the first attempt alone. Membership also includes digital access to PMI standards such as the PMBOK Guide, and a lower renewal fee later.
Some countries have lower regional membership rates, so check the price shown in your PMI account.
The full budget
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| PMI membership (1 year) | $139 to $164 |
| Exam fee (member) | $445 |
| 35 contact hours of training | $20 to $1,500 |
| Practice exams | $10 to $100 |
| Books or PMBOK Guide | Included with membership, or $50 to $100 |
A self-study candidate who joins PMI and uses online training and practice exams will usually spend $650 to $800 in total. A classroom bootcamp can push the total above $2,000.
Retakes
Your eligibility period after application approval is one year, and you can take the exam up to three times within it. Retakes are charged at a reduced fee, commonly cited as $275 for members and $375 for non-members. PMI updates fees periodically, so confirm the retake price in your account if you need one.
The cheapest retake is the one you never need. A few full-length mock exams before your first attempt cost far less than a second sitting.
Renewal
The PMP is valid for three years. To renew, you earn 60 PDUs (professional development units) and pay a renewal fee, lower for members. Many PDUs can be earned for free through webinars, work experience and giving back to the profession.
In the Gulf
PMI charges in US dollars, so the cost is stable in currencies pegged to the dollar. At the fixed pegs of 3.75 riyals and 3.6725 dirhams to the dollar:
| USD | SAR | AED | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam fee, member | $445 | 1,669 | 1,634 |
| Exam fee, non-member | $675 | 2,531 | 2,479 |
Your card issuer may add a foreign transaction fee.
Ways to spend less
- Join PMI before booking.
- Choose an online course for your 35 contact hours rather than a bootcamp, if you study well on your own.
- Use one good bank of practice exams instead of several.
- Take full-length mocks before the real exam so you pass the first time.
Our Udemy practice exams are available at a reduced price with code PREPAREPMP. Start with the free quiz to see how ready you are.