PMI has started showing a new option when you pay for the PMP exam: retake protection. PMI describes it as cover for one retake if you do not pass on your first attempt. Here is what is known so far, and a simple way to decide whether it is worth it for you.
What retake protection is
Retake protection is an optional add-on offered on the PMP exam payment screen. If you buy it and fail your first attempt, it covers the fee for one retake. After purchase, PMI says it applies automatically to your exam.
It does not change PMI's normal retake rules. You still have up to three attempts within your one-year eligibility period. Retake protection only changes who pays for the second one.
What it costs
PMI has not published a public price list for it. Candidates who have seen the option at checkout report:
| Price reported at checkout | |
|---|---|
| PMI member | about $45 |
| Full price | about $61 |
Prices may vary by country and account, so the price on your own payment screen is the one that counts.
Compare that with the cost of a retake without protection:
| PMI member | Non-member | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard retake fee | $275 | $375 |
Is it worth it? The break-even maths
Think of it as insurance. At about $45 for members, protection pays off if your chance of needing a retake is higher than:
$45 ÷ $275 ≈ 16%
So the question is simple: is there more than a one-in-six chance you will fail the first time?
| Your situation | Likely worth it? |
|---|---|
| Your full-length mock scores are inconsistent, or below your target | Yes |
| You are short on study time, or booking under pressure from an employer | Yes |
| You have little agile or hybrid project experience | Probably yes |
| You score well and consistently on several hard, full-length mocks | Probably not |
| A training provider already guarantees your retake fee | No, check that guarantee first |
For many first-time candidates, especially with the new July 2026 exam, a one-in-six chance is realistic. If you are honestly unsure, the add-on is cheap relative to the $275 it can save.
What to check before you buy
PMI has not yet published full terms, so read the details on the payment screen carefully. Look for answers to these questions:
- Can you add it later? It is shown when you pay for the exam. Assume you must decide then.
- When must the retake be used? Most likely within your one-year eligibility period.
- Is it refundable if you pass, or if you cancel the exam?
- Does it cover only the fee, or also rescheduling or no-show cases?
- Does it apply to online and test-centre exams alike?
If any answer matters to your decision and is not shown, ask PMI customer care before you pay.
The better protection: pass the first time
Retake protection reduces the cost of failing. It does not reduce the chance. The cheapest exam is still the one you pass at the first attempt:
- Sit at least two or three full-length, timed mock exams before your date.
- Review every wrong answer until you understand why the right option wins.
- Check your weakest domain. Since July 2026, Business Environment is 26% of the exam.
Not sure where you stand? The free 30-question PMP quiz scores you by domain in about 40 minutes. If you score well below your target, retake protection is probably a good buy. And if you do need a second attempt, read what to do after failing the PMP.
PMI is still rolling this option out. We will update this page as PMI publishes official terms.