PMP certification costs $445 to $2,600 in 2026
The PMP exam costs $445 for PMI members and $675 for non members. PMI raised both fees on August 6, 2026, from $405 and $555. Membership is about $139 to $159 a year, and joining first still saves money because the member route is about $584 to $604 versus $675. Add the required 35 hours of training and study materials and most people spend $900 to $2,600 to get certified. StormWind Studios lists the PMP exam at $445 for members and $675 for non members, with a total first try cost of $900 to $2,600.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| StormWind Studios | StormWind Studios lists the PMP exam at $445 for members and $675 for non members, with a total first try cost of $900 to $2,600. |
| ShriLearning | ShriLearning lists the exam at $445 for members and $675 for non members, and says most people spend about $950 to $1,400 in total. |
| monday.com | monday.com lists the exam at $425 for members and $675 for non members, with an all in cost of about $900 to $2,500. |
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Membership | Member exam $445. Non member exam $675. Membership $139 to $159 a year. |
| Training | A self paced online course for the 35 contact hours is $300 or less. A live bootcamp is $1,500 to $2,500. |
| Study materials | Practice exams and prep books run $0 to $300. |
| Retakes | A second attempt is $275 for members and $375 for non members. |
| Renewal | Every three years you pay $60 (member) or $150 (non member) plus 60 PDUs. |
What the price includes
The exam fee covers one attempt at the 180 question test at a Pearson VUE center or online. It does not cover the training hours, which PMI requires before you can apply. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Several groups charge you along the way. PMI charges for the exam and for membership, and you pay it when you book your test date. A training company charges for the 35 hours of required class time. That can be a small fee for a self paced course or a bigger fee for a live class. Study books and practice tests are billed by their sellers. Every few years, PMI also bills a renewal fee. Many employers pay some or all of it, so ask before you spend your own money.
How to judge your quote
- Add up the exam fee, the PMI membership, the 35 hours of training and the study materials.
- Compare the member total with the non member exam fee before you pay.
- Check that a course gives the 35 contact hours that PMI requires.
- Ask your employer if they pay for the exam and the course.
- Compare the total with the range above: $445 to $2,600 per certification for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Join PMI before you pay for the exam. The member price plus membership is cheaper than the non member price alone, and you get the PMBOK Guide free.
- Use a discounted online course for the 35 hours. On sale they can be under $30.
- Ask your employer. Many pay the exam fee and training for staff who pass.
- Pass the first time. A retake costs $275 to $375 on top.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from StormWind Studios, ShriLearning and monday.com. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does the PMP exam cost?
StormWind Studios lists $445 for PMI members and $675 for non members. Fees can change, so check at PMI before you pay.
What is the total cost to get PMP certified?
StormWind Studios lists $900 to $2,600 for a first try. ShriLearning says most people spend about $950 to $1,400.
Is PMI membership worth it?
Usually yes. The member fee and the lower exam fee together cost less than the non member exam fee. Members also pay less to renew.
What if I fail the exam?
You can retake it, and a retake costs less than the first try. Check the current retake fee at PMI.