PMP Exam Cost in 2026: The Complete Fee Breakdown

The PMP exam fee is $405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members (USD, set by the Project Management Institute). But the exam fee alone isn’t what the PMP certification actually costs — PMI membership, the required 35 contact hours of training, and re-take fees all change the math. Here’s the complete 2026 breakdown, plus how to keep the total down.

PMP exam cost at a glance (2026)

Fees are set by PMI and can change or vary by region. Always confirm current pricing on PMI.org before you book.

Is it cheaper to join PMI before booking the exam?

Almost always — yes. Non-members pay $575 for the exam; members pay $405, a $170 saving. PMI membership costs about $149 the first year ($139 + a $10 application fee). So joining PMI first nets you roughly $20 even before counting the member discounts on re-takes ($100 cheaper), renewal ($90 cheaper), and free access to the PMBOK® Guide. If there’s any chance you’ll re-take or renew, membership pays for itself.

The “hidden” costs of getting PMP-certified

• 35 contact hours of project-management education — this is a PMI eligibility requirement, not optional. You must complete it before you can apply. A structured PMP prep course is the usual way to satisfy it.
• Study materials — practice exams, simulators, and the PMBOK® Guide (free for PMI members).
• Re-takes — at $275–$375 each, a single failed attempt can cost more than membership. First-time-pass preparation is the cheapest path.
• Renewal — PMP requires 60 PDUs every three years plus the renewal fee to stay active.

How to keep your PMP cost down

• Join PMI first to unlock the $170 exam discount and cheaper re-takes.
• Pass on the first attempt — every retake is $275+. Quality prep is the real money-saver.
• Bundle your 35 contact hours with exam prep so you’re not paying twice for training.

PMP exam cost — frequently asked questions

How much does the PMP exam cost in 2026?

$405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members (USD). PMI sets these fees and they can vary by region.

Is the PMP exam cheaper if I join PMI?

Yes. Members pay $405 versus $575 for non-members — a $170 saving that more than covers the ~$149 first-year membership.

How much does it cost to retake the PMP exam?

$275 per retake for members and $375 for non-members, within your one-year eligibility period (up to three attempts).

Are the 35 contact hours included in the exam fee?

No. The 35 contact hours of project-management education are a separate eligibility requirement you complete before applying — usually through a PMP prep course.

What does it cost to keep PMP active?

You renew every three years by earning 60 PDUs and paying the renewal fee ($60 for members, $150 for non-members).