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Are you preparing for the PMP® (Project Management Professional) exam and wondering how much it actually costs — including the exam fee, training, and renewal costs? Whether you're budgeting for your first attempt or your upcoming certification renewal, this guide breaks down everything clearly.
💰 How Much Does the PMP Certification Cost in 2026?
The total PMP certification cost includes several components:
-
PMI membership (optional but recommended)
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Exam fee
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Training/course fees
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Renewal fee (every 3 years)
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Retest fee (if you don’t pass on the first try)
Let’s break it down:
📝 PMP Exam Fee
| Applicant Type | PMP Exam Fee |
|---|---|
| PMI Members | $405 USD |
| Non-Members | $555 USD |
👉 PMI Membership ($139/year) gives you a $150 discount on the exam fee — and access to premium study resources like the PMBOK® Guide.
📚 PMP Training Costs
You must complete 35 contact hours of project management education to qualify for the exam. The cost depends on your training provider:
| Training Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Online Self-Paced | $200 – $500 |
| Instructor-Led Online | $500 – $1,200 |
| Bootcamp (in-person/online) | $800 – $2,000 |
🟢 At SPOTO, we offer affordable and real-exam question-focused PMP training programs that help you pass on your first try.
🔁 PMP Certification Renewal Cost (Every 3 Years)
PMP certification is valid for 3 years, and renewal requires earning 60 PDUs and paying a renewal fee.
| Renewal Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| PMI Members | $60 USD |
| Non-Members | $150 USD |
✅ Tip: Stay a PMI member to save nearly 60% on renewal costs.
❗ PMP Retake or Retest Fee
You're allowed three attempts to pass the PMP exam within a one-year eligibility period.
| Retake Attempt | PMI Member Fee | Non-Member Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1st & 2nd Retake | $275 | $375 |
🔄 If you fail all 3 attempts, you’ll need to pay the full fee again and reapply after a 1-year waiting period.
💳 Hidden or Additional Costs to Consider
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PMI Membership Fee: $129 + $10 one-time application fee = $139
-
PMBOK® Guide (if non-member): ~$99
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Practice Exams or Mock Tests: $50 – $200
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Study Guides/Books: $50 – $100
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PDUs for Renewal: Free options available, but paid courses may cost $100+
🧾 Total PMP Certification Cost Estimate
Here’s a cost summary for first-time test takers:
| Item | PMI Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| PMI Membership | $139 | – |
| PMP Exam | $405 | $555 |
| Training | $300 – $1,200 | $300 – $1,200 |
| Total (Approx.) | $844 – $1,744 | $855 – $1,755 |
💡 Tips to Reduce Your PMP Certification Cost
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Join PMI before registering for the exam.
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Choose online self-paced training if on a tight budget.
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Use free PDU courses and webinars to meet renewal requirements.
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Practice with real PMP questions (like SPOTO’s) to avoid costly retakes.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is the PMP certification renewal fee?
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$60 for PMI members
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$150 for non-members
How much does the PMP exam cost in 2026?
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$405 (PMI members)
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$555 (non-members)
What is the PMP retest fee?
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$275 (member), $375 (non-member) per retake attempt
Do I need to pay for PMP renewal every year?
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No. Renewal is required once every 3 years after earning 60 PDUs.
