How Much Does PMP Certification Cost? What To Know (2024)

Project managers oversee daily tasks related to a project’s completion. They plan, organize and assign responsibilities to ensure the team completes its goal, stays within budget, and meets company and customer standards. Since all organizations—from startups to large corporations—need project managers, these professionals work across many industries.

For project managers, obtaining a professional certification acknowledging their leadership skills and expertise can pay dividends. The best-known credential in the field is the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI®).

This guide outlines the PMP certification’s costs, eligibility criteria, timeline and training requirements, plus what to consider before beginning the process.

What Is PMP Certification?

PMP certification is a globally recognized and sought-after project management credential that recognizes experienced project managers for successfully leading teams through a project’s life cycle. As you prepare for the exam, you’ll study concepts like waterfall project management and Agile to enhance your skills. Earning PMP certification also helps you stay on top of trends through continued education.

PMI administers the PMP certification and is widely considered the leading authority in project management. To date, there are 1.4 million PMP certification holders worldwide.

It also pays to invest in a PMP certification. According to PMP certification salary statistics, PMPs in the U.S. earn a median annual wage of $130,000, 44% higher than their uncertified peers.

PMP Certification Requirements

Earning a PMP certification isn’t easy. Before you can sit for the exam, you must demonstrate real-world experience leading projects and complete targeted training. You don’t need a college degree to apply, but it reduces the work experience requirement.

Next, you’ll have to pass the certification exam. Instead of using a set passing score, PMI determines your score by psychometric analysis, meaning your result depends on the difficulty of the questions. PMI works with subject matter experts across the globe to establish a point at which each candidate should pass the exam.

How Long Does PMP Certification Take?

Earning the PMP certification can take several years, including the time it takes to earn a degree and complete the work experience requirements. After fulfilling the prerequisites, the time it takes to study and pass the exam varies.

Work Experience

Applicants with a high school or secondary school diploma need to demonstrate five years of experience leading projects before they can take the exam. Those with a four-year degree must show three years of relevant experience. In both cases, the documented experience must have taken place within the past eight years.

Project Management Training

To take the exam, you need to complete 35 hours of formal project management education or hold a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® credential. You can explore several avenues to fulfill the training requirement and prepare for the PMP exam:

• PMI-authorized training partners
• Employer- and company-sponsored programs
• Training companies or consultants (e.g., training schools)
• Distance-learning companies that include an end-of-course assessment
• University and college academic and continuing education programs

Application Processing

Once you have the necessary training and experience, you’ll complete an online application provided by PMI. The application review process typically takes five to 10 days. You’ll receive an email from PMI to move on to the next step.

Study Time

You might be tempted to rush your PMP certification timeline, but plan your preparation time wisely so you’re not cramming at the last minute. Whether you study independently or enroll in a class, allow yourself time to take the PMI-authorized practice exam. The exam costs $99 and comes with 250 practice questions, immediate feedback on each question, a results summary, a glossary of terms and access to a resource library.

How Much Do PMP Certification Classes Cost?

The amount you’ll pay for the required 35 hours of project management training varies depending on the format and location. Online and in-person classes range from $300 to $3,000. Only courses with final assessments count toward your contact hours.

You can also enroll in a free PMP certification course, but some are only free for a limited time. PMI also sponsors paid and free webinars and trainings to help you prepare.

Online Courses

Online courses offer convenient, flexible PMP certification training. Live virtual classes through PMI, which typically cost about $1,500, provide more interaction and accountability. PMI’s self-paced, on-demand courses cost significantly less, typically around $350, and allow 24/7 access to the course material.

Other online resources include the PMI-authorized online practice exam and PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) for $99 each.

In-Person Courses

In-person training courses allow you to participate with instructors, network with classmates and receive real-time feedback. If you struggle with virtual instruction, in-person classes may suit you.

The PMI website lists one- to four-day options at different price points. For example, a PMI-approved two-day training course costs about $1,500 for PMI members and $1,800 for nonmembers. Four-day courses are $3,045 for members and $3,270 for nonmembers.

The organization maintains a searchable PMI training catalog of upcoming events.

How Much Does the PMP Certification Cost?

The first time you apply, the PMP exam costs $405 or $575, depending on your PMI membership status. If you sign up for a PMI membership when registering for the exam, you’ll still pay the nonmember fee.

You can retake the exam up to three times in a year. The cost for PMP exam retakes is $275 for members and $375 for nonmembers.

How Much Are PMP Renewal Fees?

To maintain your PMP certification, you’ll need to keep your project management education and skills current. PMI requires 60 professional development hours every three years as long as you hold the certification.

You can earn professional development hours in various ways, including taking courses, giving presentations, writing articles, volunteering, mentoring and teaching. PMP renewal costs $60 for PMI members and $150 for nonmembers.

The Bottom Line

The PMP certification is worth considering if you work in project management and hope to expand your salary potential and career opportunities. You’ll explore project management techniques, like agile and waterfall, while learning valuable business and leadership skills to keep your team motivated and focused.

You can expect to pay training costs ranging from $300 to $3,000 and exam fees of $405 or $575, depending on PMI membership. After passing the PMP exam, you must maintain your certification through ongoing education and pay a renewal fee of $60 or $150 every three years. PMI membership costs $149 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PMP Certification