TL;DR: PMP cost mainly depends on PMI membership: you pay the exam fee, then plan for training (35 contact hours), study resources, and possible retake or renewal fees. This guide breaks down exam, retake, renewal, and country-wise pricing, plus what you might spend on prep.

Introduction

If you are planning to pursue the PMP certification, one of the first things to understand is that the total cost is not a single fixed amount. The exam fee is a combination of the PMI exam cost, mandatory training, and study resources. In India, the PMP exam fee is approximately ₹24,708 for PMI members and about ₹50,025 for non-members. In addition, training programs and study materials typically start from around ₹10,999, depending on the learning format and the depth of support included. (Source: PMI)

In this article, we outline the expected expenses across each stage of the journey, including member versus non-member exam fees, training and preparation costs, and additional charges such as rescheduling, retakes, and renewal.

PMP Certification Cost in 2026

Before you budget for training and prep, start with the exam fee. PMI prices the PMP exam differently for members vs non-members, and the same pricing logic applies across countries. Here is what the exam alone costs.

Region

PMI Member Exam Fee

Non-Member Exam Fee

India (Indian residents)

INR 24,708

INR 50,025

United States (US residents)

$405

$655

Breakdown of PMP Exam Fees by PMI

The PMP certification fees can be categorized into three distinct groups. Further, it differs for both members and non-members. So, here is the detailed breakdown of each category:

Type of Fee

USA

India

PMP Examination Fee

PMI Members: $405

Non-members: $655

PMI Members: ₹24,708

Non-members: ₹50,025

PMP Re-examination Fee

PMI Members: $275

Non-members: $375

PMI Members: ₹15,929

Non-members: ₹28,961

PMP Renewal Fee

PMI Members: $60

Non-members: $150

PMI Members: ₹3,475

Non-members: ₹11,585

PMP Training and Prep Course Costs

The training is essential to qualify for the certification exam, as it helps in understanding the foundation, which is the PMBOK Guide, and developing the necessary skills. The training options include:

  • Self-study: It will include learning through self-study materials, where the cost ranges between INR 5,000 to INR 15,000
  • Online Bootcamp: The PMP online bootcamp course is available for Indian candidates at INR 10,999 for Indians and USD 699 for US nationals
  • Classroom: Classroom learning options are also available, with costs generally ranging from INR 15,000 to 40,000
Give your PMP exam preparation a boost: Enroll in PMP® Certification Training now to gain hands-on practice with 12 Simulations, 500+ PMI-exclusive questions, and a 1,500+ question bank. Get live instructor‑led classes, a study plan, and support from experts. 

Additional Expenses to Consider 

The PMP certification also entails additional expenses. These are listed as follows:

1. Membership Fee: Although optional, it offers multiple benefits. There are three types of memberships to choose from, according to one's category:

  • PMI membership
  • Student membership
  • Retiree membership

2. Examination Fee: It is a mandatory cost required to take the exam

3. Examination Rescheduling Fee: This fee varies depending on the duration of the rescheduling and the exam date. Rescheduling is free if done 30 days or more before the exam. Further rescheduling within a month, up to 2 days before the exam, costs $70, while rescheduling isn’t possible from 48 hours before the exam

4. PMP Training Fee: Training is essential to qualifying for the exam, and it involves certain expenditures

5. Study Resources: Taking the exam requires guidance from study resources, which adds to the expenditures

6. Certification Renewal Fee: The mandatory fee is paid at the time of certification renewal

PMP Certification Cost by Country

According to PMI, the PMP certification fees for different countries are listed as follows:

Country 

PMP Certification Cost (Members) 

PMP Certification Cost (Non-Members) 

US

$405

$655

$India 

INR 24,708

INR 50,025

UAE 

1,497 AED

2,038 AED

Europe 

€340

€465

Australia 

AUD 800

AUD 1330

Singapore 

S$551

S$751

What is PMP Certification?

The PMP certification is a widely recognized credential that demonstrates the candidate's skills and abilities in project management. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The certification demonstrates the certificate holder's capability to manage and lead people, processes, and business priorities across various industries, including construction, healthcare, information technology, business, and others. It also assesses and certifies the candidates based on their leadership skills, including predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches.

Salary of a PMP Certified Professional

The salary of a PMP-certified professional in India ranges from INR 9 lakhs to 38 lakhs. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary is approximately INR 14 lakhs. Furthermore, PMP professionals working in the US earn between $79,000 and $100,000 or more per year.

Average Salaries by Role

According to Indeed, the average salaries of PMP-certified professionals based on their job role are:

Job Role

Average Salary (USD)

Project Manager

$94,339

Senior Project Manager

$123,944

Information Technology Director

$138,426

Director of Operations

$107,284

Program Manager

$90,186

Engineering Project Manager

$111,927

Did You Know? 🕵️
PMP-certified project managers earn 33% more on average than their non-certified peers. (Source: PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey)

What Does the PMP Exam Include?

Below is the detailed description of the PMP® examination questions, structure, and content.

Exam Structure and Duration

  • The PMP® examination consists of 180 questions
  • Out of the 180 questions, 5 are considered pretest questions (Pretest questions do not affect the score and are used in examinations to test the validity of future examination questions)
  • The total time allotted is 230 minutes

Domain Categories

The questions are categorized into three primary domains:

  1. People (42%) - Focuses on leadership, team building, and effective collaboration.

  2. Process (50%) - Covers technical project management knowledge and hands-on execution.

  3. Business Environment (8%) - Addresses aligning projects with organizational strategy and goals.

Primary Tasks

Each domain is tested across tasks, which assess:

  • Agile and Hybrid Approaches
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Change Management
  • Risk Mitigation
  • Benefits Realization

Why is PMP Certification Worth the Investment?

The importance of PMP certification for a candidate aiming for a career in project management is as follows: 

  • Adds value to the resume and indicates the capability and enhanced efficiency to deliver results at the highest levels
  • Certifies the presence of hard and soft skills and improves the ones in demand by employers to perform the job responsibilities successfully
  • Enlightens and trains the candidates in project management processes, frameworks, and advanced techniques and methodologies while making them compliant with industry standards and guidelines
  • Allows one to earn higher compared to those who aren't PMP certified, while paving the path for a wide variety of job opportunities
  • Holds worldwide recognition, with the certification being trusted in over 80 countries
  • Offers access to the global network of PMP professionals through the community
  • Requires certification renewal, thus allowing the opportunity to upskill oneself and progress further in one's career

Watch this video to understand the top 10 reasons to get PMP-certified.

Become a PMP Professional With Expert Programs

Did the benefits of PMP certification intrigue you to advance further in your career with more dedication? Begin by understanding the exam's requirements and your current level. To assist in the preparation and help you qualify for the exam easily, here are two suggestions to proceed with:

1. PMP Certification

This program helps candidates qualify for their exam on their first attempt. Featuring approximately 12 simulation assessments, cheat sheets, and exam pass study plans, the program also provides 24/7 course assistance. Candidates can choose from an online bootcamp or join via a corporate training module. The program also offers 35 PDUs.

2. Professional Certificate Program in Project Management

This program offers enrolled candidates over 18 mock tests, more than 20 projects, and Harvard case studies to learn from. It also features masterclasses led by instructors from Virginia Tech. The program's live, online, and interactive classes enable candidates to earn 146 PDUs, equivalent to 35 contact hours, which are required for the PMI exam. It is also a flexible learning program offering recorded lessons to ensure continued progress.

PMP® and PMBOK® are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Get Ahead in Your PMP® Journey - Free Resources for You

📖 Prepare for PMP success with our free PMP Exam Prep Guide! Download it now to access the 5-week study plan and get expert tips to help you ace the exam. This comprehensive guide is designed to keep you on track and boost your confidence.

🖊️ Now that you have got your study plan, it's time to put your learning to the test with this free PMP practice exam. With real exam-style questions, it helps you understand the format, improve your timing, and identify precisely where you need to focus.

FAQs

1. How much does the PMP certification cost?

The PMP certification cost in India for PMI members is ₹24,708, and for non-PMI members, it is ₹50,025. Additional expenditures include training costs, study resources, certification renewal fees, and retake fees (if required).

2. Is a PMP certificate worth it?

Yes, PMP certification is globally recognized, demonstrating candidates' skills and capabilities. It also expands potential job opportunities while upgrading earning potential. Thus, earning the PMP certificate is worth it.

3. What is the PMP exam cost for PMI members vs non-members?

PMP exam fee is:

  • PMI members: $405
  • Non-members: $655

4. What does the total PMP certification cost include (exam, training, membership)?

Most candidates should budget for:

  • Exam fee (member vs non-member)
  • 35 hours of training to meet eligibility
  • PMI membership (optional)
  • Study resources like books, question banks, and mock exams
  • Possible extras like rescheduling fees or retake fees
  • Renewal costs every 3 years (renewal fee plus PDUs)

5. How much does PMP training cost on average?

PMI does not set training prices. Training cost depends on the format and what is included. Self-paced tends to be the lowest cost, bootcamps are mid-range, and classroom programs are often the highest. The key requirement is that the course must count toward the 35 hours.

6. How much does a PMP course cost compared to self-study?

Self-study can be cheaper upfront, but you still need a 35-hour training source for eligibility. A structured course usually costs more, but it often includes the 35 hours, a study plan, instructor support, and mocks or simulators. The best choice depends on whether you need structure and accountability or if you already study well on your own.

7. Is PMI membership worth it for reducing PMP exam fees?

Often, yes, if you are sure you will take the exam. The difference in the exam fee is $250 ($655 minus $405). If membership costs less than the savings you gain on the exam, it can be worth it just for the price difference. The value improves further if you also use member benefits.

8. Are there extra charges for rescheduling the PMP exam?

Yes. Rescheduling is free if you do it 30 days or more before your exam date. If you reschedule within 30 days, PMI charges a $70 fee (plus applicable taxes). Rescheduling is not allowed within 48 hours of the appointment.

9. What is the PMP renewal fee and how often do you pay it?

PMP runs on a 3-year renewal cycle. To renew, you need 60 PDUs in that cycle and then pay the renewal fee. Renewal fee is:

  • PMI members: $60
  • Non-members: $150

10. What other costs should I budget for (books, mocks, PDUs)?

Common add-ons include:

  • Prep book or reference guide
  • Question bank and full-length mock tests or a simulator
  • Practice exams and revision tools
  • Costs to earn PDUs (some PDUs can be earned free, but some courses, events, or memberships may be paid depending on your plan)

References:

1. PMBOK® Guide Latest Edition

2. PMI® Membership

3. PMP Training Options

4. Project Manager Salaries from Glassdoor

Our Project Management Courses Duration And Fees

Project Management Courses typically range from a few weeks to several months, with fees varying based on program and institution.

Program NameDurationFees
Professional Certificate Program in Project Management With GenAI

Cohort Starts: 9 Mar, 2026

12 weeks$2,950
PMP® Renewal Pack Bundle3 weeks$649
PMP® Plus7 weeks$1,249