What is the cost of PMP Certification?

The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is highly respected, and widely recognized and hailed as the gold standard in project management.

To become PMP certified, the eligibility criteria set by PMI have to be met. So next comes the cost of the PMP examination.  Many presume the PMP exam fee as the cost of a PMP certification exam. The are other costs that need to considered to work out the total cost of certification. And the cost varies depending upon the region and PMI chapters. There is something called hidden cost or cost that we don’t factor – which is the time spent.

The costs of PMP certification can be broken down into

Fixed cost

1. PMI Membership Fee
2. PMBOK® Guide
3. PMP Certification Fee
4. Rescheduling Fee
5. PMP renewal fee

Variable cost.

1. Training Course
2. Reference/Study materials

1. PMI Membership Fee

There is no mandate to become a PMI member to take the PMP exam. However, the benefits that come with PMI membership are just too good to miss – you can get a free copy of the latest version PMBOK and the PMP exam fees will become appreciably less as you can save close to $100.

The table below shows the PMI Membership Fee

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Note: the membership for students is $32.

The membership with the local PMI chapter is strongly recommended as you will gain access to professional development opportunities. The fees towards Chapter membership varies between $12-$60.

2. PMBOK® Guide – Cost: $49.50 to $99 [Pdf version free for PMI members].

The PDF version of the latest PMBOK® Guide is part of the PMP exam fee. So, if you are a PMI member, the pdf version of the book comes as free.

This book can be purchased as a printed copy (hard copy) from PMI at the rate of $49.50 for members and $99for non-members.

It is also available in Amazon in different versions like a hardbound book or pdf or kindle. It is important to note that the PMBOK book is very much required but it serves as one of the reference materials.

3. PMP Certification Fee – Cost: $ 405 for members, $ 555 for non-members

This cost component is perceived by many as the COST. It is the heaviest in cost compared to other components, but this isn’t the only one. This is one of many. Let us be clear about the expenses to be incurred.

The PMP certification fees are clearly detailed in the PMP Handbook. The table below presents the information with regard to the Exam Type and corresponding fee structure.

The PMI membership is valid for only one year. Can you observe the fee difference between member and non-member? The discount is significant,  and you also get a pdf version of PMBOK for free. 

4. PMP Certification Training Course – Cost: depends on country/service provider/mode of training

PMI prescribes the 35 PDU (Professional Development Units) as one of the major prerequisites to qualify for the PMP exam. So, a formal training course that will provide you the 35 PDUs with proof of attending training is an absolute must. PMI insists on the certification of completion from your training provider. The exam is difficult and demanding, and this training course is good as a refresher course to help you come to speed.

4.1 Why is the PMP Certification Training Course a variable cost?

There are three modes of training for PMP training.

• Instructor- LED Classroom Training
• Instructor- LED Live Online Training (Liver Virtual Training)
• Self-paced Online Training or E-Learning

Instructor- LED Classroom Training

It is a brick and mortar set up  - the physical classroom. The main advantage of this method is the face-to-face engagement that registers higher participation and interaction between the instructor and participants, which makes the training very productive. It is usually conducted in a 4-day format covering the complete curriculum. The cost depends on the country and training provider.

PMP Certification classroom varies in course fee based on country as presented below:

• America, Canada, Australia: $1500
• South America (Brazil, Chile):  $600
• China, India: $500
• European Countries: $1200
• Arabian Countries: $2000

So, there is no fixed price and it impacts the PMP certification cost.

Instructor- LED Live Online Training (Liver Virtual Training)

Live Online Training is virtual. This method is convenient for those who find it difficult to commute to attend classroom training and prefer to connect in the virtual mode. Live Online Training is conducted online using specialized and specific software like such as Citrix GoToMeeting, Cisco WebEx, etc.

The cost starts at $229 and goes upwards.

Self-paced Online Training or E-Learning

E-learning is anywhere anytime learning. This self-study enables the participant to learn at their convenience and calls for the basic requirement of a work station (Desktop, laptop or hand-held devices) and internet connectivity.

Cost: This method is by far the most cost-effective starting from $129 onwards. There are some training providers who offer for lesser price.

So, choosing the mode of training directly impacts the total cost of PMP certification.

5.  Reference/Study materials

As stated before, studying PMBOK alone won't suffice. There are more materials and literature and practice tests and mock exams. You have to devote dedicated time become to ace your PMP exam.

The Reference/Study materials include other PMP study guides ($35-$65 ),  by authors of repute, ebooks, Exam simulators($140 to $300), Question Banks, Brain Dumps, Practice exams, and mock tests.

Cost: It depends upon the time you spend and the money you wish to invest in buying the reference materials.

6.  Rescheduling Fee – Cost: $70 

Uncertainty is a way of life. There are always exceptions. Sometimes, things don’t run as planned. In the event of you missing the scheduled PMP exam for whatever reason, you can always reschedule the exam but PMI charges a fee.

Cost: PMI will charge $70  to reschedule the exam provided it is within 30 days.

Now that you are PMP certified, does it mean no more spending? There is still one component left: cost charged for Renewal of your PMP certification.

7. Renewal of your PMP certification – Cost: $60 for a PMI member, $150 for a non-member.

The PMP certification is not valid for life. It has to be renewed every 3 years and there is a cost factor involved.

You don’t have to be a PMI member to renew your PMP certificate but the cost to renew is lesser for a PMI member.

PMI has made it easier to earn these PDUs at a lower cost.  You will have to spend 1 hour of time to earn 1 PDU.

The Cost for renewal for a PMI member is $60 and $150 for a non-member.

All the costs that have to be borne towards PMP certification been covered. Given the variables, it is difficult to arrive at a specific number as the total cost. You can do the math to work out the average cost towards PMP certification.

Recommended post:

• What is PMP?
• Key Features of PMP® Certification Training
• Top 10 Reasons to Get PMP® Certified
• How To Qualify PM Experience In PMP Application Form
• The Step By Step Procedure To Fill The Application Form

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