PMI recently came up with a price update for its most popular and oldest certification – PMP. While aspirants only saw a shift in the numbers on the website, along with the brand-new PMI look – ATPs like us were notified at the beginning of August. To put it across right away – There is a sharp increase in the PMP Certification Price starting August 6, 2024.
However, an inside tip – the pricing mentioned on the website is based on locations! The change in the PMP certification price came into effect for the United States and a few other selected countries. Let’s see the impact this change has in store for you!
PMP Certification Price Changes
PMI periodically increases the pricing for its courses. As a part of this, the new exam fee for PMP came into effect on 6th August 2024. This new PMP certification pricing is significantly higher than the previous one. However, PMI announced this change in PMP Certification Price for the United States and “selected other countries” only. Let’s break this down further:
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PMP Pricing for Non-Members in the United States
The PMP Certification Price for non-members of PMI saw an increase from $595 to $675 in the United States this time. It’s a staggering difference of $80. One should note that there was a price update in late February 2024 as well – where PMI increased the pricing from $555 to $595 for PMP aspirants in the United States.
This means that, in 2024 itself United States witnessed a price hike of $120!
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PMP Pricing for Non-Members in Other Countries
Now, this time PMI also announced a PMP Certification price hike for “Selected Other Countries”. These select countries weren’t announced per se, but the website was updated to reflect the updated pricing. PMI raised the pricing from $575 to $655 for these countries.
Like the United States, all other countries also saw an increase in the pricing in February – a $20 increase from $555 to $575. However, this time the PMP exam fee increased by a larger extent – $80. Thus, in all the total price hike for PMP in 2024 for other countries came to around $100.
What About PMP Pricing for PMI Members?
There’s good news! PMI members will see no change in exam fees. So, if you’re already a PMI member, this increase won’t affect you. Here are the current PMP certification fees for PMI members:
- United States: $425
- Other Countries: $405
As per the current announcement, you’ll be paying this fee for your PMP enrollment if you have an Active PMI membership. We’ve mentioned more details on PMI Membership, Costs, and Benefits in the coming sections.
Why is PMI Increasing the PMP Certification Price?
The PMP Certification cost surge is following the new PMI branding initiative as well as its change in deliverables (for example, the upcoming new PMBOK). PMI periodically updates the exam fees for all its courses to maintain their quality and to ensure alignment with current demands.
Although the new pricing is a big concern for PMP aspirants, the skyrocketing popularity of the certification fuels the price hike. However, the goal of PMI remains the same – to continually deliver exceptional value to the project management community worldwide.
As for PMP, its curriculum is consistently updated from time to time after global surveys and after evaluation of the current state of the project management space. It incorporates all the relevant practices, new terms, and information on the latest technologies in its syllabus. This requires a large amount of effort, which goes to make PMP worth the value!
What is the Impact on PMP Certification Price in India?
While global price increases are in place and the PMI website reflects it all across, it’s important to note that the new pricing is yet to be reflected in India.
You might see the change on the website, but the PMP Certification Price in India is still the same, i.e., $575. However, it will likely see changes soon – reflecting the $80 surge. Hence, to avoid the upcoming surge in the PMP certification fees in India, this is your best chance to enroll for PMP.
Bottom Line: Should This Price Hike Worry You?
Contrary to our generally diplomatic ground, we say Absolutely, yes!
The PMP certification price increase might take full effect sooner than you expect. And, for non-members, $655 is a huge amount to pay. More so for Indian aspirants – for whom the new exam fee roughly translates to INR 55,000. Especially for those hesitating to invest in PMI membership, the rising costs could add a significant and unnecessary financial strain.
Next Steps: What Can You Do Now?
If you were planning on getting certified this year, then The Time To Act On It Is Now.
Don’t delay further in applying for your PMP. In one of our previous blogs, we mentioned that there are opportunity costs lost by delaying it further. And this August 2024 PMP certification price hike reinforces that!
Read more about PMP and the opportunity costs lost here: Is PMP certification worth it?
And, while the pricing for PMI members is the same still, who can really assure you that it won’t follow suit? Hence, we suggest locking in the current pricing to avoid paying more for the same credential just a few months later. You’ll be permitted to take the exam in this entire 12-month period anyway!
Or, if you choose to opt for the PMI membership, here’s how the numbers stack up:
- For non-members of PMI (outside the USA):
- PMP exam fee = $655
- With PMI membership:
- Membership = $139
- Exam fee = $405
- Total = $544
- Membership = $139
So, even with the membership fee factored in, you’re still paying less overall. Moreover, as a PMI member, you’ll not only avoid the price hike but also enjoy access to a lot of resources to help you ace the exam.
PMI Membership Benefits:
- Free Access to the PMBOK Guide – A must-have for PMP exam preparation.
- PMI’s Salary Survey – PMI’s most awaited insights into salary trends for project managers around the world.
- PMI Infinity – PMI’s AI-powered tool to support your project management journey.
- Career Navigator – Personalized career advice and tools to help you plan your future in project management.
- Discounts on Events and Certifications – Save on professional development opportunities.
- Access to a Global Community – Network with professionals worldwide and exchange knowledge.
The PMP certification is a career-defining credential, and by becoming a PMI member, you gain access to the tools and resources that can help you succeed—not just in passing the exam, but in advancing your career.
So, would you rather pay $544 along with the PMI membership benefits or pay $111 extra without it?
We think this PMP Certification Price change makes an evidently strong case for joining PMI! But, we still suggest going for the certification before another price change comes into effect for members as well.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve been on the fence or just waiting for the right time, this PMP Certification price hike is a crystal clear signal to take action now, and not waste any more time.
With the India pricing changes expected soon, the sooner you register, the more you save. Not only that, the longer you delay your PMP, it could cost you more anyway —not only in exam fees but in missed opportunities for career growth.
So, Indian PMP Aspirants, save thousands of rupees by securing your PMP certification at the earliest!
Your future as a PMP-certified project manager is worth the investment—and there’s no better time than now to make it happen!
