Preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a significant investment of time, effort, and money. But what happens if you don’t pass on your first attempt? Understanding the financial implications of retaking the PMP exam is crucial for budget planning and managing expectations throughout your certification journey.
- Understanding PMP Exam Retake Charges
- The Financial Outlay for Repeating the PMP Examination Process
- How Many Times Can You Retake the PMP Exam?
- PMP Exam Rescheduling Fee vs. Retake Fee
- Minimizing the Cost of Repeating the PMP Test
- What Happens Between Attempts?
- The True Expense of a Second Attempt at the PMI Exam
- Making the Investment Worth It
- Strategies to Avoid Retake Charges
- Is the Retake Investment Worth It?
- Final Thoughts on Retaking the PMP Certification Test
Understanding PMP Exam Retake Charges
The cost to reattempt the PMP exam depends on your PMI membership status. The PMI exam retake fee structure is straightforward but differs significantly between members and non-members.
For PMI Members:
- PMP exam retake fee: $275 USD
For Non-Members:
- Price for retaking PMP exam: $375 USD
This represents the payment required for another go at the PMI test, and you’ll need to pay this fee each time you attempt the examination after your initial try.
The Financial Outlay for Repeating the PMP Examination Process
When calculating the expense to redo the PMP exam, it’s important to consider the complete picture. The PMP certification retake cost isn’t just about the exam fee itself. Here’s what you should factor into your budget for a second try at the PMP exam:
Direct Costs
- PMP Second Attempt Cost: The base retake fee ($275 for members, $375 for non-members)
- Study Materials: Additional practice exams, updated prep courses, or new study guides
- PMI Membership Renewal: If your membership expires between attempts
Indirect Costs
The monetary considerations for a subsequent effort on the PMP certification examination also include:
- Time away from work for additional study
- Opportunity cost of delayed certification
- Potential travel expenses if testing at a center location
How Many Times Can You Retake the PMP Exam?
PMI allows candidates to attempt the PMP exam up to three times within a one-year eligibility period from your initial application approval. If you’re unsuccessful after three attempts, you’ll need to wait one year from the date of your last attempt before reapplying. This means you could potentially face the expense of a second attempt at the PMI exam twice within your eligibility window.
PMP Exam Rescheduling Fee vs. Retake Fee
It’s important to distinguish between rescheduling and retaking:
PMP Exam Rescheduling Fee:
- Reschedule more than 30 days before your exam: Free
- Reschedule within 30 days of your exam: $70 USD fee
- Reschedule within 2 business days: Not permitted (forfeit your fee)
Retaking After a Failed Attempt:
- This is when you pay the full PMP retake charges mentioned above
Minimizing the Cost of Repeating the PMP Test
The best way to manage the financial implications of retaking the PMP exam is to pass on your first attempt. Here are strategies to help you succeed:
1. Invest in Quality Preparation
Spending more on comprehensive study materials upfront can save you hundreds on retake fees later. Consider:
- Accredited PMP prep courses
- Multiple practice exams
- Study groups or bootcamps
2. Take Your Time
Don’t rush into the exam before you’re ready. The pressure to “just get it done” can lead to premature attempts and unnecessary retaking of the PMP certification test.
3. Use Practice Exams Strategically
Consistently scoring 75% or higher on full-length practice exams is a good indicator of readiness. If you’re not hitting these marks, delay your exam rather than risk the fee for reappearing in the PMP exam.
4. Leverage PMI Membership
If you’re planning to take the PMP exam, the PMI membership fee ($139 for new members, $129 for renewals annually) quickly pays for itself. The savings on both the initial exam and any potential retakes make membership a smart financial decision.
Membership Savings Calculation:
- Initial exam: Save $100 (member pays $405 vs. non-member $555)
- Each retake: Save $100 (member pays $275 vs. non-member $375)
- First attempt only: Break even after membership fee
- First attempt + one retake: Save $61 overall
- First attempt + two retakes: Save $161 overall
What Happens Between Attempts?
After an unsuccessful attempt, you must wait 14 days before scheduling your next exam. Use this mandatory waiting period wisely:
- Review Your Score Report: PMI provides a detailed breakdown showing which domains need improvement
- Adjust Your Study Plan: Focus on weak areas identified in your results
- Refresh Your Application: Ensure your eligibility period hasn’t expired
- Budget Appropriately: Set aside funds for the retake before scheduling
The True Expense of a Second Attempt at the PMI Exam
When considering how much to pay for a PMP retake, remember that the financial outlay extends beyond the exam fee:
Total Potential Cost for Second Attempt:
- Retake fee: $275-$375
- Additional study materials: $100-$500
- Lost time (opportunity cost): Variable
- Stress and psychological impact: Priceless
Comparison Over Three Attempts (PMI Member):
- First attempt: $405 (included in initial fee)
- Second attempt: $275
- Third attempt: $275
- Total potential investment: $955
Making the Investment Worth It
The PMP certification significantly boosts earning potential, with PMP holders earning on average 16-20% more than non-certified project managers. When viewed through this lens, the price of a second shot at the PMP certification test becomes an investment rather than an expense.
According to PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey, the median salary for PMP holders in the United States is approximately $120,000 annually. Even if you need to retake the exam once or twice, the certification pays for itself many times over during your career.
Strategies to Avoid Retake Charges
Before Your First Attempt:
- Complete at least 5-8 full-length practice exams
- Study for a minimum of 3-4 months (120-200 hours total)
- Join a study group for accountability
- Review the PMBOK Guide and Agile Practice Guide thoroughly
- Understand the exam format and question styles
During the Exam:
- Read each question carefully (time management is crucial)
- Use the process of elimination for challenging questions
- Flag questions for review but trust your preparation
- Take scheduled breaks to maintain focus
If You Don’t Pass:
- Don’t panic—many successful PMPs needed more than one attempt
- Analyze your score report objectively
- Address knowledge gaps systematically
- Consider investing in a different study approach
Is the Retake Investment Worth It?
Absolutely. The PMP certification retake cost, while significant, pales in comparison to the long-term career benefits. Consider these factors:
Career Advancement:
- Higher salary potential
- Increased job opportunities
- Global recognition
- Professional credibility
In order to pass the PMP exam in the first attempt, you can take the revision class along with many other PMP aspirants.
Final Thoughts on Retaking the PMP Certification Test
The cost of repeating the PMP test is a manageable expense when planned for appropriately. While nobody wants to face the expense to redo the PMP exam, understanding the PMI certification retake charges helps you budget effectively and removes financial stress from an already challenging situation.
Remember that failing the PMP exam doesn’t reflect on your abilities as a project manager—it simply means you need more preparation for this specific test format. Many highly successful PMPs needed multiple attempts, and the retake fee is simply part of their certification investment.
The key is approaching your preparation strategically, taking the exam when you’re truly ready, and viewing any potential retake costs as an investment in your professional future rather than a setback.