exam cost | Project Success

If you are going for your PMP in 2026, there are two significant changes coming that you should know about.

Change 1: PMP Training Requirements (Late 2026)

Currently, you need 35 hours of project management training to qualify for the PMP exam. These hours can come from any eligible course provider. Training can be live in-person, live virtual with an instructor or self-paced on-demand courses. PMI does not require a specific provider.

In late 2026, PMI is making a change to the PMP live training eligibility requirements to ensure consistent quality preparation worldwide: live training will have to be provided by an:

A PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP)
A China Registered Education Provider (REP)
Eligible accredited academic programs through PMI

If your live training does not come from one of these sources, it will not be eligible. You could complete the course and discover later that the hours do not count toward your PMP application.

The Good News – Self Paced Study

Self-paced courses remain completely eligible. This includes online courses through platforms like Udemy, Coursera and others that are not from authorized partners. If you choose self-paced learning, you have complete flexibility and can learn from any reputable provider.

Self-paced courses are also typically more cost-effective than live instructor-led training. You can learn at your own pace, on your own schedule.

What Does This Mean For You?

If you are planning to take live training, verify that the provider is a PMI Authorized Training Partner before you enroll. Ask the provider directly if they are an ATP. If they are not, your hours may not count.

If you are planning to take self-paced training, you have no restrictions. You can take courses from any provider you choose and be confident the hours will count.

Change 2: PMP Exam Price Increase (Effective August 6, 2026)

The cost of the PMP exam is increasing for non-members.

Previous non-member price: $555 USD
New non-member price (effective August 6, 2026): $675 USD

This is an increase of $120 USD.

The good news here is that if you are a PMI member, your exam price is not changing. It remains at approximately $405 (it can vary by region).

PMI membership typically costs around $140 USD per year depending on your location. Here is the math. If you pay $140 for membership and $405 for the exam, your total is $545. If you do not have membership, you pay $675 for the exam alone. The membership pays for itself, plus a bit extra.

Additional PMI Member Benefits

As a PMI member, you also receive:

Digital downloads of all PMI project management bodies of knowledge (this is worth the membership price alone),
Access to the PMBOK Guide, Agile Practice Guide and other resources,
Member discounts on PMI courses and certifications,
Networking and professional development opportunities,
A cheaper exam experience at $405 versus $675.

So, if you have not yet started studying, consider getting PMI Membership and your 35 hours of training through a self-paced course. This gives you flexibility and ensures your hours count regardless of future changes.

If you plan to take live training, verify that your provider is a PMI Authorized Training Partner.

The $140 PMI membership cost pays for itself through the exam discount alone, plus you get access to all the study resources you need.

Study hard and work at it consistently, and I know that you too can pass your PMP exam.

– David McLachlan

You can see what people are saying about David McLachlan here: REVIEWS

Navigate to Free Project Management and Leadership Articles through the links on the right (or at the bottom if on Mobile)