PMP Retake Guide: Cost, Policy, and How Many Times You Can Try

If you need to retake the PMP exam, review your score report, check PMI retake policies, and submit payment for your retake fee ($275 for PMI members, $375 for non-members). You can attempt the exam up to three times within your one-year eligibility period. Schedule your new exam through the PMI portal as soon as your retake eligibility is confirmed.

• You can retake the PMP exam up to 3 times within your eligibility year.
• Retake fees differ: $275 for PMI members, $375 for non-members (per PMI Handbook, v8.0, 2023).
• No formal appeals for failed results; however, PMI support can assist with exam issues.
• Proper preparation and understanding PMI policies improve your retake outcome.
• Technical and system readiness is crucial for remote, proctored PMP retakes.

Feeling uncertain after not passing your PMP exam? You’re not alone. Understanding the retake process, costs, timelines, and technical requirements can make a huge difference in your journey toward certification. This guide walks you through every step—ensuring you bounce back smarter, faster, and more confidently for your next attempt.

Identify Your Retake Scenario and Next Steps

When you fail—or anticipate needing to retake—the PMP exam, it’s important to quickly determine which step applies to your situation. Use the flowchart below for fast resolution:

• Did you receive a failing score? → Review retake policies and fees.
• Uncertain about wait times? → Consult PMI’s retake timing guidelines.
• Need to check maximum attempts? → See limits in the table below.
• Questions about fees? → Reference the retake fee breakdown.

Prepare Safely Before Your Retake

Approaching your PMP retake is a procedural process. Solid preparation helps prevent delays or confusion.

• Schedule Management: Set aside undisturbed study periods and exam slots.
• Required Resources: Valid PMI account, active payment method, updated study materials, and reliable internet access.
• Documentation Backup: Save and print official PMI emails, score reports, and retake authorizations.
• Policy Protection: Understand PMI’s retake terms to secure your investment (per PMI Certification Handbook, v8.0, 2023).

Address Common Retake Issues with 5 Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Fix Score Deficiency after First Attempt

The most frequent reason for retaking is not reaching PMI’s passing score (estimated ~61%; PMI doesn’t publish exact thresholds).

1. Study your score report for weak performance across the five PMP domains: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing.
2. Focus your study plan on the lowest scoring areas using new or updated PMP prep resources.
3. Consider enrolling in PMP refresher courses, instructor-led boot camps, or study groups.
4. Submit your retake application through your PMI online profile.
5. Pay the official PMP retake fee (detailed below).

Verification: Confirm that your retake status is active and your new exam date is scheduled in the PMI portal. Use reputable practice exams (aligned to the latest outline) to track your progress before retaking.

2. Resolve PMP Retake Fee Payment Issues

Incorrect fee handling is a frequent source of retake delays. Fees are lower for PMI members, per the PMI Certification Handbook (2023):

1. Check your PMI account’s membership status. Join/renew to access lower fees if needed.
2. Ensure your payment method is valid and has sufficient available funds.
3. Submit payment using the official PMI portal. Never use third-party or unofficial payment links.
4. If payment is declined, contact your bank, then PMI support for resolution.

Verification: Watch for payment confirmation and retake eligibility notices in your PMI dashboard. If fees continue to fail, escalate to PMI support.

3. Overcome Portal or System Access Problems

Technical unfamiliarity with PMI’s online system can block retake scheduling. Typical quick fixes include:

1. Clear your browser’s cache/cookies before logging into PMI.org.
2. Log out and restart your browser session.
3. Navigate to the “Exam” section to initiate the retake process; follow on-screen prompts.
4. Update any exam prep apps or software to the latest version.

System Settings: Enable all exam update notifications in your PMI profile to ensure prompt retake reminders.

4. Confirm and Upgrade Equipment for Online Proctored Exams

If selecting a remote PMP retake, validate your system against current PMI technical requirements:

• Compatible computer (Windows/Mac OS, per PMI guidelines).
• Reliable webcam, microphone, and stable high-speed internet.
• Run the official PMI system check tool pre-exam.
• Replace or borrow equipment as needed from certified suppliers.
• Recycle outdated hardware per local e-waste regulations.

5. Reset Your Preparation Strategy After Repeated Fails

If multiple retakes have failed or confidence is lost, a full reset helps maximize your next attempt’s success.

1. Pause existing study routines and objectively identify knowledge gaps.
2. Develop a fresh, milestone-driven study schedule aligned to the latest PMP content outline (2021 update).
3. Network with PMP-certified mentors, join exam forums, and form or join study groups.
4. Reapply for retake and pay the appropriate fee once you are ready.
5. Begin with foundational concepts and methodically work through advanced topics.

Note: Previous scores are not carried over; each fresh attempt stands alone (reference: PMI Certification Handbook, Section 12).

When Standard Steps Fail: Get Professional Support

• Consider engaging a PMP-certified coach or formal test-readiness evaluator.
• Analyze PMI-provided diagnostic feedback and personal exam results for repeated issues.
• Consult PMI-authorized Learning Partners for targeted guidance.
• Contact PMI customer support for unique, exam-related technical or scheduling difficulties.

File Reports or Seek Official Support for Exam Issues

If you suspect a technical error or need to dispute a result (e.g., unresponsive portal, exam freeze):

• File a case with PMI via official customer support channels: PMI Contact Page.
• Describe the incident and attach relevant documentation (such as screenshots/screen recordings).
• PMI typically responds within 24–48 business hours for most scheduling or policy questions.

Note: PMI covers technical and access issues, not failures due to insufficient exam prep or content misunderstanding (per PMI Certification Handbook, Section 14).

Maintain PMP Credentials and Minimize Future Retakes

• Keep up-to-date on changes in PMP Exam Content Outline and PMI policies (latest update: Jan 2021).
• Regularly refresh study resources and reference official PMP guides.
• Adopt a structured exam prep approach using current best practices (per PMI and PMI Retake Policy).

Frequently Asked Questions: PMP Exam Retake Edge Cases

Quick Recap and Next Steps

• You have up to three attempts to pass the PMP within one year (per PMI Certification Handbook, Section 12)
• Membership reduces retake costs and offers added support
• Address failures or system issues promptly with targeted fixes
• Prepare for your retake with updated resources and, if needed, professional support
• Proactively stay updated on PMI policy and domain changes to avoid future retake needs

With methodical planning and strong understanding of policies, you can maximize your chance of PMP exam success on your next try.

Helpful Resources

• How to Prepare for the PMP Exam in 2024
• PMP Exam Application Process: Step-by-Step
• Understanding PMP Exam Domains and Passing Criteria
• PMP Exam Tips: Avoid Common Mistakes
• PMI Membership Benefits for PMP Candidates

• PMI Official PMP Certification Handbook
• PMI Exam Retake Policy Details
• PMI Customer Support

Ready for your PMP retake? Review the official PMI retake policy, bookmark this guide, and power up your next attempt. Success is within reach with the right strategy!