How Much Does a PgMP Certification Cost?

The PgMP (Program Management Professional) certification acknowledges advanced expertise, proficiency, and accomplishments in orchestrating multiple interconnected projects and their resources in alignment with organizational objectives.

As we progress in our project management careers, our hands-on experience overseeing many interrelated projects and making strategic decisions that drive business objectives exemplifies our adeptness. With employers increasingly seeking program managers capable of championing the organization's strategic aims, holding a PgMP certification confers a distinct advantage in terms of career prospects and upward mobility, setting them apart from their counterparts.

We believe that coupling this certification with completing an online Project Management course further solidifies their expertise and enhances their value in the industry.

Let us dive deeper into the overall PgMP certification cost, including a closer examination of the PgMP exam cost.

What Is PgMP Certification?

Administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the PgMP certification caters to seasoned program managers, attesting to their prowess. We also know that its focal point is the adept handling of interlinked projects, all in service of realizing an organization's aspirations.

Prospective candidates must satisfy precise criteria and triumph over a meticulous exam that traverses program management domains, including strategic integration and stakeholder involvement.

I think that more than just a credential, this certification proves one's adeptness in overseeing complex endeavors. Additionally, it acts as a catalyst, opening up career opportunities within program management.

Who Can Apply for PgMP?

If you can effectively handle various interconnected projects, tackle complex tasks across different areas, organizations, regions, or cultures, and align outcomes with organizational goals, then you have the potential to be a PgMP.

PgMP Eligibility Criteria

• Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or the global equivalent)
• 6,000 hours of project management experience
• 10,500 hours of program management experience

(OR) 

• Four-year degree
• 6,000 hours of project management experience
• 6,000 hours of program management experience

PgMP Certification Stages

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The PgMP (Program Management Professional) certification process involves several stages, from eligibility assessment to certification maintenance.

I have discussed the stages of the PgMP certification journey below:

• Training: During this phase, candidates prepare for certification by fulfilling eligibility prerequisites, usually a mix of education, professional experience, and project management training. It's crucial to confirm qualifications before moving forward.
• Exam: After meeting eligibility, candidates must complete a challenging exam evaluating their competence across diverse program management domains. The test covers strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, benefits realization, risk management, and other pertinent principles.
• Certificate Maintenance: Upon acquiring the PgMP certification, holders must sustain it by accruing a designated count of professional development units (PDUs) within a specific duration. These PDUs are garnered through ongoing education, training, and engagement in program management endeavors.

This upkeep guarantees that certified experts remain abreast of recent industry practices and trends.

PgMP Certification Cost

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The cost of PgMP certification varies depending on PMI membership status and location.

1. PMI Membership Fee

You can become a PMI member for a cost of USD 129 for new members, with an initial application fee of USD 10.

If you're a student, you have the option to join as a student member for USD 32. All that's required is your passion for project management and verification of your college or university enrollment.

2. PgMP Application Fee [Member & Non-Member]

• PMI Members: We believe that opting for PMI membership proves advantageous, as it provides a reduced exam application fee for its members or PMI members. The cost reduces to USD 800.
• Non-PMI Members: Non-members face an examination fee of USD 1000.

3. PgMP Exam Fee [Member & Non-Member

Initiating the PMP exam involves registering on the PMI website and covering the application fee.

• PMI Members: The exam fee for PMI members is USD 405.
• Non-PMI Members: For non-members, the examination cost stands at USD 555

4. PgMP Exam Retake Fee

Candidates have a timeframe to attempt the examination within the one-year eligibility window. Up to three exam attempts are allowed during this period, recognizing that success might not be immediate. Careful time management is crucial to ensure enough time remains for potential retakes, if necessary.

• Re-examination fees are applicable for the second and third attempts to pass the exam as a compulsory component of the PgMP certification cost.
• In the event of failing the exam thrice within the one-year eligibility span, a mandatory one-year waiting period starts from the date of the last attempted exam before candidates can reapply for certification.
• However, if an individual encounters three consecutive exam failures, they can explore other PMI certifications.
• The re-examination fees amount to USD 275 for members, and USD 375 for non-members.

PgMP Certification Training Cost

I would say that securing the mandatory 35 contact hours of project management education is foundational for embarking on the PMP examination journey.

• Regarding the cost of training, a prudent estimate would be within the range of USD 750 to USD 1750. This allocation can become the most substantial portion of your total PgMP cost, and the variance hinges on the chosen training institute and the specific modality you decide upon.
• Enrolling in the appropriate training can encompass either an instructor-led live format or a self-paced online approach.
• A robust live training module is readily available within the financial scope of USD 1070 to USD 1995.
• To optimize your PgMP training cost while ensuring quality learning, consider a PgMP certification training course.

PgMP Exam Cost

Component	PMI Members	PMI Non-Members
PMP Certification Exam Fee	USD 405	USD 555
PMP Training Cost	USD 750 to USD 1750	USD 750 to USD 1750
PMP Certification Fees	USD 750 to USD 1700	USD 750 to USD 1700

Common Factors Impacting Certification Cost

Several common factors can influence the cost of earning a PgMP certification:

• Study Materials: To prepare for the PgMP exam, candidates often invest in study materials such as books, online courses, practice exams, and workshops. I believe cost of these materials can contribute to the overall certification cost.
• Training Programs: Certain individuals opt for formal training courses to bolster their program management expertise and exam preparation. These programs entail extra expenses.
• Exam Retakes: Failing the exam might incur fees for retaking it. These costs can accumulate if multiple retakes are required.
• Traveling and Accommodation: If you need to travel to an exam center for your certificate exams, you incur miscellaneous expenses related to transportation, accommodation, and meals.
• Currency Exchange Rates: If you're paying the certificate examination fee in a different currency, exchange rates can impact the overall cost.
• Continuing Education: After obtaining certification, maintaining it requires earning a specific number of professional development units (PDUs), which can involve costs related to attending workshops, conferences, and courses.
• Additional Study Resources: Investing in supplementary study materials, such as online practice exams or review courses, can contribute to the total cost.
• Membership Status: Being a PMI member can result in discounted exam fees and resource access, potentially reducing the overall certification cost.
• Audit Preparation: Allocating time and resources to gather necessary documentation in case of a PMI audit can impact your preparation efforts and costs.

Certification Maintenance

You can follow these steps to maintain your PgMP certification:

• Maintaining PgMP Certification: Sustaining your certification mandates acquiring 60 professional development units (PDUs) over three years.
• Audit Procedure: PMI conducts occasional audits to validate reported PDUs. If chosen for an audit, you must provide substantiating documentation like completion certificates or participation evidence.
• Certification Renewal: Upon accruing the mandated 60 PDUs within the three-year cycle and fulfilling other maintenance criteria, PgMP certification extends for three additional years.
• Staying Updated: Certified individuals should regularly review the PMI website and official communications to stay informed about potential changes to certification maintenance prerequisites.

Wrapping Up

The PgMP certification is a testament to advanced expertise in orchestrating interconnected projects to achieve organizational objectives.

As professionals progress, their hands-on experience and strategic decision-making prowess come to the forefront, making them indispensable assets to employers seeking program managers aligned with their strategic goals.

It is important to understand the factors that impact the PgMP certification cost. Training programs, study materials, and potential exam retakes all contribute to the overall investment. However, this investment pays off in terms of career advancement and recognition.

To navigate this certification journey effectively and optimize your PgMP certification cost, consider exploring KnowledgeHut's Program Management Professional PgMP Certification course. This course combines expert guidance with a comprehensive approach, ensuring you're well-prepared for the PgMP exam and equipped to excel in program management roles.