Hi Milette,,
here is a detailed breakdown of the costs you should expect.
(Note: Core PMI fees are in USD. Conversions are approximate: 1 USD = 3.67 AED)
CORE PMP CERTIFICATION COSTS (Mandatory)
This is the non-negotiable part. It is financially smarter to become a PMI member before you pay for the exam.
OPTION 1: BECOME A PMI MEMBER
PMI Membership Fee (1 year): $149 USD (~ 547 AED)
PMP Exam Fee (Member price): $405 USD (~ 1,487 AED)
TOTAL (Member): $554 USD (~ 2,034 AED)
OPTION 2: PAY AS A NON-MEMBER
PMI Membership Fee: $0
PMP Exam Fee (Non-Member price): $555 USD (~ 2,038 AED)
TOTAL (Non-Member): $555 USD (~ 2,038 AED)
Clear takeaway: Becoming a member saves you $1 USD upfront, gives you a free digital PMBOK Guide (saving ~$50-90), and offers lower retake/renewal fees.
VARIABLE & ADDITIONAL COSTS (Essential for Budgeting)
35-Hour Mandatory Training You must complete 35 contact hours of PM education to apply.
Online, Self-Paced Courses: Approx. 800 - 2,000 AED
Instructor-Led Bootcamps (Virtual or In-person): Approx. 2,500 - 8,000+ AED. This is the most common option in the UAE.
Study Materials
Exam Simulators / Practice Questions: Approx. 200 - 750 AED (Highly recommended).
Additional Prep Books: Approx. 150 - 300 AED.
PMI UAE Chapter Membership (Optional)
Annual Fee: Approx. $20 USD (~ 74 AED) (This is paid after you become a global PMI member).
POTENTIAL FUTURE COSTS (Contingency)
Exam Retake Fee (If you don't pass the first time)
PMI Members: $275 USD (~ 1,010 AED)
Non-Members: $375 USD (~ 1,377 AED)
Certification Renewal (Every 3 years)
PMI Members: $60 USD (~ 220 AED)
Non-Members: $150 USD (~ 550 AED)
SUMMARY: TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET (in AED)
Scenario 1: Self-Paced Training
Core Fee (Member): ~ 2,034 AED
Training (Low-End): ~ 800 AED
Total Estimate: ~ 2,800 - 4,100 AED
Scenario 2: Instructor-Led Training
Core Fee (Member): ~ 2,034 AED
Training (Mid-Range): ~ 2,500 - 8,000 AED
Total Estimate: ~ 4,600 - 10,100+ AED
Final advice: Always join PMI first. The cost savings from the exam, the free PMBOK Guide, and lower renewal fees make it a clear win.
Hope that helps,
BR