All - I have recently applied to take the PMP Exam and paid the full $555 for the exam fee. I know there is a discount if you are a PMI member, but didn't go that route (forgot actually). I am curious, are there real substantial benefits to being a PMI member? Enough benefit to warrant paying the $129 in addition to the full exam fee? I know there are many members here, and I know PMI offers some good tools, articles, etc., but there is no local chapter in my area, and I work for a very large financial instituion where I have access to many tools, techniques, white papers, reseach, etc. Should I belly up and pay the $129 or not worry about it....Thoughts??? Saving Changes...
Sort By:
Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
Answers can be subjective: I enrolled and got the PM Networks subscription and some of the articles were really good. And, it depends on what you intend to do with the membership also. It worked for me and I think it was a reasonable investment. Saving Changes...
Also, if you join a local chapter, it provides good networking and training opportunities which are discounted. Saving Changes...
George JucanManaging Partner| Organizational Perfomance Enablers NetworkWoodbridge, Ontario, Canada
I would suggest to contact PMI customer service - they may be able to move the money toward the membership as long as you did not take the exam yet. As far as I remember, the fee rebate for members covers a year-long membership, that would allow you to assess if it's beneficial to continue.
Beyond acceess to PMI standards on-line as well as an on-line library of couple of hundreds of books, PMI membership also implies rebates when the time comes to renew your PMP certification, rebates to PMI events etc.
Hope it helps. Saving Changes...
Rick Vasko MBA PMPspecialist Leader| Deloitte Consulting LLPMoyock, Nc, United States
I recently became a member of PMI. I am going to take the PMP exam in a couple months and with the test discount the PMI membership basically pays for itself. So far I have found some helpful informaiton that will come in handy while studying for the exam. Saving Changes...
Selva Saravana PuvananthiranDelivery Lead Senior Manager| Accenture Solutions Private LimitedChennai, Tamil Nadu, India
IMHO, PMI membership is worth to have it. As George mentioned, the PMP exam fees would be $555 for non-member and $405 for a PMI member. Also, there are a lot of resources that you can count-on on your journey to become help you increase your PM knowledge. Good luck!!! Saving Changes...
Anonymous
I appreciate the responses. I contacted PMI and they will not apply the portiton of the exam fee to a member ship. IMHO this is a gap in their application process. They should prompt the user during the application/payment process to join PMI and receive the discount. Instead it just processes your application for the full $555. While I understand that this information is on their website, they should really make an effort to validate this during the exam payment process. Since I don't have a local chapter, I have decided not to join PMI at this time. I may revisit this when it comes time to renew. Thanks again for the replies. Saving Changes...
It is a shame that customer service would not reverse the charges and reapply with you as a PMI member. As a member-owned, professional society, their top goal should be to help you join.
Unfortunately I have had troubles of my own with their customer service in recent months. I tried to renew my SIG and College memberships, and it took me a month to resolve the problems with their new web site. I hope things change at PMI, and an attitude and approach of member service takes over. Right now, I cannot say that I feel like members are "in charge" or an organization owner, especially after reading your story.
Best wishes, and I hope you consider joining PMI or another professional society. AACEi and IPMA are both great groups that offer a lot to project managers. Saving Changes...
Shishir RattanProject Leader Creative| TargetBangalore, Karnataka, India
From a purely money spent perspective;
Here's what i have:
If you join PMI and a Chapter and then pay for the Exam; Total payment will be = $556/-
(Joining Fee - $139/-; Chapter fee - $12/-; Exam Fee - $405/-)
If you do not join PMI; this will work out to $555/-
As a PMI member, you’ll gain exclusive access to PMI publications and global standards, plus networking opportunities through ProjectManagement.com and PMI chapters. You’ll grow and develop as a leader through our volunteer opportunities, and you’ll receive discounts on training, events, certification exams and renewals.
Knowledge
Grow your career using our expansive collection of knowledge resources including the PMBOK® Guide, tools and templates.
Community & Volunteer Opportunities
Connect and network with a worldwide community on ProjectManagement.com. Share your expertise and earn badges that recognize your contributions. Network locally through your nearest PMI chapter and get involved in volunteer opportunities to serve the profession.
Career Resources & Professional Development
With our flexible and varied professional development offerings and career resources, you can tailor your journey to your unique needs.
Rewards & Discounts
PMI members benefit from discounts and programs that help smooth the road to success.
Publications
Informative and insightful membership publications to help you keep up and stay abreast of the latest trends.
Job Board
Looking for your next opportunity? Turn to Career Headquarters — PMI’s premier resource for project management jobs, with benefits like career coaching and résumé writing that are just for members. Saving Changes...
