Taking a PMI exam: scheduling, proctoring, retakes & refunds

The exam itself is the one cost you can't avoid — so don't lose it to a missed reschedule window or a failed proctoring check. Here is how this vendor's exams actually work, every policy sourced and dated. Policies change; confirm the current terms before you schedule.

Testing provider: Pearson VUE

See also: what these certifications cost · can you earn them · study for them free · ways to fund them.

How you take it

PMI exams (PMP, CAPM) are delivered by Pearson VUE, both online-proctored (OnVUE) and at a test center. (Some regions differ: ATA centers in Japan/South Korea; paper-based only in mainland China.)

Scheduling & rescheduling

Reschedule or cancel up to 48 hours before; within 30 days of the appointment a US$70 (plus tax) fee applies; within 48 hours you cannot reschedule or cancel and a no-show forfeits the entire fee.

Refunds & cancellation

A refund is available only within 30 days of purchase AND if you have not scheduled or taken the exam. There is no refund if your 1-year eligibility lapses unused or you miss a scheduled exam. An extenuating-circumstances policy (medical, military, family emergency, natural disaster — not work) can refund the late fee case-by-case.

Retakes

Within your 1-year eligibility period you may take the exam up to 3 times, repaying the fee for the 2nd and 3rd attempts. Fail three times and you wait one year from the last exam to reapply (or apply for a different PMI certification).

Online proctoring: what to have ready

Check in 30 minutes early with a current government photo ID (English/Roman characters, photo, and signature) whose name exactly matches your scheduling notification, via Pearson VUE OnVUE. Center-based testing adds a metal-detector wand, a locker, and continuous audio/video.

Getting your results

For computer-based testing you get a score report at the end; for the PMP the on-screen result is preliminary until PMI confirms it, with the official report available within 10 business days. Paper-based results take 6-8 weeks.

Testing accommodations

Request accommodations during the payment process and submit supporting documentation; they can't be added to an existing appointment and carry no extra cost. Note that requiring an accommodation may make you ineligible for online-proctored testing.

Which exams this covers

• Certified Associate in Project Management — cost · eligibility

Policies change — these are the terms as of the date shown; always confirm the current scheduling, reschedule, refund, and retake rules on the official page before you book or pay.

Sources

• Official exam-policy page: https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/generic-certification-handbook.pdf

Citation Ledger