it's just that you have a great deal of control over your cost.s. Spend a lot, spend a little -- it's up to you.

Your basic costs will break down like this ...

1. Exam cost
$405 for a PMI Member
$150 surcharge for non-members (so join PMI)

2. 39 hours Training
$0 - $8000 +. (Remember that this can be completed anytime in the last 10 years. In my case, I've completed two courses that met the requirements on my employer's dime (net cost to me $0). I've also completed an MCPM from York University ($6900 out of my own pocket). Wanna spend more? Try an MBA in Project Management.

3. Exam Prep Course
$0 - $5000. Many of the PMI chapters run inexpensive exam prep courses ($300-$1000). You can also take on-line courses ($150-$1000). Or you can take formal courses from training companies ($1000-$5000). Note that all of these can also meet your 39 hours of training requirement. However, you can also buy a book (or two or three) for $50 or so and pass. (Which is what I did).

So your costs for the PMP will run from $405