📊 PMI certifications

PMP® vs PMI-RMP®

Both come from PMI — but they target different roles and career stages. Here's how Project Management Professional and PMI Risk Management Professional compare, and how to choose.

Side-by-side comparison

The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.

  PMP®Project Management Professional PMI-RMP®PMI Risk Management Professional
LevelProfessionalProfessional
Exam length4h 0m2h 30m
Questions (real exam)~180~115
Pass mark70%70%
In a sentenceThe gold standard in project management.Project risk management — PMI's specialist credential.
Free practice150 sample questions150 sample questions

Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official PMI site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with PMI.

Cost, study time and renewal

Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.

  PMP®facts as of September 2026 PMI-RMP®facts as of August 2026
Fees
Exam fee — PMI member: $445 (raised Aug 6, 2026)
Exam fee — non-member: $675 (raised Aug 6, 2026)
PMI membership (optional): ~$139/yr
Reschedule: $70
Renewal (every 3 yrs): 60 PDUs under the CCR program
Exam fee — PMI member: ~$520 (verify on pmi.org)
Exam fee — non-member: ~$670 (verify on pmi.org)
Re-examination: ~$335 member / ~$435 non-member
Required education: 30–40 contact hours (risk)
Renewal (every 3 yrs): 30 PDUs under the CCR program
Study timecommonly reported 35–120+ hours depending on PM background and prep coursecommonly reported 35–60+ hours on top of the mandatory 30–40 contact hours
Renewal60 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program30 PDUs in risk-aligned topics every 3 years under PMI's CCR program
Entry requirementFour routes, all requiring 35 hours of PM training (waived if you hold an active CAPM):Secondary diploma + 36 months of project risk management experience (last 5 years) + 40 contact hours of risk education,
Body of knowledgethe official PMI Examination Content Outlinethe PMI-RMP Examination Content Outline
Full fact pages PMP® cost · format · eligibility PMI-RMP® cost · format · eligibility

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PMP® vs PMI-RMP® — questions, answered

What is the difference between PMP® and PMI-RMP®?

Both come from PMI. PMP® (Project Management Professional) is a Professional credential, while PMI-RMP® (PMI Risk Management Professional) is a Professional credential. They differ mainly in target role, exam length and depth.

Which is harder, PMP® or PMI-RMP®?

The PMP® exam runs about 4h 0m with ~180 questions; the PMI-RMP® exam runs about 2h 30m with ~115 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.

Can I practice both PMP® and PMI-RMP® for free?

Yes. A free account gets 6 sample questions in study mode for each of PMP® and PMI-RMP®, with an explanation for every option, plus a 10-question diagnostic for each. No credit card required.

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