Short answer
Up to three times within the 1-year eligibility period, the first attempt included. After three attempts without a pass, you wait 1 year from your last exam before reapplying.
Source: PMI CAPM Examination Content Outline, 2023 update · checked October 30, 2026
Each retake costs $150 for PMI members and $200 for non-members (PMI store, checked October 30, 2026). During the waiting year you may apply for any other PMI certification.
After a fail, in order
Step 1
Read the domain ratings
A computer-based exam ends with the score report: pass or fail and a rating per domain (PMI Certification Handbook, checked October 30, 2026). One failed attempt is a bad afternoon, not a ruling on whether you can run projects, and the ratings show which domains cost you the most.
Step 2
Check the calendar
Every retake has to fit inside the same eligibility year. If the year ends without a pass, you start a new application; the steps are on how to apply for the CAPM.
Step 3
Pay the retake fee
$150 member, $200 non-member (PMI store, checked October 30, 2026). The ECO describes it as a discount on the first-attempt fee, subject to regional and membership pricing.
Step 4
Restudy by weight
Put the weak domains first. A CAPM study plan spaces the work, and the practice test filters by topic.
Step 5
Book with margin
Moving the new date inside 30 days costs $70 plus tax; inside 48 hours it cannot be moved, and a no-show forfeits the fee (PMI Certification Handbook, checked October 30, 2026).
Attempts and fees at a glance
| Situation | What PMI allows | Cost, U.S. pricing |
|---|---|---|
| First attempt | Inside your 1-year eligibility period | $225 member, $300 non-member |
| Second and third attempts | Same eligibility period | $150 member, $200 non-member, each |
| After a third fail | Reapply 1 year after your last exam | A new application at the prices then |
| Eligibility year runs out | Reapply for the certification | A new application at the prices then |
| Score canceled on statistical evidence alone | A free retake; PMI may restrict date, time or place | No fee |
Before you book again
Is a retake cheaper than the first attempt?
Yes. $150 against $225 for members, $200 against $300 for non-members (PMI store, checked October 30, 2026). The full list is on CAPM exam cost.
Can I go for another PMI certification during the waiting year?
Yes. The CAPM ECO says you may apply for any other PMI certification during the 1-year wait. The options are on entry-level project management certifications.
Does PMI tell me how close I came?
Not as a number. The report gives pass or fail and domain ratings, and PMI publishes no cut score; see CAPM passing score.
Can I ask for a rescore instead?
Only for a paper-based exam. The CAPM ECO lists a $45 manual rescore for those (CAPM ECO, checked October 30, 2026).
Sources
- PMI CAPM Examination Content Outline, 2023 update www.pmi.org — three attempts, one-year wait, retake discount, free retake on statistical cancellation
- PMI store: CAPM retake www.pmi.org — $150 member, $200 non-member
- PMI store: CAPM exam www.pmi.org — $225 member, $300 non-member
- PMI Certification Handbook, revised June 2026 www.pmi.org — score report, rescheduling
- PMI: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) www.pmi.org — up to three attempts in one year