Short answer: to earn the PMP in New Zealand you need 36 months of experience leading projects (60 months without a four-year degree), 35 hours of approved training, and a pass in PMI's 180-question exam. A PMP course with PM Training School costs 1,299 NZD + GST live online or 2,099 NZD + GST face to face in Auckland, and PMI charges US$405 (members) or US$555 (non-members) for the exam.
This guide covers what the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is, who can apply, what it costs in New Zealand, how the exam works and when the 2027 courses run.
Table of Contents
What is PMP certification?
PMP is the Project Management Institute's (PMI) certification for people who lead projects. It is recognised by employers worldwide, including in New Zealand's construction, infrastructure, IT, government and health sectors, and shows that you can manage people, process and business priorities across predictive, agile and hybrid projects.
PMP requirements: who can apply
| Your education | Project experience needed | Training needed |
|---|---|---|
| Four-year degree | 36 months leading projects in the last 8 years | 35 hours of project management training, or CAPM |
| Secondary school diploma or associate degree | 60 months leading projects in the last 8 years | 35 hours of project management training, or CAPM |
A PMP course from a PMI Authorized Training Partner gives you the 35 hours. If you do not yet have the experience, CAPM certification training has no experience requirement and is the usual first step.
How much does PMP certification cost in New Zealand?
| Item | Cost | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| PMP course, live online | 1,299 NZD + GST | PM Training School |
| PMP course, face to face in Auckland | 2,099 NZD + GST | PM Training School |
| PMP self-paced masterclass | From 399 NZD + GST | PM Training School |
| PMP exam fee, PMI member | US$405 | PMI |
| PMP exam fee, non-member | US$555 | PMI |
PMI charges its fees in US dollars, so the amount in NZ dollars depends on the exchange rate on the day you pay. Joining PMI before you book takes US$150 off the exam fee.
The PMP exam format
- 180 questions, of which 170 are scored
- 240 minutes, with two scheduled breaks
- Three domains: People 33%, Process 41%, Business Environment 26%
- A mix of predictive, agile and hybrid questions
- Sat at a Pearson VUE test centre or online with a remote proctor
These figures apply to the current exam, which PMI introduced on 9 July 2026. You can sit the exam at our Pearson VUE test centre in Manukau, Auckland.
PMP course dates in New Zealand for 2027
Live online classes run Monday to Thursday for three weeks, with a choice of afternoon (2 to 5 pm) or evening (7 to 10 pm) sessions in NZ time:
- 11 to 28 January 2027
- 15 February to 4 March 2027
- 8 to 25 March 2027
- 12 April to 3 May 2027 (no class on 26 April)
- 10 to 27 May 2027
- 14 June to 1 July 2027
Face-to-face classes run on four Saturdays, 9 am to 5 pm, in Auckland. See the full 2027 course schedule for every date.
How to get PMP certified in New Zealand: step by step
- Check that you meet the experience requirement.
- Complete 35 hours of training with a PMI Authorized Training Partner.
- Apply on pmi.org and wait for PMI to approve your application.
- Pay the exam fee and book a test date with Pearson VUE.
- Practise with full-length mock exams, then sit the exam.
- Renew every three years with 60 PDUs.
Why train with PM Training School
PM Training School is a PMI Premier Authorized Training Partner and a Pearson VUE test centre based in Manukau, Auckland. Courses include lecture notes, workbooks, flashcards, mock exams and an exam simulator. Read more and enrol on our PMP certification training in Auckland and live online across NZ page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PMP certification cost in New Zealand?
Budget for two things: the course and the exam. PM Training School's PMP course costs 1,299 NZD + GST live online or 2,099 NZD + GST face to face in Auckland. The exam fee is paid to PMI in US dollars: US$405 for PMI members or US$555 for non-members.
What are the requirements for PMP certification?
With a four-year degree you need 36 months of experience leading projects within the last eight years. Without one you need 60 months. Everyone also needs 35 hours of project management training, or a current CAPM certification.
Can I sit the PMP exam in New Zealand?
Yes. The exam is delivered by Pearson VUE at authorised test centres, including PM Training School's centre at 21 Putney Way, Manukau, Auckland, or online from home with a remote proctor.
How long does it take to get PMP certified?
The course takes three weeks live online (Monday to Thursday) or four Saturdays face to face. Most people then spend several more weeks on practice exams before sitting the test.
How do I keep my PMP certification?
You renew every three years by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) and paying PMI's renewal fee.
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