Earn PMI PDUs in 2026
Your complete guide to earning Professional Development Units for PMP certification renewal. Learn all the ways to earn PDUs and how MPUG can help you meet your requirements.
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PDU Requirements for 2026
PMI certification holders must earn PDUs during each three-year certification cycle to maintain their credentials. Here's what you need to know about earning PMI PDUs in 2026:
PMP Requirements
- 60 PDUs per 3-year cycle
- 35 minimum Education PDUs
- 25 maximum Giving Back PDUs
- 8 minimum in each Talent Triangle area
Education PDUs
Earned through formal learning activities:
- • Courses & Training
- • Webinars & Events
- • Self-Directed Learning
- • Digital Media
Giving Back PDUs
Earned by contributing to the profession:
- • Working as Practitioner
- • Creating Content
- • Teaching & Mentoring
- • Volunteering
Ways to Earn Education PDUs in 2026
Education PDUs are earned through formal learning activities. You need a minimum of 35 Education PDUs for PMP certification renewal in 2026.
Courses & Training
Instructor-led formal education offered online or in-person through PMI Authorized Training Providers like MPUG. Each course clearly indicates PDU counts and Talent Triangle categories.
Global/Local Events & Conferences
Attend sessions, keynotes, and workshops at PMI events, PMI chapter gatherings, or industry conferences. Both live and virtual attendance qualify for PDUs.
Webinars & Digital Media
Participate in live webinars or watch recorded sessions. MPUG offers weekly PM Master Classes and maintains a library of 500+ on-demand webinar recordings.
Self-Directed Learning
Read relevant articles, books, or digital media. MPUG's extensive article library qualifies for self-directed learning PDUs when properly documented.
Ways to Earn Giving Back PDUs in 2026
Giving Back PDUs are earned by contributing to the project management profession. You can earn up to 25 Giving Back PDUs for PMP certification renewal in 2026.
Working as a Practitioner
Using your project management skills in your job. For PMP certification, you can earn up to 8 PDUs per cycle in this category.
Creating Content
Write articles, blogs, whitepapers, create webinars, or present at events. MPUG welcomes content contributions and presentations from members.
Teaching, Mentoring & Sharing Knowledge
Mentor others, teach courses, provide coaching, or conduct peer reviews. Share your expertise to help others grow while earning PDUs.
Volunteering
Serve on PMI committees, local chapters, or contribute to nonprofit work. Volunteering strengthens the profession and earns Giving Back PDUs.
The PMI Talent Triangle®
PMI's Talent Triangle emphasizes the ideal skill set of a project manager. For PMP certification, you must earn at least 8 PDUs in each of these three areas:
Ways of Working
Technical Project Management
Knowledge, skills, and behaviors related to specific domains of Project, Program, and Portfolio Management. Includes methodologies, tools, and techniques for effective project execution.
Power Skills
Leadership
Knowledge, skills, and behaviors specific to leadership. Involves guiding, motivating, and directing teams to help an organization achieve its business goals.
Strategic & Business Management
Business Acumen
Knowledge of and expertise in the industry or organization that enhances performance and better delivers business outcomes.
How to Earn PDUs Through MPUG
As a PMI Authorized Training Provider, MPUG offers pre-approved PDU activities across all categories. You can earn all your required PDUs through MPUG's comprehensive offerings.
On-Demand Courses
Access 100+ self-paced courses covering project management domains. Each course is mapped to specific PDU counts and Talent Triangle categories.
- 100+ comprehensive courses
- Pre-approved PDU activities
- Automatic reporting to PMI
- All Talent Triangle areas covered
Live & Recorded Webinars
Participate in weekly PM Master Classes led by industry experts, or watch from our library of 500+ recorded webinars. Each hour equals 1 PDU.
- Weekly live PM Master Classes
- 500+ on-demand recordings
- Expert-led sessions
- Automatic PDU tracking
Articles & Resources
Read our extensive collection of in-depth articles that qualify for self-directed learning PDUs. Track your reading in PMI's CCRS.
- Expert-authored content
- Self-directed learning PDUs
- Regularly updated library
- Practical, actionable insights
Create Content or Present
Write articles for MPUG, present at events, or participate in panel discussions. Earn Giving Back PDUs while sharing your expertise.
- Article writing opportunities
- Event presentation slots
- Panel discussions
- 1 PDU per hour of preparation/presentation
Ready to Start Earning PDUs?
Join MPUG today and get unlimited access to all our PDU earning opportunities. Start your journey toward certification renewal.
How to Claim and Report PDUs
MPUG makes it easy to track and report your PDUs. Here's how the process works:
Automatic Reporting
MPUG automatically reports PDUs for most courses and webinars directly to PMI on your behalf. No manual entry required!
Self-Reported Activities
For self-directed learning (like reading articles), log into PMI's CCRS system and submit using the provided PMI Activity ID.
Keep Documentation
Save certificates, transcripts, and completion records for at least 12-36 months in case of PMI audit. MPUG provides all necessary documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about earning PDUs in 2026
How many PDUs do I need to maintain my PMP certification in 2026?
PMP® certified professionals need to earn 60 PDUs during each three-year certification cycle. This includes a minimum of 35 Education PDUs and up to 25 Giving Back to the Profession PDUs. You must also earn at least 8 PDUs in each area of the PMI Talent Triangle®: Ways of Working, Power Skills, and Strategic & Business Management.
What are the different ways to earn PDUs in 2026?
You can earn PDUs through two main categories: Education PDUs (courses, training, webinars, self-directed learning) and Giving Back PDUs (working as a practitioner, creating content, teaching/mentoring, volunteering). MPUG offers multiple ways to earn both types through our on-demand courses, live webinars, articles, and more.
How do I earn PDUs through MPUG?
MPUG, as a PMI Authorized Training Provider, offers several ways to earn PDUs: 1) Complete on-demand courses (100+ available), 2) Attend or watch recorded PM Master Classes and webinars, 3) Read qualifying articles for self-directed learning, 4) Create content or present at MPUG events. Most MPUG activities are pre-approved and automatically reported to PMI.
Can I earn all my required PDUs through MPUG?
Yes! MPUG offers enough PDU opportunities across all categories to fulfill your entire PDU requirement. Our diverse content library covers all three areas of the PMI Talent Triangle® (Ways of Working, Power Skills, Strategic & Business Management), and you can earn both Education and Giving Back PDUs through various MPUG activities.
What is the PMI Talent Triangle and how does it relate to PDUs?
The PMI Talent Triangle® represents the ideal skill set for project managers with three areas: Ways of Working (technical project management), Power Skills (leadership), and Strategic & Business Management. For PMP certification, you must earn at least 8 PDUs in each of these three areas during your three-year cycle.
How do I claim PDUs from MPUG activities?
MPUG automatically reports PDUs for most courses and webinars to PMI on your behalf. For self-reported activities like reading articles, you'll need to submit them through PMI's Continuing Certification Requirements System (CCRS) using the provided PMI Activity ID. Always keep documentation (certificates, transcripts) for at least 12-36 months in case of audit.
What's the difference between Education PDUs and Giving Back PDUs?
Education PDUs (minimum 35 for PMP) come from formal learning activities like courses, webinars, and training. Giving Back PDUs (maximum 25 for PMP) come from activities that contribute to the profession, such as working as a practitioner, creating content, teaching, mentoring, or volunteering. Both count toward your 60 PDU requirement.
