Holding a PMI PMP certification is a significant achievement that demonstrates your dedication to the field of project management. It signifies that you possess the skills and knowledge necessary to perform at the highest level. However, your journey to growth and development does not end with receiving the certification. Instead, it continues with PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program.
As part of the CCR program, you must accumulate a minimum of 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) over a three-year cycle to be eligible for certification renewal. For a comprehensive understanding of the PMP certification requirements, including PDUs, check out this article.
The Renewal Process
1. Participate in professional development activities
The PMP Certification renewal process begins the day that you obtain your PMP Certificate. To earn Professional Development Units (PDUs), you must engage in professional development activities.
These activities are meant to keep you up-to-date on industry trends, new methodologies and best practices, and to further develop your project management skills.
There are several types of activities that can earn you PMP PDUs, including:
- Participating in project management training, conferences, and workshops
- Presenting or teaching project management-related topics
- Writing articles or blog posts on project management
- Earning other relevant certifications
- Volunteering in project management-related roles
2. Record and Report PDUs
As you participate in professional development activities and earn PDUs, it is important to properly record and report them to PMI. This is done through PMI’s CCRS (Continuing Certification Requirements System).
To report your PDUs, simply login to the CCRS, select the category of the PDU-earning activity you participated in, and enter the details of the activity, including the date and number of PDUs earned.
It is important to keep accurate records of your PDUs and to report them in a timely manner to ensure that your PMP certification remains valid. PMI regularly reviews and audits PDU claims, and it is your responsibility to keep documentation of your PDU-earning activities in case of an audit.
3. Fulfilling CCR Requirements Through PDUs
In order to renew your PMP certification, you must fulfill the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) set by PMI. One of the key components of the CCR is earning enough Professional Development Units (PDUs) to meet the specific requirements for your certification.
The number of PDUs required for renewal varies based on the certification you hold and the cycle in which you are renewing. Generally, PMP-certified individuals are required to earn a minimum of 60 PDUs over a three-year cycle.
It is important to plan and keep track of your PDUs to ensure that you are able to meet the CCR requirements and renew your certification on time. Make use of tools and resources such as PMI’s CCRS and personal PDU tracking systems to stay on top of your PDU requirements. For example, MPUG offers an easy-to-track interface where you can view your PDU record
4. Completing CCR Application and Paying the Renewal Fee
Once you have earned the required number of Professional Development Units (PDUs) to fulfill the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR), you can move forward with the renewal process. PMI will send you information on how to renew your certification, including instructions on how to complete the CCR application and pay the renewal fee.
The CCR application requires you to report your PDUs, as well as provide updated personal and professional information. You must also pay the renewal fee to complete the application process. The fee varies based on your PMI membership status and the certification you hold.
It is important to complete the CCR application and pay the renewal fee on time to ensure that your PMP certification remains valid. Late submissions and payments may result in additional fees and processing delays.”
5. Successful CCR Renewal – Maintaining Your PMP Certification
Congratulations, you have successfully completed the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) renewal process! By earning the required Professional Development Units (PDUs) and submitting the CCR application, you have ensured that your PMP certification remains valid.
To continue maintaining your PMP certification, it is important to follow PMI’s guidelines for ongoing professional development and education. This includes participating in relevant activities to earn PDUs and reporting them accurately through PMI’s CCRS.
Stay committed to your professional growth and development, and your PMP certification will remain a valuable asset to your career as a project manager.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most frequent mistakes PMPs make is procrastinating on earning their PDUs, which can lead to a rush to find qualifying activities and even risk losing their certification. To avoid this pitfall, PMPs should plan ahead and establish a schedule for earning their PDUs well before their renewal deadline.
Another mistake is not factoring in the costs associated with earning PDUs. The PMP certification renewal process, for instance, incurs fees that must be paid. Furthermore, many PMPs may not take into account the expenses of training or other activities required to earn PDUs, which can lead to financial difficulties. To avoid this oversight, PMPs should research the costs of earning PDUs and plan their budget accordingly.
Finally, many PMPs make the mistake of not keeping accurate records of their PDUs. This can lead to confusion and uncertainty when it comes time to renew their certification. To avoid this mistake, PMPs should keep detailed records of all the activities they participate in to earn PDUs, including the date, number of PDUs earned, and a brief description of the activity.
About the Author
MPUG has been a PMI-authorized training provider for over 15 years, delivering cost-effective professional development units (PDUs) through our weekly live webinars for PMP certification.