Obtaining a PMP certification is a significant achievement for any project manager, as it demonstrates a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field of project management. However, it is important to note that maintaining the certification requires ongoing effort and commitment to professional development. One of the key ways to do this is by renewing the PMP certification every three years.
In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of what PDUs are, how they are used, and the specific requirements for earning and maintaining PMP certification.
What are Professional Development Units (PDUS)?
According to the PMI CCR Handbook, PDUs, or Professional Development Units, are the measuring unit used to quantify approved learning and professional service activities. These activities must align with the skill areas of the PMI Talent Triangle, which now focuses on Ways of Working, Power Skills, and Strategic Business Acumen.
The PMI Talent Triangle is designed to help project professionals develop a robust set of skills that are inclusive of different disciplines and practices, as well as other in-demand skills.
PDUs are divided into two categories: Education and Giving Back to the Profession. Let us take a look at what that means.
Education PDUS
Education PDUs allow project professionals to expand and enhance their technical, leadership, or strategic and business management skills. These activities must be related to the skill areas of the PMI Talent Triangle and align with the topics and concepts outlined in the exam content outline for their specific certification. These exam content outlines, such as the PMP Exam Content Outline or the PMI-ACP Exam Content Outline, can serve as a helpful resource for identifying suitable education activities.
Giving Back to the Profession PDUs
Giving Back to the Profession PDUs allow project professionals to share and utilize their knowledge and skills as a means to contribute to and help build the profession. These PDUs are earned through activities that benefit the profession and not just the individual. These are a way for project management professionals to maintain their certification and stay current with the latest industry trends and practices.
It’s worth noting that fractions of PDUs may also be reported, with the smallest increment being 0.25. This means that even a short 15-minute activity could earn 0.25 PDU, and a 30-minute activity could earn 0.50 PDU.
How to earn PMP PDUS through Education
Course or Training
Instructor-led formal education courses or classes held in-person or online can provide individuals with a structured and interactive learning experience. These types of courses are offered by PMI, as well as other third-party providers like MPUG, and can be found across the globe. They provide an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, and gain valuable knowledge and skills that are relevant to the PMI Talent Triangle skill areas.
To earn PDUs through instructor-led formal education courses or classes held in-person or online, individuals must:
- Look for PMI-approved course providers or PMI-approved training partners.
- Look for courses that align with PMI Talent Triangle skill areas.
- When only a portion of a course relates to topics relevant to the PMI Talent Triangle skill areas, calculate PDUs by the percentage of the overall curriculum focused on the applicable topic.
- Report each course separately. Entire degree programs will not be recognized for PDU credits, only individual courses.
- Provide documentation required for audit: Registration form, certificate of completion, or letter of attendance.
Rule: 1 hour of instruction equals 1 PDU
It’s important to keep records of the course or training, including certificates or other documentation, for a minimum of five years.
Organization Meeting
Organization meetings, such as those hosted by PMI chapters or other professional organizations, provide valuable opportunities for learning and networking. These meetings typically include an educational component, such as presentations or workshops, that focus on topics relevant to the project management profession. By participating in these meetings, you can gain new knowledge and insights, as well as connect with other professionals in your field. Many of these meetings are held on a local basis, making it easy for you to attend and engage in the activities that are most relevant to your career development.
To earn PDUs through meetings, activities, and local events related to the profession, individuals must:
- Attend meetings or webinars hosted by PMI, its chapters, or its communities of practice.
- Ensure that meetings and webinars are relevant to PMI Talent Triangle skill area topics, meet a specified purpose, and use knowledgeable resources.
- Provide documentation required for audit: Evidence of attendance such as meeting agenda, minutes, or certificate of attendance.
Rule: 1 hour of attendance equals 1 PDU
Online or Digital Media
Self-paced learning conducted online, or through different forms of digital media, such as webinars, videos, and online courses, allows you to customize your learning experience to fit your schedule and needs. With the advancements in technology, there are now many educational opportunities available online and on demand.
To earn PDUs through self-paced learning conducted online or through varied forms of digital media, individuals must:
- Engage in self-paced learning conducted online or through various forms of digital media.
- Look into opportunities available through resources such as mpug.com, PMI Online Courses, and Authorized Training Partners.
- Ensure that the learning activity is relevant to PMI Talent Triangle skill area topics, has a specified purpose, and uses knowledgeable resources.
- Provide documentation for audit including evidence of the reported learning, notes from the activity and the dates of the activities conducted.
Rule: 1 hour of learning as 1 PDU
Reading
Self-directed reading can be a great way to earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) while maintaining your professional certifications. Reading relevant materials, such as books, articles, whitepapers, or blogs, is an excellent way to stay informed and support your ongoing professional development.
When earning PDUs through reading, it’s important to ensure that the materials you read are relevant to the certification you hold. This will not only help you earn PDUs, but also ensure that you are staying current in your field and expanding your knowledge base.
- Use PMI-approved reading materials: PMI maintains a list of approved reading materials that are relevant to the PMP certification. Individuals can search for approved materials on the PMI website, or check out the available content on PMI’s Store and mpug.com.
- Report the reading: After completing the reading, individuals must report it to PMI through the PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program. They will need to provide details such as the title, date, and number of PDUs earned for the reading.
- Provide documentation: Individuals must provide documentation, such as evidence supporting their reported learning, including notes from and dates of reading, to confirm their participation in the self-directed reading. This documentation will be needed in case of an audit by PMI.
Additionally, when only a portion of a book or article relates to topics relevant to the PMI Talent Triangle skill areas, individuals can calculate PDUs earned by the percentage of the overall content focused on the applicable topic.
In case of an audit, PMI may ask for evidence to support your claim of earning PDUs through reading. It is recommended that you keep a log of the books or materials you read, the date and time you read them, and the number of hours spent reading. This log can be in the form of a simple sheet of paper.
Rule: 1 Hour of reading as 1 PDU
Informal Learning
Informal learning refers to educational opportunities that occur outside of a formal classroom setting, such as through structured discussions with colleagues or mentors. These interactions can provide valuable professional development and can also be a way to earn PDUs (professional development units) in certain fields. Examples of informal learning opportunities include mentoring programs, “lunch and learn” sessions, and professional networking events.
To earn PDUs through informal learning, professionals must:
- Participate in activities that are relevant to the PMI Talent Triangle skill areas. These areas include technical project management, leadership, and strategic and business management.
- Report each activity separately through the PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program.
- Provide documentation to support their reported learning activities. This can include notes from reading, registration forms for events, or certificates of participation from online communities.
- Keep records of all informal learning activities for a minimum of five years in case of an audit by PMI.
It’s important to note that 1 hour of informal learning equals 1 PDU. However, when only a portion of the activity relates to topics relevant to the PMI Talent Triangle skill areas, the PDUs earned will be calculated by the percentage of the overall curriculum focused on the applicable topic.
How to Earn PMP PDUS by Giving Back
Work as a Practitioner
Each day, your work in a domain area related to your certification(s) allows you to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting. Using these competencies actively contributes to sustaining and growing the profession.
To earn PMP PDUs through working as a practitioner, individuals must:
- Work in a domain area related to their certification: Individuals must work in a role that is related to their PMP certification and apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting.
- Provide documentation: Individuals must provide documentation, such as proof of employment (job description), to confirm their work in a role that is related to their certification. This documentation will be needed in case of an audit by PMI.
It’s important to note that there is a maximum number of PDUs that can be claimed per certification cycle (3 years):
- PMP, PgMP, PfMP, PMI-PBA – no more than 8 PDUs claimed per cycle
- PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP, PMI-SP – no more than 4 PDUs claimed per cycle
- CAPM – no more than 2 PDUs claimed per cycle
Also, PDUs claimed in this category count against the maximum PDUs allowed in the “Giving Back to the Profession” category. These PDUs only apply to the current cycle and cannot be transferred.
Create Content
Creating new knowledge resources for use by practitioners and the public at large is a great way to earn PDUs for your PMP certification. This type of activity falls under the “Giving Back to the Profession” category and allows you to share your knowledge and experience with others, while also contributing to the ongoing development of the profession.
There are many ways to create new content, such as:
- Authoring books, blogs or articles
- Creating webinars or presentations
- Becoming a content creator on ProjectManagement.com
- Authoring an article for the Knowledge Shelf
The rules for earning PDUs through creating content are as follows:
- 1 hour spent creating content equals 1 PDU
- The content must be relevant to PMI Talent Triangle skill area topics and meet a specified purpose
- You must use knowledgeable resources when creating the content
- The maximum number of PDUs that can be claimed per cycle varies depending on the certification held
- You will need to provide documentation of your publications, sample educational materials or course agendas in case of an audit.
Do you want to earn PDUs by submitting articles to MPUG? Email editor@mpug.com to pitch your ideas!
Give a presentation
To earn PMP PDUs through giving a presentation, you will need to:
- Find an opportunity to give a formal presentation on a topic that is relevant to the project management profession. Examples could include speaking at a PMI chapter event, professional conference, or within your organization.
- Prepare and deliver the presentation.
- Keep track of the time you spend preparing and delivering the presentation.
- Submit your documentation to PMI, which should include copies of your presentation, along with evidence of the date and time of the presentation.
Note: Be aware that you can claim 1 PDU for every hour spent presenting, but there is a maximum number of PDUs that can be claimed per cycle
Do you want to earn PDUs by giving a webinar presentation with MPUG? Email lexie@mpug.com to pitch your ideas!
Share Knowledge
To earn PMP PDUs through sharing knowledge, you can participate in activities such as mentoring, teaching, or applying your subject matter expertise in a practical setting. Examples of these activities include:
- Mentoring a colleague or team member in your organization.
- Teaching a course or workshop on a topic related to project management.
- Applying your knowledge and skills in a consulting or advising role.
- Participating in a peer review or knowledge-sharing session with your team or organization.
It is important to note that the PMI has a limit on the number of PDUs that can be claimed in this category per certification cycle, and documentation such as notes and dates of discussions or activities may be required for audit.
Volunteer
Earn PDUS by providing volunteer services to non-employer or non-client organizations. PMI has an active community of thousands of volunteers who support the Institute and the profession in a wide range of roles. By volunteering, you can serve on a PMI committee or team. You can also volunteer your domain-related services to other not-for-profit organizations.
PDU Rules:
- 1 hour spent volunteering equals 1 PDU Documentation required for audit: Evidence of volunteer services such as a letter from the organization or a copy of volunteer hours logged.
PMP PDU Requirements
The PMP certification renewal requirements include earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) and completing a certification renewal application on the Project Management Institute (PMI) website.
You are required to earn a minimum of 35 PDUs in the education category, out of which at least 8 PDUs must come from each of the skill areas of the PMI Talent Triangle. The remaining 11 PDUs can come from any area of the Talent Triangle.
You can earn up to 25 PDUs in the Giving Back category by volunteering, creating knowledge, and working as a professional. However, the maximum number of PDUs that you can earn for working as a professional is 8.
Note that these numbers and categories may vary depending on the certification or credential you hold, and you should always refer to your certification body for specific requirements and guidelines.
Different CCR requirements for each PMI certification
How to claim PMP PDUS
To earn PDUs, PMPs must submit documentation of their professional development activities to the PMI. The PMI then reviews and approves the submission, and the earned PDUs are added to the PMP’s certification record.
Claiming Professional Development Units (PDUs) for Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a relatively simple process, but it is important to understand the requirements and guidelines set forth by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the organization that administers the PMP certification.
Conclusion
Earning Professional Development Units (PDUs) is an important aspect of maintaining your PMP certification. This guide provided an overview of what PDUs are, the different types of PDUs, and how to earn them. Additionally, we discussed the benefits of earning PDUs and the importance of staying current with the latest project management best practices and trends.
For more detailed information on PDUs and the PMP certification process, we recommend visiting the PMI website (https://www.pmi.org/) or consulting with a PMP certified mentor or professional.
MPUG also has opportunities for you to earn PDUs! As a member of our community, you will have access to webinars and courses that will allow you to earn PDUs while enhancing your practical skills. Learn more about membership and join here.
References :
Project Management Institute. (2022). Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.pmi.org/certification/ccr-handbook
Resources :
Align Your Professional Development with PMI’s Talent Triangle: Discover Eligible PDU Training