After earning your PMP® (Project Management Professional) certification, you might feel proud—and you should! It’s a big accomplishment. But like many valuable certifications, it doesn’t last forever on its own. To keep it active, you need to earn PDUs (Professional Development Units). The good news? It’s not as overwhelming as it might sound.
First, a quick look at what PDUs are. PDUs are basically points you collect by continuing to learn and help others learn about project management. Over a three-year cycle, you need to earn 60 PDUs to renew your PMP certification. This helps you stay current and keep growing in your profession.
There are two main types of PDUs: Education and Giving Back. Education PDUs come from learning—through courses, webinars, self-directed reading, or even podcasts. For example, attending a project management workshop or watching a webinar gives you Education PDUs. Websites like advisedskills offer online courses that count toward these PDUs.
Giving Back PDUs, on the other hand, come from sharing your knowledge or using your skills in the workplace or your community. This includes things like mentoring others, speaking at events, or volunteering to manage a community project. Even writing about project management can earn you PDUs.
To make things easier, it helps to keep a record of your activities throughout the year. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to find out you’re short a few PDUs. It’s also a good idea to mix things up—take some courses and also give back by helping others. This way, you learn and share what you know.
PMI (Project Management Institute) also has a handy online tool called the CCRS (Continuing Certification Requirements System). You can use it to report and track your PDUs. It’s simple and doesn’t take much time.
Maintaining your PMP isn’t just about keeping your certificate current. It’s a chance to keep learning, stay involved in your field, and help others grow too. With a little planning and steady effort, you can earn your PDUs without stress—and continue to benefit from your PMP credential for years to come.