Maintaining Your PMP Certification
Maintaining your Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is essential for ensuring that you remain up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in project management. This article will guide you through PMI's criteria, earning PDUs, recording PDUs, and provide a summary of the process.
PMI's Criteria
To maintain your PMP certification, PMI requires you to earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) over a three-year cycle. These PDUs are divided into two main categories:
- Education PDUs: A minimum of 35 PDUs must be earned through educational activities. These activities are further divided into three skill areas:
- Ways of Working: At least 8 PDUs
- Power Skills: At least 8 PDUs
- Business Acumen: At least 8 PDUs
- The remaining PDUs can be earned in any of these three areas.
- Giving Back PDUs: A maximum of 25 PDUs can be earned through activities that contribute to the profession, such as:
- Working as a Professional: Up to 8 PDUs
- Volunteering and Creating Knowledge: Up to 17 PDUs
Earning PDUs
There are various ways to earn PDUs, ensuring flexibility and convenience for PMP holders. Some of the common methods include:
- Training Courses and Workshops: Participate in professional development activities offered by PMI or other organizations.
- Online Courses and Webinars: Utilize PMI's online resources to earn PDUs at your own pace.
- Local Chapter Events: Attend events organized by PMI local chapters to gain insights and network with other professionals.
- Volunteering: Contribute your time and expertise to PMI or other professional organizations.
- Creating Knowledge: Write articles, give presentations, or create content that contributes to the project management body of knowledge.
Recording PDUs
Once you have earned PDUs, you need to record them in PMI's Continuing Certification Renewal System (CCRS). Here’s how you can do it:
- Log in to CCRS: Access the system using your PMI credentials.
- Report PDUs: Enter the details of the PDUs you have earned, including the activity type, date, and number of PDUs.
- Submit for Approval: PMI will review your submission and approve the PDUs if they meet the criteria.
- You can visit the Continuing Certification Renewal System (CCRS) to report your PDUs and view your certification records.
Summary
Maintaining your PMP certification involves earning 60 PDUs over a three-year cycle, with a minimum of 35 PDUs in education and a maximum of 25 PDUs in giving back activities. There are various ways to earn PDUs, including training courses, online resources, local chapter events, volunteering, and creating knowledge. Recording your PDUs in PMI's CCRS ensures that your efforts are recognized and your certification remains valid.
By staying committed to professional development and actively participating in the project management community, you can maintain your PMP certification and continue to advance your career.

Note: Multiple courses here worth PDUs!!!