Saturday, December 1, 2007

Ten Ways to Earn PDUs

Every year, there are hundreds of opportunities to earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) as a part of the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program. PMI uses PDUs to quantify approved learning and professional service activities for certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and Program Management Professional (PgMP®) credential holders. And while taking courses and attending seminars are ideal ways to stay up-to-date with project management best practices, remember that many activities occurring in your daily professional life may count toward PDUs, too. Here are 10 ways to earn PDUs as 2007 winds down:

1. Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) Courses: There are more than 900 PMI R.E.P.s worldwide, and the courses offered by them are pre-approved for PDUs that fulfill CCRs.

2. PMI Global Congresses: While you may have missed November’s PMI Global Congress 2007—Latin America in Cancun, Mexico, now is a great time to plan ahead and register for the PMI Global Congress 2008—Asia Pacific, held March 3–5 in Sydney, Australia. These events offer opportunities to network with colleagues and attend seminars that go toward receiving PDUs.

3. PMI Component Courses: PMI Components—chapters, specific interest group (SIGs) or colleges—can be found in all corners of the globe. PMI members are welcome to join these communities and take advantage of the events, meetings and educational programs they hold. And, all educational activities offered by PMI Components are pre-approved for PDUs.

4. SeminarsWorld®: Held throughout the year, SeminarsWorld events provide educational activities for beginning, mid-level and experienced project professionals—PMI members and nonmembers alike. Seminar topics tend to cover one of five areas: core competencies, specific application areas, people and leadership skills, tools and techniques, and strategic applications.

5. eSeminarsWorldSM: The life of a project manager has never been more hectic. And while face-to-face training has its obvious merits, online courses are some of the most convenient ways to earn PDUs. Each eSeminarsWorld web-based course includes discussion questions, individual and group assignments with classmates from all over the world, and timely feedback from qualified instructors.

6. Web-based Self-Study: All you need to complete the Project Management Methods & Mechanics course is an Internet connection and about 14 hours. Focused on A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)—Third Edition, this course is a perfect way to receive 14 PDUs on your own time. Once registered, you will have 24-hour access to this online, 10-module course for one full year.

7. Professional Activities: Authoring an article about project management or speaking at a project management event can quickly earn you 10 to 30 PDUs. PMI has specified a number of professional activities—things you may already be doing—that can translate to varying amounts of PDUs.

8. Self-Directed Learning: Obtain PDUs by sharing project management knowledge with your colleagues. PMI will recognize activities that involve personally conducted research or study. This includes discussions or coaching sessions with colleagues or clients that put to use informational materials such as CD-ROMs, articles, books, videos or instructional manuals. It’s important to note that an individual can receive a maximum of 15 PDUs for self-directed learning activities during each CCR cycle.

9. Volunteer Service: Earn up to 20 PDUs per CCR cycle for providing your professional services to an organization outside of your employer. You could serve as an elected officer or volunteer committee member for a project management organization. Or you could provide a project/program management-related service to a community or charitable group.

10. Educational Programs by Outside Providers: If all else fails, PMI will recognize relevant educational activities or programs offered by organizations not registered with PMI. Use the following formula to calculate the number of PDUs earned: One (1) contact hour of learning relevant to project management within a structured activity or course equals one (1) PDU

No comments: