Earning PDUs for project management certification

Earning PDUs for project management certification

Project managers who pursue continuous learning and development are better equipped to support their team, stay competitive, and advance their careers. As they secure certifications and demonstrate commitment to professional growth, they can quantify their progress using Professional Development Units (PDUs).

PDUs are essential for earning and maintaining Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which unlocks valuable career opportunities. Here, you’ll learn everything you need to know about PDUs and the strategies to acquire them. Soon, you’ll have a clear roadmap for updating your credentials and enhancing your project management skills.

What is a PDU in project management?

PDU stands for professional development unit. Issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI), PDUs reflect ongoing education and skill development in project management. They’re essential for project management professionals looking to maintain PMI certification and advance their careers.

PMI’s PMP certification is one of the most recognized credentials in the field. PMI provides various paths to acquire this certification. Once earned, professionals must accrue 60 PDUs within a three-year certification cycle to maintain it. Failure to meet this requirement can result in suspension or loss of your certification, jeopardizing your credibility and career growth. 

Aside from maintaining their certification, professionals who actively pursue PDUs gain a competitive edge, positioning themselves for leadership roles, salary increases, and new job opportunities. By staying engaged in professional development, project managers can enhance their ability to tackle complex projects and drive organizational success. 

Types of PDU credits

PDUs fall into two primary categories, each offering unique opportunities for project managers to enhance their expertise. Both categories provide numerous ways to earn PDUs and maintain PMP certification.

• Education PDUs: These are earned by participating in learning activities, such as completing online courses or reading books on project management. 

• Giving Back PDUs: Project managers obtain these PDUs by contributing to the profession. For example, they may provide volunteer service to PMI or create project management-related content.

How to get PDUs for PMP certification

Earning PDUs to keep your PMP certification is relatively straightforward. You may already be performing some of these activities to grow your skills. Here are a few ways to get started:

Work as a project manager

If you actively manage projects, you may already be earning PDUs without realizing it. Applying project management principles in daily work can count towards your certification renewal.

Volunteer for PMI

Grow the profession by mentoring aspiring project managers or participating in PMI initiatives. You’ll earn Giving Back PDUs while expanding your network.

Take training courses

Professional development courses, such as in-person workshops or PMI-approved webinars, yield Education PDUs, meaning you’re furthering your career while gaining valuable insights.

Read books on project management

Industry literature will expand your knowledge and refine your leadership skills. From books on resource management to guides on workflow tips, you pile up PDUs by staying informed.

Write articles or blogs

Share your knowledge by writing blog posts or case studies on project management topics. You’ll earn Giving Back PDUs by contributing to your professional community.

Speak at conferences and events

Presenting at project management seminars or industry conferences provides another notable way to earn PDUs and offer insights to your community.

Participate in PMI chapter meetings

Get involved in local chapter meetings or networking events to stay connected with industry professionals and expand your network. These events keep you engaged with the community while awarding PDU credits.

Best practices for earning PDUs

Follow these pointers to maximize your PDUs:

Track your work

Keep a detailed record of all your learning experiences and professional contributions to ensure you meet PMI’s requirements. Members must log their PDUs on PMI’s Continuing Certification Renewal System (CCRS) and pay the renewal fee to maintain certification.

Supporting documentation is crucial when reporting your PDUs or undergoing an audit. Store certificates, transcripts, and other relevant proof of participation in a secure, easily accessible location.

Balance PDU categories

PMI asks certified members to balance their PDUs between the Education and Giving Back categories, so employ a well-rounded approach. Within a three-year certification cycle, you must earn at least 35 Education PDUs, and you can only acquire up to 25 Giving Back PDUs.

To ensure your learning is broad and balanced, your Education PDUs must also fulfill the points of PMI’s Talent Triangle. You’ll need at least eight hours of activities dedicated to each: Business Acumen, Power Skills, and Ways of Working. A healthy mix expands your expertise, making you a better project manager.

Utilize free resources

Don’t underestimate the value of free resources. Many organizations offer free educational content that can count toward your PDUs. By taking advantage of these resources, you can continue your professional development without breaking the bank.

Set realistic goals

Don’t wait until the last minute to gather your PDUs. Instead, set small, realistic goals for yourself throughout the three-year certification cycle. This method makes the process less overwhelming and keeps you moving toward your goal.

Successful project management with Tempo

Project management is about more than earning PDUs. It’s about implementing impactful strategies and tools to execute your projects flawlessly. 

That’s where Tempo can help. Our comprehensive suite of project management tools can elevate your project management practice by keeping your teams and initiatives on track.

For example, Strategic Roadmaps allows you to plan, visualize, and prioritize projects with ease, ensuring your entire team is aligned from start to finish. Additionally, Tempo’s Timesheets integrates seamlessly with your existing processes, making it easier than ever to manage individual team members with real-time data.

Try Tempo today to take your project management to the next level.