What is PDU?

In the context of Project Management, PDU stands for “Professional Development Unit.” PMP (Project Management Professional) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in project management. PMP certification requires passing an exam and maintaining the certification through continuous learning and professional development. PDUs are a unit of measurement used by PMI to track the number of hours an individual spends on professional development activities related to project management. Earning a certain number of PDUs is a requirement for maintaining PMP certification.

PDU courses for PMP renewal

To renew PMP (Project Management Professional) certification, PMI requires certification holders to earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) within a three-year cycle. PDUs can be earned through various activities, including:

Continuing Education: Attending courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, and other events related to project management.

Professional Study: Reading books, articles, and other literature related to project management.

Self-directed Learning: Engaging in self-study activities, such as online courses and webinars.

Giving Back to the Profession: Participating in volunteer activities related to project management, such as mentoring or coaching other project managers.

Creating and Presenting: Creating and presenting project management-related materials, such as presentations, articles, and webinars.

Teaching: Teaching project management courses, workshops, or other training programs.

There are many online and in-person courses available that offer PDUs for PMP renewal, including those offered by PMI and other organizations. It’s important to verify that the courses you take are pre-approved by PMI to ensure that the PDUs earned will be accepted towards your renewal.

Online PDU courses for PMP certification

There are many online courses available that offer Professional Development Units (PDUs) for PMP (Project Management Professional) certification renewal. Some popular providers of online PDU courses include:

  1. PMI: The Project Management Institute offers a variety of online courses and webinars that are pre-approved for PDUs.
  2. Udemy: Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses related to project management, many of which are approved for PDUs.
  3. LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning is a subsidiary of LinkedIn that provides online courses on a variety of subjects, including project management, which can be used to earn PDUs.
  4. ProjectManagement.com: ProjectManagement.com is an online community for project managers that offers a variety of courses, webinars, and resources for earning PDUs.
  5. PMP Exam Simulator: PMP Exam Simulator is an online platform that offers courses and practice exams to help PMP certification holders prepare for the PMP exam and earn PDUs.

It is important to verify that the courses you take are pre-approved by PMI for PDUs to ensure that the PDUs earned will be accepted towards your PMP certification renewal.

How to get PDUs for PMP

To earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) for PMP (Project Management Professional) certification renewal, PMI requires certification holders to engage in professional development activities related to project management. Some ways to earn PDUs include:

  1. Attendance at project management-related courses, workshops, conferences, and seminars.
  2. Self-directed learning through reading books, articles, and other literature related to project management.
  3. Participating in volunteer activities related to project management, such as mentoring or coaching other project managers.
  4. Creating and presenting project management-related materials, such as presentations, articles, and webinars.
  5. Teaching project management courses, workshops, or other training programs.

It is important to verify that the activities you participate in are pre-approved by PMI for PDUs to ensure that the PDUs earned will be accepted towards your PMP certification renewal. To report PDUs, you need to log into the PMI CCRS (Continuing Certification Requirements System) website and submit the PDU claim for the specific activity. PMI requires certification holders to earn a minimum of 60 PDUs within a three-year cycle to maintain their PMP certification.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Professional Development Units (PDUs) are essential for maintaining an active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. PDUs are required to keep up with the changing standards and practices in project management, as well as to stay knowledgeable in the field. Earning PDUs can be done through a variety of activities, such as attending PMP-approved courses, taking exams, attending conferences, and participating in research projects. PDUs are also necessary for retaining the PMP certification, as PMP holders must earn a certain number of PDUs every three years in order to maintain active status. Overall, PDUs are an essential part of the process for achieving and maintaining PMP certification.