“Wait, I need to maintain my PMP® certification? I just spent months getting it!”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. As a former Marine Corps Officer turned Project Management Professional, I’ve heard this countless times from fellow project managers.
But let me share something I learned in the Marines: preparation and continuous improvement aren’t just good practices – they’re survival skills.
The same applies to your project management career and earning PDUs for PMP® Professional Development Units! And hey, at least you don’t have to read the PMBOK again!
What Are the Project Management Institute - Professional Development Units (PDUs)?
Professional Development Units (PDUs) are the measuring unit the Project Management Institute (PMI®) uses to track your ongoing development in project management knowledge. Think of PDUs as your professional fitness tracker – each unit represents an hour invested in strengthening your project management capabilities.
As a PMP® certification holder, you’ll need to meet specific PDU requirements through the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program.
The good news? It’s more straightforward than you might think.
Breaking Down Your PDUs for PMP® Requirements
The PMI-PMP® PDUs requirement is 60 units per certification cycle. Here’s how they break down across the PMI Talent Triangle®:
35 Education PDUs
Ways of Working (minimum 8 PDUs)
Power Skills (minimum 8 PDUs)
Business Acumen (minimum 8 PDUs)
Remaining 11 PDUs in any category
25 “Giving Back” to the Profession PDUs
Sharing knowledge through presentations
Volunteer work with PMI® chapters
Creating content for professional development activities
The main goal Project Management Institute has for you with these requirements – your professional development as a project manager. And to learn updated information that is beneficial to you – and the project management community at large.
The PURE Project Manager® Advantage: Your Fast Track to 60 PDUs
Here’s something exciting I personally want to share: The PURE Project Manager® certification program offers a complete solution for your PDU requirements.
As one of the instructors, I bring real-world project management experience from my US Marine Corps career, where project failure simply wasn’t an option.
This PDU-approved program provides:
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All 60 PDUs needed for your current cycle
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Practical knowledge from experienced project managers
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Coverage of all PMI Talent Triangle skill areas
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Real-world applications from military precision to corporate success
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Hands-on workshops and interactive learning sessions
Trust me, it’s worth the cash as you are learning from practitioners in the field. People who, like me, just want to share some of our insights with you!
Check it out at the link below:
Other Smart Ways to Earn Professional Development Units
Project Management Institute offers various paths for earning Professional Development Units through:
1. Authorized Training Partners
Structured courses
Webinars
Self-directed learning opportunities
2. Professional Development Activities
Online courses
PMI® chapter events
Documented learning activities
3. Knowledge Sharing
Creating content
Volunteer work
Sharing valuable knowledge with other project managers
Making the Most of Your Certification Cycle
To maintain certification effectively:
Track Your Progress
Record PDUs earned regularly
Monitor your current cycle status
Keep evidence supporting your activities
Leverage Multiple Sources
Attend PMI-RMP® approved events
Participate in chapter activities
Take advantage of free PDUs
Focus on Growth Areas
Align learning with career goals
Build on existing knowledge
Explore new skill areas
The Power of Continuous Learning
Getting your PMP® certification is only the beginning of your project management journey. As a knowledgeable resource in project management, I’ve seen how continuing certification requirements can actually drive career success.
Whether you’re pursuing advanced certifications like PMI-SP® or, my favorite, the PMI-RMP® – or simply maintaining your PMP® certification, each PDU represents growth in your professional journey.
Getting Started with Your PDU Journey
Ready to tackle your PDU requirements?
Here’s your action plan:
Review your certification cycle dates
Choose your learning pathway (Hint: PURE Project Manager certification gets you all 60 PDUs!)
Start tracking your professional development activities
Report PDUs earned through the CCR program
Just make sure whatever you are learning or using to earn PDUs – it stacks up against that PMI Talent Triangle!
Your Next Steps
Want to make the most of your professional development while earning all your required PDUs?
The PURE Project Manager certification offers a comprehensive solution, combining Marine Corps precision with practical project management skills. And it is a great supplement to your PMI® certification!
Take a good, combat pause, from whatever you are working on and join PURE today!
Connect with me on LinkedIn and join our community of forward-thinking project managers and learn more about applying military precision to your project management career!
The Risk Blog is a component of Forty-Four Risk PM, LLC!
