4 Simple Steps to Renew Your PMP Certificate

The Project Management Institute (PMI) requires Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification holders to earn a minimum of 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years to maintain their certification status. The renewal process involves several steps, including tracking PDUs, submitting documentation, and paying a renewal fee.

How do you track your PDUs?

The first step in the renewal process is to track your PDUs. You can do this manually or use PMI’s online PDUs tracking tool, the Continuing Certification Requirements System (CCRS). The CCRS allows you to easily enter and categorize your PDUs, ensuring you meet the required number for renewal.

Which activities count towards renewal?

There are two main ways to renew your PMP® certification:

1. Earn 60 PDUs through approved activities: This option involves earning 60 PDUs through activities aligned with the PMI Talent Triangle framework. These activities include:

Here are some ways to earn PDUs to renew your PMP® certificate:

1. Project-related learning (35 PDUs):

1. 1. Taking project management courses: Enroll in project management courses offered by PMI, educational institutions, or online learning platforms.
   2. Attending project management conferences or seminars: Participate in PMI conferences, workshops, or seminars related to project management.
   3. Publishing project management research or case studies: Share your knowledge and experience by publishing research papers, case studies, or articles in professional journals or online platforms.

2. Teaching or mentoring (15 PDUs):

   1. Volunteer to teach or mentor project management professionals: Share your expertise by volunteering to teach project management courses, workshops, or webinars.
   2. Mentor or coach project team members: Provide guidance and support to project team members to help them develop their project management skills.

3. Leadership and organizational activities (10 PDUs):

   1. Lead or participate in project management professional associations: Engage in leadership roles or volunteer for committees within PMI or other project management associations.
   2. Contribute to project management open-source software or tools: Share your code or expertise to improve open-source project management software or tools.

4. Professionalism and ethics (10 PDUs):

Write or present articles on project management ethics or professional conduct: 

Share your knowledge and insights on project management ethics and professional conduct through articles, blog posts, or presentations.

Serve on PMI’s Code of Ethics Advisory Group (CEGA): 

Participate in PMI’s CEGA to guide on ethical issues and standards in the project management profession.

Give back to the project management community: 

Volunteer your time and expertise to contribute to the project management community, such as mentoring new project managers or organizing community events.

2. Earn 45 PDUs through approved activities and take a recertification exam: This option allows you to reduce your PDU requirement by 15 PDUs if you also pass the PMP® exam again. You can take the exam anytime within your three-year renewal cycle.

How do you submit your renewal?

Once you have earned the required PDUs, submit your documentation to PMI. The required documentation includes:

• PMP® application form: Complete and submit the PMP® application form, ensuring all required information is accurate.
• PDUs verification: Submit your PDUs verification report, which can be generated from the CCRS.
• Renewal fee: Pay the applicable renewal fee.

Step 4: Renewal Confirmation:

After submitting your documentation and paying the renewal fee, PMI will review your application and provide a renewal confirmation email. This email will contain your renewed PMP® certification number and expiration date.

Timeline for PMP® Renewal:

The PMP® renewal process typically takes 4-6 weeks from submitting your application and documentation. It is important to start the renewal process well before your certification expiration date to ensure sufficient time to meet the requirements and avoid delays.

Where can you earn PDUs cheaply?

Many PDUs are free or low-cost. PMI webinars, chapter events, podcasts from registered providers, free online courses and reading books on project management can all count as education PDUs if they meet PMI’s rules.

Giving Back PDUs are earned through work you may already do: working as a project manager, mentoring colleagues, volunteering for a PMI chapter or creating content such as articles, talks or videos about project management.

Plan the mix. Aim for about 20 PDUs a year, with at least 8 from each of the 3 Talent Triangle areas over the cycle. Logging activities as you go takes a few minutes and avoids a stressful rush in the final months.

What if your PMP is about to expire?

Check your expiry date in your PMI account now. If you are short of PDUs, focus on quick wins: on-demand courses and webinars from PMI or registered education providers often carry several PDUs each and can be completed in a few evenings.

Report each activity in CCRS as soon as you finish it. PMI reviews claims, and some may be selected for audit, so keep certificates or other evidence.

If your cycle ends before you complete the requirements, your certification is suspended rather than immediately lost, and PMI explains the steps to reinstate it on its website. Act quickly, because if the requirements are still not met by the end of the suspension period, the credential expires and you would need to re-qualify.

Can PDUs count for more than 1 certification?

Yes, in many cases. If you hold more than 1 PMI certification, such as the PMP and PMI-ACP, some PDUs can apply to both when the topic is relevant. Plan your learning to cover the requirements of every credential you hold.

A simple 3-year PDU plan

Year 1: earn 20 PDUs, mainly education. A mix of 1 online course of about 10 PDUs, a few webinars and some reading covers it. Year 2: earn another 20 PDUs, including Giving Back such as mentoring or chapter volunteering. Year 3: top up any Talent Triangle area below 8 PDUs, report everything and pay the renewal fee before your expiry date.

Set a calendar reminder every 6 months to check your total in CCRS. A 10-minute review twice a year prevents almost every last-minute renewal problem.

Keep evidence

Save certificates, attendance emails or notes for every activity for at least 18 months after your renewal, in case PMI selects you for audit.

What are the best tips for PMP renewal?

Start tracking your PDUs early: 

The sooner you start tracking your PDUs, the easier it will be to earn the required number for renewal.

Take advantage of approved activities: 

There are many approved activities available that can help you earn PDUs. Consider taking project management courses, attending conferences, or volunteering your time to mentor or coach others.

Use the CCRS: 

The CCRS is a valuable tool for tracking your PDUs and submitting your renewal application.

Be prepared to submit documentation: 

Keep your PDU documentation organized and easily accessible so you can submit it promptly when required.

Renew your certification on time: 

Don’t let your PMP® certification expire. Start the renewal process early to ensure ample time to meet the requirements.

PMP renewal: common questions

How many PDUs do I need to renew my PMP?

60 PDUs every 3 years, with at least 35 from education.

How much does PMP renewal cost?

$60 for PMI members and $150 for non-members.

Can I renew early?

You can report PDUs throughout your cycle and submit your renewal once you have met the requirements, typically within the final year of the cycle.

Do work hours count as PDUs?

Working as a project manager can earn up to 8 Giving Back PDUs per cycle.