PMP Continuing Certification Requirements
Author: David M. Sides
April 2007
by David M. Sides, PMP
The following describes the requirements for maintaining the continuing certification requirements (CCR) for the Project Management Professional (PMP).
Professional Development Units (PDUs) are divided into two basic groups:
- You get Project Management – Take courses, training, learning experiences for yourself.
- You give Project Management – Perform PM, publish, teach or coach others.
To maintain PMP certification, PMPs must accrue a minimum of 60 PDUs for each 3-year cycle. The cycle extends from the PMP exam date through December 31st of the third calendar year. Typically one hour of qualifying activity equals 1 PDU. PDUs can be earned in any combination, subject to restrictions shown below. Up to 20 excess PDUs earned during the final year of the current cycle may be applied to the next cycle.
Note: If you do not meet these requirements you will lose your PMP certification. To regain PMP status you must apply, pay, and retake the PMP exam.
The reporting process includes completion of an online CCR form, review by PMI, and subsequent renewal payment of $60 for PMI members ($150 for non-members). Since you must keep appropriate documentation in case of audit, PMI recommends that you maintain PDUs online as they are earned. [I find it easier to keep an offline file and enter once at the end of my cycle.] Examples of required backup documentation include grade transcripts, certificates of completion, program agendas, published materials, program agendas, or class rosters.
Within these groups there are categories, each with specific requirements and possible limitations.
Category 1 – Formal Academic Education
PM-related course from a college or university for degree credit. 1 degree credit = 1 PDU. For example, a 15-credit semester course = 15 PDUs.
Category 2 – Professional Activities and Self-Directed Learning
There are nine sub-categories, each with different PDUs, requirements, and restrictions.
2a – Author of PM article in refereed journal (30); co-author (20).
2b – Author of PM article in non-refereed journal (15); co-author (10).
2c – PM Speaker at conference, symposium, formal course (10).
2d – PM Speaker at PMI chapter meeting (5).
2e – Member of PM panel at conference, symposium, formal course (5).
2f – Author of PM textbook (40); co-author (20).
2g – Developer of content for structured PM learning program (10).
2h – Practitioner of PM at least 1,500 hours per year (max 5 per year, 15 per cycle).
2SDL – Individual PM-related learning, research, study, or coaching. 1 hour = 1 PDU (max 15 per cycle).
Category 3 – PMI Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.)
PM-related course from a PMI R.E.P. 1 hour = 1 PDU.
Category 4 – Other Provider
PM-related course from any other provider. 1 hour = 1 PDU.
Category 5 – Volunteer Service to Professional or Community Organizations
You may earn a maximum 20 PDUs per cycle in Category 5.
- Serve as officer in PM organization.
- Minimum 3 months = 2 PDUs per year.
- 6 months service = 5 PDUs per year.
- 12 months service = 10 PDUs per year.
- Serve as committee member in PM organization.
- Minimum 3 months = 1 PDU per year.
- 6 months service = 3 PDUs per year.
- 12 months service = 5 PDUs per year.
- Provide PM-related services to community or charitable group (5 PDUs per year).
I hope you find this to be useful in maintaining your PMP certification. For more details, see the CCR Handbook on pmi.org.
