If you hold any PMI credential, such as PMP, you must have heard about Professional Development Units (PDUs) and wondered how they differ from contact hours.
Today’s blog post will explain PDUs in project management, why you need them, how to get them, and how they compare with contact hours.
The PMI credential expires after three years; you must renew it every three years to keep it current. The PMI has developed a renewal system called the CCR Cycle that requires you to learn new skills, volunteer at industry events, and give back to the profession.
Participating in these tasks earns you PDUs that you can use to complete your CCR cycle and renew the PMI credentials.
What is a PDU?
PDU stands for Professional Development Unit.
According to the PMI, “Professional Development Units (PDUs) are one-hour blocks of time that you spend learning, teaching others, or volunteering.” These are the criteria used to quantify approved learning and professional service activities. PDUs are used to measure the ongoing development of the credential holder in project management.
As discussed, the PMP certification is valid for three years. To renew your credential, you must earn 60 PDUs and report them to PMI. You can also claim PDUs if you attend a course and learn project management skills. One PDU is equal to one hour of activity.
The PDU requirement for each PMI certification is as follows:
| Certification | PDUs Requirements (Nos) |
| PMP | 60 |
| PgMP | 60 |
| PfMP | 60 |
| PMI-PBA | 60 |
| PMI-RMP | 30 |
| PMI-SP | 30 |
| PMI-ACP | 30 |
| CAPM | 15 |
On December 1, 2015, PMI introduced the Talent Triangle for the CCR cycle. The Talent Triangle features three distinct areas where you must earn PDUs: power skills, business acumen, and ways of working.
To fulfill the renewal requirements, you must earn a certain number of PDUs in each area. The Talent Triangle structure ensures you gain comprehensive professional continuing education every three years.
Why Do You Need PDUs?
The PMP certification is the most popular certification for project professionals. PMI must maintain its credibility and ensure that PMP certification holders are always updated on industry trends.
PMI requires PDUs so that PMP credential holders spend at least 60 hours in three years learning about new technologies, tools, and techniques and staying current.
How to Earn PDUs?
You can Earn PDUs under two categories:
1. Education
This category focuses on continuous learning to enhance your project management skills. You can earn PDUs through the following sub-categories:
a. Courses or Training
- Formal Education: Enroll in project management-related courses, either online or in-person, from PMI Registered Providers (R.E.P.s or A.T.P.s) or other educational institutions.
- Online Training: Participate in webinars, e-learning courses, or workshops PMI or other recognized providers offer.
b. Organization Meetings
- PMI Chapter Meetings: Attend meetings, events, or activities organized by PMI chapters, which often feature guest speakers or workshops.
- Networking Events: Engage in professional networking events where learning sessions are a part of the agenda.
c. Seminars, Conferences, and Other Events
- Conferences: Attend PMI Global Congress, regional conferences, or other industry-related conferences where educational content is delivered.
- Seminars and Workshops: Participate in seminars or workshops on project management, leadership, or relevant technical skills.
d. Reading
- Books: Read books related to project management, leadership, or technical project management topics.
- Articles and Blogs: Consume articles, white papers, or blogs that cover industry trends, project management methodologies, or professional development.
e. Self-Directed Learning
- Research: Conduct independent research on project management topics.
- Podcasts/Videos: Watch educational videos or podcasts on project management or leadership topics.
2. Giving Back
This category involves contributing your time and knowledge to advance the project management profession. You can earn PDUs through the following sub-categories:
a. Creating Content
- Writing Articles or Blogs: Publish articles, blogs, or white papers on project management-related topics.
- Presentations: Develop and deliver presentations or workshops at conferences, PMI chapter meetings, or other industry events.
b. Volunteering
- PMI Volunteering: Participate in volunteer activities through PMI, such as serving on a committee, helping organize events, or mentoring other project managers.
- Community Service: Volunteer your project management skills for nonprofit organizations or community projects.
c. Mentoring
- Mentoring Colleagues: Mentor less experienced project managers, guiding them through professional development.
- Coaching: Coaching peers or team members on project management practices and methodologies.
d. Teaching
- Teaching Courses: Teach project management courses, workshops, or seminars at educational institutions or within your organization.
- Training Sessions: Conduct training sessions or workshops on project management topics within your organization or for professional groups.
Please refer to the CCR Cycle Guide for the latest information on PDUs
The Difference Between PDUs and Contact Hours
Many professionals get confused between contact hours and PDUs. I was, too, when I was looking for a good 35 contact hours training program.
Contact Hours
You need 35 contact hours to apply for the PMP exam, one of three eligibility requirements. You cannot apply for the exam without these contact hours. Contact hours are also required to apply for the PMI certifications, and PDUs are required after you earn your certification.
PDUs
After becoming a PMP (or earning any other PMI certification), you need PDUs to renew the credential every three years. The PDUs help you update your knowledge and complete the CCR Cycle.
Earning PDUs is much easier than earning 35 contact hours. You can earn all your 60 PDUs for free, but you must attend formal training, a paid course, for the contact hours.
The PDU coverage is broader than the contact hours; however, they should align with the PMI Talent Triangle.
Summary
PDUs are professional development units you need after getting the PMI certification to complete the CCR cycle and renew your credential. The PMI has ensured you can earn these PDUs with minimal effort and expense. Keeping up with the CCR cycle helps renew your PMI certification for three years.
Don’t forget to keep records of the PDUs you have claimed for 18 months after your CCR cycle because the PMI may select you for an audit.
Further Readings:
- Can You Explain the PDU Categories for the PMPs?
- How to Get Free 60 PDUs to Renew the PMP Certification?
- What is the PMP?
- How to Get 35 Contact Hours?
- How do I get CAPM training?
Reference:
I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.
