PMP PDU Guide: Everything You Need to Renew Your Certification

If you hold a PMP® or other PMI® credential, you’re required to earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) to maintain your certification. Here’s a quick and practical guide to help you understand exactly what PDUs are, how to earn them, and how 3T Career Institute can help you stay compliant.

What Are PDUs?

Professional Development Units (PDUs) measure the time you spend growing professionally in project management.

• 1 PDU = 1 hour of learning or giving back to the profession.

• PDUs can be reported in 0.25, 0.5, or 0.75 increments.

• PDUs apply to all PMI certifications (PMP®, PMI-ACP®, PgMP®, etc.) for renewal.

PMP® Renewal Requirements

To renew your PMP® certification every 3 years, you must earn 60 PDUs:

• Minimum 35 PDUs – Education

  • 8 Ways of Working

  • 8 Power Skills (leadership & communication)

  • 8 Business Acumen

• Maximum 25 PDUs – Giving Back to the Profession

  • Volunteering, mentoring, or creating PM-related content

✅ Tip: PDUs earned in your final 12 months can roll over (up to 20 PDUs for PMP® holders).

Education vs. Giving Back PDUs

Education PDUs
Earned through structured learning:

• Instructor-led or self-paced training

• PMI-approved webinars & seminars

• Reading PM-related books, articles, or case studies

• Informal learning and discussion groups

Giving Back PDUs
Earned by sharing knowledge or supporting the PM community:

• Mentoring or coaching

• Creating PM content (blog, podcast, webinar)

• Volunteering with PMI or nonprofit organizations

PMP PDUs and the Talent Triangle

PMI’s Talent Triangle ensures balanced skill development across:

• 🧩 Ways of Working – technical PM skills

• 💼 Business Acumen – strategic & industry insight

• 💬 Power Skills – leadership & collaboration

How to Earn PDUs Fast and Credibly

• Attend PMI webinars and chapter events

• Complete on-demand e-learning courses

• Read official PMI or ProjectManagement.com articles

• Volunteer or mentor within your organization

Avoid These Common Mistakes

⚠️ Don’t report PDUs earned before certification.
⚠️ Don’t double-count the same activity.
⚠️ Keep proof of activities for at least 18 months in case of PMI audit.

💡 Ready to Earn Your Next PDUs the Easy Way?

Join 3T Career Institute’s PDU Class!

• Earn PDUs that count across all PMI certifications

• Learn from credentialed instructors with 16+ years of experience

• Explore PMBOK 7th & 8th Edition, Agile ways of working, and real case studies

• Perfect for busy professionals renewing their certification or refreshing skills

📅 Enroll Now: https://www.3tcareerinstitute.com/offers/Ezf266Fu/checkout
💬 Talk to Coach MJ: Text me at 571-520-2587

3T Career Institute – Train. Brand. Confidence.
Empowering Project Managers to grow, lead, and earn with confidence.