If you hold the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, you know that it is valid for three years. After that, you will need to recertify in order to maintain your PMP® credentials. Recertification may seem daunting, but it is a great opportunity to further your career and stay up-to-date with the latest practices in project management. The good news is that earning Professional Development Units (PDUs) can be easy, convenient, and even fun. In this article, we will dive into 12 simple ways to earn PDUs and boost your career.
How to Earn PDUs and Advance Your Career
Earning PDUs is essential for recertifying your PMP® credential. PDUs are earned by participating in activities related to project management. Each activity falls under a specific PDU category. There are six different categories of PDUs, and each category has a specific limit on the number of PDUs that can be earned. In order to maintain your PMP® credential, you must earn a certain number of PDUs every three years.
One way to earn PDUs is by attending project management conferences and events. These events offer a variety of sessions and workshops that provide valuable insights and knowledge on the latest trends and best practices in project management. Attending these events can earn you up to 25 PDUs per event, depending on the duration and content of the sessions.
Another way to earn PDUs is by volunteering in project management-related activities. This can include serving as a mentor, participating in a project management community, or contributing to a project management publication. Volunteering can earn you up to 45 PDUs per cycle, and it also provides an opportunity to network with other project management professionals and gain valuable experience.
Maximizing Your PDU Category F: Your Day Job
The PDU Category F: Your Day Job is the easiest way to earn PDUs. As a project manager, you are already doing work that could count towards your PDUs. You can earn up to 8 PDUs in this category. This includes activities such as leading projects, managing teams, and even attending meetings that pertain to your job. Documenting your work hours and submitting them for PDU credits is easy and can be done through the website of the Project Management Institute (PMI)®.
However, it is important to note that not all work activities can be counted towards your PDUs. For example, administrative tasks such as answering emails or attending company-wide meetings that are not related to your project management role cannot be counted. It is important to carefully review the PMI® guidelines to ensure that the activities you are submitting for PDUs fall under Category F.
Additionally, while Category F may be the easiest way to earn PDUs, it is important to also consider other categories that can help you develop new skills and knowledge. Categories such as Category C: Self-Directed Learning and Category D: Creating New Project Management Knowledge can provide valuable opportunities for professional growth and development. By diversifying your PDU categories, you can not only maintain your certification but also enhance your skills and knowledge as a project manager.
Take a Quiz and Earn PDUs: PDU Category A
PDU Category A includes activities related to formal training and education. This category allows you to earn up to 30 PDUs. One of the easiest ways to earn PDUs in this category is by taking a quiz. There are many sources online that offer PDU quizzes. These quizzes test your knowledge in various domains of project management, and each quiz can earn you up to 2 PDUs. Make sure to choose quizzes that are approved by PMI®.
It is important to note that not all quizzes will qualify for PDUs in Category A. The quiz must be relevant to project management and cover topics that align with the PMI Talent Triangle®. This includes technical project management, leadership, and strategic and business management. Before taking a quiz, make sure to review the content and ensure that it meets the criteria for Category A PDUs. By taking approved quizzes, you can easily earn PDUs while also expanding your knowledge and skills in project management.
Giving Back: Volunteering for PDU Category E
PDU Category E allows you to earn up to 25 PDUs by volunteering your time and skills in a non-profit organization or through other volunteer activities. This could include serving as a mentor, participating in organizational committees, or volunteering at industry events. Not only is volunteering a great way to give back to the community, but it also provides you with opportunities to develop new skills and network with other professionals in your field.
Volunteering can also have a positive impact on your mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that volunteering can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall life satisfaction. Additionally, volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as you are contributing to a cause that you care about. So not only can volunteering help you earn PDUs, but it can also benefit your personal and emotional well-being.
PDUs on the Go: PDU Category A
If you prefer to earn PDUs on the go, PDU Category A allows you to earn up to 30 PDUs through online courses, webinars, and podcasts. There are many resources available online that offer courses and webinars that are approved by PMI®. This is a great option for busy professionals who want to earn PDUs while travelling or during their commutes.
One of the benefits of earning PDUs through PDU Category A is the flexibility it offers. You can complete the courses and webinars at your own pace and on your own schedule. This means you can fit your professional development into your busy life without having to sacrifice other commitments.
Another advantage of PDU Category A is the variety of topics available. You can choose from a wide range of courses and webinars that cover different areas of project management, such as risk management, stakeholder engagement, and agile methodologies. This allows you to tailor your professional development to your specific needs and interests.
Learn While You Listen: PDU Category C
PDU Category C allows you to earn up to 30 PDUs by learning while you listen. This category includes activities such as listening to audio books, podcasts, or attending conference calls. There are many great resources available online, including TED Talks and other educational podcasts that are approved by PMI®. Listening to these resources can be a convenient way to earn PDUs while you go about your day.
One of the benefits of earning PDUs through Category C is that it allows you to multitask. You can listen to educational podcasts or audio books while you commute to work, exercise, or do household chores. This way, you can make the most of your time and earn PDUs without sacrificing your other responsibilities.
Another advantage of Category C is that it provides a variety of learning opportunities. You can choose from a wide range of topics and speakers, and learn at your own pace. Additionally, many of these resources are free or low-cost, making it an affordable way to earn PDUs and enhance your professional development.
Lights, Camera, PDUs: PDU Category A
If you prefer to learn through visual media, PDU Category A allows you to earn up to 30 PDUs by watching videos and other visual content. There are many online courses and YouTube channels available that offer video content that is approved by PMI®. These resources cover various topics related to project management, and can be an engaging way to learn while earning PDUs.
One advantage of PDU Category A is that it allows you to learn at your own pace. You can pause, rewind, and re-watch the videos as many times as you need to fully understand the concepts. Additionally, many of these resources offer quizzes and assessments to test your knowledge and ensure that you have retained the information.
Another benefit of PDU Category A is that it can be a cost-effective way to earn PDUs. Many of the online courses and YouTube channels that offer approved video content are free or have a low cost compared to attending in-person training or conferences. This can be especially beneficial for those who are self-employed or have limited professional development budgets.
Formal Academic Training: PDU Category B
PDU Category B allows you to earn up to 30 PDUs by attending formal academic training courses. This includes courses offered by universities and other institutions that are approved by PMI®. Formal academic training is a great way to deepen your understanding of project management and gain specialized knowledge in specific areas.
Additionally, formal academic training courses often provide opportunities for networking with other professionals in the field, as well as access to industry experts and guest speakers. These courses can also be a valuable way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in project management, ensuring that you are equipped with the most current knowledge and skills to excel in your career.
Creating New Knowledge: PDU Category D
PDU Category D encourages you to create and share knowledge with others in the project management community. This category allows you to earn up to 25 PDUs by presenting at industry events, writing articles or books, or developing tools and techniques that can benefit other project managers. Creating new knowledge provides an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and give back to the profession.
Furthermore, creating new knowledge can also lead to personal and professional growth. By researching and developing new ideas, you can expand your own knowledge and skills in project management. Additionally, sharing your knowledge with others can help you build a network of like-minded professionals and potentially open up new career opportunities. Overall, PDU Category D not only benefits the project management community, but also offers a chance for personal and professional development.
Turning CEUs into PDUs: PDU Category B
If you hold other certifications in your field, you can turn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) into PDUs for PMP® recertification. Most CEUs can be converted to PDUs at a rate of 1 CEU to 1 PDU. Make sure to check with PMI® to confirm that your CEUs can be converted for PDU credits.
It is important to note that only certain types of CEUs can be converted to PDUs under PDU Category B. These include courses or activities that are relevant to project management but are not specifically related to earning a new certification. Examples of Category B activities include attending conferences, participating in webinars, and completing self-directed learning courses.
Additionally, there is a limit to the number of PDUs that can be earned through Category B activities. PMI® allows a maximum of 20 PDUs to be earned in this category per certification cycle. It is important to keep track of your PDUs and ensure that you are meeting the requirements for recertification.
Self-Study Made Easy: PDU Category C
PDU Category C also allows you to earn up to 30 PDUs through self-study activities. This could include reading books, articles, or industry publications related to project management. Make sure to document your time spent on self-study and the materials you used in order to receive PDU credits.
Get Free PDU Ideas Straight to Your Inbox: PDU Category – Multiple
If you want to receive free PDU ideas and resources straight to your inbox, sign up for PMI® newsletters and other online resources. PMI® offers many free resources and tools that can help you earn PDUs. Additionally, there are many other online communities and forums that offer valuable PDU resources.
Leveraging PDU Activities for Maximum Benefit: PDU Category – Multiple
It is important to leverage PDU activities for maximum benefit. Make sure to document your PDUs as you earn them, and keep track of the categories in which you have earned PDUs. This will help you ensure that you meet the minimum requirements for each category when it comes time to recertify your PMP® credential. Additionally, make sure to choose activities that align with your career goals and interests to maximize the value of your PDU credits.
Now that you know 12 simple ways to earn PDUs and boost your career, start earning those credits today. Remember – earning PDUs is not just a requirement for PMP® recertification, it is an opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in project management and advance your career.
