Top 5 Ways PDUs Are Used to Maintain Your Certification in 2025

Professionals now find earning a PDU more accessible than ever. Over recent years, organizations such as PMI have expanded options beyond classroom sessions. Online learning, webinars, and volunteering allow busy individuals to maintain credentials without costly or time-consuming events. These changes support ongoing growth in fast-paced industries.

Key Takeaways

• Earning PDUs is essential to keep your certification active and show your commitment to learning and growth.
• You can earn PDUs through training courses, industry events, self-directed learning, volunteering, and contributing to your profession.
• Keep track of your PDUs carefully using tools like PMI’s CCRS platform and stay organized with records to ensure smooth certification renewal.

PDU Basics for Certification Renewal

What Is a PDU?

A PDU, or Professional Development Unit, represents a measure of ongoing learning and professional growth. Certification bodies like PMI use PDUs to track how professionals maintain and expand their skills. Individuals can earn PDUs through a variety of activities, including formal training, attending industry events, and self-directed study. The most common activities that qualify as PDUs include:

1. Participating in project management training, conferences, and workshops
2. Presenting or teaching project management topics
3. Writing articles or blog posts on project management
4. Earning additional relevant certifications
5. Volunteering in project management-related roles

Why PDUs Matter for Certification

PDUs play a critical role in keeping certifications active and relevant. They validate a professional’s commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. Employers value individuals who regularly earn PDUs because it shows dedication to staying current with industry trends and best practices. PDUs also help professionals keep pace with evolving frameworks and methodologies, such as Agile and Scrum. Maintaining certification through PDUs signals expertise and credibility, which can lead to promotions and increased earning potential. Certifications supported by PDUs often serve as proof of specialized knowledge, making professionals more attractive to organizations seeking leaders for complex projects.

Note: Failing to earn enough PDUs during the renewal cycle can result in suspension or loss of certification. Professionals must meet these requirements to avoid reapplying and retaking exams.

Typical PDU Requirements

Certification renewal cycles usually span three years. Each certification has specific PDU requirements. The table below summarizes the standard PDU requirements for two popular PMI certifications in 2025:

Professionals must track their PDUs carefully to ensure they meet all renewal requirements and maintain their certification status.

Top 5 Ways to Use PDUs in 2025

PDU for Professional Training and Courses

Professional training and courses remain the most reliable way to earn PDUs in 2025. Many professionals choose official PMI training events, online courses, or instructor-led sessions from PMI Authorized Training Partners. These options provide structured learning and ensure that each hour spent translates directly into PDUs. The San Francisco Business School, for example, offers a free PMI PDU Training Program with three self-paced online courses. Each course awards one PDU and covers essential topics like Leadership, Strategy, and Marketing fundamentals. Participants receive certificates of completion, which help with documentation during certification renewal.

Tip: Many training providers, such as Brain Sensei, offer PDU bundles and free previews, making it easier to plan and complete required credits.

PDU from Industry Events and Conferences

Industry events and conferences offer valuable opportunities to earn PDUs while networking with peers and learning from experts. The 2025 Global Annual Meeting stands out as a major event, featuring plenary sessions, networking, and specialized mini-conferences. For instance, the Financial Crime Compliance Workshop, held during this meeting, provides three PDUs for CDCS holders and three CSS credits. Attendees can join in person or virtually, making participation accessible for professionals worldwide. These events often include forums like the Women in Transaction Banking Forum, which further enrich the learning experience.

• The 2025 Global Annual Meeting includes:

  • Plenary sessions with industry leaders
  • Mini-conferences such as the Women in Transaction Banking Forum
  • The Financial Crime Compliance Workshop (3 PDUs for CDCS)

Note: Attending approved workshops and conferences not only earns PDUs but also expands professional networks and industry knowledge.

PDU through Self-Directed Learning

Self-directed learning allows professionals to earn PDUs at their own pace. This method includes activities such as giving presentations at work, completing pre-course assignments, and listening to specialized podcasts. The PDU Podcast, for example, offers curated webinar packages that align with the PMI Talent Triangle. Agile PrepCast provides 30.5 PDUs focused on agile tools, while the Power Skills Package delivers 15 PDUs in leadership topics. Reading industry publications, attending webinars, and hosting lunch-and-learn sessions also count toward self-directed learning PDUs.

• Effective self-directed learning methods:

  • Presenting at work or professional meetings
  • Completing homework and pre-course work
  • Listening to podcasts like The PDU Podcast
  • Participating in webinars and e-learning modules

Self-directed learning offers flexibility and covers diverse learning styles, making it a practical choice for busy professionals.

PDU by Volunteering and Mentoring

Volunteering and mentoring provide meaningful ways to earn PDUs while giving back to the profession. Many organizations run structured mentoring programs. For example, a seven-month program with 12 one-on-one mentoring sessions awards 18 PDUs upon completion. Participants must attend mandatory meetings, maintain a monthly activity log, and submit an application. Other recognized activities include teaching, creating project management content, and contributing to professional communities.

• Additional ways to earn Giving Back PDUs:

  • Mentoring other project managers
  • Teaching or volunteering within the profession
  • Creating educational content

Volunteering and mentoring not only support certification renewal but also foster leadership and community engagement.

PDU for Contributing to the Profession

Contributing to the profession recognizes the value of practical experience and knowledge sharing. Professionals can earn up to eight PDUs by working in project management roles, such as project manager or program manager. Free PMI resources, including webinars, short courses, and podcasts like Projectified® Podcast, help professionals earn Education PDUs while improving their skills. Participation in PMI communities and online discussion groups also counts, offering networking and leadership development opportunities.

• Impactful ways to contribute:

  • Working in a project management role (up to 8 PDUs)
  • Engaging in PMI webinars, podcasts, and blogs
  • Participating in online discussion groups and PMI communities

Reporting PDUs is straightforward through PMI’s online platform, which streamlines the renewal process and supports ongoing professional growth.

Tracking and Reporting PDU Activities

How to Log PDUs

Professionals in 2025 rely on several tools to track their PDU activities. PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements System (CCRS) remains the primary platform for logging and managing PDUs. Many choose to supplement CCRS with spreadsheets or dedicated tracking apps. Essential information to record includes the activity name, completion date, PDU category, Talent Triangle domain, number of PDUs earned, and supporting documentation.
Common challenges in logging PDUs include incorrect PMI ID numbers, name mismatches, or reaching the maximum allowed PDUs for a renewal cycle. Some professionals also face difficulties tracking hours or ensuring course legitimacy. To avoid these issues, they maintain a dedicated PDU file and set reminders for deadlines.

Tip: Regularly update your PDU tracker and keep all supporting documents organized for easy access during audits.

Submitting PDUs for Renewal

Submitting PDUs for certification renewal involves a step-by-step process:

1. Access the CCRS platform at ccrs.pmi.org and log in with PMI credentials.
2. Select ‘Report PDUs’ and choose the appropriate PDU type.
3. Enter a claim code for auto-filled details or manually input all required information.
4. Agree to the accuracy statement and submit the claim.
5. Track the status of submissions on the CCRS dashboard.
6. Once all requirements are met, complete the renewal application and pay the fee.

PMI reviews claims from authorized training partners automatically, while others may take up to five days. Professionals must keep documentation for at least 18 months in case of audits.

Staying Organized with PDU Records

Maintaining organized PDU records ensures a smooth renewal process. Best practices include:

1. Use a dedicated tracking system or spreadsheet to log activities, dates, and outcomes.
2. Categorize each PDU by type and align it with required competencies.
3. Collect and store supporting documents such as certificates and receipts.
4. Backup records using cloud storage and local devices.
5. Review and update logs regularly, setting reminders for important deadlines.

Networking with peers and staying informed about the latest requirements helps professionals manage their PDU records efficiently.

PDUs form the foundation for certification renewal in 2025. Professionals benefit from a mix of education and giving back activities, which support career growth and networking.

Planning early, tracking progress, and using available resources help individuals stay ahead as certification requirements evolve.

FAQ

What happens if someone does not earn enough PDUs before the renewal deadline?

The certification may become suspended. The individual must earn the missing PDUs within a grace period to avoid losing the credential.

Can professionals carry over extra PDUs to the next renewal cycle?

No, PMI does not allow carrying over extra PDUs. Each cycle requires earning the required PDUs within its specific timeframe.

Are free online courses valid for PDU credit?

Many free online courses qualify for PDUs if they align with PMI’s Talent Triangle. Professionals should always check course eligibility before claiming credit.