PDU Categories and Claimable Activities

This document provides an overview of the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Professional Development Unit (PDU) categories and examples of activities that can be claimed under each category. Understanding these categories is crucial for certified project management professionals to maintain their certifications by accumulating the required PDUs over a three-year cycle.

Introduction to PDUs

To maintain certifications like PMP, PgMP, PfMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA, and PMI-RMP, PMI requires professionals to earn a specific number of PDUs every three years. These PDUs demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the project management field. PDUs are categorized into two main areas: Education and Giving Back to the Profession.

Education PDUs

Education PDUs focus on activities that enhance your knowledge and skills in project management and related areas. A minimum number of Education PDUs is required for recertification, varying by certification type. Education PDUs are further divided into three categories, aligned with the PMI Talent Triangle:

1. Ways of Working

This category focuses on the knowledge, skills, and behaviors related to specific domains of project, program, and portfolio management. Activities that enhance your technical skills in project management fall under this category.

Examples of Claimable Activities:

• Courses and Training: Attending courses, workshops, or seminars on project scheduling, risk management, cost estimation, quality control, or other technical project management topics.
• PMI SeminarsWorld Courses: Completing courses offered through PMI SeminarsWorld that focus on technical project management skills.
• Online Learning: Participating in webinars, online courses, or virtual conferences that cover technical project management topics. Platforms like PMI.org, Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer relevant content.
• Self-Directed Learning: Reading books, articles, or white papers on technical project management topics. You can claim PDUs for the time spent actively learning from these resources.
• Attending Project Management Conferences: Attending sessions at project management conferences that focus on technical skills and methodologies.
• Formal Academic Courses: Completing university or college courses related to project management, such as project management fundamentals, advanced project management, or specific technical areas.
• Vendor-Specific Training: Participating in training programs offered by software vendors on project management tools and technologies.
• Simulations and Workshops: Engaging in project management simulations or workshops that provide hands-on experience in applying technical skills.
• Case Study Analysis: Analyzing project management case studies to identify best practices and lessons learned related to technical aspects.
• Mentoring/Coaching (as a Mentee): Receiving mentoring or coaching focused on developing technical project management skills.

2. Power Skills

This category focuses on the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to guide, motivate, and direct a project team. Activities that enhance your leadership abilities fall under this category.

Examples of Claimable Activities:

• Courses and Training: Attending courses, workshops, or seminars on leadership, team building, communication, conflict resolution, or negotiation skills.
• PMI SeminarsWorld Courses: Completing courses offered through PMI SeminarsWorld that focus on leadership skills.
• Online Learning: Participating in webinars, online courses, or virtual conferences that cover leadership topics. Platforms like PMI.org, Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer relevant content.
• Self-Directed Learning: Reading books, articles, or white papers on leadership principles, emotional intelligence, or team dynamics.
• Attending Leadership Conferences: Attending conferences or seminars focused on leadership development and management skills.
• Formal Academic Courses: Completing university or college courses related to leadership, organizational behavior, or management.
• Mentoring/Coaching (as a Mentee): Receiving mentoring or coaching focused on developing leadership skills.
• Team Building Activities: Participating in team-building exercises or workshops that enhance collaboration and communication.
• Conflict Resolution Training: Attending training sessions on conflict resolution techniques and strategies.
• Communication Skills Workshops: Participating in workshops focused on improving communication skills, including active listening, presentation skills, and written communication.
• Emotional Intelligence Training: Attending training programs that focus on developing emotional intelligence skills, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills.

3. Business Acumen

This category focuses on the knowledge of and expertise in the industry or organization that enhances performance and better delivers business outcomes. Activities that enhance your understanding of business strategy and its alignment with project management fall under this category.

Examples of Claimable Activities:

• Courses and Training: Attending courses, workshops, or seminars on business strategy, financial management, marketing, or industry-specific topics.
• PMI SeminarsWorld Courses: Completing courses offered through PMI SeminarsWorld that focus on strategic and business management.
• Online Learning: Participating in webinars, online courses, or virtual conferences that cover business strategy, financial management, or industry-specific topics. Platforms like PMI.org, Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer relevant content.
• Self-Directed Learning: Reading books, articles, or white papers on business strategy, financial analysis, or industry trends.
• Attending Industry Conferences: Attending conferences or seminars focused on specific industries or business management topics.
• Formal Academic Courses: Completing university or college courses related to business administration, finance, marketing, or industry-specific topics.
• Business Simulations: Participating in business simulations or workshops that provide hands-on experience in applying business strategy concepts.
• Financial Management Training: Attending training sessions on financial management principles, budgeting, and cost analysis.
• Market Research Activities: Conducting market research or analyzing market trends to inform project decisions.
• Strategic Planning Sessions: Participating in strategic planning sessions or workshops that focus on aligning projects with organizational goals.
• Industry-Specific Certifications: Obtaining certifications related to specific industries or business domains.

Giving Back to the Profession PDUs

Giving Back PDUs recognize activities where you contribute to the project management profession and share your knowledge with others. A maximum number of Giving Back PDUs can be claimed for recertification, varying by certification type. Giving Back PDUs are divided into several categories:

 

1. Work as a Practitioner

This category recognizes your experience working as a project manager or in a related role.

Examples of Claimable Activities:

• Working as a Project Manager: Claim PDUs for the time spent actively working as a project manager, program manager, portfolio manager, or in a related role. You can claim a maximum number of PDUs in this category per recertification cycle, depending on your certification.

• You can claim 8 PDUs right now under this category – Be ready with your Job description as a manager.

2. Create Content

This category recognizes activities where you create and share project management-related content.

Examples of Claimable Activities:

• Writing Articles or Blog Posts: Writing and publishing articles or blog posts on project management topics.
• Creating Presentations: Developing and delivering presentations on project management topics at conferences, seminars, or workshops.
• Developing Training Materials: Creating training materials, such as course outlines, presentations, or exercises, for project management courses or workshops.
• Writing Books or Chapters: Writing books or chapters on project management topics.
• Creating Webinars or Online Courses: Developing and delivering webinars or online courses on project management topics.
• Developing Templates or Tools: Creating project management templates, tools, or methodologies that are shared with the project management community.

3. Give a Presentation

This category recognizes activities where you present on project management-related topics.

Examples of Claimable Activities:

• Presenting at Conferences: Presenting on project management topics at conferences, seminars, or workshops.
• Presenting at Chapter Meetings: Presenting on project management topics at PMI chapter meetings or other professional organizations.
• Conducting Workshops: Facilitating project management workshops or training sessions.
• Delivering Webinars: Delivering webinars on project management topics.

4. Share Knowledge

This category recognizes activities where you share your project management knowledge with others.

Examples of Claimable Activities:

• Mentoring/Coaching (as a Mentor): Providing mentoring or coaching to other project management professionals.
• Volunteering: Volunteering your project management skills for non-profit organizations or community projects.
• Teaching Courses: Teaching project management courses or workshops.
• Leading Communities of Practice: Leading or facilitating project management communities of practice.
• Serving as a Subject Matter Expert: Serving as a subject matter expert on project management topics for organizations or projects.

5. Volunteer

This category recognizes activities where you volunteer your time and skills to support PMI or other professional organizations.

Examples of Claimable Activities:

• Serving on PMI Committees: Serving on PMI committees or task forces.
• Serving as a PMI Chapter Officer: Serving as an officer or board member of a PMI chapter.
• Reviewing PMI Publications: Reviewing PMI publications, such as standards, guides, or articles.
• Participating in PMI Events: Volunteering at PMI events, such as conferences or seminars.
• Supporting Other Professional Organizations: Volunteering

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