On December 1, 2015, PMI® changed how PDUs, required for maintaining PMI credential, can be earned and applied.
What every PMP® needs to know*
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* PgMP®, PfMP® and PMI-PBA® renewal cycle requirements are the same as those for the PMP® designation. For PMI-ACP®, PMI-RMP®, and PMI-SP® credentials, 30 PDUs must be reported every 3-year cycle, with a minimum of 18 PDUs being from the “Education” category, and a minimum of 4 PDUs from each of the Talent Triangle Categories. A maximum of 4 PDUs can be claimed each 3 year cycle for being a practicing project manager.

Why the change?
According to results published in the 2013 PMI Pulse of the Profession® In-Depth Study: Talent Management report, 4 out of 5 organizations report difficulty in finding qualified talent to fill open project management positions.
Anecdotally, this is consistent with what we at WCP have been hearing from many of our clients for some time.
In addition to sound technical project management skills, it is clear that organizations are looking for project managers with leadership as well as the business intelligence skills to achieve long-range strategic objectives that will lead to an improved bottom line.
The updates to the CCR program, therefore align professional development activities, specifically Education activities, with the PMI Talent Triangle to ensure certification holders are focused on the needs of the profession.
The PMI Talent Triangle
The Talent Triangle represents the three areas of skills that organizations are looking for in their project managers: Technical Project Management skills, Leadership skills and Strategic and Business Management skills.
By putting more emphasis on continuing education of project managers, and aligning their education to the three talent areas identified as being of prime importance to employers of project managers, it is hoped that we will see a trend to more skilled project managers who are able to meet the rigorous demands of their jobs.
Earning PDUs Under the Current System
Once you earn your PMP®, PgMP®, PfMP® or PMI-PBA® credential, you must earn 60 PDUs every three year anniversary to maintain your credential.
Under the current system, a maximum of 25 of the 60 PDUs required can be earned by “giving back to the profession”. Of these 25 PDUs, up to 8 PDUs can be claimed for being an active project manager.
The remaining 35 PDUs must be earned through continuing education within the talent triangle categories. A minimum of 8 PDUs must be earned from each category.
PMI Talent Triangle Definitions and Examples of Courses that Qualify within each Category
PMI has defined the three skill areas contained within the Talent Triangle as follows:
Technical Project Management: Knowledge, skills and behaviors related to specific domains of Project, Program and Portfolio Management.
Examples of WCP courses that provide 50% or more PDUs under this category would include: PM Essentials: Part 1 – The Fundamentals, PM Essentials: Part 2 – Advanced Project Monitoring and Control and PMP Exam Prep – the Velociteach System
Leadership: Knowledge, skills and behaviors specific to leadership-oriented skills that help an organization achieve its business goals.
Courses that provide 50% or more PDUs in this category include: PM Essentials: Part 3 – Project Communication and Stakeholder Management, Change Management for Project Success and People Skills: The Secret Behind Project Success
Strategic and Business Management: Knowledge of and expertise in the industry or organization that enhances performance and better delivers business outcomes.
Courses that provide 50% or more PDUs under this category include: Project Contracting and Procurement Management, Hands-on Microsoft Project, Agile Project Management Hands On, Managing Complex Projects and Juggling Multiple Projects
Additional information
For more information, please contact us via e-mail at info@wcpconsulting.com