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How to Renew PMP Certification: Full Guide with PDUs, Cost & Timeline

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How to Renew PMP Certification: A Complete Guide for Project Managers

After spending many hours studying and preparing for PMP exam, finally you pass and get your certification. It is big achievement, and you feel proud. But this certificate is not for life. It must be renewed to stay active. Many people ask, how to renew PMP certification and what steps they need to follow. In this article, we explain everything clearly in simple words.

When You Need to Renew PMP Certification

Once you become a PMP (Project Management Professional), your certification is valid for 3 years from the date you passed the exam. So if you passed in April 2022, you must renew before April 2025.

PMI (Project Management Institute) gives full 3 years to collect what is needed. If you do not renew in time, your certificate becomes suspended and later expired.

That’s why it's important to understand how to renew PMP certification on time.

What You Need to Renew PMP Certification

To renew your PMP certification, there are two main things you need:

1. Earn 60 PDUs

PDUs means Professional Development Units. These are like credit points you collect for learning or doing project work. You need 60 PDUs in 3 years.

2. Pay Renewal Fee

After completing 60 PDUs, you must pay the renewal fee to PMI.

Let us understand these two parts more deeply.

What Are PDUs and How to Get Them

Many people who search how to renew PMP certification, get confused by this word “PDU.” But it is not so hard. PDU is just a way to show that you are still learning and growing in your field.

PMI divides PDUs into two main categories:

A. Education PDUs (Minimum 35 PDUs)

You must earn at least 35 PDUs from learning activities. This can be:

  • Attending webinars or conferences

  • Taking courses (online or classroom)

  • Watching project management videos

  • Reading books or articles

  • Listening to podcasts

PMI follows Talent Triangle, so you must earn PDUs in 3 areas:

  • Ways of Working (Technical PM)

  • Power Skills (Leadership)

  • Business Acumen (Strategic/Business)

Each area must have at least 8 PDUs.

B. Giving Back PDUs (Maximum 25 PDUs)

These are optional. You can earn by:

  • Sharing knowledge (like giving presentation or mentoring)

  • Volunteering for PMI chapter or other organization

  • Creating content (writing blog or article)

These help you reach total of 60 PDUs. For example:

  • 40 PDUs from learning

  • 20 PDUs from giving back

Once you complete 60, you can move to next step in how to renew PMP certification.

How to Report PDUs

After earning PDUs, you must report them on PMI’s official system called CCR (Continuing Certification Requirements).

Steps:

  1. Go to PMI website (www.pmi.org)

  2. Login to your account

  3. Open “Certification” section

  4. Click on “Report PDUs”

  5. Fill the details for each learning or activity

  6. Submit and wait for approval

Usually, approval is fast, but sometimes PMI may ask proof like certificate of attendance.

This step is important in how to renew PMP certification because without reporting PDUs, your profile will not show as complete.

Renewal Fee and Payment Process

Once your 60 PDUs are accepted, you must pay the renewal fee to keep your certificate active for next 3 years.

As of 2024, the fee is:

  • $60 for PMI members

  • $150 for non-members

(Prices may change in future, so better check official PMI site when you pay.)

Steps to pay:

  1. Login to PMI account

  2. Go to Certification section

  3. Click “Renew Now”

  4. Complete the form

  5. Make payment by card or PayPal

Once payment is done, you get confirmation email and your PMP status is renewed.

What Happens If You Do Not Renew PMP Certification

If you forget or ignore the renewal, PMI takes action in stages:

  1. Suspended Status (After 3 Years)
    If 3 years pass and you don’t renew, your PMP goes into suspended. It means you are still PMP but cannot use title officially.

  2. Expired Status (After 1 More Year)
    If you don’t renew even after 1 year of suspension, your certification becomes expired. Then you must take exam again to become PMP.

So don’t take risk. Learn how to renew PMP certification early and plan before deadline comes close.

Tips to Make Renewal Easy

Here are some small but useful tips to make your renewal stress-free:

  • Start early – Don’t wait for last month. Begin collecting PDUs in first year itself.

  • Use free resources – Many webinars and podcasts give free PDUs.

  • Track PDUs regularly – Keep Excel sheet or use PMI system to log PDUs.

  • Set reminder – Mark calendar for 6 months before your renewal date.

  • Renew PMI membership – It saves money on renewal fee and gives more free learning.

Final Words

Now you know how to renew PMP certification step by step. It is not difficult if you plan properly and don’t wait for last minute.

The most important is to earn 60 PDUs through learning and sharing knowledge. Then pay the fee, and your PMP will be renewed for another 3 years.

Remember, PMP is not just paper. It is proof of your skills. By renewing it, you show that you stay updated and active in your project career. So take charge and keep your certification alive.