What is the best way for someone to earn the 35 PDUs for the PMP certification?

Earning Professional Development Units (PDUs) is a requirement for maintaining your Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. PDUs demonstrate ongoing professional development and engagement in activities that contribute to your project management knowledge and skills. Here are various ways you can earn the 35 PDUs required for PMP certification renewal:

1. Educational Courses:

   • Attend courses, workshops, or seminars related to project management. This could include formal training programs, webinars, or online courses. Ensure that the content aligns with the PMI Talent Triangle, covering technical, leadership, and strategic/business management aspects.

2. Online Courses and Webinars:

   • Many online platforms offer PDU-earning courses and webinars. Websites like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and PMI's own online learning platform provide a variety of courses across project management topics.

3. University or College Courses:

   • Enroll in relevant courses offered by universities or colleges. These can include project management courses, leadership programs, or other courses that contribute to your professional development.

4. PMI Global Congresses and Conferences:

   • Attend PMI global congresses, conferences, or chapter events. Participation in these events often qualifies for PDUs. Check the PMI events calendar for opportunities that match your interests and schedule.

5. Read Project Management Books:

   • Reading books related to project management can earn you PDUs. Document your reading activities and claim the appropriate PDUs based on the number of hours spent reading.

6. Formal Education:

   • Pursue formal education programs such as obtaining a new degree or completing a relevant certification. This can include earning a master's degree in project management or obtaining other project management-related certifications.

7. Webinars and Podcasts:

   • Participate in webinars and listen to podcasts focused on project management topics. Many organizations offer webinars that provide valuable insights and count towards PDUs.

8. Giving Presentations or Workshops:

   • If you have expertise in a project management area, consider giving presentations or workshops. This can involve sharing your knowledge at conferences, in-house training sessions, or through webinars.

9. Volunteer Work:

   • Volunteer your project management skills for charitable organizations or within your community. Volunteering can provide valuable experiences and contribute to your leadership and strategic/business management PDUs.

10. Self-Directed Learning:

    • Engage in self-directed learning by researching and studying project management topics independently. Document the time spent on self-directed learning and claim PDUs accordingly.

11. PMI Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.s):

    • Take advantage of PMI Registered Education Providers. These are organizations that PMI has approved to offer training in project management. Courses offered by R.E.P.s are pre-approved for PDUs.

12. Create Content:

    • Contribute to the project management community by creating content. This could involve writing articles, creating videos, or participating in forums. Document your contributions and claim PDUs.

Remember to keep detailed records of your professional development activities, including dates, durations, and any supporting documentation. The PMI Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) system allows you to report and track your PDUs. Ensure that the activities you choose align with the PMI Talent Triangle to cover the three skill areas: technical project management, leadership, and strategic/business management.