Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about earning, reporting, and maintaining PDUs for your PMI certification.

PDU FAQ

How soon after passing the exam can I begin earning PDUs?

You can start earning and reporting PDUs immediately after you have passed your exam.

Can I earn PDUs by working in my role as a project manager?

Yes, working as a practitioner in your certified role allows you to earn PDUs. The number of PDUs you can claim is subject to limits based on your certification.

I participated in an activity in which only part of the program focused on project management. How do I determine the number of PDUs?

In this situation, you have to determine the percentage of time that was directly relevant to project management. For example, a 15-hour course deemed 50 percent relevant would earn 7.5 PDUs. Be prepared to justify your estimates in the event that you are selected for an audit.

What are CEUs and PDUs and what is the difference between the two?

The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized measure of participation in an approved non-credit continuing education program. One Continuing Education Unit (1.0) is defined as: Ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.

The Professional Development Unit (PDU) was established by PMI as the educational metric for project management educational activities. One PDU is earned for each contact hour spent in structured learning, which is relevant to project management.

For conversion purposes, one (1) CEU equates to ten (10) PDUs.

I've just attended a 3-day event. Do I submit this to PMI® as 1 event or as 3 events?

Ask the organizers of the event for a certificate of attendance covering all days of the event. Now submit this as one activity in the Project Management Institute (PMI)® CCRS system with the total PDUs.

What Supporting Documentation is needed when reporting PDUs?

You do not need to upload any supporting documentation at the time when you report your PDUs online. Just fill in the online form.

However, it is recommended you maintain a personal folder for all PDU-related documentation and keep this documentation for at least one year after your CCR cycle has ended. If you are randomly selected for an audit, you will need to provide this documentation to PMI.