PDU Requirements and Professional Development Planner
How many PDUs you need to keep your PMI certification, where to earn them, and a free tracker that checks your progress against every minimum and cap. Official PMI rules are labeled separately from our tips.
PDU requirements by certification (official)
PMI certifications renew on a three-year cycle. One PDU equals one hour of activity. Education PDUs must include a minimum in each of PMI's three Talent Triangle areas: Ways of Working, Power Skills and Business Acumen. Giving Back PDUs are optional and capped.
- CAPM: 15 PDUs in total; at least 9 in Education, including 2 in each Talent Triangle area; up to 6 from Giving Back.
- PMP, PgMP, PfMP and PMI-PBA: 60 PDUs in total; at least 35 in Education, including 8 in each area; up to 25 from Giving Back.
- PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP, PMI-CP, PMI-CPMAI, PMI-SP and CSPP: 30 PDUs in total; at least 18 in Education, including 4 in each area; up to 12 from Giving Back.
- PMI-PMOCP: 30 PDUs in total; at least 20 in Education, including Ways of Working 3, Power Skills 7 and Business Acumen 10; up to 10 from Giving Back.
How to use this page
- PDU requirements: pick your certification to see its official numbers.
- PDU tracker: log activities, see progress against every minimum and cap, and export a CSV. It is a personal planner; PMI only counts PDUs you report in its CCR system.
- Ways to earn PDUs: PMI's Education and Giving Back categories, plus our low-cost suggestions.
- Renewal checklist: official steps and our tips, saved as you tick them off.
Official vs. recommended: items marked Official come from PMI. Items marked Our tip are PM Exam Lab advice, not PMI rules.
Common questions
How many PDUs do I need to renew my PMP?
60 PDUs every three years, with at least 35 in Education and at least 8 in each Talent Triangle area. Up to 25 can come from Giving Back. The same numbers apply to the PgMP, PfMP and PMI-PBA.
How many PDUs does the CAPM need?
15 PDUs every three years: at least 9 in Education, at least 2 in each Talent Triangle area, and up to 6 from Giving Back.
What counts as a PDU?
One PDU is one hour of an eligible activity. Education includes courses, events, online or digital media, self-directed reading and informal learning. Giving Back includes working as a practitioner, creating content, mentoring or teaching, and volunteering.
Where do I report PDUs?
In PMI's online Continuing Certification Requirements system (CCRS). When your requirements are complete, PMI sends a link to pay the renewal fee.
Can I earn PDUs for free?
Yes. PMI lists 12 PDUs for its free PMXPO 2026 virtual event (on demand until January 29, 2027), and self-directed reading is an accepted Education category. Many PMI chapters also run free or low-cost events.
Keep going
- PM events calendar: conferences and virtual events that earn PDUs.
- PM research: reading that counts as self-directed learning.
- Certification Hub: eligibility and exam details.
Source: PMI, Maintain your certification. Last reviewed: October 8, 2026. PMI sets and can change these rules; check the CCR Handbook on pmi.org before you report. Renewal fees are set by PMI. PM Exam Lab is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by PMI.