An overview of PMI’s new PDU category structure
In the February issue of PMI Today the Project Management Institute (PMI) introduced its new structure of their Professional Development Unit (PDU) categories to its members that came into effect on March 1, 2011. From that point onward PMP certified project managers claiming PDUs need to claim the PDUs they earn according to this new structure.
The new structure is not so different from the old, but as with a lot of PMI’s overhauled systems the new version does seem to be more streamlined than before, and makes it easier for project managers to earn and report PDUs. PMI overhauled the system based on feedback from a formal study conducted with PMI credential holders, PMI Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.s) and project management community leaders and, according to the Customer Care FAQ, the changes have so far been positively received (in the survey, 82% were either satisfied or very satisfied with the new categories).
Here are some of the highlights of the new system.
What’s changed?
- The new category structure has been simplified; the number of categories has been reduced from 18 to 6. In addition, categories are now indicated by letters rather than numbers; for example, the category for Enhancing the Project Management Profession is now Category E instead of Category 5.
- All categories now use the rule that one hour of activity is now worth one PDU (in-class sessions, volunteering, or attending PMI meetings, for example).
- Categories have been expanded to include Web 2.0 learning opportunities (opportunities that include information sharing and collaboration over the Internet).
- Certain categories have limits that require all credential holders to pursue some project management continuing education as part of their credential maintenance (so you can’t earn all of your PDUs by volunteering; for example – you will need to earn at least some with continuing education.
What hasn’t changed?
- The three-year renewal cycle and number of PDUs required to maintain the credential remains at 60 PDUs for PMP certification holders.
- The re-certification fee structure for PMI credentials has not changed.
What does the new structure look like?
The new structure is comprised of the following six categories.
Education Categories:
For the following categories project managers can earn one PDU per one hour of class or study.
- Category A: Courses offered by PMI’s R.E.P.s or Chapters and Communities
- Category B: Continuing education
- Category C: Self-directed learning
Giving Back to the Profession Categories:
Certification holders can earn a total of 45 PDUs in the combined Giving Back to the Profession categories.
- Category D: Creating new project management knowledge (one PDU per one hour spent creating or delivering project management knowledge)
- Category E: Volunteer service (one PDU per one hour of service)
- Category F: Working as a professional in project management (PMPs can earn five PDUs for working six out of twelve months as a project manager).
How does the new structure compare to the old?
With the release of the new PDU category structure PMI issued a helpful comparison chart showing the difference between the new category structure and the old (it’s on page six of this document).
So far I really like the new PDU category structure. In a previous post about volunteering for PDUs I mentioned that the amount of PDUs you can earn for volunteering (at your local PMI chapter or at your favorite nonprofit or charity organization, for example) has been increased from 20 to 45 total PDUs. That’s great news for those of us who enjoy being active in our communities!
If you’re a PMP certification holder (or PgMP, CAPM or otherwise), good luck with the new structure! And please let me know in a comment if you have any questions or opinions about the new system.
How many PMP PDUs can I claim for
1. ITIL v3 foundation preparation
2. ITIL v3 foundation certification
Hi Benedict – thanks for asking!
You can file your hours of ITIL v3 Foundation preparation under PMI’s PDU Category C: Self-directed learning. The certification itself you can’t file as a PDU – only the classes taken (during a certification course, for example) and the preparation involved with taking the certification can be used toward getting PDUs.
Good luck with your certification exam!
You have said the classes taken can be claimed for PDUs,i have done a self study and would be appearing for the certification this month, so can i claim for any PDUs , if so how many and what proof or documentation will be required while claim that.
Hi Manoj,
You could claim these classes under Category C: Self-directed learning. The rules for this category are as follows (taken from pmi.org):
“1 PDU is awarded for every 1 hour spent in a self-directed learning activity
listed in this category.
PDU restrictions for the Self-Directed Learning category are as follows:
PMP and PgMP credential holders can earn no more than 30 PDUs in the Self-Directed Learning category per cycle.
PMI-SP and PMI-RMP credential holders can earn no more than 15 PDUs in the Self-Directed Learning category per cycle.”
Proof would be required during a PMI audit or request; the proof they require is as follows (also from pmi.org):
“Evidence supporting your reported learning project, including notes from
and dates of discussion or reading.”
I hope that helps!
What is the difference between CAT B and CAT C? I recorded PDU’s for a attending Webinar and listening to Pod Cast under CAT B and it was approved.
Hi Ross,
Your webinar was likely approved under Category B as it aligned with the following (from the PMI web site under Category B):
“By attending relevant educational courses offered by training organizations NOT registered with PMI. This may include training (or a Webinar) offered by your employer, another professional or membership association, or a non R.E.P. training organization”
That being said, your podcast more aligns with Category C (from the PMI web site):
“watching videos, using interactive CD-ROMs, Podcasts or other source material”
I don’t think it is a huge deal however… PMI probably doesn’t care too much in what category these PDUs were filed under, as long as they were earned legitimately.
Thanks for asking!
I have a querry that is it worth working as a fresher in any project management office……, i am asking this because being a GET in Larsen & Toubro-IES…i am indulged in project scheduling and control of a project….working with excel sheets and making S-curves of each departments….deciding dates …and all….but …i have completed my engg. In mechanical……i know it is weird to ask so here…..but i didnt found any stand except this for clearing my doubt…..plz plz help me out friends for this matter
Hello dhruval,
In my opinion, any experience is good experience. If you’re working in the field of project management it sounds like a good use of your time, and can definitely help forward any career, and perhaps even more so with a career in engineering. Having a solid technical background and then moving into the field of project management is quite common, and it is widely believed that project managers who have spent time working in technical fields (as software developers, for example) are very valuable. All the best to you in your endeavors.
I am self studying for the Security + exam. I wanted to ask how many PDUs I can claim for achieving and preparing for Security + certification.
Thanks
Hi Ali,
I’ve checked out PMI’s web site, and it appears that there is no maximum on the number of PDUs that you can earn under Category C. It also doesn’t say that there is any difference between getting PDUs for self-directed learning or through legitimate classroom sessions – so perhaps you can claim as many PDUs under self-directed learning as you like! Remember that it has to be project management based study (so learning other technical skills would not count toward project management learning-based PDUs).
Hi,
I have just got my ITIL V3 foundation certification, now I am wondering if I can receive any pdu’s?.
Hi Nazim, you can’t get PDUs just for getting the ITIL V3 certification itself… but you can get PDUs for any classroom activity that you participated in while studying for the ITIL certification test, or any self-study that you completed. Thanks for asking!
Brian,
Question, since Security+ is not related to project management that means I won’t get any PDUs?
Hello Ali,
I’m not overly familiar with Security+ certification… but generally, PDUs must be earned by studying topics related to project management – so for example, studying for your ITIL or ScrumMaster certification would qualify for PDUs, while studying for CCNA or MSCE certifications would probably not.
That being said, I’m not a representative of PMI (just a member), so I would not take my recommendation at 100% – you might want to contact your local PMI chapter or do some more research before deciding upon what activities might or might not earn you PDUs.
I hope this information is at least somewhat helpful. Thanks!
Hi Brian,
I’d completed my ITIL certification in 2010 and my current PMP cycle is valid from 2011 so can I claim the PDU’s for the self study I’d done for ITIL in the current cycle ?
Hello Manish,
Unfortunately, if your current PMP cycle started in 2011 (so including the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, for example) then, as far as I am aware, you can’t claim PDUs for activity that you completed in the year 2010 or before.
That being said, you can carry over PDUs from a previous cycle. According to PMI, if you claim over 60 PDUs in one cycle you can carry over a maximum of 20 PDUs into the next cycle. So if you claimed your ITIL Foundation PDUs in the previous cycle you could then have them carry over to your next cycle. Does this make sense?
As I’m not affiliated with PMI you should take my advice I give with a grain of salt – as such, you might want to contact PMI directly to see if you might be able to claim over those PDUs from your ITIL certification in 2010, or if there are any other ways you could claim them against your current cycle.
Best of luck to you.
Hi Brian
I was certified PMP on July 25,2011 and tried to report PDUs under category F for the 6 month duration I worked as a PM from July 25th to Dec 2011.The CCRS however rejected my claim.Am I not eligible or am I not reporting it accurately.Pls help clarify what I need to do.Thanks in advance!
Hello Sobha,
I filed some PDUs for time spent working as a project manager and they went through fine. The only thing that I can think of is that the period from July 25, 2011 to December of 2011 is not a six month period – it is only a five month period. My recommendation is to try filing again using a six month period (so for example, from July 25, 2011 to January 25, 2012) and see if that works.
Best of luck!
Hi Brian,
I have attended an ITIL foundation training from a non-PMI REP. Can you please tell me if I can claim PDUs out of this training under “Category B”?
You’ve already explained that if we have done a self study we can claim PDUs under Category C, however, I am interested to know if they can be claimed under Category B as I’ve attended an instructor led classroom training.
Appreciate your help.
Hello Sridhar,
Yes, as far as I am aware you can file the non-PMI affiliated classes under Category B: Continuing Education. You might want to have some sort of proof handy that you took the class that includes how many hours of classroom study you completed in case the PMI admins ask for proof when you file the PDUs. I’ve never had that happen, but it is a possibility. All the best to you!
Thanks Brian. That explains.
Thank you Sridhar – glad to help!
Hi Brian,
Please let me know if following can be claimed for PDUs
1. ISO 27001 Lead Auditor class room training 2. COBIT workshop by ISACA
Thanks in advance
Biju
Hello Biju,
Regarding your questions, I am afraid that as I am not myself a member of PMI or associated with PMI, I would not recommend you take my “final word” on what courses or work may or may not be valid to earn PDUs from PMI. That being said, it does not seem that the ISO 27001 Lead Auditor course would be applicable toward earning PDUs, as it does not seem project management-based – it seems more technical in nature and related to systems security audits.
The COBIT training, on the other hand, seems to involve training on an IT management and IT governance framework. In that manner it does in fact seem that you would have a good case for claiming a certain number of PDUs for taking that course. In a similar vein would be a course such as an ITIL Foundation or ScrumMaster Certified course – these courses are not PMI methodology-based, but as they involve a project management framework you can earn PDUs for taking them.
Thanks for your question, and best of luck to you.
Hi Brian,
Can I file ITIL-v3 foundation training PDU’s in Category A as I have attended the classroom training from R.E.P.
Thanks for your help!
Hello Bhavin… yes, if the ITIL Foundation training was taken by a REP, I believe you can indeed claim PDUs for hours spent taking that course in PMI’s Category A. Thanks, and good luck!
Hoi Brian, I hope you can help with a question about category F.
I got my PMP in Oct 2010 (so the first 12-month cycle ended Oct 2011), quit my current PM job in Feb 2011 and started a new PM job in July 2011 (which I still hold today).
How do I report this on the CCR system with PMI? Since I didn’t hold 6 months at 1 position, but combined I have the required 6 months experience.
Thanks in advance.
Niels
Good afternoon Niels,
If you have worked for two different companies in the field of project management during the current three-year cycle, what you can do is file the hours in two different entries. So for example, if you worked for three months at one company and three months at another company, file the hours for the first three months in one entry, and then file the hours for the second three months in a separate entry. PMI does not restrict the number of entries you can file per category, so you can create two entries to account for PDUs earned during time spent working as a project manager at two different places.
I hope this helps! Thanks, and all the best to you in your new position.
Hello Brain,
I completed my PMP certification in Nov,2010. My three years cycle is from Nov, 2010 to Nov 2013.
I Completed MBA in project managment from Jan, 2011 to Jun, 2012. It is through distance eduction, where I have not attended any class room training. Can I claim my MBA for PDU’s? If so, how can I claim it. It will helpful if you can give me the detailed information. Thanks in advance
Hello Sumathi,
Congratulations on completing your MBA specializing in Project Management – I hope that it will serve you well during your future career. I do believe you can claim parts of your MBA education as PDUs; at least those parts where you were studying about project management. It seems to me that you would file your PDUs with PMI under Category B: Continuing Education. Here’s what it says on the PMI web site about Category B:
“Earn PDUs:
By completing an academic course being offered by a university or college
OR
By attending relative educational courses offered by training organizations NOT registered with PMI.
When only a portion of a course relates to your credential area of expertise, calculate PDUs by the percentage of the overall curriculum focused on the topic. Report each course separately. Entire degree programs will not be recognized for PDU credits, only individual courses.”
Using this as a guide, I would report on those courses in your program that offered project management education, and then only on those hours where you actually studied project management. Make sense?
Good luck.
Hello Brain,
Thank you for the information. It helps me in claiming the PDU’s.
You are very welcome Sumathi – I am glad that the information might prove useful. Happy PDU claiming!
Hi Brian
Am a PMP and ITIL Expert.Am delivering training now in ITIL. Can I claim PDUs for doing ITIL training.
Our organization has eLearning course course content approved by APMG. How many PDUs can I now offer (as approved by PMI) participants undergoing training if they go through a blend of eLearning as well as class room training?
Hi Param,
You can earn PDUs by delivering training in project management-related disciplines. You would do this under Category D: Creating New Project Management Knowledge. On the PMI web site it indicates that you can attain PDUs under this category by “serving as a speaker or instructor for project management related courses and presentations”.
As for how many you can offer to participants, I suppose it depends on how often you teach – one hour of project management training is equal to a single PDU. Classroom learning falls under Category B, which I believe includes work completed both in classroom sessions and during at-home study. You might want to double check that.
Thanks for asking!
Hi, I did a 3 day classroom training (8 hrs each day) on ITIL V3 Foundation in 2010. I do have a cerificate that says the date i am certified but there is no proof for the class room training i took. Now I would like to take CAPM course next month(Nov 2012) can i claim 24 hrs PDU now?? Pls advice.
Hello Priya,
Hope you are doing well, and glad to hear that you have completed the ITIL Foundation course – I found that to be a very interesting course; I ended up learning plenty of helpful information about IT service management.
In response to your questions: unfortunately, at least from what I recall, you can’t claim PDUs on courses or training that you took before you were certified. In other words, PDUs count only toward professional development undergone during your three-year cycle as a PMP certified project manager.
That being said, if you’re doing the Certified Associate Project Manager (CAPM) certification, you do not need PDUs. CAPM certified professionals have a five-year period as a CAPM, after which point they must re-take the CAPM exam, that will include updates to the PMBOK and to PMI’s project management framework during the past five years. So if you’re CAPM certified, or interested in becoming CAPM certified, you do not need to worry about earning PDUs.
Thanks, and all the best to you!
Hi,
I did web based training (approximately 20 Hrs) for ITIL through my organization internal website.. Can I claim 20 PDUs under category B.
Thanks.
Hello Azhar,
Yes, it seems to me that PMI’s Category B would be the best place to file the 20 hours that you completed doing web-based ITIL training. I hope you learned some interesting things during your studies!
All the best to you.
What is the maximum number of PDU that one can claim under Category B
Hi Shivananad,
Category B is the category for continuing education… that is, project management education that is in the form of academic courses (for example, at a college or university) or other relevant educational training that is not self-directed learning (which would be category C) or courses offered by PMI R.E.P.s (which would be category A).
As far as I can see, there is no maximum for the number of hours that you can earn PDUs for under category B. I’m taking this information from PMI’s PDF of the new category structure for PDUs.
As I commonly say, I’m not affiliated with PMI in any way, so if you want to make sure that the information I give you is correct, please click the link and double check for yourself! And best of luck to you earning and filing your PDUs.
Mr. Brian,
I have one query. I am working in the project management filed, but not under the “role” of Project Manager. I have worked as construction engineer and project engineer.
My questions are,
Do I have to claim that I have worked as a project manager in the PMI test application form?
Could my test application form rejected if the “role” is as a construction engineer or site engineer…etc
Thanks for your time.
Regards
T.Tareef
Hello Tally,
The good news is, you do not have to have worked as a “project manager”… you simply need to have experience leading and directing projects. So if you were a software engineer, but you spent a number of hours leading and directing projects as a team lead, for example, then that work experience can count toward applying to take the PMP examination.
That said, not having a role as a project or program manager might put up some red flags for PMI… I don’t know for certain. You will want to make sure that you have properly documented all of the 4,500 hours of work experience that you have earned, and be ready for a PMI audit if they should decide to do one. Different collateral from the work you have done (project schedules or other artifacts) might be of use if this should happen.
Best of luck to you!
Hi, I got my ITIL v3 foundation certification in 2011 by taking a 4 day prep class. I’m now preparing for my PMP. Can I claim the hours for the ITIL cert/prep course for my PDU under the self study category?
Hello Jim,
If you’re preparing to take the PMP examination, then you will not need to file PDUs… PDUs (Professional Development Units) are necessary for people who are already PMP certified and need to amass a certain number of hours of study or project management work in order to maintain their credential. You can read more about PDUs and how to earn them here.
On the other hand, I believe you can use the hours that you spent learning about ITIL as the project management education hours that are required if you want to apply to take the PMP exam. While ITIL is based in IT Service Management, I believe that you can also count those hours as “project management training”. You might want to verify that, however.
Best of luck with your exam prep.
Hello, I have one question, if you -anyone-can help me, I appreciate it.
I am PMP since Jan 2012.
I have a website where I write a lot about Project Management. que-es-project-management.com, it is in Spanish.
I also give Classes about Project Management, to Managers and Supervisors in a Continuous Education Eng. School.
I wonder if I can claim PDU for both of these activities.
Thanks a lot!
Hector Olvera, PMP