What Are The Most Reputable and Effective Sources for PMI® PDU Courses to Maintain Your Certification?
To maintain your Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification, you must earn Professional Development Units (PDU) as required by the Project Management Institute (PMI®). Choosing the right sources for PMI PDU ensures that you stay current with industry standards while fulfilling PMI’s strict Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR). In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most reputable and effective PMI®-approved PDU courses, including those offered by IMT-PM, to help you keep your certification up-to-date.
Why Are PMI® PDUs Important?
PDUs are essential for certified project managers to maintain and renew their PMI® certifications. PMI® mandates that PMP® holders must complete 60 PDUs every three years to keep their certification valid. These PDUs can be earned through various learning and service activities that enhance your skills as a project manager.
Key Types of PMI PDUs
Before diving into the sources, it’s essential to understand the two main categories of PDUs:
- Education PDUs: Focus on expanding knowledge and skills through learning opportunities.
- Giving Back PDUs: Earned through sharing knowledge, such as volunteering or mentoring.
Each of these categories offers unique pathways, and understanding them can help you select the right sources for your PDU requirements.
Top Sources for PMI® PDU Courses
Here are some of the best and most reputable sources for PMI PDU courses to help maintain your PMP® certification.
1. PMI®-Approved PDU Courses by PMI®-ATP
PMI® Authorized Training Partner (ATP) provides specialized, PMI®-approved PDU courses tailored to meet the unique needs of project managers aiming to renew their certifications. These courses adhere to PMI®’s high training standards, ensuring quality and alignment with the PMI Talent Triangle®
Key Benefits:
- PMI® Talent Triangle Aligned: Courses are designed to cover all skill areas of the PMI® Talent Triangle – Ways of Working, Power Skills, and Business Acumen.
- Convenient Learning Options: Some of PMI® ATP self-paced online courses, making it easy for busy professionals to earn PDUs at their own pace.
- Practical Insights: Stay updated with industry best practices while gaining practical techniques for real-world application.
Investment in Quality:
While PMI® ATP courses may have a higher cost, the structured approach, credibility, and alignment with PMI® standards make them a worthwhile investment for professionals seeking to stay competitive.
As a PMI® Authorized Training Partner, IMT-PM offers a range of PDU courses to help renew PMP®, PMI-ACP®, CAPM® and all kinds of PMI® certificates.
2. PMI® Online Courses and Events
PMI® offers its own online courses, webinars, and global events that provide Education PDUs. These sessions, curated by PMI® experts, cover cutting-edge topics and the latest industry trends.
Benefits:
- High-quality courses directly from PMI®, with guaranteed PDU acceptance.
- Various types of events, including the Global Conference, virtual seminars, and on-demand courses.
- PMI® members receive discounts on many of these courses and free access to webinars and live events, providing an efficient way to earn PDUs while engaging with PMI®’s network of professionals.
3. Online Learning Platforms for Earning PDUs
Several online learning platforms offer courses to help certified project managers earn PDUs:
- LinkedIn Learning: Offers a broad selection of courses across project management, leadership, soft skills, and industry-specific topics, with flexible learning options for $29.99/month or $239.88/year.
- Udemy: Provides affordable, self-paced courses ranging from $10 to $200, with lifetime access to course materials. Popular topics include Agile project management.
- Coursera and edX: Partnering with top universities like Stanford and UC Irvine, these platforms offer high-quality courses with certificates ranging from $39 to $300.
These platforms offer a mix of structured schedules and self-paced options, making it easy for project managers to earn PDUs and enhance both their technical and leadership skills.
Conclusion
Maintaining your PMP® certification requires a strategic approach to earning PDUs, and selecting reputable sources is key to ensuring you meet PMI®’s standards while also expanding your skills. From specialized courses at IMT-PM to flexible e-learning platforms and PMI®’s own resources, there are many reliable options to suit various budgets, schedules, and learning preferences. By leveraging these top sources for PDUs, you can effectively manage your recertification process, stay current with industry trends, and enhance your project management capabilities