The PMP® (Project Management Professional) certification is valid for a period of three years. To maintain your PMP certification, you need to meet the renewal requirements before this time frame expires. But what happens if you don’t? In this article, we’ll discuss the consequences of not meeting renewal requirements and what to do if your PMP® certificate enters suspension status.

Why PMP Certification Renewal Is Important?

PMP certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates your expertise in project management. However, the certification isn’t permanent—you are required to earn 60 PDU (Professional Development Units) every three years to renew your PMP®. This ensures you stay up-to-date with industry practices and standards.

What Happens If You Don’t Earn Enough PDUs?

If you fail to earn and submit the required 60 PDUs within the three-year certification period, your PMP® certificate will enter suspension status. This period lasts for one year. During this suspension, you cannot claim to be a PMP® or use the credential on your resume, business cards, or other professional materials.

What To Do If Your PMP® Is In Suspension?

If your PMP® certificate enters suspension, you still have the opportunity to earn and report the missing PDUs within the one-year suspension period. Once you’ve earned the required 60 PDUs and completed the renewal process, your certification status will return to active.

Consequences of Not Renewing Within Suspension Period

If you fail to earn and report enough PDUs by the end of the suspension period, your PMP® certification will expire. At this point, you will lose the credential entirely and will be required to retake the PMP® exam to regain your certification. This means more preparation time and additional exam fees.

Key Takeaway: Don’t Let Your PMP® Certificate Expire

The PMP® renewal process is straightforward: earn and report 60 PDUs within your 3-year certification cycle. Avoid missing this deadline to prevent your certification from entering suspension or expiring altogether. Always track your PDUs and submit them on time to maintain your PMP® status without interruptions.