Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification renewal is a mandatory process defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI®). To keep your PMP active, you must earn and report the required Professional Development Units (PDUs) within each renewal cycle and complete the renewal through PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) system.
This guide explains everything you need to know about PMP renewal—including rules,PDUs, audits, timelines, common mistakes, and country considerations—so you can renew your certification without confusion or risk.
What Is PMP® Certification Renewal?
PMP certification is valid for a 3-year cycle. During each cycle, PMP holders must:
- Earn 60 PDUs
- Report PDUs to PMI
- Pay the renewal fee
- Complete the process before expiry
Crucial note: If these requirements are not met on time, your PMP status may be suspended and later expired.
PMP Renewal Cycle Explained (3-Year CCR Cycle)
Each PMP holder is placed into a 3-year renewal cycle by PMI.
The cycle starts from:
- Your exam pass date
- Or, Your last renewal date
What Happens During the Cycle?
- You can earn PDUs anytime during the 3 years
- PDUs must align with PMI’s Talent Triangle
- All PDUs must be reported before the cycle end date
Missing the deadline results in suspension, followed by expiry if not corrected.
How Many PDUs Are Required to Renew PMP?
To renew PMP certification, you must earn 60 PDUs in total
PMI allows flexibility in how PDUs are distributed, as long as minimum category requirements are met.
Detailed PDU distribution is explained in our dedicated
Types of PDUs Accepted by PMI
PMI accepts PDUs across two broad categories:
1. Education PDUs
- Online courses
- Self-paced learning
- Webinars
- Instructor-led training
2. Giving Back PDUs
- Volunteering
- Creating content
- Mentoring
- Speaking
There are limits on how many “Giving Back” PDUs can be claimed, which is why most professionals rely primarily on Education PDUs.
Understand PDU distribution in details in our 👉 PDU & Talent Triangle guide
Can PMP Be Renewed Online?
Yes.
PMI allows PMP renewal entirely online, including
- Earning PDUs
- Reporting PDUs
- Paying renewal fees
There is no requirement to attend physical classes or local PMI chapter events.
PMP Renewal Fees
Financially, there is no significant benefit to purchasing PMI membership solely for the purpose of PMP renewal, as the membership cost (around $154 USD annually, plus any one-time fee) typically exceeds the renewal fee savings alone.
However, if you plan to actively use PMI’s member resources—such as free/discounted eLearning courses, premium webinars (many offering PDUs), digital standards/guides, templates, networking events, and opportunities to earn free PDUs—membership can provide excellent value beyond just renewal.
In short: Skip it if renewal is your only goal; consider joining if you’ll leverage the professional development and community benefits.
PMP Audit – What You Need to Know
PMI conducts random audits during PDU reporting.
Key Facts About PMP Audits:
● Audits are random, not country-based
● Being audited does not mean a problem
● PMI checks:
○ PDU legitimacy
○ Supporting documentation
○ Alignment with CCR rules
Keeping clear records of PDUs ensures audits are straightforward and stress-free.
👉 See Our PMP Audit Guide for detailed steps.
What Happens If You Miss PMP Renewal Deadline?
PMP Suspension
- Occurs immediately after cycle ends
- PMP status becomes “Suspended”
- You get 1 additional year to complete renewal
PMP Expiry
- Occurs if suspension period passes without renewal
- PMP credential becomes inactive
- Reinstatement requires re-certification
Understanding timelines is critical to avoid permanent loss of certification.
Country-Specific PMP Renewal Considerations
PMI follows global renewal rules.
● PMP renewal requirements are the same worldwide
● PDUs earned thru ATP online or internationally are accepted
● No country-specific approval is required
Professionals often search for country-specific guidance due to employer policies or audit concerns, but PMI’s renewal process remains globally standardized.
Common PMP Renewal Mistakes to Avoid
- Earning PDUs from Non-ATPs
- Waiting until the last month to earn PDUs
- Not tracking PDU documentation
- Assuming PMP renewal is automatic
- Believing PMP expires immediately after deadline
- Thinking PDUs must be earned locally
How Most Professionals Renew PMP Successfully
While PMI defines the rules, PMP holders typically:
1.Track their renewal cycle early
2. Earn PDUs steadily
3. Report PDUs periodically
4. Complete renewal well before expiry
A structured approach reduces audit risk and last-minute stress.
PMP Renewal – Key Takeaways
✅ PMP renewal is mandatory every 3 years
✅ 60 PDUs are required
✅ All 60 PDUs can be earned and approved under education category
✅ Renewal can be completed fully online
✅ Prefer going with an ATP for earning PDUs
✅ PMI audits are random and manageable
✅ Missing deadlines leads to suspension and later expiry
✅ Rules are global, not country-specific
Frequently Asked Questions (PMP Renewal)
Does PMP certification expire?
Yes. PMP expires if renewal requirements are not completed within the cycle and suspension period.
Can I renew PMP after expiry?
No. Once expired, PMP requires re-certification.
Is PMI membership required for renewal?
No, but it reduces renewal fees.
Can PDUs be earned online?
Yes, online PDUs are fully accepted by PMI.
What is the PMP® certification renewal fee in India?
The PMP® certification renewal fee in India is set by PMI® and depends on your active PMI membership status at the time of renewal.
PMP renewal is not difficult, but it is strictly rule-based. Understanding the CCR framework,timelines, and documentation requirements ensures your certification remains active without disruption.
