If you hold a Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) or Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) certification, you are required to earn 60 PDUs in a 3-year cycle.
These 60 PDUs can be further broken down as follows:
- 35 Minimum Education PDUs(Required, No maximum limit)
- 25 Maximum Giving Back PDUs(Optional)
Education PDU's
You need a minimum of 35 PDU’s in learning and development. There’s no limit to the maximum number of PDU’s attained in the education category, So if you want you can attain the entire 60 PDU’s in the education category.
The PMI Talent Triangle® has been updated to reflect the evolving skills needed in today’s project management landscape. It now includes three critical areas of focus that professionals must master for ongoing development and success: Ways of Working, Power Skills, and Business Acumen. These areas are essential for project and program leaders to thrive in an increasingly complex business environment.
Here’s a breakdown of the updated PMI Talent Triangle®:
- Ways of Working (Previously: Technical Project Management)
What it means: This covers how you approach delivering projects. It’s about having a toolkit of methods and knowing when to use each one, whether it’s Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid. You’re not tied to one way—you choose the best method for each project.
Example: Let’s say you’re managing a software development project. You might use Agile for parts of the project where there’s uncertainty and rapid iteration is needed, but stick to Waterfall for sections that have clearly defined requirements. Having the flexibility to switch between approaches based on the situation is “Ways of Working” in action.
- Power Skills (Previously: Leadership)
What it means: These are the soft skills that help you work with people—communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and influence. It’s not just about managing tasks; it’s about leading people effectively.
Example: Imagine you’re leading a project, and your team is facing a tight deadline. By using Power Skills like active listening, empathy, and clear communication, you can motivate your team, manage conflicts, and help them stay focused. Instead of simply pushing for results, you foster an environment where people feel heard and supported.
- Business Acumen (Previously: Strategic and Business Management)
What it means: This is your ability to understand the business context of your projects. It’s about knowing your industry, understanding the organization’s strategic goals, and ensuring your project delivers value aligned with those goals.
Example: Suppose you’re managing a marketing campaign for a product launch. If you have Business Acumen, you won’t just focus on meeting the deadlines or the budget. You’ll understand the bigger picture—how this campaign fits into the company’s overall strategy, what the competitive landscape looks like, and how your project can help achieve long-term business objectives.
