If you’re a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification holder, you already know the importance of maintaining your certification. In addition to the recognition and credibility of being a certified PMP, maintaining your certification can help you stay current with industry trends, network with other professionals, and access new career opportunities.
But here’s a question many PMPs ask: Should I renew my PMP early? Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding yes, and I’m here to show you why.
One aspect of maintaining your PMP certification is renewing it every three years. Did you know you can save money on the renewal cost by renewing it now? For Project Management Institute (PMI) members, the renewal fee is only $60, while non-members will have to pay $150. By renewing your certification now, you can save around $90.
Why Renew Your PMP Certification?
Before we dive into the benefits of renewing your PMP certification early, let’s take a moment to understand why it’s essential to renew your certification in the first place.
First and foremost, renewing your PMP certification demonstrates your commitment to the project management profession. It shows that you are dedicated to staying current with industry trends and best practices and taking your role as a project manager seriously.
Renewing your certification can also help you stay competitive in the job market. Many employers require or prefer candidates with a PMP certification, and having a current certificate can give you an edge over other job seekers.
Stay in Demand: Companies in tech, construction, and healthcare love PMP holders. A current certification shows you’re on top of trends like Agile or hybrid project management. Learn more about PMP’s career impact.
Finally, renewing your certification can help you stay connected to the project management community. PMI offers a variety of resources and networking opportunities for PMP certification holders, including access to local chapters, online communities, and educational resources.
Renewing Your Certification Early: The Benefits
Now that we understand why it’s essential to renew your PMP certification, let’s explore the benefits of renewing your certification early.
Save Money: PMI members pay just $60 for PMP certification renewal, while non-members cough up $150. That’s a $90 savings! Discover PMI membership benefits.
The primary benefit of renewing your certification early is the cost savings. As mentioned earlier, renewing your certification as a PMI member will only cost you $60, while non-members must pay $150. Therefore, by renewing your certificate early, you can save around $90.
But the benefits of renewing your certification early go beyond just cost savings. Renewing your certificate early also gives you peace of mind, knowing your certification is valid for the next three years. This means you won’t have to worry about remembering to renew your certificate in the future, and you can focus on your career and professional development instead.
Renewing your certification early can help you stay on track with your professional development goals. By renewing your certificate early, you can ensure that you have the necessary Professional Development Units (PDUs) to maintain your certification. This can motivate you to continue pursuing professional development opportunities and staying current with industry trends.
How to Earn 60 PDUs for PMP Renewal
To renew your PMP certification, you need 60 PDUs every three years, split into Education (at least 35 PDUs) and Giving Back (up to 25 PDUs). Here’s how to nail it without breaking a sweat:
Education PDUs
You’ll focus on the PMI Talent Triangle—Technical, Leadership, and Strategic Business Management—with at least 8 PDUs in each. Here’s what works:
- Online Courses: Gururo has PMI-approved courses on topics like Agile, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. They’re perfect for busy schedules. Check out Gururo’s PDU courses.
PMI Webinars: Check out PMI’s Learning Library for free webinars like “Mastering Hybrid Projects.” Each one’s worth 1-2 PDUs.
Local Events: Hit up PMI chapter seminars or conferences. I scored 10 PDUs at a PMI Global Congress last year, plus met some cool folks.
Self-Directed Learning: Read books like “The PMI Guide to Business Analysis” or tune into project management podcasts. You can claim up to 30 PDUs this way.
Quick Tip: Mix it up to stay engaged. I listen to podcasts on my commute and save Gururo courses for quiet weekends. Learn more about PMI Talent Triangle PDUs.
Giving Back PDUs
Give back to the project management world and earn PDUs. Try these:
Volunteer: Mentor newbies or help with PMI chapter events. I volunteered at a workshop and bagged 5 PDUs, plus made new friends.
Create Content: Write a project management blog or speak at a PMI event. My coworker Jen earned 10 PDUs with a Scrum webinar.
Work Smarts: You can claim up to 8 PDUs for using PMI principles on the job, like running a project charter session.
Mix Education and Giving Back to hit the 60 PDU requirement while sharpening your skills and network. Explore free PDU options.
Step-by-Step PMP Renewal Process
Ready to get it done? Here’s how to breeze through the PMP certification renewal process:
Log In to PMI.org: Head to your PMI account and find the Certification Dashboard.
Check PDU Status: Use the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) system to make sure you’ve got 60 PDUs. See how to check PDUs.
Submit PDUs Submit PDUs: Log your activities in the CCR system, sorting them into Education or Giving Back. Keep certificates in case PMI audits you.
Pay the Fee: Shell out $60 if you’re a PMI member or $150 if not, through PMI’s portal.
Confirm Renewal: Get your shiny new certificate and digital badge for LinkedIn, good for three years. Learn how to claim your digital badge.
Cool Fact: PMI handles over 100,000 renewals every year, keeping the PMP community thriving!
Make the Most of PMI Membership
A PMI membership is like a cheat code for PMP certification renewal. Here’s why:
Cheaper Renewal: Save $90 on the PMP renewal cost.
Free Goodies: Get PMIstandards+ and free webinars for easy PDUs.
VIP Access: Join exclusive PMI chapter meetings or global conferences.
For PDUs on a budget, Gururo’s PMI-approved courses are a lifesaver. I took their Agile Leadership course and knocked out 12 PDUs in a weekend. Combining PMI membership with Gururo’s training is a total win. Understand PMI membership costs.
Tackling Renewal Roadblocks
Renewal can have hiccups, but you’ve got this. Here’s how to handle common snags:
No Time: Crazy busy? Try on-demand webinars or podcasts. I earned 5 PDUs with PMI’s Projectified podcast during my commute.
Tight Budget: Use free PMI resources or ask your boss for training funds. Gururo’s PDU bundles are also super affordable. Check out Gururo’s PDU bundles.
PDU Audits: PMI might check your PDUs. Save records like course certificates or volunteer emails. I keep mine in a folder to stay ready. Learn how to pass a PMP audit.
“Don’t let little bumps stop you,” my friend Maria, who aced an audit, told me. “Stay organized, and it’s smooth sailing.”
Conclusion
PMP certification renewal is your key to staying sharp, respected, and connected in project management. Renew early to save $90, lock in 60 PDUs, and keep your career on track for the next three years. Whether you tap into PMI membership, Gururo’s courses, or free webinars, just don’t wait. As PMI founder Jim Snyder put it, “Project management is about turning vision into reality.” Renew your PMP now, and make your career dreams real. Head to PMI.org today to kick off the PMP certification renewal process and own your future!
Worried about an expired PMP? Don’t panic! You can renew without retaking the exam if you act within the suspension period (one year after your certification lapses). You’ll need to earn 60 PDUs and pay the PMP renewal cost. If it’s been longer, you might need to reapply or explore reinstatement options. Find out how to renew an expired PMP.
PMP Related Articles
Impact Of The New PMI Talent Triangle On PMP Renewal
Understand the new PMI Talent Triangle
PMP Certification: Expectations Vs. Reality
Know True Benefits Of PMI PMP Certification
Is It Worth Renewing PMP?
Should PMP Professionals get their PMP renewed
Why not to do PMP?
Top 10 reasons from not doing PMP
All About PDUs In PMI
FAQ about PDU meaning, PMI Talent Triangle, online PDU courses, PDU PMI requirements, and many more
Should I Renew My PMP Early?
Know the benefits of renewing PMP early
