Introduction
One of the most common questions PMPĀ® credential holders ask is: “Do I need to be a PMIĀ® member to maintain my PMP certification?” Many believe that being a PMIĀ® member is mandatory to claim PDUs and renew their certification. While PMIĀ® membership offers benefits such as networking and exclusive access to resources, it is not a requirement for maintaining your certification.
In this blog, we will debunk this misconception, show you the real numbers for PMPĀ® renewal as a member vs. non-member, and offer some cost-effective alternatives to earn your PDUs without being a PMIĀ® member.
What Is PMIĀ® Membership and What Does It Offer?
PMIĀ® (Project Management Institute) membership is available for $129 (plus a one-time $10 joining fee for new members) and provides various benefits, including:
- Discounts on certifications, renewal, and PMIĀ® products.
- Access to PMIĀ® standards, guides, and templates.
- Opportunities to join PMIĀ® Communities of Practice.
- Networking events and access to PMIĀ® webinars.
However, these benefits come with an annual cost. If you do not regularly engage in PMIĀ® activities or use their resources, this membership might not be worth the investment for you.Ā
Let’s dive into whether or not it’s necessary for PMPĀ® renewal.
Misconception: Is PMIĀ® Membership Necessary to Claim PDUs?
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be a PMIĀ® member to claim PDUs or renew your PMPĀ® certification. To maintain your PMPĀ®, you simply need to log 60 PDUs every three years in your PMIĀ® account. A free account, which you can create on PMIĀ®ās website, allows you to track and report your PDUs without paying for membership.
PMIĀ® membership offers certain conveniences, such as discounted renewal fees, but it is not mandatory for the PMPĀ® renewal process.
How Non-Members Can Maintain Their PMPĀ® Certification
As a non-member, there are many ways to earn PDUs, such as:
Online courses: Enroll in PDU programs like Gururoās 60 PDUs Bundle.
Free webinars: Attend free industry webinars or PMI-hosted events.
Volunteering: Earn PDUs by volunteering in project management activities.
Reading and learning: Participate in self-paced learning through books, articles, or podcasts.
Cost Comparison: PMIĀ® Member vs. Non-Member for PMPĀ® Renewal
Category
PMIĀ® Member
Non-Member
PMIĀ® Membership Fee
$129/year (+$10 joining fee)
$0
PMPĀ® Renewal Fee
$60
$150
Total Annual Cost
$129 + $60 = $189
$150
As you can see from the table, the overall cost for non-members is actually lower ($39 lower to be specific) than for PMIĀ® members, especially if you don’t regularly use PMIĀ® resources or attend their events.
Advisable or Not? Should You Be a PMIĀ® Member?
If you frequently attend PMIĀ® webinars, participate in PMIĀ® communities, and take advantage of PMIĀ®-related discounts, then the annual membership fee might be worth the investment. However, if you rarely use these resources, it is advisable not to become a PMIĀ® member, especially considering that you can still earn PDUs and renew your PMPĀ® certification without membership.
60%
Key point: PMIĀ® reports that out of 1.6+ million credential holders, only 700,000 are PMIĀ® members, meaning nearly 60% of the PMPĀ® professionals have chosen to maintain their credentials without membership.
Cost-Effective Alternatives to Earn PDUs as a Non-Member
One of the most popular ways for non-members to earn PDUs is through online courses. With options like Gururo’s 60 PDUs Bundle, you can earn all the PDUs you need to renew your PMPĀ® certification in a cost-effective and flexible manner.
What Happens If You Choose Not to Renew PMIĀ® Membership?
If you choose not to renew your PMIĀ® membership, you wonāt lose your PMP certification. Youāll only need to pay the non-member fee for PMPĀ® renewal, which is $150. The main trade-off is that you’ll miss out on PMIĀ® member-exclusive benefits like discounted event fees, networking opportunities, and access to PMIĀ® publications.
However, many PMPĀ® professionals find that they can maintain their certification without these extras. In fact, you can still stay updated on industry trends and expand your knowledge through other avenues, such as Gururoās PMPĀ® Certification Training and the 60 PDUs Bundle.
Conclusion
You donāt need to be a PMIĀ® member to maintain or renew your PMPĀ® certification. While membership offers perks, you can claim your PDUs and renew your PMPĀ® as a non-member just as easily. By enrolling in cost-effective programs like Gururoās 60 PDUs Bundle, you can ensure that your PMPĀ® credential stays valid without unnecessary expenses.
If youāre considering PMP certification or renewal, explore Gururo’s PMP Certification Training and PMP Renewal options to stay ahead in your project management career.
