If your PMP certification has expired, you are not alone. Many project management professionals miss renewal deadlines due to workload, travel, or lack of awareness of the renewal cycle.
The important thing to know is that PMP certification may still be reinstated depending on your status and timeline. Acting early significantly improves your chances of renewal without retaking the exam.
In this guide, you will learn:
- What happens when PMP certification expires
- Whether you must retake the exam
- How to renew PMP after expiry
- Alternative renewal options
- How to avoid expiry in the future
Can PMP Be Renewed After Expiry? (Quick Answer)
Yes, PMP certification can sometimes be renewed after expiry depending on how long it has been expired and your eligibility status. Professionals should check their status in the PMI CCRS portal, complete required PDUs if applicable, and submit a renewal request. Acting during the suspension period significantly increases the chances of renewal without retaking the exam.
PMP Certification Lifecycle: Active, Suspension, and Expiry Explained
Year 0-3: Active Status
You must earn 60 PDUs and renew before the cycle ends. Here is a standard PMP renewal guide to understand each aspect.
Example: If you earned your PMP on December 31, 2021, you have until December 31, 2024 to accumulate 60 PDUs and renew your certification, ensuring it does not enter suspension or expire.
Year 3-4: Suspension Period (Up to 1 Year)
Your certification moves to suspended status:
- You cannot use the PMP credential professionally
- You can still earn PDUs
- You can renew and restore active status
Example: If your PMP expired on December 31, 2024, you have until December 31, 2025 to accumulate the 60 PDUs and renew your certification without retaking the exam.
⬇️ If renewal is still not completed
After Suspension: Expired Status
Your certification becomes expired:
- PMP designation can no longer be used
- Reinstatement options may be limited
- In some cases, retaking the PMP exam may be required
Example: After December 31, 2025, your certification will expire, and you will no longer be able to report PDUs through your CCR dashboard.
PMP Certification Status Comparison: Active vs Suspension vs Expired
The table below summarizes the key differences between active, suspended, and expired PMP certification statuses.
Certification Status
Duration
Can You Use PMP Title?
What You Can Do
Risk Level
Active
3 years
Yes
Earn PDUs and renew before the cycle ends
Low
Suspended
Up to 1 year
Mo
Earn required PDUs and renew to restore certification
Expired
After suspension period
No
Check eligibility for reinstatement or reapply for PMP
High
For a detailed explanation, see our guide on suspended vs expired PMP certifications.
Key Takeaways
- The best time to renew PMP is during the active cycle.
- The suspension period is the last opportunity to renew without significant complications.
- Once certification is expired, reinstatement options may become limited depending on timing and eligibility.
Understanding these stages helps PMP holders act early and avoid unnecessary stress during renewal.
What Happens When PMP Certification Expires?
If your PMP certification expires, you are no longer considered an active Project Management Professional and cannot use the PMP designation in professional settings. Expiry typically occurs when renewal requirements are not completed during both the three-year certification cycle and the one-year suspension period.
Immediate Effects of Expiry
- You cannot use the PMP credential after your name
- Your certification status appears as expired in PMI records
- Some employers may require revalidation before assigning leadership roles
- Reinstatement options may become limited over time
Consequences of an Expired PMP Certification
An expired certification means you lose the right to use the PMP designation after your name in professional settings. You will no longer be considered an active PMP until the certification is reinstated or earned again.
This can have several practical implications:
🚀
Career Advancement
Many organizations prefer or require active PMP certification for senior project and program management roles. Letting the credential expire may reduce eligibility for leadership opportunities.
💰
Salary Potential
Industry surveys consistently show that PMP-certified professionals often earn higher salaries than non-certified peers. An expired certification may impact earning potential over time.
🔄
Staying Current
The renewal process encourages continuous learning and helps professionals stay updated with evolving methodologies, tools, and best practices in project management.
🏆
Professional Credibility
An active PMP certification signals commitment to professional development and adherence to global standards, strengthening trust with employers, clients, and stakeholders.
Can PMP Be Renewed After Expiry Without Retaking the Exam?
Depending on how long the certification has been expired and your professional background, there may be alternative pathways available.
Professionals should immediately:
✅Check eligibility status
✅Review renewal options
✅Assess reinstatement pathways early
*Early action significantly increases the likelihood of avoiding re-examination.
How to renew PMP after expiry?
As a PMP-certified professional, staying current with industry standards and maintaining your certification is important. If your PMP certification has expired, there are options available for renewing it. One option is to retake the PMP exam. However, there are also alternative methods by which you can renew your expired certification.
At Gururo, we have a proven track record of assisting individuals in reinstating their expired PMP certification. We understand the value of your hard-earned certification and are dedicated to helping you renew it promptly and efficiently.
Don’t let your expired PMP certification hold you back. Contact us today to discuss your options for renewing your certification and taking the next step in advancing your career.
For efficient renewal assessment by our experts, please complete the form below or email us at info@gururo.com
Common Mistakes to Avoid After PMP Expiry
- Waiting too long before checking eligibility
- Assuming the certification cannot be renewed
- Submitting incorrect dates
- Submitting incorrect PDU categories
- Delaying action during suspension
Acting early is the single most important factor in avoiding permanent expiry.
How to Avoid PMP Expiry in the Future
Best practices:
- Track PDUs monthly
- Complete at least 2 PDUs per month
- Plan renewal 6 months early
- Keep certificates organized
Many professionals use structured programs to simplify renewal and avoid last-minute stress.
FAQ: Renewing PMP After Expiry
Can PMP be renewed after expiry?
In some cases, yes. Eligibility depends on timing and status. Professionals should review options as soon as possible.
How long after PMP expiry can it be renewed?
This depends on PMI policies and individual certification timelines. Suspension periods provide the best opportunity for reinstatement.
Do I need to retake the PMP exam after expiry?
Not always. Some professionals qualify for reinstatement depending on their situation. Contact us today to get assessed.
What happens if PMP expires permanently?
If reinstatement is not possible, retaking the PMP exam may be required.
How can I earn PDUs quickly for reinstatement?
Self-paced online courses, webinars, and structured PDU programs are commonly used for faster completion.
