Every PMP faces the same challenge: You have to earn at least 60 PDUs every 3 years for your recertification. Earning PDUs is relatively straightforward and easy, as long as you understand the 6 PDU Categories that PMI has defined.

Here is a brief overview for each category:

A: Courses Offered by PMI’s Registered Education Providers (REPs) or Chapters and Communities—you can find a list of courses approved by PMI by looking online at http://ccrs.pmi.org

B: Continuing Education—in this category you can earn PDUs by taking courses or attend training sessions from non PMI R.E.P.s.

C: Self-directed Learning—This is one of the most enjoyable categories, allowing you to earn PDUs by reading or watching various media or participating in interactions with colleagues and coworkers.

D: Creating New Project Management Knowledge—this is an exciting category, allowing you to learn by authoring, speaking, instructing, presenting or moderating.

E: Volunteer Service—this category allows you to serve the PM community as well as the community where you live by volunteering your time and skills as a project manager all while earning PDUs.

F: Working as a Professional in Project Management—in this category you earn PDUs just for doing your day-to-day job working as a project manager. Nothing could be easier.

Out of these categories, we offer training courses in Category A at www.pducast.com and Category C at www.pm-podcast.com/pdu - they are worth your time.

We’ll take an in depth look at these six categories in the next edition of our PDU Tips.,