PMI works diligently to promote continuing professional development and ensure the ongoing value of and respect for its credentials. The PMI Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program supports this work by promoting the constant development and growth of its credential holders.
CCR for Program Management Professional (PgMP®) and Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential holders:
- • Earn and report at least 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) during each three-year CCR cycle. Please note that expiration dates have changed for PMP credential holders.
- • Complete the Application for Certification Renewal and return it to PMI, along with the renewal fee
- • Agree to the
PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
If you meet these requirements within your three-year cycle, you have active status. If you hold an active PMP and PgMP credential, you will maintain both credentials in a single CCR cycle. The 60 PDUs you earn for your PMP may be applied to the maintenance of your PgMP.
Earning PDUs
PDUs are measuring units used to quantify approved learning and professional service activities. Typically one (1) PDU is earned per hour spent in a planned and structured learning activity. The CCR program has identified five categories in which PMP and PgMP credential holders can earn PDUs:
- • Category 1: Formal academic education
- • Category 2: Professional activities and self-directed learning
- • Category 3: Educational programs offered by PMI Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.) or PMI components
- • Category 4: Educational programs offered by other providers
- • Category 5: Volunteer service to professional or community organizations
For a detailed explanation of each of these categories and how PDUs can be earned in each, please review the CCR Program Handbook.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) Credential Requirements
The certification cycle for the CAPM credential is five years. During the fifth year of the cycle, the CAPM credential holder moves into a renewal period of one year. You must apply for credential renewal and take the examination during this renewal period. This means that if your certification cycle began on 15 September 2007, your renewal period begins on 15 September 2011. The CAPM credential holder must apply for renewal and pass the examination by 14 September 2012. PDUs are not required to maintain the CAPM credential.
There are several ways to determine your certification cycle:
• Check your CAPM certificate for your active certification date and expiration date
• Check for certification cycle dates online by logging into the online certification system.
• Calculate your cycle – if you passed the examination on 15 September 2007, your certification expires on 14 September 2012. Your next certification/CCR cycle begins on 15 September 2012 and ends on 14 September 2017.
You can start your one-year examination eligibility period at any point during the fifth year of the CAPM certification cycle. For example, if you wait until the month before your credential expires to apply for credential renewal, you have 12 months to take the examination, but only one month in which to take the examination to be considered for credential renewal. If you pass the examination after your credential expiration date, you will be considered a new CAPM which means that you will receive a new credential identification number and a new certification cycle date. Your examination eligibility period is always one year, during which you may take your credential examination a maximum of three times.
If your CAPM credential expires and you wish to renew, you will have to go through the full application process again as though you are a new candidate. The process requires you to complete an online application with eligibility information, be subject to PMI’s audit process and submit payment. If you renew after your credential expires, you will be issued a new CAPM credential number and a new credential date.
The steps that are required to maintain the CAPM credential are
• Apply for CAPM renewal by submitting a CAPM credential renewal form and payment online.
• Reaffirm the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the Certification Application/Renewal Agreement, which can be referenced in the CAPM Handbook.
• After submitting the payment, PMI will send you an e-mail containing a web link to the examination scheduling instructions.
• Schedule an appointment to take the CAPM examination. It is offered globally at Prometric Testing Centers.
• Pass the CAPM examination.
• Receive from PMI a new certificate with your original CAPM credential number and updated certification cycle dates
PMI’s streamlined CAPM renewal process means that since PMI already has existing CAPM credential holders’ data, you do not need to complete the full application as is required in the initial CAPM application submission.
If your CAPM credential expires, you will lose your original credential number and a new application must be submitted to re-apply for the CAPM credential. Before re-testing, this new application must be reviewed and approved by PMI. Also, once expired, you may not use the CAPM designation on business cards, resumes or other documents.
Certification Suspension
To avoid suspension of your credential, you must earn and claim the required 60 PDUs and complete the renewal process. When you renew you are asked to affirm your commitment to the updated PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and paying a renewal fee before your certification cycle expiration date. If you do not maintain your credential by completing and reporting the required PDUs, you allow your credential to expire.
All credential holders, for those credentials which adhere to a CCR program, are afforded a "suspension year." This is a full calendar year in which credential holders can claim any PDUs necessary to renew their certification. During this year, however, the suspended credential holder may not use the PMI credential or post-nominal. If a credential expires, including the suspension period, the only way to re-earn the credential is to go through the application and testing process again. For more information, refer to the CCR Program Handbook.
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