PMP Renewal & PDU Guide: How to Maintain Your Certification in Hong Kong (Step-by-Step)

So, you have finally passed the PMP exam. Congratulations! You are now part of an elite group of project management professionals. But here is the catch: PMP is not a lifetime certification. Unlike a university degree, your PMP status has an expiration date.

To keep your hard-earned title active, you must participate in the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program. This means earning PDUs (Professional Development Units). If you fail to renew within the cycle, your certification will be suspended, and in the worst-case scenario, you might have to retake the exam (a nightmare no one wants to relive).

Don't panic. Renewing your PMP is actually easier—and cheaper—than you think. In this guide, we will break down exactly what PDUs are, how to get them for free, and how to report them in the PMI system.

What is the CCR Cycle? (The "60 PDUs" Rule)

The moment you pass your exam, your 3-year CCR cycle begins. Your mission, should you choose to accept it (and you must), is to earn 60 PDUs within these three years. One PDU equals one hour of learning or volunteering activity.

The 60 PDUs are split into two main categories:

1. Education (Minimum 35 PDUs)

This is mandatory. You must update your knowledge across the PMI Talent Triangle®:

• Ways of Working (formerly Technical): Mastering Agile, Waterfall, or Design Thinking.
• Power Skills (formerly Leadership): Communication, conflict resolution, and team motivation.
• Business Acumen (formerly Strategic): Understanding market trends and organizational strategy.

2. Giving Back (Maximum 25 PDUs)

This is optional but highly recommended. It involves sharing your knowledge with the community. This includes working as a practitioner, volunteering, or creating content.

How to Earn Free PDUs? (Don't Pay for Expensive Courses!)

A common misconception among new PMPs in Hong Kong is that they need to pay for expensive seminars to earn PDUs. This is false. You can easily earn all 60 PDUs for free if you know where to look.

Method 1: Work as a Practitioner (8 PDUs)

If you are currently working in a project management role, you can claim 8 PDUs per cycle just for doing your job. This falls under the "Giving Back" category.

Method 2: Watch Webinars (Unlimited PDUs)

This is the gold mine. If you are a PMI member, you can access thousands of webinars on ProjectManagement.com. The best part? If you log in with your PMI ID, the system automatically reports the PDUs for you after you finish watching. No paperwork required!

Method 3: Reading (Self-Directed Learning)

Do you read management books, blogs (like KORNERSTONE's), or whitepapers? You can claim these hours as Education PDUs. Just keep a record of what you read and the dates.

Method 4: Volunteering

Volunteering for the PMI Hong Kong Chapter or other non-profits can earn you PDUs. It is a great way to network while fulfilling your renewal requirements.

Step-by-Step: How to Report PDUs in the PMI System

Once you have completed an activity, you need to report it in the Continuing Certification Requirements System (CCRS). Here is the walkthrough:

1. Log in: Go to ccrs.pmi.org and log in with your PMI credentials.
2. Report PDUs: Click on "Report PDUs" in the dashboard menu.
3. Select Category: Choose the activity type (e.g., "Online or Digital Media" for webinars, or "Read" for books).
4. Fill Details: Enter the provider name, activity title, and dates. If it is a self-directed activity, you don't need a formal provider ID.
5. Allocate PDUs: Break down the hours into the Talent Triangle (Ways of Working, Power Skills, Business Acumen).
6. Submit: Click submit. Most claims are approved instantly, though some may be selected for a random audit (so keep your notes!).

The Renewal Fee

Once you hit the 60 PDU mark, you will be invited to pay the renewal fee to extend your certification for another 3 years:

• PMI Members: US$60
• Non-Members: US$150

Join the KORNERSTONE Community

Renewal shouldn't be a lonely chore. It should be a continuous journey of growth. At KORNERSTONE, we don't just help you pass the exam; we support your entire career.

Become a KORNERSTONE Alumni and gain access to:

• Exclusive invitations to industry seminars (Free PDUs!).
• Networking events with top Project Managers in Hong Kong.
• Latest updates on PMI standards and market trends.

Don't let your hard work go to waste. Start earning your PDUs today and keep your PMP status active!

Join our PMP Network & Stay Certified