How to Renew Your CAPM® Certification: Everything You Need to Know

By: Ryan Malaluan; Editor: Geram Lompon; Reviewed by: Alvin Villanueva, PMP

You’ve worked hard to earn your Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) certification—but did you know it’s not a lifetime credential? To maintain your CAPM® and keep your project management career on track, the Project Management Institute (PMI®) requires periodic renewal to ensure you’re staying current with industry best practices.

The good news? Understanding how to renew CAPM® certification isn’t complicated—if you know what to expect. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from earning Professional Development Units (PDUs) to the step-by-step renewal process. Whether you’re renewing for the first time or just looking for a refresher, this guide will help you keep your certification active and valuable for years to come.

Understanding CAPM® Certification Renewal

Maintaining your CAPM® certification is crucial for staying current with industry standards. PMI® requires renewal every three years to keep your credential active. Without it, your certification expires, and you’ll need to retake the exam. This guide covers the CAPM® renewal process, key requirements, and how to earn PDUs efficiently.

What Is CAPM® Certification Renewal?

Renewing your Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification ensures you stay current with industry best practices and maintain professional credibility. The Project Management Institute (PMI®) requires CAPM® certification holders to renew their certification every three years to keep their credentials active.

If you miss the renewal deadline, your CAPM® certification expires, and you’ll have to retake the exam—a costly and time-consuming process you’d probably rather avoid.

CAPM® Certification Expiration and Renewal Cycle

The CAPM® certification cycle lasts three years from the date you earned your credential. To renew your certification, you need to:

15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) in project management-related activities, focusing on areas such as Technical Project Management, Strategic and Business Management, and Leadership (Power Skills)
Submit them through the PMI® Continuing Certification Requirements System (CCRS) before your certification expires

If you don’t complete your renewal in time, your certification status becomes inactive, meaning you’ll need to retake the CAPM® exam to regain your credentials.

How to Earn PDUs for CAPM® Renewal

Not sure how to earn PDUs? Here are some of the easiest ways to get them:

Online Courses & Webinars – Not sure how to earn PDUs? Here are some of the easiest ways to get them: Online Courses & Webinars – Gain PDUs through PMI®-approved training programs or check the eligibility of third-party courses before enrolling.
Self-Learning & Reading – Earn credits by studying industry-related books and articles
Workshops & Conferences – Attend project management events to stay ahead of trends.
Volunteering & Mentorship – Share your expertise and earn credits in return

For example, the ROSEMET CAPM® training course is PMI-approved, making it an eligible option for earning PDUs.

CAPM® Certification Renewal: Everything You Need to Know

Earning your Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification is outstanding, but keeping it active requires ongoing professional development. PMI® (Project Management Institute) mandates that CAPM® holders earn 15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years to maintain their certification.

How Many PDUs Do You Need for CAPM® Renewal?

To keep your CAPM® certification valid, you must accumulate 15 PDUs within your three-year renewal cycle. These PDUs must focus on project management education and professional growth to ensure you stay current with industry standards.

Ways to Earn PDUs for CAPM® Renewal

There are multiple ways to earn PDUs, allowing you to choose activities that align with your learning style and career goals:

Enroll in online courses and training (PMI®-approved or third-party providers) to accumulate education PDUs efficiently.
Attend live or on-demand webinars focused on project management.
Join workshops, seminars, or conferences to gain hands-on experience.
Engage in self-paced learning, such as reading project management books or listening to podcasts (note: PMI® limits PDUs from informal learning).
Teach project management concepts to others in a professional or volunteer setting.
Create project management-related content, such as articles, blogs, or presentations.

How to Report Your PDUs to PMI®

Once you’ve earned your PDUs, follow these steps to submit them to PMI® for approval:

Log in to your PMI® account at PMI.org.
Navigate to the Continuing Certification Requirements System (CCRS).
Enter your PDU details, including the activity name, provider, date, and category.
Submit your claim and monitor your approval status within your PMI® account.

Pro Tip: Keep documentation of your completed activities, as PMI® may conduct audits to verify your PDU claims.

Stay Certified with ROSEMET

Looking for PMI®-approved training to earn PDUs effortlessly? At ROSEMET, we offer CAPM® and PMP certification training programs to help you maintain your certification while advancing your career.

Explore CAPM® Training Options

Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your CAPM® Certification

Earning your CAPM® certification is outstanding, but keeping it active requires periodic renewal. The good news? The process is straightforward, and you can renew without stress with the right approach. Follow these simple steps to maintain your certification and stay ahead in your project management career.

Step 1: Track Your PDU Progress

Keeping an organized record of your Professional Development Units (PDUs) is key to a smooth renewal process. Here’s how to stay on top of it:

Log your completed PDU activities in a spreadsheet or directly in your PMI® account.
Make sure each activity aligns with the PMI Talent Triangle categories:
- Technical Project Management – e.g., Agile frameworks, risk analysis, scheduling tools.
- Strategic and Business Management – e.g., business strategy, industry trends, financial planning, and business acumen.
- Leadership (Power Skills) – e.g., team collaboration, conflict resolution, communication skills.

Pro Tip: Check PMI®’s PDU requirements frequently to ensure your activities qualify for renewal.

Step 2: Submit Your PDUs in the PMI® CCRS System

Once you’ve accumulated the required PDUs, it’s time to submit them:

Log in to PMI®’s CCRS portal (Continuing Certification Requirements System).
Click “Report PDUs” and fill in the details for each completed activity.
Attach certificates of completion (if applicable).
Double-check your entries, then submit them for PMI® approval.

Tip: PMI® may audit your submission, so keep records of all learning activities, including completion certificates and receipts.

Step 3: Pay the CAPM® Renewal Fee

After your PDUs are approved, you’ll need to pay the renewal fee to finalize the process:

PMI® Members – $60
Non-Members – $150

Why Consider PMI® Membership? In addition to saving on renewal fees, members get access to exclusive learning resources, industry reports, and discounts on future PMI® certifications.

Step 4: Confirm Your Renewal Status

Once your PDUs are verified and payment is processed, PMI® will confirm your certification renewal.

Your CAPM® certification is now valid for another three years.
You’ll receive an updated CAPM® digital badge as proof of renewal.
Your certification status will be updated in the PMI® registry, making it visible to employers and peers.

That’s it. You’re all set for another three years of career growth and credibility in project management.

Renewing your CAPM® certification doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can ensure continuous recognition of your skills by tracking your PDUs, submitting them correctly, and paying the renewal fee on time.

Best Ways to Earn PDUs for CAPM® Renewal

Renewing your Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble. By strategically earning Professional Development Units (PDUs), you can meet PMI®’s requirements without stress. Below, we’ve outlined the best ways to earn PDUs efficiently, including free and paid options.

Top Learning Resources for Earning PDUs

To ensure your PDUs count toward CAPM® renewal, prioritize PMI®-approved learning providers and structured courses. Here are the best options:

PMI®’s Official PDU Podcast Package – PMI® offers on-demand podcast sessions to help you earn PDUs conveniently.
LinkedIn Learning’s Project Management Courses – Some courses qualify for PDUs, but check PMI® approval before enrolling.
Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare – Various project management courses are available, but not all grant PDUs. Look for PMI®-approved training.
PMI®-Approved Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.s) – These providers are directly authorized by PMI®, ensuring PDU eligibility.

Free vs. Paid PDU Options

You can choose between free and paid PDU sources depending on your budget. Here’s a breakdown:

Free PDU Sources:

PMI®’s free webinars and live events
Reading PMI®-approved project management blogs and articles
Volunteering for PMI® or industry-related projects

Paid PDU Sources:

Online courses from PMI®-approved providers
Comprehensive CAPM® and PMP® study materials
PMI® membership training sessions

Tip: Leverage free PDUs first to reduce costs, then use paid courses to fill any gaps.

Avoiding Common CAPM® Renewal Mistakes

Renewing your CAPM® certification should be smooth, but minor missteps can lead to expiration. Here’s how to stay on track and avoid common pitfalls:

Missing the renewal deadline – Mark your calendar and submit your PDUs and renewal fees well before your certification expires.
Not tracking PDUs properly – Keep a detailed log of all earned PDUs, and regularly update PMI®’s CCRS (Continuing Certification Requirements System) to avoid last-minute surprises.
Selecting non-eligible PDUs – Ensure your PDUs align with PMI®’s approved categories to prevent rejections during the renewal process.

Final Thoughts on Renewing Your CAPM® Certification

Renewing your CAPM® certification isn’t just a requirement—it’s a strategic move to keep your project management skills sharp and your career opportunities open. Staying certified demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and aligns you with industry best practices.

To make renewal stress-free, start earning PDUs early. Break it down into manageable steps—attend a webinar this month, complete an online course next quarter, or join a professional networking event. This way, you stay ahead without the last-minute rush.

Looking for an efficient way to earn PDUs? ROSEMET offers expert-led courses and interactive learning modules to simplify your renewal process. Take charge of your certification journey today!

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