PMI RMP Handbook
PMI RMP Handbook
PMI RMP Handbook
Table of Contents
Topic Page
How to Use this Handbook (copyright and revision) 2
About PMI’s Certification Program 3
Overview of the PMI-RMP Credential
Overview of the PMI-RMP Credential 4
Timeline of the PMI-RMP Credential Process 5
PMI-RMP Role Delineation (Job Analysis) 6
PMI-RMP Eligibility Requirements 7
PMI-RMP Application & Payment
How to Complete the Online Application 8
How to Record Your Experience and/or Education on the Application 9
Application Processing 10
PMI-RMP Credential Fees 11
How to Submit Payment 12
PMI-RMP Refund Policy 13
PMI Audit Process 14
Exam Policies & Procedures
PMI-RMP Examination Information 15
PMI-RMP Examination Blueprint 16
Examination Administration 17
Special Accommodations for the Examination 18
Examination Eligibility 19
How to Schedule Your Examination Appointment 20
Rescheduling/Cancellation Policy for CBT Exams 22
Rescheduling/Cancellation Policy for PBT Exams 23
Emergency Situations / Extenuating Circumstances 23
PMI Examination Security & Confidentiality 25
Examination Site Requirements & Instructions 26
Examination Report 30
Reexamination 31
PMI Appeals Procedure 32
Use of Your PMI Credential 33
Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) Program
About the CCR Program 34
How to Determine Your Certification/CCR Cycle 35
Certification Status 36
Professional Development Units (PDUs) 37
PDU Categories 39
Map of PDU Categories from Old to New 43
Limits on PDU Categories 44
How to Transfer PDUs to the Next Cycle 44
How to Record PDU Activities 45
How to Maintain Multiple Credentials 46
Application Fees & Audit Process for Credential Renewal 47
PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 48
PMI Credential Candidate/Renewal Agreement 53
How to Use the PMI-RMP® Credential Handbook
This handbook contains information on how you can apply for the PMI-RMP, a credential for those who
provide expertise in the specialized area of project risk management. It applies to both computer-based
and paper-based testing candidates.
PMI requires that all credential applicants read this entire handbook. The purpose of this handbook is to
provide you with important information about the policies and procedures for obtaining and maintaining a
PMI® credential.
®
PMI-RMP Credential Handbook last updated 31 August 2013.
“PMI”, the PMI logo, “Making project management indispensable for business results”, “PMBOK”, “CAPM”, “Certified Associate
in Project Management (CAPM)”, “PMP”, “Project Management Professional (PMP)”, “Project Management Professional”, the
PMP logo, “PgMP”, “Program Management Professional (PgMP)”, “PMI-RMP”, “PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-
RMP)” “PMI-SP”, “PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)”, “PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)” and PMI-ACP are marks
of Project Management Institute, Inc.
For a comprehensive list of PMI marks, contact the PMI Legal Department
PMI’s certification and credentials are distinguished by their global development and application, which
makes them transferable across industries and geographic borders. The role and tasks of project
managers around the globe are researched and documented to define each credential. The strength of
PMI’s credentials is that they are portable and not tied to any single method, standard, or organization.
PMI’s certification program is designed to ensure that all credential holders have demonstrated their
competence through fair and valid measures. Steps are taken to ensure only the most reliable testing
measures are used in the assessment of candidates. For example, interviews can be influenced by how
difficult the interviewer tends to be, how well the candidate is performing that day, and even how many
questions the interviewer asks along the same line of questioning.
PMI certification and credentials are also developed by project management practitioners for
practitioners. The certification program is driven by the thousands of credential holders who volunteer to
spend time constructing and refining the examination questions utilized by PMI. These volunteers
represent the diversity of PMI’s market, coming from every region of the world, industry, job level, and
experience level.
The exam questions are monitored through industry-standard statistical procedures, also overseen by
volunteers. Finally, PMI’s entire certification program is supervised by the Certification Governance
Council (CGC), a committee of PMI credential holders who have a board mandate to oversee PMI’s
credentials.
A candidate is assessed by examining his or her competence using:
• Reviewing Education and Experience—A combination of education and/or experience in
project management is required for each certification.
• Testing Competence—The candidate is required to apply project management concepts and
experience to potential on-the-job situations through a series of scenario-based questions.
• Ongoing Development—Maintenance of a PMI certification requires the accumulation of
ongoing professional development and education or, in the case of the CAPM® certification, re-
certification.
Secondary diploma (high At least 4,500 hours spent in the 40 contact hours of formal
School diploma, associate’s specialized area of professional project education in the specialized
risk management within the last five area of project risk
degree or global equivalent)
consecutive years management
OR
Four-year degree (bachelor’s At least 3,000 hours spent in the 30 contact hours of formal
specialized area of professional project education in the specialized
degree or global equivalent)
risk management within the last five area of project risk
consecutive years management
NOTE: Electronic communications from PMI may inadvertently be blocked or forwarded to bulk
mail folders by some spam filters. Please add [email protected] to the personal address
book in your email program to help ensure that you don’t miss important CCR program updates
from PMI.
Before you submit the application, you will be required to read and agree to the PMI Code of Ethics
and Professional Conduct and the Certification Application/Renewal Agreement, which can be found in
this handbook and on PMI.org.
NOTE: Incomplete applications and faxed applications will not be processed or returned.
NOTE: One hour of classroom instruction equals one contact hour. If you have completed a
university or college course on project risk management that met for three hours per week for 15
weeks, you would record 45 contact hours. If only a portion of a course dealt with project risk
management, only the hours spent on project risk management can be applied toward the total.
There is no time frame associated with this requirement; therefore, you can record all education within
the specialty area of project risk regardless of when it was accrued. The course work must be
completed at the time you submit the application and must include content on project risk
management.
You can satisfy the project risk management education requirements by demonstrating the successful
completion of courses, workshops and training sessions offered by one or more of the following types of
education providers:
A. PMI Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.s)*
B. PMI chapters or communities of practice*
C. Employer/company-sponsored programs
D. Training companies or consultants (e.g., training schools)
E. Distance-learning companies, including an end-of-course assessment
F. University/college academic and continuing education programs
*Courses offered by PMI R.E.P.s, PMI chapters and communities of practice or by PMI are
pre-approved for contact hours in fulfillment of the educational eligibility requirement.
NOTE: While you may be able to record applicable classes that counted toward a degree,
you cannot record the degree program in its entirety because some classes within the
program will not apply to the requirement.
Application Processing
PMI strives to process credential applications in a timely manner. The application processing timeline
depends on how you submit your application—either online using the certification system, or on paper
sent by postal mail to PMI. The following table details the application processing timeline.
NOTE: This processing timeline does not apply if your application has been selected for PMI’s
audit process (refer to the PMI Audit Process section in this handbook for more details).
The PMI membership rate will apply only if you are a member of PMI in good standing at the time you
submit payment for the credential. If you apply for membership right before you apply for the credential,
make sure you receive confirmation of your membership before you pay for the credential. If your
membership has not been completely processed before you pay for the credential, you will be charged
the nonmember rate.
If PMI membership is obtained after you submit payment for the credential, PMI will not refund the
difference.
Review all the benefits of PMI membership or Join Now!
If you submit your application by postal mail, payment is expected to be received with your
application.
If you submit your application online, you may submit payment by the following ways:
1. Online—Use the online certification system to submit credit card payment. This will enable PMI to
process your payment more quickly.
OR
2. By Postal Mail—Mail a check, money order, credit card information or wire payment information
to PMI. For all mail-in payments, please download and complete the Credential Payment Form
and submit the completed form with your payment. Include your PMI identification number and
user name.
NOTE: When credential payment is received, PMI will send electronic notification
indicating one of the following next steps:
• Examination scheduling instructions
• Application has randomly been selected for PMI’s audit process
PMI will NOT provide you with a refund in the following instances:
• If your one-year eligibility period has expired and you have not scheduled the exam, you will not
receive a refund. You will forfeit the entire fee. You will not be able to use the initial fees for
anything else. If you still wish to obtain the credential, you will have to reapply and submit all
associated fees again.
• If you have scheduled the exam and did not take it, nor provided the necessary
cancellation/rescheduling notification to PMI’s testing administration partner, Prometric, you will
not receive a refund. Again, you will forfeit the fee and not be able to apply it to anything else.
NOTE: You can send a request for refund to [email protected] or by fax to +1 610 482
9971.
PMI
Attn: Certification Audit
14 Campus Blvd.
Newtown Square, PA 19073-3299 USA
You may not continue with the credential process until you have complied with the audit requirements.
Once you successfully complete the audit, your one-year examination eligibility period starts.
Incomplete submissions will not be processed and will result in failure of the audit.
If you fail to meet the audit requirements, you will receive a refund (refer to the Refund Policy section
in this handbook for the credential you are pursuing for more details).
NOTE: Please be advised that while the selection process for an audit is primarily random, PMI
reserves the right to select any candidate to be audited at any time, including after the credential
has been bestowed. If you fail to meet the audit requirements after attaining the credential, you
are not entitled to a refund.
150 20 170
Computer-based testing (CBT) is the standard method of administration for PMI examinations. Paper-
based testing (PBT) is available under limited circumstances (refer to the Examination Administration
section in this handbook for more details).
The allotted time to complete the computer-based examination is three and a half hours.
3.5 hours
It may take some candidates less than the allotted three and a half hours to complete the examination.
There are no scheduled breaks during the exam, although you are allowed to take a break if
needed. If you take a break during the exam, your exam clock continues to count down.
The examination is preceded by a tutorial and followed by a survey, both of which are optional
and both of which can take up to 15 minutes to complete. The time used to complete the tutorial and
survey is not included in the examination time of three and a half hours.
Item Development
PMI-RMP examination questions:
• are developed and independently validated by global work groups of project risk management
practitioners;
• are referenced to current project risk management and project management titles, which
include but are not limited to PMI’s global standards;
• are monitored through psychometric analysis; and
• satisfy the test specifications of the PMI–Risk Management Professional Examination
Specification.
Total 100%
Examination Administration
Computer-based testing (CBT) is the standard method of administration for all PMI examinations.
However, paper-based testing (PBT) is available in the following situations only:
1. Candidates who live at least 300 km (186.5 miles) from a Prometric CBT site.
2. Employers (Corporate Sponsors) who wish to administer a PMI examination to their
employees. In this case, there is no restriction on distance; however, only employees of the
corporation may test at these events.
NOTE: You do not have the option of taking a CBT or PBT exam. You can only take a PBT
exam if you meet one of the two criteria listed above.
PMI reserves the right to cancel a PBT event that does not have a minimum of 10 candidates. Additional
restrictions apply. Sponsors can obtain a copy of the PBT Handbook by contacting [email protected].
CBT test centers are listed on the Prometric website. If you are unable to locate a Prometric CBT center
within a 300 km- (186.5 mile-) radius of your home, review the PBT listing on the Prometric website to
see if there is a PBT event available in your area.
Prometric, a leading global provider of comprehensive testing and assessment services, is PMI’s
examination administration partner.
NOTE: As part of the credential payment process, you need to indicate whether you will be taking
a computer-based or paper-based examination. If you need to take a PBT examination, include
the site location, date, and group testing number on your application.
NOTE: Record your need for special accommodations as part of the payment process (if you
applied online) or as part of the application process (if you submitted a paper application).
Once your request is submitted, you must forward supporting medical documentation to PMI by fax (+1
610 239 2257) or email ([email protected]). No requests for accommodations will be
considered without supporting documentation. You will be unable to schedule an examination until your
accommodations are approved by PMI.
PMI is unable to add any accommodations onto an existing examination appointment. If you do not
request accommodations during the examination payment process, but will require them, please contact
[email protected] as soon as possible. If you have already scheduled your examination, you will
have to cancel it prior to requesting the accommodations. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Examination Eligibility
Once payment of the credential fee has been received, and you successfully completed the application
audit (if your application was selected), you are deemed eligible to take the examination. PMI will send
you an email notification with:
• Your unique PMI Eligibility ID.
• The start and end dates for your eligibility period.
• The examination scheduling instructions.
NOTE: If your application was selected for audit, your eligibility period begins the day you
successfully complete the audit.
The examination eligibility period (the period of time during which you are able to test) is one year.
You may take the examination up to three times within this one-year eligibility period should you not pass
on the first attempt.
All PMI examinations are delivered by PMI’s testing partner, Prometric. The examination scheduling
instructions contained within this handbook and in your eligibility letter will direct you to a section of
Prometric’s website, where you can select and schedule your examination date and location.
PMI cannot guarantee or reserve seating at the testing centers and recommends that you schedule
the examination as soon as you select a date on which you want to take it and at least three months
before the expiration of your eligibility period.
NOTE: You must retain the unique PMI Eligibility ID located on your scheduling instructions. This
code will be required to register for the examination.
Please print and save all examination scheduling verifications and correspondence received from
Prometric, for your records.
Schedule your appointment online at the Prometric website (www.prometric.com/pmi). Upon arrival, you
will notice that the page is divided into the two options. Under the section labeled “I want to…,” please
select the left side, for PMI-RMP candidates.
NOTE: Please maintain a copy of the CBT examination confirmation in your files in the unlikely
event that there are any discrepancies. PMI will not be able to advocate for you if this
confirmation notice is not provided.
*Candidates who live in Christchurch or Wellington, New Zealand need to contact [email protected] to schedule an exam
appointment.
When calling Prometric’s Customer Care Center, the Customer Service Representative will ask for:
1. Testing program: (Project Management Institute)
2. Name of examination: (CAPM, PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP, PMI-SP, PMP, or PgMP)
3. PMI Eligibility ID (e.g., 1234567E1)
NOTE: If you neglect to apply for special accommodations at the time you complete the application
and wish to do so as you schedule your exam, you must first contact [email protected]. You
cannot schedule the exam with special accommodations without first applying for the
accommodations and getting them approved.
Examples:
Please note, if you are within two days of your examination appointment, not counting the date of the
appointment itself, you will be unable to reschedule your appointment. The only option presented will be
to cancel. Cancellation of an appointment within two days of the examination will result in the forfeiture of
the full examination fee, as dictated by the policies on the previous page.
Emails to Prometric or PMI are not acceptable forms of communication to reschedule or cancel your
examination appointment.
If you have Internet connectivity problems, or experience any issues rescheduling or cancelling your
examination online, you can call Prometric directly to reschedule or cancel your appointment. Contact
telephone numbers for all Prometric Service Centers are located in your Examination Scheduling
Instructions and in this handbook. All candidates are instructed not to call the testing site to
reschedule or cancel the examination.
Extenuating Circumstances
PMI understands that there are times when personal emergencies may cause you to:
1. Reschedule or cancel your exam within 30 days of the appointment,
or
2. Miss a scheduled exam appointment (resulting in a no-show status).
These are referred to as extenuating circumstances and can include:
• medical emergency,
• military deployment,
• death in immediate family,
• illness in immediate family, or
• natural disaster.
*Extenuating circumstances do not include work-related circumstances.*
Should a situation like this occur, PMI will examine your situation and take appropriate action.
1. If your circumstance forces you to reschedule or cancel your exam within 30 days of the
appointment:
Go online to the Prometric website as soon as you know you are unable to make your scheduled
appointment and reschedule or cancel your exam. You will be charged the $70 fee; however, you
can contact PMI Customer Care with an explanation and supporting documents (e.g., accident
report, medical documentation, etc.) to obtain a refund on the late rescheduling/cancellation fee, if
approved by PMI.
2. If your circumstance forces you to miss your scheduled exam appointment (resulting in a no-show
status):
Please Contact PMI Customer Care within 72 hours following the missed exam
appointment. You will be asked to provide an explanation along with supporting documentation
(e.g., accident report, medical documentation, etc.) in order for you to reschedule or cancel your
exam without penalty, if approved by PMI.
PMI will review all claims on a case-by-case basis. If your extenuating circumstance claim is not
approved, you will be required to pay the full reexamination fee to sit for the exam.
No-Show Status
Failure to notify Prometric or PMI within the specified time periods to reschedule or cancel
your exam and failure to meet a scheduled examination appointment will result in a no-show
status. If you reach a no-show status, you will forfeit the exam fee and have to pay the full
reexamination fee in order to schedule another examination.
If you do not provide the appropriate and/or matching identification, you will not be permitted to test. If
you still wish to take the exam, you will be required to apply for reexamination and pay the reexamination
fee in order to take the exam at a later date, when valid identification is available.
Check-in procedure
On the day of your examination, please arrive a half hour before your scheduled appointment. You
must sign in, present the required identification, and provide your unique PMI Eligibility ID. You may also
be asked to provide the confirmation number received when scheduling the appointment.
Items such as sweaters and jewelry may be worn into the testing center, but cannot be removed once
you have entered the testing room.
You will be provided with a locker on the day of your examination to store your personal belongings.
Once your items are stored, you will be unable to access your locker until you have completed your
examination appointment.
If you will require any personal items in the testing room due to a medical condition, such as food,
beverages or medication, you will need authorization from PMI prior to scheduling your examination
appointment. Please review the Special Accommodations policy on page 22 for additional information on
obtaining authorization.
On the day of your examination, please arrive a half hour before your scheduled appointment.
Candidates who arrive late to an appointment will not be permitted to test. You will be asked to sign into
the testing center and present your identification documents. You may also be asked to provide your
examination confirmation. The Testing Center Administrator will ask you to empty your pockets and roll
up your sleeves, and will scan you with a metal detecting wand. You will be provided with your locker and
key, and will be asked to relocate all personal items to your secure locker. The Testing Center
Administrator reserves the right to ask you to relocate any and all personal items in your pockets to your
locker. The only items that may remain on your person at all times are your government-issued
identification and your locker key. Once your items have been stored, you will be unable to access the
locker again until your examination appointment has been completed.
Once you have completed the check-in process, the Testing Center Administrator will provide you with
either a booklet of scratch paper and two pencils or two erasable marker boards, two markers and an
eraser. Which of these two note taking items is provided is dependent on the testing center’s available
supplies; candidates will not have a choice between scratch paper and the marker boards. Calculators
are built into the CBT exam; however, you may raise your hand at any time during the examination and
request a hand held calculator. Hand held calculators will be provided to all candidates taking a PBT
exam. If you require additional scratch paper at any time during the examination, you may raise your
hand and request it. The Testing Center Administrator will remove the used scratch paper and provide
you with a fresh booklet. Candidates may only have either one booklet of scratch paper or two marker
boards at their testing terminal at any given time.
You will then be escorted into the testing room by the Testing Center Administrator, who will seat you at
your workstation and begin your examination. On the first screen, you will be asked to verify both your
name and the examination you are taking. Once this information is verified, the examination tutorial will
begin. A clock is built into the CBT exam, and will begin to count down as soon as the tutorial has begun.
A candidate may exit the tutorial at any time; if a candidate does not voluntarily end the tutorial, once the
15 minute time window has elapsed, the tutorial will automatically end and the examination will begin.
There are no scheduled breaks during the examination. If you wish to take an unscheduled break, you
may get up from your terminal at any time and exit the testing room. All candidates will have to sign in
and out of the testing center and present their government-issued identification documents upon each
entrance and exit.
All examination appointments are monitored by continuous audio and video recording.
If you observe any irregularity in the testing center, or experience any issues during your examination
appointment, you are required to raise your hand and inform the Testing Center Administrator as the
issue is occurring.
Testing Aids
Test candidates are prohibited from bringing calculators and scrap paper into the test site. However,
these items will be provided for you by Prometric on the day of the exam:
• Calculators are built into the CBT exam and will be provided to those candidates taking a PBT
exam
• Writing materials for taking notes during the examination, either:
o Scrap paper and pencils, or
o Erasable board and markers
12. Failing to follow any other examination administration regulations set forth in PMI Certification
Program policies given by the test administrator/supervisor, or specified in any examination
materials
The PMI Certification Department reserves the right to take all action including, but not limited to, barring
you from future testing and/or canceling your scores, for failure to comply with the test
administrator/supervisor’s directions. If your scores are cancelled, you will be notified of such action and
its basis, and your examination fees will not be refunded.
Although tests are administered under strict supervision and security measures, examination
irregularities may sometimes occur. You are required to contact PMI as soon as possible to report any
observed behavior that may lead to an invalid score—for example, someone copying from another test
taker, taking a test for someone else, having access to test questions before the examination, or using
notes or unauthorized aids. All information will be held in confidence.
Examination Report
Upon completion of the computer-based examination, you will receive a printed copy of your test results.
In addition to the overall pass/fail status, important diagnostic information on your performance is
provided for each domain. This information provides specific guidance for both passing and failing
candidates.
Understanding Your Exam Report
Your test results are reported in two ways:
1. A pass/fail result score is generated based on your overall performance on the examination.
2. The second level of results is the assignment of one of three proficiency levels to each chapter.
• Each topic domain is assigned one of three levels of proficiency—Proficient, Moderately
Proficient and Below Proficient—based on the number of questions answered correctly within the
domain.
• This provides direction about your strengths and weaknesses.
HAND SCORING for the paper-based test is available up to six months after the administration. The fee
for hand scoring is US$45. For more information or to request hand scoring please contact
[email protected]. PMI does not offer hand scoring for computer-based tests.
NOTE: If you do not pass the credential examination on your first attempt, you have two more
opportunities to retest within your one-year eligibility period. Refer to the Reexamination section
in this handbook for more details.
NOTE: You will not see your certification status on the online Certification Registry until PMI
receives your examination results from Prometric.
PMI-RMP Credential Handbook – revised 31 August 2013 30
2008-2012 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.
Exam Policies & Procedures
Reexamination
You are granted a one-year eligibility period in which to pass the examination. During the eligibility
period, you may take the examination up to three times because candidates do not always pass the
examination on their first attempt. Gauge your time carefully to leave enough time during the eligibility
period to retake the examination if needed.
Reexamination fees apply to the second and third attempts to pass the examination.
If you fail the examination three times within your one-year eligibility period, you must wait one year from
the date of your last examination to reapply for the credential. However, after failing a credential
examination three times, candidates may opt to apply for any other PMI credential. For example, a
candidate who failed the PMI-RMP examination three times in his or her one-year eligibility period must
wait one year to reapply for the PMI-RMP. However, he or she can apply for the CAPM, PMI-ACP, PMI-
SP, PMP, or PgMP (and submit the associated initial credential fees) at any time.
Reexamination fees apply to the second and third attempts to pass the examination during each eligibility
period. If your eligibility period expires without you having passed the examination, you must reapply for
the credential.
All certification related appeal requests must be made in writing via email ([email protected]) or
postal mail to the Office of Certification Appeals (14 Campus Boulevard; Newtown Square, PA 19073-
3299; USA). The Office of Certification Appeals will maintain a record of each appeal, the subsequent
action(s) taken, and the decision made. The Office of Certification Appeals will be responsible for all
communications with the person who submitted the appeal.
This appeal process is the only method to review all decisions made by the PMI regarding applications,
eligibility, examinations, test administration and results, Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR)
and other application or testing-related certification issues and/or challenges or complaints*.
* Disciplinary decisions made by PMI regarding persons already certified and credentialed by PMI are
evaluated under a separate process, the PMI Ethics Case Procedures, which is detailed at:
http://www.pmi.org/About-Us/Ethics/Ethics-Complaints.aspx.
Certificate Package
Within six to eight weeks, you will receive a credential package that includes:
• Congratulatory letter
• Information on how to maintain and renew your credential
• Credential certificate
You will want to file this information in a safe and easily accessible location. You will need to refer to it in
order to report professional development activities to maintain your credential.
Until you receive your certificate package, you may use your exam report (available online through the
certification system) to validate your credential status.
Work Online
Use the online certification system to:
• View your listing on the Certification Registry
• Update your contact information
• Determine your Certification/CCR cycle dates on your certification record
PMI-RMP
Certification/CCR cycle begins The day you pass the exam
Certification/CCR ends On the third anniversary of passing the
exam
Calculations:
If you pass the exam on… 15 September 2010
Your certification/CCR cycle starts… 15 September 2010
Your certification/CCR cycle ends… 15 September 2013
Therefore, you need to renew your
credential by… 14 September 2013
Your next cycle starts… 15 September 2013
Your next cycle ends… 14 September 2016
Certification Status
Active Status
Once you earn the credential, you are considered to be in active status. When you earn and record your
PDUs and renew your credential before the certification/CCR cycle end date, you remain a credential
holder in good standing and considered to be in active status.
Credential holders in active status will be listed in the online Certification Registry, which allows
verification of your credentialed status. The online Certification Registry automatically lists names of
PMI’s credential holders. You can choose to be removed from the registry, so the absence of your name
in the registry does not necessarily mean that you are not credentialed.
Suspended Status
If you do not satisfy the CCR program within your active certification dates, you will be placed on
suspended status. The suspension period lasts one year (12 months). If you are in suspended status,
you may not refer to yourself as a credential holder or use the credential designation until you earn the
necessary PDUs or complete the renewal process within the one-year suspension period.
The date of your next CCR cycle will not change after you are reinstated to active status from suspended
status. (The suspension period overlaps the time frame of your next cycle—see chart below).
Expired Status
If you do not earn the necessary PDUs or do not complete the renewal process within the suspension
period, you will lose your credential. If you let your credential expire, you may not refer to yourself as a
credential holder or use the credential designation. To attain the credential again, you will be required to
reapply for the credential by submitting the initial application again, submit the associated fees and
retake the examination.
Retired Status
If you are a credential holder in good standing, who wishes to voluntarily relinquish your active status due
to retirement, you are eligible to apply for retired status. To qualify, you must no longer earn primary
remuneration for practicing project management and must have been a credential holder in good
standing for at least 10 consecutive years.
Once you are in retired status, you do not need to earn or report PDUs.
To apply for retired status, submit an email request to [email protected] or fax (1 484 631 1332). PMI will
send you guidelines about retired status and a form to complete. There is also a US$100 processing fee.
If you get back into the practice of project management, you can apply for active status again by
contacting PMI’s Customer Care by email. Once you have active status again, you will be required to
earn and report PDUs.
In other words, PDU requirements to maintain the PMI-RMP credential are as follows:
NOTE: If you attend courses that calculate by Continuing Education Units (CEUs), please be
aware that for conversion purposes, one CEU equals 10 PDUs.
Fractions of PDUs also may be reported in quarterly increments. This means that if you spent 15
minutes participating in a qualifying PDU activity, you can report 0.25 PDU. If you spend 30 minutes in a
qualifying PDU activity, you can report 0.50 PDU.
PDU Categories
The CCR program organizes PDUs into the following categories with the associated policies noted.
EDUCATION CATEGORIES
PDU Rule
1 hour of instruction related to project risk management equals 1 PDU. You can report PDUs in
0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 increments.
PDU Rule
1 hour of instruction related to project risk management equals 1 PDU. You can report PDUs in
0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 increments.
PDU Rule
1 PDU is awarded for every 1 hour spent in a self-directed learning activity listed in this category.
PDU restrictions: PMI-RMP credential holders cannot earn more than 15 PDUs in this category
per 3-year certification cycle
PDU Rule
1 PDU is awarded for 1 hour of volunteer (non-compensated) service.
The PDUs claimed in this category count against the maximum of 20 PDUs allowed for PMI-RMP
credential holders in the “Giving Back to the Profession” categories (Categories D, E and F).
PDU Rule
For working as a project risk manager for a minimum of 6 months within the 12 month period, you can
earn a total of:
• 7.5 PDUs per cycle for PMI-RMP credential holders
You may claim:
• 2.5 PDUs per 12-month period for PMI-RMP credential holders
The PDUs claimed in this category count against the maximum of 20 PDUs allowed for PMI-RMP
credential holders in the “Giving Back to the Profession” categories (Categories D, E and F).
NOTE: If your CCR cycle has been extended by suspension, all PDU maximum limits still apply.
No new maximum limits will be set. Therefore, if you already were approved for 15 PDUs for
working as a project manager, you cannot claim any more PDUs for this activity during the
suspension period.
PMI-RMP 10 PDUs
PMI-SP 10 PDUs
PMI-ACP 10 PDUs
PgMP 20 PDUs
PMP 20 PDUs
Only PDUs earned in the final year (12 months) of your certification cycle can be transferred.
Action Resource
Email the PDU Activity Reporting Form
to: [email protected]
Mail the completed PDU Activity Project Management Institute
Reporting Forms to: Attn: CCR Records Office
14 Campus Blvd
Newtown Square, PA 19073-3299 USA
Fax the Activity Reporting Form to
PMI, CCR Records Office +1 484 631 1332
The renewal fee for PMI members is US$60 and US$150 for nonmembers.
PMI’s membership renewal fee is different and separate than the credential renewal fee.
You must complete the application and submit payment no later than 90 days after your credential end
date.
Alternatively, you may submit the Application for Certification Renewal and payment by postal mail to
PMI.
NOTE: Electronic communications from PMI may inadvertently be blocked or forwarded to bulk
mail folders by some spam filters. Please add [email protected] to the personal address
book in your email program to help ensure that you don’t miss important CCR program updates
from PMI.
After processing the completed application and the renewal payment, PMI will send you an updated
certificate with the new active certification/CCR cycle dates. Please allow six to eight weeks for postal
delivery of your certification.
You may cancel your credential at any time. To do so, contact Customer Care in writing. PMI will refund
one-third of the renewal fee for each full year of the renewed certification/CCR cycle that you have not
used following the date of the written cancellation request.
CHAPTER 2. RESPONSIBILITY
2.1 Description of Responsibility
Responsibility is our duty to take ownership for the decisions we make or fail to make, the actions we take or fail to
take, and the consequences that result.
2.2 Responsibility: Aspirational Standards
As practitioners in the global project management community:
2.2.1 We make decisions and take actions based on the best interests of society, public safety, and the
environment.
2.2.2 We accept only those assignments that are consistent with our background, experience, skills, and
qualifications.
Comment: Where developmental or stretch assignments are being considered, we ensure that key
stakeholders receive timely and complete information regarding the gaps in our qualifications so that they may
make informed decisions regarding our suitability for a particular assignment.
In the case of a contracting arrangement, we only bid on work that our organization is qualified to perform and
we assign only qualified individuals to perform the work.
2.2.3 We fulfill the commitments that we undertake – we do what we say we will do.
2.2.4 When we make errors or omissions, we take ownership and make corrections promptly. When we
discover errors or omissions caused by others, we communicate them to the appropriate body as soon
they are discovered. We accept accountability for any issues resulting from our errors or omissions and
any resulting consequences.
2.2.5 We protect proprietary or confidential information that has been entrusted to us.
2.2.6 We uphold this Code and hold each other accountable to it.
2.3 Responsibility: Mandatory Standards
As practitioners in the global project management community, we require the following of ourselves and our fellow
practitioners:
Regulations and Legal Requirements
2.3.1 We inform ourselves and uphold the policies, rules, regulations and laws that govern our work,
professional, and volunteer activities.
2.3.2 We report unethical or illegal conduct to appropriate management and, if necessary, to those affected by
the conduct.
Comment: These provisions have several implications. Specifically, we do not engage in any illegal behavior,
including but not limited to: theft, fraud, corruption, embezzlement, or bribery. Further, we do not take or abuse
the property of others, including intellectual property, nor do we engage in slander or libel. In focus groups
conducted with practitioners around the globe, these types of illegal behaviors were mentioned as being
problematic.
As practitioners and representatives of our profession, we do not condone or assist others in engaging in illegal
behavior. We report any illegal or unethical conduct. Reporting is not easy and we recognize that it may have
negative consequences. Since recent corporate scandals, many organizations have adopted policies to protect
employees who reveal the truth about illegal or unethical activities. Some governments have also adopted
legislation to protect employees who come forward with the truth.
Ethics Complaints
2.3.3 We bring violations of this Code to the attention of the appropriate body for resolution.
2.3.4 We only file ethics complaints when they are substantiated by facts.
Comment: These provisions have several implications. We cooperate with PMI concerning ethics violations
and the collection of related information whether we are a complainant or a respondent. We also abstain from
accusing others of ethical misconduct when we do not have all the facts. Further, we pursue disciplinary action
against individuals who knowingly make false allegations against others.
2.3.5 We pursue disciplinary action against an individual who retaliates against a person raising ethics
concerns.
CHAPTER 3. RESPECT
3.1 Description of Respect
Respect is our duty to show a high regard for ourselves, others, and the resources entrusted to us. Resources
entrusted to us may include people, money, reputation, the safety of others, and natural or environmental
resources.
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An environment of respect engenders trust, confidence, and performance excellence by fostering mutual
cooperation — an environment where diverse perspectives and views are encouraged and valued.
3.2 Respect: Aspirational Standards
As practitioners in the global project management community:
3.2.1 We inform ourselves about the norms and customs of others and avoid engaging in behaviors they might
consider disrespectful.
3.2.2 We listen to others’ points of view, seeking to understand them.
3.2.3 We approach directly those persons with whom we have a conflict or disagreement.
3.2.4 We conduct ourselves in a professional manner, even when it is not reciprocated.
Comment: An implication of these provisions is that we avoid engaging in gossip and avoid making negative
remarks to undermine another person’s reputation. We also have a duty under this Code to confront others who
engage in these types of behaviors.
3.3 Respect: Mandatory Standards
As practitioners in the global project management community, we require the following of ourselves and our fellow
practitioners:
3.3.1 We negotiate in good faith.
3.3.2 We do not exercise the power of our expertise or position to influence the decisions or actions of others in
order to benefit personally at their expense.
3.3.3 We do not act in an abusive manner toward others.
3.3.4 We respect the property rights of others.
CHAPTER 4. FAIRNESS
4.1 Description of Fairness
Fairness is our duty to make decisions and act impartially and objectively. Our conduct must be free from
competing self interest, prejudice, and favoritism.
4.2 Fairness: Aspirational Standards
As practitioners in the global project management community:
4.2.1 We demonstrate transparency in our decision-making process.
4.2.2 We constantly reexamine our impartiality and objectivity, taking corrective action as appropriate.
Comment: Research with practitioners indicated that the subject of conflicts of interest is one of the most
challenging faced by our profession. One of the biggest problems practitioners report is not recognizing when
we have conflicted loyalties and recognizing when we are inadvertently placing ourselves or others in a conflict-
of-interest situation. We as practitioners must proactively search for potential conflicts and help each other by
highlighting each other’s potential conflicts of interest and insisting that they be resolved.
4.2.3 We provide equal access to information to those who are authorized to have that information.
4.2.4 We make opportunities equally available to qualified candidates.
Comment: An implication of these provisions is, in the case of a contracting arrangement, we provide equal
access to information during the bidding process.
4.3 Fairness: Mandatory Standards
As practitioners in the global project management community, we require the following of ourselves and our fellow
practitioners:
Conflict of Interest Situations
4.3.1 We proactively and fully disclose any real or potential conflicts of interest to the appropriate stakeholders.
4.3.2 When we realize that we have a real or potential conflict of interest, we refrain from engaging in the
decision-making process or otherwise attempting to influence outcomes, unless or until: we have made
full disclosure to the affected stakeholders; we have an approved mitigation plan; and we have
obtained the consent of the stakeholders to proceed.
Comment: A conflict of interest occurs when we are in a position to influence decisions or other outcomes on
behalf of one party when such decisions or outcomes could affect one or more other parties with which we
have competing loyalties. For example, when we are acting as an employee, we have a duty of loyalty to our
employer. When we are acting as a PMI volunteer, we have a duty of loyalty to the Project Management
Institute. We must recognize these divergent interests and refrain from influencing decisions when we have a
conflict of interest.
Further, even if we believe that we can set aside our divided loyalties and make decisions impartially, we treat
the appearance of a conflict of interest as a conflict of interest and follow the provisions described in the Code.
Favoritism and Discrimination
4.3.3 We do not hire or fire, reward or punish, or award or deny contracts based on personal considerations,
including but not limited to, favoritism, nepotism, or bribery.
CHAPTER 5. HONESTY
5.1 Description of Honesty
Honesty is our duty to understand the truth and act in a truthful manner both in our communications and in our
conduct.
5.2 Honesty: Aspirational Standards
As practitioners in the global project management community:
5.2.1 We earnestly seek to understand the truth.
5.2.2 We are truthful in our communications and in our conduct.
5.2.3 We provide accurate information in a timely manner.
Comment: An implication of these provisions is that we take appropriate steps to ensure that the information
we are basing our decisions upon or providing to others is accurate, reliable, and timely.
This includes having the courage to share bad news even when it may be poorly received. Also, when
outcomes are negative, we avoid burying information or shifting blame to others. When outcomes are positive,
we avoid taking credit for the achievements of others. These provisions reinforce our commitment to be both
honest and responsible.
5.2.4 We make commitments and promises, implied or explicit, in good faith.
5.2.5 We strive to create an environment in which others feel safe to tell the truth.
5.3 Honesty: Mandatory Standards
As practitioners in the global project management community, we require the following of ourselves and our fellow
practitioners:
5.3.1 We do not engage in or condone behavior that is designed to deceive others, including but not limited to,
making misleading or false statements, stating half-truths, providing information out of context or
withholding information that, if known, would render our statements as misleading or incomplete.
5.3.2 We do not engage in dishonest behavior with the intention of personal gain or at the expense of another.
Comment: The aspirational standards exhort us to be truthful. Half-truths and non-disclosures intended to
mislead stakeholders are as unprofessional as affirmatively making misrepresentations. We develop credibility
by providing complete and accurate information.
APPENDIX A
A.1 History of this Standard
PMI’s vision of project management as an independent profession drove our early work in ethics. In 1981, the PMI
Board of Directors formed an Ethics, Standards and Accreditation Group. One task required the group to deliberate
on the need for a code of ethics for the profession. The team’s report contained the first documented PMI
discussion of ethics for the project management profession. This report was submitted to the PMI Board of
Directors in August 1982 and published as a supplement to the August 1983 Project Management Quarterly.
In the late 1980’s, this standard evolved to become the Ethics Standard for the Project Management Professional
®
[PMP ]. In 1997, the PMI Board determined the need for a member code of ethics. The PMI Board formed the
Ethics Policy Documentation Committee to draft and publish an ethics standard for PMI’s membership. The Board
approved the new Member Code of Ethics in October 1998. This was followed by Board approval of the Member
Case Procedures in January 1999, which provided a process for the submission of an ethics complaint and a
determination as to whether a violation had occurred.
Since the 1998 Code was adopted, many dramatic changes have occurred within PMI and the business world. PMI
membership has grown significantly. A great deal of growth has also occurred in regions outside North America. In
the business world, ethics scandals have caused the downfall of global corporations and non-profits, causing public
outrage and sparking increased government regulations. Globalization has brought economies closer together but
has caused a realization that our practice of ethics may differ from culture to culture. The rapid, continuing pace of
technological change has provided new opportunities, but has also introduced new challenges, including new
ethical dilemmas.
For these reasons, in 2003 the PMI Board of Directors called for the reexamination of our codes of ethics. In 2004,
the PMI Board commissioned the Ethics Standards Review Committee [ESRC] to review the codes of ethics and
develop a process for revising the codes. The ESRC developed processes that would encourage active
participation by the global project management community. In 2005, the PMI Board approved the processes for
revising the code, agreeing that global participation by the project management community was paramount. In
2005, the Board also commissioned the Ethics Standards Development Committee to carry out the Board-approved
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process and deliver the revised code by the end of 2006. This Code of Ethics and Professional Development was
approved by the PMI Board of Directors in October 2006.
A.2 Process Used to Create This Standard
The first step by the Ethics Standards Development Committee [ESDC] in the development of this Code was to
understand the ethical issues facing the project management community and to understand the values and
viewpoints of practitioners from all regions of the globe. This was accomplished by a variety of mechanisms
including focus group discussions and two internet surveys involving practitioners, members, volunteers, and
people holding a PMI certification. Additionally, the team analyzed the ethics codes of 24 non-profit associations
from various regions of the world, researched best practices in the development of ethics standards, and explored
the ethics-related tenets of PMI’s strategic plan.
This extensive research conducted by the ESDC provided the backdrop for developing the exposure draft of the
PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The exposure draft was circulated to the global project management
community for comment. The rigorous, standards development processes established by the American National
Standards Institute were followed during the development of the Code because these processes were used for PMI
technical standard development projects and were deemed to represent the best practices for obtaining and
adjudicating stakeholder feedback to the exposure draft.
The result of this effort is a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that not only describes the ethical values to
which the global project management community aspires, but also addresses the specific conduct that is
mandatory for every individual bound by this Code. Violations of the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
may result in sanctions by PMI under the ethics Case Procedures.
The ESDC learned that as practitioners of project management, our community takes its commitment to ethics very
seriously and we hold ourselves and our peers in the global project management community accountable to
conduct ourselves in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
APPENDIX B
B.1 Glossary
Abusive Manner. Conduct that results in physical harm or creates intense feelings of fear, humiliation,
manipulation, or exploitation in another person.
Conflict of Interest. A situation that arises when a practitioner of project management is faced with making a
decision or doing some act that will benefit the practitioner or another person or organization to which the
practitioner owes a duty of loyalty and at the same time will harm another person or organization to which
the practitioner owes a similar duty of loyalty. The only way practitioners can resolve conflicting duties is to
disclose the conflict to those affected and allow them to make the decision about how the practitioner
should proceed.
Duty of Loyalty. A person’s responsibility, legal or moral, to promote the best interest of an organization or
other person with whom they are affiliated.
Project Management Institute [PMI]. The totality of the Project Management Institute, including its
committees, groups, and chartered components such as chapters, colleges, and specific interest groups.
PMI Member. A person who has joined the Project Management Institute as a member.
PMI-Sponsored Activities. Activities that include, but are not limited to, participation on a PMI Member
Advisory Group, PMI standard development team, or another PMI working group or committee. This also
includes activities engaged in under the auspices of a chartered PMI component organization—whether it
is in a leadership role in the component or another type of component educational activity or event.
Practitioner. A person engaged in an activity that contributes to the management of a project, portfolio, or
program, as part of the project management profession.
PMI Volunteer. A person who participates in PMI-sponsored activities, whether a member of the Project
Management Institute or not.