After you pass the exam, you may immediately use the credential in your name (for example, John Doe, PMP). Your test results are sent to PMI and a certificate is sent to you.

CAPM candidates who pass the exam may use the credential for 5 years. The credential does not require PDUs or other activities for renewal. CAPMs may apply for the PMP at any time during the 5 years. After 5 years the credential expires, and the candidate can apply to take the CAPM or PMP examination. The full certification fee must be paid for whichever examination the candidate chooses.

PMP candidates who pass the exam may use the credential as long as they comply with the Continuing Credential Requirements (CCR) program. The CCR program supports PMPs in developing their professional knowledge and maintaining their credentials, by requiring participation in activities during the CCR cycle, which are assigned a Personal Development Unit (PDU) value.

A PMP’s initial CCR cycle begins with the date the exam is passed, and ends on December 31st of the 3rd full calendar year after that date. Subsequent CCR cycles are a period of 3 years, starting on January 1st of the period and ending December 31st of the third year. During each period the PMP must accrue at least 60 PDUs by the end of the CCR cycle. PDUs are a measuring unit used to quantify learning and professional activities. PMPs can obtain a description of the activities which earn PDUs, from www.pmi.org by referencing the PMP Continuing Certification Requirements or the PMP Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR)Handbook.