TOPIC: Can I claim PDUs for reading the latest PMBOK?

Question:
I am certified based on the PMBOK Guide 4th Edition and currently reading the 5th Edition to keep myself updated. Can I claim PDUs for reading this book? If yes, then how many PDUs shall I claim?

Answer:

Yes, absolutely! You can claim PDUs for reading the latest PMBOK Guide to “upgrade” your knowledge to this new standard.

This activity falls under PDU Category C: Self-Directed Learning. Here, PMI writes that “Learning may include informal activities such as [...] reading articles, books, or instructional manuals [...]”. So reading the PMBOK Guide and earning PDUs is officially sanctioned by PMI as a qualifying PDU activity.

You can claim 1 PDU for each hour that you spend reading the latest version of the PMBOK Guide. At a maximum you can claim 30 hours/PDUs for category C activities in total.

My recommendation, however, is that you DON’T read the PMBOK Guide cover to cover. Yes, spend a few hours to review it. See what has changed, look at the new structure, review the new knowledge area of Stakeholder Management and read up on the new processes. But then… stop.

In my opinion, the PMBOK Guide is a reference guide that you should only open in those instances where you need to go back to the theory to make sure that you are doing things right. I don’t consider reading it to be time well spent for earning PDUs because as a PMP you want to go beyond what the PMBOK Guide offers.

So instead… go to www.pm-podcast.com/pdu and listen to the hundreds of free interviews that I offer there and listen to them instead. These interviews will expand your mind, introduce you to new methods and take you beyond the PMBOK Guide.

Now THAT is time well spent. And it’s free!