TOPIC: PDUs for Volunteer Activity?

I am a volunteer for a local 501(c)(3) non-profit, where I teach technical classes (computer hardware, security, etc.) for the community and other volunteers. I also develop some classes. Classes are free and I do not get paid.

It's not clear to me if I am allowed to claim this time as "giving back" PDUs. These classes are not directly related to project management. Some PM tools and techniques might be touched upon, but it isn't the focus. I've looked through the guidelines and I didn't find an answer. Anyone know? (I haven't claimed any yet).

Mark,

The policies that PMI describes in the CCRS Handbook ( www.project-management-prepcast.com/ccrshb ) are all focused on continued learning for project managers who are PMI certified. The focus on these learning activities has to be within what PMI calls "domain-related services". So if your are a RMP certified then you can earn PDUs for risk related activities, for SP you can earn PDUs in scheduling/time management or if you are Agile certified then your activities must be related to agile practices.

In short: You cannot earn PDUs for activities that are not related to your certificate.

In your specific example you mention that you are teaching classes. This would not fall under "Volunteering", but under "Give a Presentation". Volunteering is reserved especially for volunteer activities for project-management organizations like serving as a board-member for a local PMI or chapters or the ASAPM. However, if as you say, parts of the class you are teaching are indeed relevant to project management then you can claim PDUs for presenting. You must determine yourself how much that is.

Thanks, Cornelius,

I am PMP certified (in large part due to the PM-Prepcast).

Given your answer, I will not claim PDUs for these activities.

Thanks,

Mark