PDMA Frequently Asked Questions
- Certification
- Chapters
- Membership
- Product Innovation Management Annual Global Conference
- Sponsorship
- Subscriptions
Certification:
Do I have to be a PDMA member to be certified?
You do not need to be a PDMA member to be certified. However, if you do become a full member of PDMA, the application fee (a $200 value) is waived. Members also receive great benefits such as the Visions and JPIM magazines to stay up-to-date on industry practices. To learn more about membership click here.
How long does certification last?
Once your NPDP certification application has been approved and you pass the certification exam, you will be certified for 3 years.
If you applied for Provisional certification, you have 5 years to accrue the necessary experience for regular NPDP certification.
How do I renew my certification?
To renew your NPDP certification, an individual is required to obtain 60 PDHs over their 3 year certification period and pay a renewal fee ($150 members/$225). To review the items that lead to PDHs and the number of PDHs that can be obtained please click here.
PDMA members can track their PDHs through their member homepage. Once logged in, the “certification tools/PDHs” will open to the PDH tracking form.
Non-members must track PDHs on the activity log provided by clicking here.
Once the individual has tracked their PDHs, they must fill out the payment form and submit the information to PDMA Headquarters. You may send it as an attachment to certification@pdma.org or fax it to 312-673-6885.
What happens if you have not earned your 60 PDHs?
If you have not earned the 60 PDHs over the 3 year certification term, you must become reinstated. To become reinstated, an individual must submit the payment form and retake the NPDP certification exam.
What events/work is eligible for PDHs?
100% of the PDHs can be obtained through attending seminars and other related educational activities related to product development.
Some examples include:
- Attendance at PDMA International Conference
- Attendance at PDMA Chapter meetings
- Participation in Webinars
- Volunteer Work
- Training Sessions
- Attend/Teach Educational Courses
To find a complete list of activities that would count towards PDHs please click here.
Please note: No more than 50% of the PDHs can be obtained through volunteer work.
How do I sign up to take the test?
Before being eligible to take the NPDP certification exam, an individual must first submit a certification application. You may access the certification exam by clicking here. Once completing the application, an individual may then schedule their NPDP certification exam.
The NPDP certification exam is administrated through Prometrics. Promertics has testing sites located worldwide. Individuals are able to take the exam not only in English but Mandarin and Spanish as well. To schedule your exam please click here. The certification exam fee is $250 for non-members and members.
Does PDMA provide any study materials for the exam?
You can access a recommended reading list with downloadable PDFs here. A study guide and practice questions are also available to help you prepare for the exam.
You may also take a formal class through PDMA’s Registered Education Providers (REPs). To view the list of REPs please click here. To view a schedule of REP courses currently available please click here.
Didn’t find an answer to your question? Contact PDMA Headquarters at (800) 232-5241 or pdma@pdma.org.
Chapters:
How do I know if I’m affiliated with a chapter?
Login to your membership page. On the right hand side, select “Directory” below the membership tools and look up your profile. If you are associated with a chapter it will appear after your company name in the listing.
How do I join a chapter?
Members are automatically assigned to chapters based upon their zip code by our system. If you would like to be assigned to different chapter, please contact PDMA Headquarters.
What are upcoming events in my area?
To see a list of upcoming PDMA events, click here. Events are also listed on your local chapter’s webpage.
Didn’t find an answer to your question? Contact PDMA Headquarters at (800) 232-5241 or pdma@pdma.org.
Membership:
What is my username and password?
If you have forgotten your username or password, click here and it will be sent to your email account on file. If you are unsure which email account you have on file, contact PDMA Headquarters.
Am I a member?
To check your membership status, login with your username and password. Once logged in, the “My PDMA” page will prompt you to join (non-members), renew (expiring members) or take advantage of your PDMA benefits (members).
When does my membership expire?
Login with your username and password to your members’ only page. Once logged in, your member expiration date will be listed on your homepage.
How do I renew my membership?
Login with your username and password. Once logged in, a renewal button will appear on your member homepage. If you do not see a renewal button, please contact PDMA Headquarters.
Do you offer corporate membership?
PDMA does offers team memberships. Teams consist of 3-11 members from the same business and receive great PDMA benefits, all at a reduced price. Learn more about team memberships and how to register today.
How much is membership?
Membership dues vary depending on your country of residence and status as a professional, academic or student. Click here for a full listing of membership dues.
How will my dues be affected with the dues transition?
PDMA is transitioning to a calendar dues cycle (January 1-December 31) in 2012. All dues renewals in 2012 will be prorated through December 31, 2012. If you have further questions regarding the PDMA dues transition, click here.
What are the eligibility requirements for students?
Students are approved for membership based upon review of their transcript. Students must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and enrollment in Product Development classes. If the college/university does not offer product development courses, students must be enrolled in related classes (ie: marketing, business, etc.) Membership approval is based upon the discretion of PDMA.
I’m a student, how do I apply?
To apply for student membership, submit a current school transcript to pdma@pdma.org or fax it to (312) 673-6885. If you are newly enrolled and do not have a student transcript, submit a copy of your student ID with a maximum 100 word description of the classes you will be taking that are relevant to product development. Upon review and approval of student status students will receive an invoice for membership.
Who joins PDMA?
PDMA members come from diverse career and experience backgrounds. We have professional, academic and student memberships. Some members are starting in the product development field and others have been in the industry their entire career. Furthermore, PDMA has a global reach, with membership in more than 50 countries. If you are in product development and are interested in networking, career development and industry insights, then you’ve come to the right association.
What are the benefits of membership?
To check out the great benefits PDMA has to offer here, then choose your membership type.
How long will it take to process my new membership/renewal?
Renew online today and your profile will be updated automatically. If you mail or fax your payment, please allow Headquarters 7-10 business days once they receive the payment to update your profile.
How do I renew my membership?
- RENEW ONLINE: Renewing online is easy, simply login and follow the prompts on your landing page. Your profile will be updated with your membership renewal upon payment and a receipt will be sent automatically.
- RENEW WITH INVOICE: If you would prefer to send your payment information, complete the 2012 invoice and send it to pdma@pdma.org or fax it to (312) 673-6885. Please allow 7-10 business days for the payment to be processed. You will receive a welcome email as confirmation of your renewal.
- RENEW BY CHECK: PDMA dues renewals can be sent to PDMA Membership 8412 Solutions Center Chicago, IL 60677 with a member invoice. Please allow 7-10 business days for the payment to be processed. You will receive a welcome email as confirmation of your renewal.
- RENEW BY PHONE: Call (800) 232-5241 today and we will be happy to renew your membership over the phone!
Didn’t find an answer to your question? Contact PDMA Headquarters at (800) 232-5241 or pdma@pdma.org.
Product Innovation Management Annual Global Conference:
How do I register for the Annual Conference?
Registration for the 36th Product Innovation Management Annual Global Conference is not yet open. Please check back in June for the registration link.
How do I become a speaker at the conference?
If you are interested in speaking at the conference, please contact Amanda Fiesler at afiesler@pdma.org. Presentations must be submitted by mid-February, 2012 to be considered.
What is the date of the next conference?
The 36th Product Innovation Management Annual Global Conference is October 18-25, 2012 and will take place in Orlando, FL.
Who do I contact if I’m interested in being a sponsor at the conference?
With nearly 3,000 members, PDMA is a great place to reach thousands of Product Development Professionals. To learn more contact Contessa Gibson at (312) 673-5528 or cgibson@pdma.org.
Didn’t find an answer to your question? Contact PDMA Headquarters at (800) 232-5241 or pdma@pdma.org.
Sponsorship:
How do I sponsor an event or advertise with PDMA?
With nearly 3,000 members, PDMA is a great place to reach thousands of Product Development Professionals. We offer multiple opportunities for sponsorship and advertising, including webcasts, conferences, online advertising and advertising through our print publications. To learn more contact Contessa Gibson at (312) 673-5528 or cgibson@pdma.org.
Didn’t find an answer to your question? Contact PDMA Headquarters at (800) 232-5241 or pdma@pdma.org.
Subscriptions:
I didn’t receive Visions/JPIM, how do I get my issue?
Contact PDMA headquarters. If you would like to contact us by email at pdma@pdma.org, please confirm your mailing address and the issue that you are missing. Your issue will be mailed in 7-10 business days.
How do I get extra copies of Visions/JPIM?
Contact PDMA Headquarters and additional issues will be mailed in 7-10 business days.
Can I subscribe to Visions without PDMA membership?
Yes! Visions subscriptions are $85 per year. There will be three issues of Visions in 2012. With your subscription you will receive hard copies by post as well as electronic access to all articles. If you would like to start receiving Visions, contact PDMA Headquarters today!
Can I subscribe to JPIM without PDMA membership?
JPIM is a member only benefit that we do not offer to non-members at this time. If you would like become a member and receive JPIM, click here to sign up read more about the great benefits that PDMA members receive.
Didn’t find an answer to your question? Contact PDMA Headquarters at (800) 232-5241 or pdma@pdma.org.
