PMP Exam changes
PMP Exam until December 31st, 2020
To sum up the PMP exam changes will be significant. Up until December 31st, 2020, the PMP exam reflects the PMP Exam Content Outline (ECO) published in 2015. To clarify, this exam version is based on five domains that mainly represent the PMBOK Guide 6ª edition. The domains reflect the Project Management Process Groups, i.e., Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing. Each of these domains includes a group of tasks that a project manager should be able to accomplish, as well as knowledge and skills that the project manager should have.
The following table highlights the 2015 Exam Content Outline:
| Domain | Questions in exam | No. of Tasks | Knowledge & Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initiating | 13% | 8 | 5 |
| Planning | 24% | 13 | 17 |
| Executing | 31% | 7 | 7 |
| Monitoring and Controlling | 25% | 7 | 10 |
| Closing | 7% | 7 | 8 |
| Total | 100% | 42 | 47 |
The 2015 Exam Content Outline is mostly supported by the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide (PMBOK Guide), although part of its content is derived from other sources.
Project Management Courses
PMP exam after January 2nd, 2021
Questions per domain
As mentioned before, the PMP exam changes will be huge.
Above all, the new Examination Content Outline sets three domains: Process, People, and Business Environment. In addition, the three domains are decomposed into 35 tasks that represent the project manager’s responsibilities in each domain area. That is to say, the PMP exam tests candidates’ knowledge and experience on these tasks. Further, each task includes a set of enablers. To clarify, these enablers illustrate examples of what the tasks may accomplish. Above all, they are not a thorough list of every activity that may be done within the task.
The following table highlights the new Exam Content Outline:
| Domain | Questions in Exam | No. of Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| I. People | 42% | 14 (40%) |
| II. Process | 50% | 17 (49%) |
| III. Business Environment | 8% | 4 (11%) |
| Total | 100% | 35 |
To sum up, the new domains no longer reflect the PMBOK Guide 6th edition. The “Process” domain, for example, is relatively supported by the standard. However, the “People” and Business Environment” domains are not covered by the guide. Moreover, the new domains partially reflect the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) talent triangle:
| PMI’s Talent Triangle | PMP ECO Domains |
|---|---|
| Leadership | People |
| Technical Project Management | Process |
| Strategic & Business Management | Business Environment |
Above all a major PMP exam change concerns agile. To clarify, the new exam will cover both traditional (50%) and agile (or hybrid) project management (50%). Moreover, all domains and tasks will include questions on both approaches.
Domains and Tasks
Above all the main PMP exam changes are the end of processes. That is to say, candidates will be tested on three new domains (People, Process and Business Environment). The following section details these domains.
People (42%)
Firstly, let’s analyse the People domain. Above all this domain reflects the skills required to manage stakeholders. Additionally, it reflects the skills required to motivate, develop and lead the team.
People tasks
Firstly, the people domain includes the tasks required to develop the team such as: empowering team members and stakeholders, ensuring team members/stakeholders are adequately trained, and building a team.
Secondly, it includes the tasks required to lead the team such as leading a team, defining team ground rules, supporting team performance, promoting team performance through the application of emotional intelligence, negotiating project agreements, building shared understanding, addressing impediments, and managing conflict.
Thirdly, it includes the tasks required to manage the team such as engaging and supporting virtual teams.
Fourthly, it includes tasks related to stakeholders such as mentoring stakeholders and collaborating with them.
In conclusion, this domain has 14 tasks and makes up 42% of the exam.
Process (50%)
Secondly, let’s analyze the process domain. Above all, this domain reflects the processes required to manage the project. Moreover, it reflects the knowledge required to manage performance.
Process tasks
Specifically, process tasks include performance-related tasks. These tasks can include, for example, managing scope, quality, schedule, budget, and resources. Additionally, they may also include managing changes, risks, and issues. Moreover, they include integrating project planning activities, executing the project, and managing closure. Moreover, it may also include familiar tasks such as managing communications, engaging stakeholders, and managing procurement.
Additionally, it may also include:
- Firstly, ensure knowledge transfer for project continuity.
- Secondly, manage project artifacts.
- Thirdly, determine appropriate project methodology/methods and practices.
- Fourthly, establish a project governance structure.
In conclusion, this domain has 17 tasks and makes up 50% of the exam.
Business Environment (8%)
And, finally, the third and last domain that we will analyze is the business environment. Specifically, the Business Environment skills and enablers connect the project with its environment. Moreover, it helps the organization achieve business objectives.
Business environment tasks
Specifically, business environment tasks include:
- Firstly, plan and manage project compliance;
- Secondly, evaluate and deliver project benefits and value;
- Thirdly, evaluate and address external business environment changes for impact on scope;
- Fourthly, support organizational change.
Finally, these domains have 4 tasks and make up 8% of the exam.