PMP Exam Changes: What Do They Mean?

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With the business environment evolving exponentially, there’s a need to equip project managers with fresh skills and knowledge. PMI knows it all too well, hence its commitment to providing up-to-date information to candidates undertaking PMP certification. 

As a result, it rolled out the seventh edition of the PMBOK guide and moved away from updating PMP exam content every 4-5 years to adopting a continuous improvement model. This means studying for the PMP exam requires a different approach, and candidates must acquaint themselves with the new exam format and outline. 

We explain why PMI has changed the exam format and content and what to expect in their upcoming PMP exam. We’ll look at:

• Why PMI Changed PMP Exam Format & Content
• What are the New PMP Exam Changes
• How Do You Prepare for the New PMP Exam

Why PMI Changed PMP Exam Format & Content

PMI understands that a project manager’s role evolves daily, hence changes its course content regularly to equip professionals with fresh skills and knowledge. The Project Management Institute thoroughly researches the market and business environment to understand how the profession has evolved. 

Its findings and in-depth analysis help PMI to determine what knowledge must be tested to reflect the ever-changing project management roles and responsibilities. As a result, the institution recently rolled out the PMBOK Guide 7th edition PMP and changed the PMP exam format and outline based on research that had been going on since 2019. 

This doesn’t mean that old PMP-certified professionals’ efforts are futile. The candidates only need to access the new Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and acquaint themselves with the new information. And, PMI members enjoy free access to the PMBOK Guide.

What are the New PMP Exam Changes?

The PMI institute changed two aspects of the PMP examination:

• PMP format
• PMP exam content

PMP Exam Content

The first notable change in PMP exams is its content outline. Before January 2021, PMI would set five domains under the Exam Content outline to examine five knowledge areas:

• Initiating (13%)
• Planning (24%)
• Executing (31%)
• Monitoring & controlling (25%)
• Closing (7%)

The percentages indicate each domain’s weight in the old exam content outline. In the new exam content outline, PMI examines only three parts:

• People: This domain represents 42% of the examination, and it evaluates a candidate’s ability to lead a project team. As such, the questions consist of tasks regarding conflict management, team building, and training a team
• Process: This part carries half (50%) of the exam’s weight and tests a professional’s knowledge of the technical aspects of project management. This includes managing project changes, integrating project planning activities, planning, and operating budget and resources
• Business environment: This domain carries 8% of the weight and tests a candidate’s ability to follow organizational requirements regarding evaluating the benefits and value of a project, planning and managing project compliance, and supporting organizational changes

This new approach tests a project manager’s ability to apply different methods (hybrid, predictive, and agile approaches) when working on the projects. By comparison, the old PMP exam content outline only tested the candidate’s knowledge in the five process groups and the tasks for each process group. 

PMP Exam Format

The old PMP exam format consisted of 200 multiple-choice questions testing five project management domains in 240 minutes. In addition, the questions were situational, knowledge-based, and had formulas.

However, The new exam format consists of 180 questions that must be answered in 230 minutes. The questions test the three domain areas and combine multiple responses, hotspot, multiple choice, matching, and fill-in-the-blank questions.

You’ll also find more scenario-based questions consisting of animations to test a candidate’s soft skills and flexibility. PMI will still allow candidates to take two breaks; the first is after answering the first 60 questions, and the second is after completing and reviewing 120 questions. Each interval lasts 10 minutes. 

How Do You Prepare for the New PMP Exam?

These changes mean the new PMP exams will be more challenging, demanding more time and effort for preparation. Remember half of the questions test the candidate’s knowledge and ability to apply agile and hybrid methodologies. Here are some study tips to help you:

Study the New PMBOK Guide Extensively

You want to study the newly released PMBOK 7th edition extensively to know how to answer the three domain areas tested. While the 6th edition is still a valuable resource, it’s best to study the new material and use it as a map for different areas of study. PMI recommends studying one knowledge area every week and using other study materials to supplement what you’ve learned over time.

Buy a Good PMP Prep Book

You want to add a PMP textbook to your study materials to test your ability to apply knowledge to real-life scenarios, get sample questions, answer them, and evaluate your performance. The PMP Exam Prep Simplified book is an excellent pick as it aligns with all the knowledge areas of the PMBOK Guide and explains PMP concepts using diagrams and examples. 

The chapter quizzes also have situational questions that go a long way in helping you connect the ITTOs, process groups, and knowledge areas. As a bonus, the book has a 35-hour online course with two exam simulators and videos.

Join Study Groups

Study groups are excellent platforms to interact with other professionals studying for the PMP exam, learn from them, and access valuable resources. You could join a local or online study group.

Look for Online PMP Simulators

Want to test your knowledge or ability to complete a PMP exam on time? Use an online PMP simulator. They have practice PMP exams, allowing you to test yourself and study whenever you want. The simulators have questions similar to those on actual PMP exams and replicate the exam environment to help you prepare adequately.

Leverage Exam Flashcards

Exam flashcards make excellent study aids because they’re portable and available in different versions. You may use electronic versions like the Perfect PMP Exam Flashcards or downloadable versions, which can be stored or printed on any mobile device. 

Conclusion

The new PMP course content and exam outline are significant steps toward PMP certification training. It reflects the best project management practices and latest trends, equipping professionals with on-demand skills. Not only do professionals obtain a more holistic view of project management, but they also upgrade their skills to math industry requirements. 

Be sure to comment, like, and share the article with your friends or colleagues taking on the PMP certification.