Project Management Professional is a professional certification course administered by the Project Management Institute. The PMP certification examination is for project managers who are responsible for development processes, and it differs from general certification exam development practices. PMI implements the PMP Exam change to adapt to evolving industry standards. The PMP certification method is based on the most beneficial techniques of the trade. ISO 17024 standards accredit it.
The PMP Exam Change 2021
These PMP exam content outline shows a significant shift in the exam structure; reflecting broader approach towards project management methodologies. Project Management Institute(PMI) conducted a market investigation study on the Global Practice Analysis and suggested some expert trends that were not discussed in the earlier PMP exam. PMI has adopted various methods as inputs into the Job Task Analysis for securing the significance and efficacy of the PMP exam new syllabus.
These PMP certification exam changes will guarantee that a project management practitioner’s expertise and abilities are correctly assessed during the Exam. The Job Task Analysis will also ensure that the PMP examination covers every component of the Project Management Professional as per the real-world scenario. Moreover, the Exam will no longer follow traditional waterfall methodologies- it will include agile and hybrid approaches too, a critical step towards the PMP syllabus change.
The PMP exam new syllabus has evolved a lot after the launch of PMP edition 7, which includes the new framework and perspectives. The current PMBOK 7th edition changes includes new performance domains like stakeholder, team development, approach, planning, project work, measurement, and uncertainty.
Why was PMP Certification Updated?
Project management practitioners now require a broader set of skills and strategies to achieve results and provide value to their businesses.PMP certification holders should be confident, as the PMP exam’s new pattern is designed according to the most reasonable test development standards. They are based on input from practitioners who have discovered these methods.
How are PMP certification changes are determined and organized?
The experts and holders of project management contribute to the prevailing acceptable manners and recommend enhancements worldwide. A governing body examines these, and the modifications are accepted, and then the plan is decided. The outcome of this research will be the publication of a new PMP exam content outline in December 2020, and in January 2021, this unique outline will lead to a modernized PMP exam.
Why is The PMP Exam Changing in 2021?
The PMP exam is developing because, in recent years, our jobs have changed a lot as project managers. Every 3-5 years, PMI investigates how the situation has progressed, the influence of developing trends, and how project managers’ abilities have grown. As these changes are being implemented, having a robust PMP Exam strategy can help you succeed.
All leading organizations have some Subject matter experts who have served with PMI to define the PMP of the future. The result of this analysis was the discovery of a new PMP Examination Content Outline in June of 2019, and on 2 January 2021, this new outline will lead to an updated PMP exam.
Major PMP Exam Changes 2021
The current PMP Examination Content Outline was declared on June 30, 2019. This document outlines the syllabus/content of the PMP exam. This indicates that PMI is now renewing the PMP Exam Change to meet the new syllabus requirements, and the latest Exam will go into effect on January 2, 2021.
The PMP exam is NOT based on a guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. The PMBOK Guide is only one of several references used by PMI to produce PMP exam questions. Alternatively, the Exam is based on the PMP Examination Content Outline.
PMI will have to wait a considerable time until the exam content outline’s new exam specifications come into effect. This critical decision also enables learners to prepare for and pass the ongoing Exam before the modifications happen.
Is The PMBOK® Guide Changing?
The Exam is, however, based on PMBoK 6th edition, the current edition. The structure and the exam content are developing. PMI will soon renew the details, and ProThoughts will instantly refresh its members’ content.
The PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition continues to be a good post in January 2021 as well.
The 2021 PMP Exam Changes explained.
The prevailing PMP exam is based on five performance domains. Beginning January 2, 2021, the Exam will be based on three parts. These domains are defined in the PMP Exam Content Outline (ECO).
| DOMAIN | CURRENT ECO 2015 | NEW ECO 2019 |
| Domain I | Initiating | People |
| Domain II | Planning | Process |
| Domain III | Executing | Business Environment |
| Domain IV | Monitoring & Controlling | |
| Domain V | Closing |
Here is what this change from 5 to 3 domains means:
- PMI announced the latest exam content outline on 30 June 2019.
- The new framework is a ‘radical’ but a remarkably relevant escape from all prior exam content frames.
The latest PMP exam will demand applicants to have experience in and answer questions from 3 domains:
- People (42%)
- Process (50%)
- Business Environment (8%)
The exam content outline lists tasks within each of these three domains and Enablers. PMP Exam Change clarifies that almost half of the examination will cover imminent project management strategies, and the other half will represent active or hybrid systems.
PMP® Certification Eligibility Requirements
The Project Management Institute (PMI) has set some initial requirements for the new PMI exam. And they are as follows:
1. Associate’s degree, high school diploma, or global equivalent
- Minimum five years of professional project management experience.
- 7500 hours of managing and delivering projects.
- Thirty-five contact hours of project management education.
2. Bachelor’s degree or global equivalent
- Minimum of five years of experience in professional project management.
- 4500 hours of leading and delivering projects.
- Thirty-five contact hours of project management education.
3. PMP Experience
It should include all five processes mentioned in the PMBOK Guide for the experience. Here is a list of useful knowledge, tasks, and skills for the PMP exam:
- Determining the project’s high-level scope based on business conditions and agreement for meeting the customer’s project expectations.
- Introducing the project’s plan to the critical stakeholders for obtaining approval to accomplish the task.
- Accomplishing the project deliverables within the detailed budget and schedule by completing tasks as defined in the plan.
- Communicating the project’s status to the stakeholders to get their feedback and guarantee that the business’s requirements are aligned with the project.
- Managing with the sponsors and clients to get the final project deliverable and verify that the scope and deliverables were met.
What are the Consequences of the 2021 PMP Exam Change?
1. The new PMP Exam will be more difficult
The new PMP exam has so many new topics and techniques added to the exam that you have to know about, so passing the exam will be more challenging.
2. PMP Exam demands 35 Contact Hours At least
PMI demands that you “Verify at least 35 contact hours of specific instruction that addressed learning objectives in project management”. Nevertheless, now that the exam includes about double as much content, you should expect an in-depth exam prep course to be significantly enlarged.
Many aspirants face challenges like maintaining work life balance, understanding the exam format during the prepration. To navigate these challenges, check out our blog Common Challenges while Studying for the PMP Exam.
PMI has also designated Crisis Task Force for continuously observing the current circumstances arising from COVID-19 (Coronavirus). They are considering steps to make this challenging time more manageable for their association. Because of that, they have extended access to the existing PMP exam until December 21, 2020.
When Is the Right Time to Take the Exam — Before or After the PMP Exam Change?
We recommend it before 2020.
The reason is simple – Now, we know what it takes to clear the exam with the current pattern and content. With the upcoming PMP Exam change We bring new exam strategy, challenges and format, we strongly recommend to start the earliest. The sooner the better.
Book your consultation for PMP certification with Zoc Learnings today!
