Update Sept-2015: While there is no updates to PMBOK at all for new PMP exam changes, Cornelius has confirmed that there will be a FREE upgrade to PM PrepCast incorporating all the information required to be studied for the new exam!
Update Aug-2015: PMI has postponed the date of new exam from 2 November 2015 to 12 January 2016.
This means that there is still time to get your PMP under current scheme of things! So, Stay calm and get that PMP! 🙂
In the first part of this guide you understood why, when and how PMI makes changes to PMP exam.
In this part we shall see the exact change that are made to PMP Examination Content Outline – basically the syllabus for PMP exam.
What are the overall PMP exam changes?
In PMBOK-5 guide PMI introduced a new Knowledge Area to address Stakeholder management in its entirety (in PMBOK-4 these were spread in other KAs). So it was natural to expect RDS to simplify/add/refine some more around Stakeholder management.
Other changes are done to areas of procurement management, lessons learned and aligning business objectives to deliverables.
- 8 new tasks are added
- Initiating domain – THREE new tasks added – task 2, 7, & 8
- Planning domain – ONE new task added – task 13
- Executing domain – TWO new task added – task 6 & 7
- Monitoring & Controlling domain – TWO new tasks added – task 6 & 7
- Closing domain – NO new tasks added
Note that these tasks do not correspond to tasks you see in PMBOK! The task numbers above indicate changes to Examination Content Outline – the PMP syllabus.
What are the specific PMP exam changes in the syllabus?
Change1 : Executing domain gets 1% additional coverage and Closing domain loses 1%
Exam Impact: This may actually translate into you getting 1-2 questions more in Executing PG on the exam and 1-2 questions less in Closing PG.
[table id=2 /]
Change 2: Initiating domain – 3 new tasks added
- Identify key deliverables based on the business requirements in order to manage customer expectations and direct the achievement of project goals.
- Conduct benefit analysis with relevant stakeholders to validate project alignment with organizational strategy and expected business value.
- Inform stakeholders of the approved project charter to ensure common understanding of the key deliverables, milestones, and their roles and responsibilities.
In terms of Knowledge and Skills here are side-by-side comparison.
[table id=3 /]
Change 3: Planning domain – 1 new task added
- Develop the stakeholder management plan by analyzing needs, interests, and potential impact in order to effectively manage stakeholders’ expectations and engage them in project decisions.
[table id=4 /]
Change 4: Executing domain – TWO new task added
- Manage the flow of information by following the communications plan in order to keep stakeholders engaged and informed.
- Maintain stakeholder relationships by following the stakeholder management plan in order to receive continued support and manage expectations.
[table id=5 /]
Change 5: Monitoring & Controlling domain – TWO new tasks added
- Capture, analyze and manage lessons learned, using lessons learned management techniques in order to enable continuous improvement.
- Monitor procurement activities according to the procurement plan in order to verify compliance with project objectives.
[table id=6 /]
Change 6: Closing domain – NO new tasks added
Here’s side-by-side comparison on Knowledge and Skills changes
[table id=7 /]
That’s the comprehensive list of new PMP exam changes!
I am sure at this point you have lot of questions buzzing in your mind. The last part of this 3-part series answers some of those questions.
Dates to remember: new PMP syllabus comes into effect in PMP tests conducted on or after January 12, 2016
If you are on the fence for PMP exam, it is time to make up your mind and jump into the fray.
More and more companies around the world are insisting on PMP certification in the job profiles they advertise. PMP can be the ticket to that dream role or getting into your dream company.
Click here to see review of one of the BEST online video course for PMP preparation – PM PrepCast.
Also, see if you qualify for discount and/or my free ‘PMP Last Mile’ books.
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Feel free to schedule a free Skype session with me to plan for your exam.
Read the other two posts in this 3-part series.
Part 1: New PMP Exam Format: Ultimate Guide to PMP Exam Changes in 2016
Part 3: New PMP Exam Tips: Ultimate Guide to PMP Exam Changes in 2016.
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