If you’re reading this, you’re already aware that the PMI® Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is the most important industry-recognized certification for project managers. The PMP certification, which is globally recognized and in high demand, demonstrates that you have the experience, education, and competency to lead and direct projects.
In 2015, the PMP® Exam will undergo changes. Why?
The Project Management Institute® (PMI®) recently conducted a Role Delineation Study (RDS), and based on the findings, they have updated the description of the project management professional role. A large-scale survey of global Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification holders was conducted as part of the research to validate updates to domains, tasks, knowledge, and skills. Project management practitioners from all industries, work settings, and regions were included in the study. RDS serves as the PMP® exam’s foundation, ensuring its validity and relevance.
This article attempts to address concerns expressed by aspirants who plan to take the exam soon.
In a nutshell, here are the changes to the PMP® Exam.
The five practice domains for the PMP® remain the same. Tasks within each domain, on the other hand, have been modified, added, or removed. There are a total of eight new tasks.
Only the new version of the PMP® exam will be administered after January 11, 2016.
Here’s a rundown of the new additions:
Addressing the issues
Many people approach me as an experienced project manager (PMP)® and trainer with questions about the PMP® exam. Recently, I came across some concerns and questions raised by people who are in the midst of studying for the PMP® exam or who are about to begin studying. Essentially, their concerns were as follows:
Should I wait for the changes to take effect before taking the exam after January 11th, 2016?
Will there be enough resources, such as practice questions and mock tests, available for the new exam?
What if I take the exam before January 11th, 2016, but fail and have to retake it with the new content? Will my entire preparation be thrown out the window?
Please allow me to address these concerns right away.
First and foremost, if you are already preparing for the exam, there is no need to be concerned about the changes; you have plenty of time to prepare before the 11th of January, 2016. To the best of my knowledge, there is no advantage to taking the exam after January 11, 2016, because you will still receive the same PMP® credential.
If you are currently busy and intend to take the exam after January 11th, 2016, you will need to prepare using the new PMI® Exam Content Outline. As previously stated, the five domains of practice for the PMP® remain unchanged. The primary reference book, the PMBOK® Guide, 5th edition, remains unchanged. You can be confident that the PMP® exam course providers will quickly update their training materials, including practice questions and mock tests.
If you prepared well for the exam and took a PMP® course from one of the best training providers, such as SPOTO Learning, your chances of passing the PMP® exam on the first try are very high. Even if you fail, your preparation will not be for naught. You will need to research the new content that has been added. This, in my opinion, is not a major issue.
Conclusion
PMI has announced changes to the PMP® Exam based on the findings of the recently completed Role Delineation Study (RDS). The five practice domains for the PMP® remain the same. A total of eight new tasks from various domains have been added. Only the new version of the PMP® exam will be administered after November 1st.
My advice to aspirants who plan to take the exam in the near future is to go ahead and prepare for it without worrying about the upcoming changes. Those taking the exam before November 1st will be unaffected by the changes. Those who are taking after November 1st, please be aware of the changes and plan accordingly. Remember that if you prepare with high-quality training providers, you can always pass on the first try. I wish you the best of luck!
For more information on the PMP® Exam changes, please see the PMI® website links below.
