All industries are seeing an increase in the demand for project managers (PMPs). This hasn't changed in a long time, but technology is changing how project managers work. You can now take the PMP exam and download the PMBOK Guide Version 7.
You must pass the rigorous exam in order to become a PMP. In August, the new PMBOK 7 guide will be available. knowledgewoods has been designated as an Authorized Training Partner.
Although the new PMP exam changes were originally expected to be available in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were delayed. As significant changes to the PMP exam were made on January 2, 2021, this meant that students had to take a completely different approach when studying for it.
Project management is not static. The Project Management Institute (PMI(r),) conducts extensive research every three to five year to understand the evolution of the profession. The PMI conducts in-depth analyses to determine which knowledge needs to be tested so that it best reflects the changing roles and responsibilities for certified project managers.
Based on research done in 2019, the new PMP exam changes which went into effect at 2021's beginning were based upon recommendations. Understanding the changes is crucial best prepare for the PMP exam.
3 Significant Changes to Note in the New 2021 PMP Examination
PMP Exam Format
Content for PMP Exam
Preparation for the ATP Exam
Let's look closer at the impact these changes will have on learners who are aiming to obtain their PMP certification by 2021.
This is the complete list of changes that will assist you in your PMP exam prep.
PMP Exam Format
Modifications to exam format might seem insignificant but understanding how your knowledge will be evaluated is crucial to your PMP exam preparation. The 2015 exam had 200 multiple-choice questions covering the five areas of project management. Questions on the PMP exam were situational, formula-based, and knowledge-based.
The updated PMP exam version includes 180 questions. It covers the three new domains.
The latest PMP exam includes animations and more scenario-based questions to accurately assess candidates' agility.
To prepare for hybrid and agile approaches questions, make sure you review the Agile Practice Guide before taking the PMP exam.
PMP Exam Content
Learners can expect the most significant changes when taking the PMP exam.
Although the content of both the 2015 exam and the 2021 exam are broken down into several domains, the subject matter and quantity of the domains has changed significantly over the past five years. The previous exam focused on specific stages of managing projects -- planning, execution, monitoring and closing. However, the new exam is more broad in scope and covers topics such as people and process.
Let's take a closer look at some of the changes that will help you prepare for your PMP exam.
The Old 2015 Exam
Following the natural flow of managing a project, the previous PMP exam version organized its questions into the following PMP domains:
Initiating the project (weighted at 13 percent)
Planning the project (weighted at 24 percent)
Executing the project (weighted at 31 percent)
Monitoring & controlling the project (weighted at 25 percent)
Closing the project (weighted at 7 percent)
The New 2021 Exam
A project manager’s job is forever progressing. The new PMP exam is a clear reflection of the changing occupational demands and will focus on three primary domains:
People
Weighted at 42 percent of the exam, this domain evaluates a candidate’s leadership of their project team. A sample of tasks evaluated include:
Building/leading a team
Managing conflict
Ensuring your team is adequately trained
Process
Holding half (50 percent) of the weight of the entire exam, the stage in the process is where professionals evaluate the technical aspects of project management. A few process tasks on the PMP exam include:
Planning and managing budget and resources
Integrating project planning activities
Managing project changes
Business Environment
Drastically small in comparison (8 percent) to the other domains, this domain tests a project manager’s ability to adhere to organizational requirements. A sample of tasks include:
Planning and managing project compliance
Evaluating benefits and value of project
Supporting organizational changes
Review the complete 2021 content outline to prepare for the PMP exam.
The Exam Will Be More Difficult
With so much new content on new topics and methods coming out with PMBOK 7, it stands to reason that this new test will require a wider breadth of study to cover everything. In short, there’s a lot more to know and master, so the exam will objectively be more difficult.
Contact Hours are a Minimum Requirement
The PMI has a requirement of 35 verified contact hours of “specific instruction that addressed learning objectives in project management.”
With the new, bigger exam, however, 35 contact hours are now the minimum. Expect in-depth exam prep to be much longer.
Exam Questions Will Come from Agile and Hybrid Methodologies
About half of the questions in the new PMP exam now regard agile and hybrid methodologies. This differs slightly from the old exam in that the percentage of such questions is comparatively lower than it used to be. Keep this in mind when studying for the PMP.
As a part of the PMP exam prep, let us look at the study tips.
New Authorized Training Partner Structure
Along with significant updates to the content and structure, the 2021 PMP exam changes will also apply to training and exam preparation. Previous REPs (Registered Educational Providers) will soon be replaced by ATPs (Authorized Training Partners) to aid learners in their studies.
As an approved ATP, all training materials used for exam prep must first be approved by the PMI. To access resources, learners will be assigned a digital license key through their ATP. Once assigned their unique license key, learners will gain access to a plethora of training resources, all vetted through the PMI, which include:
Project manager checklist
Spotlight videos
Practice assessments
Student manual and knowledge checks
Enroll in our PMP® Certification Course today and develop a strong foundation in the principles of project management.
Knowledgewoods Is Your PMI® Authorized Training Partner
If you’re working toward receiving your PMP certification, your PMP exam preparation may feel like navigating uncharted waters. Whether you are an aspiring professional or a team leader who recognizes the benefits of upskilling your employees, we have you covered with PMBOK 7.
Let Knowledgewoods pave the way. As an Authorized Training Partner with PMI®, we make studying for the PMP exam easier than ever!
0 Comments