The PMP Exam is changing… yet again. It changes every 4-5 years, as the practice of Project Management matures and evolves along with the changing times. At the moment, the PMP Exam is based primarily on the information in the PMBOK Guide, Fifth Edition, which came into effect in September 2013. The next official release of the. It was released in September 2017. As a result of the changes in the PMBOK Guide, Sixth edition, the PMP Exam will change, to stay consistent with the Guide. The PMP Exam will change on 26 Mar 2018. If you are taking the PMP Exam before this date, your exam is still based on the knowledge areas and processes as outlined in the Fifth edition of the PMBOK guide. For people taking the exam after this date, it is important to study on the knowledge areas and processes as outlined in the Sixth edition of the PMBOK guide. Although the PMP Exam is not a test of the PMBOK Guide, it is used as one of the primary and main references for the exam. Several changes to the terminology — names, tools, techniques, knowledge areas, processes have changed, and you need to take note of these, as you may be impacted. What are the changes in the PMBOK Guide, Sixth Edition There are several significant changes in , and these changes are provably the biggest change in the history of the PMBOK Guide. This has been added so that it throws focus on leading projects effectively, with the required competencies, experience and skills. Each KA will now have 4 new sections added. In the Sixth Edition, there are 5 significant changes related to Process names. Changes to the Structure of the PMBOK Guide, Sixth Edition There are significant changes to the structure of the. It now has 3 big sections. Previously, it was discussed as part of chapter 1 in Fifth Edition. Number of ITTOs has increased significantly, contrary to PMIs claims that they have been reduced. How Are You Impacted With Changes To PMP Exam As with every change to the PMP Exam, there is an initial period where there is a lot of confusion, a lack of clarity and a lot of rumors on the internet. It will take at least 3-6 months before the exam will stabilize and become consistent, if I look at the past few releases of the PMBOK Guide and subsequent changes to the PMP Exam. It would be safe to say that you must take the PMP Exam at the earliest, preferably before it changes, if you can spare the time. You still have about 6 months time from September 2017 to March 2018, so hurry if you can. Usually PMP exam preparation books are not updated so fast, and it will take a while before they will begin to appear in the market. A Good Study Plan Passing the PMP Exam is not about reading the PMBOK Guide or memorizing the ITTOs. It takes a , a determined approach, and consistent study on a daily basis for at least 2-3 months. It is more about understanding the concepts and applying them on scenario questions. Studying for the PMP Exam goes a long way towards enriching you and your career, beyond the exam days. It will give you a solid grounding in Project Management Practices, and will open up your mind to the possibilities, the opportunities, and a better life. Do a self SWOT Analysis, and plan your career. Then work the plan. Passing the PMP Exam before the changes to the PMBOK Guide Sixth Edition kick in is possible. If you are interested to attain PMP before March 2018, join the conducted by me, starting on October 9, 2017.
