PMP Exam Changes in 2020

PMP® Exam: A Guide to 2021 Changes


A new Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam has been in effect since January 2nd 2021.

This article gives you insights to the new PMP® exam 2021, guidance on what to do if you completed training before the new exam came into effect, and steps to achieve your PMP® certification.

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Learn everything you need to know by instantly downloading our PDF Guide to the PMP® Exam.

This 16-page guide covers the PMP® exam eligibility requirements, details what has changed in the new 2021 exam, and outlines how you can achieve your PMP® certification.

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Why did the PMP® exam change?


Project Management Professional (PMP)® is one of the most widely-respected credentials in the global project management community.

This Project Management Institute (PMI)® credential is designed by project managers, for project managers. As such, it must remain at the cutting edge of project management methodologies and continue to lead the way in industry standards.

PMBOK Guide 6th Edition

This leads to periodical updates of both A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and the PMP® Exam.

The PMBOK® Guide was updated to its Sixth Edition in 2017. The new PMP® Exam in effect in January 2021 continues to work from the PMBOK® Guide, Sixth Edition.

Learn more about the PMBOK® Guide - Sixth Edition.

When did the PMP® Exam Change?


Dates for New PMP Exam
The new PMP® Exam came into effect on January 2nd 2021, which means that December 31st 2020 was the last date you could take the old exam.

As we discuss the important changes, we’ll refer to the old exam (in effect before January 2nd 2021) and the new exam (in effect from January 2nd 2021).

What has Changed?


The key changes in the PMP® Exam reflect how both the role of project managers and project management itself are evolving.

Here are the key changes you need to know about in the new exam:

1. Domains


People, Process, Busines Environment

One of the goals in designing this new exam was to make the format more approachable and easy to interpret.

You’ll see this represented most in the domains. These are the knowledge areas under which tasks (responsibilities) and enablers (actions that support carrying out the tasks) are grouped.

The old exam had 5 domains, based on the conventional timeline of a project. These domains were:

  1. Initiating
  2. Planning
  3. Executing
  4. Monitoring
  5. Controlling

The new exam focuses on 3 domains:

1. People:


Focuses on what skills and actions are needed for successful project team management.
People

2. Process:


Examining the technical elements of project management.
Process

3. Business Environment:


Looks at the connection between the project and the overall organisational strategy.
Business Environment

Here’s a quick look at the weighting of questions for each domain:

  • People: 42%
  • Process: 50%
  • Business: 8%

2. Approach: Predictive, Agile, and Hybrid

Predictive, Agile, and Hybrid Approaches

The sixth edition of the PMBOK® Guide introduced a higher level of consideration for agile practices, and this is continued in the new exam format.

Rather than concentrating on a predictive (often called “traditional” or “conventional”) approach to project management, throughout all 3 domains, attention and value will be given to predictive and agile approaches, and to a hybrid of both.

Get More Details on the Changes...

You can read a more detailed breakdown of the new exam, including question style, weighting, and duration in our article, "Your Guide to the PMP® Exam"

You can also download the the official PMI® Exam Content Outline here.

What does this PMP Exam Change mean for me?

"I have already completed training?"

If you completed PMP® training before 2021, you will almost certainly have worked towards the old PMP® exam.

In order to pass the new PMP® exam, you’ll need additional support and knowledge, particularly about the Agile approaches for each knowledge area.

PMP® Bridging Course


2 Days – Live Virtual Class - €450 (including exam simulator)

Read More about our PMP Bridging Course

We designed our PMP® Bridging Course to support anyone who completed PMP® training before 2021 but didn’t have a chance to sit their PMP® exam.

It’s also perfect for anyone who sat the old PMP® exam but did not pass first time.

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"I have not completed PMP® training"

PMP® Exam Preparation Course


5 Days – Live Virtual Class - €950 (including exam simulator)

Read More about our PMP Exam Preparation Course

If you are just starting your PMP® journey, our 5-day PMP® Exam Preparation Course is the perfect choice.

This course is fully aligned with the PMI® Exam Content Outline (ECO) 2021 for exams taken from 02.01.2021.

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If you want to become a PMP® credential holder in 2022, we've got you covered with PMP® Exam Preparation dates available throughout the year.

Our courses will run as live virtual classroom training, enabling you to connect easily online.


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If you have any questions about the PMP® Exam Changes, you can reach our training consultants on Freephone 1800 910 810.

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PMP® Course

  • Duration: 5 Days
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