The PMP exam update on 11 January 2016

  PMI presentation: PMP Exam Change Explained  

​On 11 January 2016 the PMP exam will change 25% of its questions based on the updated PMI's Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content Outline published in June 2015. The reason is a new Role Delineation Study (RDS) done for the role of a project manager which serves as the basis for the creation of the examination. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide, 5th ed.) serves as one of the references for the exam and should be supplemented by other materials on the subject matter.

The difference from the current exam:
- minor modifications of language and terminology within many tasks
- some tasks dropped
- shifts of weighting between the domain areas (see below)
- new tasks added (major areas):
   1. Business strategy and Benefits realization (project manager involved in the project early in the project and focused on business benefits rather than generically deliverables)
   2. Lessons Learned (entire lifecycle of the project, knowledge transfer)
   3. Project Charter (in reality the sponsor/customer is responsible and project manager is more of a contributor)
   4. Stakeholder relationship and engagement (a 2 way relationship to effectively manage the project)

DOMAIN AREAS WITH NEW TASKS
   I. Initiating 13% (weight not changed; 3 tasks added)
       - task 2: Identify key deliverables based on the business requirements in order to manage customer expectations and direct the achievement of project goals.
       - task 7: Conduct benefit analysis with relevant stakeholders to validate project alignment with organizational strategy and expected business value.
       - task 8: Inform stakeholders of the approved project charter to ensure common understanding of the key deliverables, milestones, and their roles and responsibilities. 
   II. Planning 24% (weight not changed; 1 task added)
       - task 13: 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.
   III. Executing 31% (weight changed from 30%; 2 tasks added)
       - task 6: Manage the flow of information by following the communications plan in order to keep stakeholders engaged and informed. 
​       - task 7: Maintain stakeholder relationships by following the stakeholder management plan in order to receive continued support and manage expectations. 
   IV. Monitoring and Controlling 25% (weight not changed; 2 tasks added)
       - task 6: Capture, analyze, and manage lessons learned, using lessons learned management techniques in order to enable continuous improvement. 
       - task 7: Monitor procurement activities according to the procurement plan in order to verify compliance with project objectives. 
   V. Closing 7% (weight changed from previous 8%; no tasks added)