pmp exam changing in 2016

PMP® exam is changing in 2016

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WHAT THAT MEANS A recently completed Role Delineation Study (RDS) provided an updated description of the project management professional role. Research included a large-scale survey of global Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification holders to validate updates to domains, tasks, knowledge, and skills. The RDS captures perspectives of project management practitioners from all industries, work settings, and regions. It serves as the foundation for the PMP exam and ensures its validity and relevance.

HOW THE PMP® IS AFFECTED The five domains of practice for the PMP remain the same. However, tasks within each domain have been modified, added, or removed. Exam Content Outline is final. Please check that you refer to the document dated June 2015 on page 2 to be sure you are referring to the updated version. HERE’S AN OVERVIEW OF THE NEWLY ADDED CONTENT: • Domain 1: Initiating the Project

3 tasks added – task 2, task 7, task 8 • Domain 2: Planning the Project

1 task added – task 13

• Domain 3: Executing the Project 2 tasks added – task 6, task 7



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• Domain 4: Monitoring and controlling the project

2 tasks added – task 6, task 7 • Domain 5: Closing the project

No new tasks added

WHAT WAS UPDATED AS A RESULT OF THE RDS?

There are multiple updates for the 2015 Nov 2016 Jan PMP Exam:

Modification to existing project management tasks

A few obsolete tasks were removed

Weighting of different areas for the PMP exam has been changed

8 new tasks were added

3 tasks for Initiating Process Group

1 task for Planning Process Group

2 tasks for Executing Process Group

2 tasks for Monitoring and Controlling Process Group THE CHANGES OF THE NEW PMP EXAM The most notable changes to the PMP Exam are the new tasks added to the 5 domain groups of the PMP Exam by putting more emphasis on stakeholders (including managing, engaging and communicating with the stakeholders). The total number of tasks increases from 34 to 42.

1. Initiating the Project [3 new tasks] Identify key deliverables based on the business requirements, in order

to manage customer expectations and direct the achievement of project goals.

Conduct benefit analysis with stakeholders (including sponsor, customer, subject matter experts), in order to validate project alignment with organizational strategy and expected business value.

Inform stakeholders of the approved project charter, in order to ensure common understanding of the key deliverables, milestones, and their roles and responsibilities.

2. Planning the Project [1 new tasks]



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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.

3. Executing the Project [2 new tasks] Manage the flow of information by following the communications plan,

in order to keep stakeholders engaged and informed. Maintain stakeholder relationships by following the stakeholder

management plan, in order to receive continued support and manage expectations.

4. Monitoring and controlling the Project [2 new tasks] Archive project documents and materials using generally accepted

practices, in order to comply with statutory requirements and for potential use in future projects and audits.

Obtain feedback from relevant stakeholders, using appropriate tools and techniques and based on the stakeholder management plan, in order to evaluate their satisfaction.

5. Closing the Project [no new tasks]

WHY IS THE PMP CHANGING?

The Project Management profession continues to evolve over time. In order to reflect the

most current practices, the exam syllabus of the PMP Exam must be updated from time to

time.

Every 3-5 years, PMI carries out role delineation studies (RDS) for each PMI Certifications to

ensure relevancy to the current environments.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR THE NEW PMP EXAM

The new PMP Exam will be available after 1 November 2015 January, 11 2016.

The new PMP Exam will be based on the new PMP Exam Content Outline dated June 2015

All language aids will be available at the same time.

PMP aspirants taking the computer-based exam will be able to get their PMP Exam results

immediately.

IMPORTANT DATES January 11, 2016 is last day to test under current version of PMP exam.

http://www.pmi.org/%7E/media/PDF/Certifications/pmp-certification-exam-outline.ashx



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WHAT’S NOT CHANGES IN THE PMP EXAM?

PMP Exam eligibility requirements

4,500 – 7,500 hours of project management working experience; and

35 hours of formal project management education (i.e. 35 contact hours)

Overall structure of the PMP Exam

200 questions (175 questions to be scored) in 4 hours

All questions are multiple-choice type questions with 1 correct answer

Many of the questions are “scenario based questions” (or aka situational questions)

FAQS 1. WHAT IS AN RDS AND WHY ARE WE DOING IT? HOW OFTEN DO WE PERFORM AN RDS? A Role Delineation Study (RDS) is a research study that examines the specific tasks of a project management professional, as well as identifying the knowledge/skills required to perform those tasks competently. As a result of the study, examination content and qualification criteria may be updated to reflect the current status of the profession. An initial RDS is conducted in order to establish the content coverage of a new examination. Typically, organizations conduct update studies every 3 to 5 years, although groups may conduct these studies more or less frequently, depending on the rate of change in a profession. Updated studies ensure that the examination continues to assess what is most relevant to practice as the profession evolves over time. The role delineation and examination specification initiatives performed were designed in accordance with all testing industry standards and meet internationally recognized criteria (i.e., AERA, APA, NCME, 2014; ISO/IEC 17024, 2012; NCCA, 2014), and were carried out by Professional Examination Services (ProExam), a recognized expert in the development, implementation, and evaluation of credentialing programs, including the conduct of role delineation studies and in the development of validated test specifications on which to base credentialing program activities. 2. WHEN WILL THE CHANGES TO THE PMP EXAMINATION TAKE PLACE? The last day to test under the current version of the PMP exam is January 11, 2016. After this date, the PMP will reflect the new exam content outline. This has changed from the original date of 1 November 2015.



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3. WHY HAS THE DATE FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW VERSION OF THE PMP EXAM CHANGED? The date for the PMP exam change has moved in order to allow all stakeholders adequate time to prepare for this change. We realize that a change to the PMP exam impacts many groups. 4. I’M PLANNING TO TEST UNDER THE CURRENT VERSION OF THE PMP EXAM. HOW DOES THIS DATE CHANGE IMPACT ME? If you were already planning to test prior to the exam change then you can continue on as planned. If you have already scheduled your exam, you can continue with your current plans for testing. If you have not yet scheduled your exam, this date change provides you with more time to prepare if necessary. 5. I ALREADY SCHEDULED MY EXAM BUT NOW THAT THE PMP IS NOT CHANGING UNTIL JANUARY 11, I WANT TO ADJUST MY TEST DATE. WHAT CAN I DO? You do have the ability to change your test date on the Prometric website. You can reschedule or cancel your CBT exam at any time up to two full calendar days prior to your test date. Please keep in mind that any rescheduling or cancelling within 30 days of your scheduled test date will incur a US$70 fee. If you have a PBT test date you must email [email protected] no later than 35 calendar days before the scheduled examination administration date. 6. I DIDN’T THINK I HAD ENOUGH TIME TO TAKE THE PMP EXAM PRIOR TO JANUARY 11, 2015 SO I PLANNED ON WAITING AND TESTING UNDER THE NEW VERSION OF THE PMP EXAM. WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? If you were planning to test under the new version of the exam then you have two choices: 1. You can continue with your current plan and prepare for the PMP exam based on the new

content. If you decide to do this, then your test date will need to be after January, 11 2016.

2. If you believe you’re prepared to take the current version of the exam prior to January 11, 2016, then you have the opportunity to test before the exam changes.

7. HOW AM I AFFECTED AS A CANDIDATE? As a PMP candidate, the only factors you need to be mindful of are the date of the exam change and the updates to the exam content. All other elements of the application and testing process remain the same. If you do not want to test under the new version of the PMP exam, you must test on or before January 11, 2016. After January 11, 2016, all PMP exams administered, including retakes and language aids, will reflect the new exam content outline. 8. ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA CHANGING?



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No, the education and experience eligibility requirements for the PMP certification will not change. 9. WILL THE EXAM CONTENT BE CHANGING? Yes, the content of the PMP exam will be changing. The five domains of practice for the PMP have not changed but the underlying tasks within those domains have changed in some instances. Some tasks have experienced slight modification while other tasks were changed or deleted entirely. There are also a few tasks that have been newly added as well. Please refer the new PMP Exam Content Outline for complete details. 10. WILL THE EXAM REPORT BE CHANGING? No, the exam report for the PMP will not change. For computer based testing (CBT) candidates, you will continue to receive an exam report immediately after testing both before and after January 11, 2016. 11. WILL THE SCORING METHOD BE CHANGING? At this time, PMI does not anticipate that any changes will be made to the scoring method for the PMP exam. 12. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES TO THE ROLE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL THAT WERE IDENTIFIED BY THE NEW STUDY? This most recent RDS confirmed that the role of project management professional has remained fairly consistent over the past few years. However, there are aspects of the role that have evolved. Some of these areas include: • Inclusion of benefits analysis and realization • Looking at risk management in terms of opportunity • Placing more emphasis on stakeholder management plans and communications • Additional focus on lessons learned

13. WHY IS THERE NO PILOT PERIOD WITH A REBATE OFFER FOR THE NEW PMP EXAM CHANGE? Traditionally during pilot periods, candidates will test under the new version of an exam and will not receive an exam report immediately after testing. These pilot candidates will wait several weeks for their exam results while information is gathered on the new exam. It is for this reason that a rebate offer is provided. Due to the volume of PMP testing, PMI does not need to have a separate pilot testing period for the release of this new exam. To avoid inconveniencing our candidates, we will collect data on any new test items through standard delivery activities. By doing so we can ensure that PMP candidates will receive their exam reports immediately after testing for computer based testing or soon after taking a paper based option.



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14. WILL PMI CHAPTERS AND REGISTERED EDUCATION PROVIDERS (R.E.P.S) BE INFORMED ABOUT THIS CHANGE AND WILL THEY BE TEACHING COURSES BASED ON THE CURRENT EXAM OR THE NEW EXAM VERSION? PMI Chapters and R.E.P.s have been informed of this change to the PMP exam and should be updating their courses accordingly. If you are interested in taking a PMP course with a Chapter or R.E.P., please contact it directly to confirm the content of a course and how it aligns to the current or new version of the PMP Exam Content Outline. 15. WILL I NEED TO TAKE ANOTHER PREP COURSE SINCE THE EXAM IS BEING UPDATED? The content of the PMP exam will remain the same through January 11, 2016. If you have a test appointment scheduled after January 11, 2016, you are encouraged to compare the training outline or curriculum map with the new PMP Exam Content Outline to decide if additional training is necessary.

pmp exam changing in 2016

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