In 2021, the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam is changing. If you plan to pass the exams this year, you need to understand what’s changed. The PMP exam material has changed because the Project Management Institute (PMI) regularly updates its certifications to keep them current.
What Topics Are Covered on the 2021 PMP Exam?
We cannot discuss specific questions and answers found in the new PMP exam due to the need to protect the certification’s integrity. However, we can guide you through the exam’s major themes and structure described in PMI’s Examination Content Outline Jan 2021.
Each domain is composed of multiple tasks. These tasks represent specific activities that a project manager would need to perform.
Let’s look a little deeper at the three new domains of the PMP exam.
Domain 1: People (42% of Exam Content)
Think of this domain content as the "who" of project management. Except for small scale personal projects, nearly every project involves multiple people. Therefore, your ability to lead, persuade, and coordinate a team all contributes to your success.
Domain 1 includes 14 tasks including:
- Managing conflict
- Leading a team
- Supporting team performance
- Building a team
Thematically, these tasks are related to leadership and communication. Mastering these topics will help you to become more effective in your projects.
Domain 2: Process (50% of Exam Content)
This domain covers the technical processes involved in leading a project. It is the single largest area.
Domain 2 includes 17 tasks including:
- Planning and managing budget resources
- Assessing and managing risks
- Planning and managing schedules
- Planning and managing scope
- Managing project changes
In total, the exam content outline describes seventeen tasks in this domain. Many of the traditional project management documents and processes you might document in an application like Microsoft Project fit into the process domain.
Domain 3: Business Environment (8% of Exam Content)
The business environment domain represents the smallest portion of the exam material. That is because you will probably not spend too much time analyzing the external environment as a project manager. However, it is still relevant to your success. For example, having an understanding of the outside environment is vital to conducting risk management.
Domain 3 includes 4 tasks:
- Planning and managing project compliance
- Evaluating and delivering project benefits and value
- Evaluating the external business environment
- Supporting organizational change
While domain three represents a small part of the exam, it is vital to your career. For example, demonstrating the value and benefits of the project to an organization is crucial. Without this contribution, you may lose support for the project because people may not understand its value.
How the PMBOK Guide Is Changing
Beyond the exam content outline, the primary reference book for the exam – the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – is changing. Since the PMBOK Guide is generally considered the "textbook" for the PMP exam, it helps to understand its contents. As of early January 2021, the seventh edition of the PMBOK Guide has not been released yet.
If you purchase a PMI membership, you can download a complimentary digital copy of the PMBOK Guide. Fortunately, there is some documentation available on the PMI website.
At the level of principles, the new PMBOK Guide emphasizes performance domains, including project work, planning, development approach and life cycle, team, stakeholder, uncertainty, measurement, and delivery. For more details on the new PMBOK Guide, check the PMI website regularly.
There’s More Than the PMBOK Guide
It might have been possible to study the PMBOK Guide alone and pass the exam in the past. That’s no longer the case. PMI now has additional reference materials available on their website. These materials are helpful to review to supplement your understanding.
What’s Staying the Same
The overall process to obtain PMP certification in 2021 is mainly similar to the past year. You are still required to have significant project experience. You still need to complete the online application before registering for the exam. If you do not meet the PMP certification experience requirement, studying for the exam may not be the best use of your time. Instead, set aside 30-60 minutes with the application form, and determine if you have adequate experience hours first.
To assist you in your preparation, review the "prototype questions" released by PMI. The document illustrates two question types you may encounter on the exam: drag and drop and hot spot questions. Hot spot questions expect you to reason through a scenario based on PMI project management concepts. These questions are meant to help you think through practical application, rather than merely memorizing the PMBOK Guide.
As a reminder, there are ways to qualify for the PMP certification. According to the Project Management Institute, you need either:
- A four-year degree
- 36 months leading projects (i.e., three years of work experience)
- 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification
— OR —
- A high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent)
- 60 months leading projects (i.e., five years of work experience)
- 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification
While the exam content has evolved, your test experience will likely be similar to previous years. You will have a multiple-choice exam (i.e., 180 questions vs. the previous 200) and a time limit of 230 minutes (i.e., just over three and a half hours) to complete the questions. Completing the exam within the time limit is challenging. Fortunately, you can put the odds in your favor by using a test preparation resource that includes practice questions. For the best results, give yourself one or two practice exams at home with a time limit and mark your results.
3 Ways to Prepare for the PMP Exam in 2021
Finally, effective project managers recognize the importance of identity and managing risk. One risk to your PMP certification efforts in 2021 is the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if you and your family are unaffected, the pandemic may still impact you. Fortunately, PMI now offers an online version of the test so you can complete it from your home or office.
Given these realities, make sure you think through a few points.
- First, look for alternative dates and times at your test provider in the event you have to reschedule. If you end up having to reschedule your exam, advise your colleagues and family members as well.
- Second, focus on what you can control, such as the amount of quality time you spend studying. This preparation time should include completing practice questions and mock exams. It is generally best to schedule study time into your weekly calendar in advance. Learn more PMP study strategies here.
- Third, prioritize the quality of the exam preparation resources you use. Select a high-quality exam preparation resource to help you stay focused.
IMPORTANT: Avoid using exam preparation materials published before 2021 because those materials may not match the new PMP materials.
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