The Project Management Institute (PMI) has recently announced changes to the PMP® Exam and the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition. For those planning to take the PMP® Exam in 2018 and beyond, it’s important to understand what these changes entail and how to prepare for them. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the latest updates on the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition, key changes to the PMP® Exam, and tips for preparing for the new exam format and content outline.
The Latest Updates on PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition
First, let’s dive into the latest updates on the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition. The new version is set to be released in the third quarter of 2017 and will include several key changes.
What You Need to Know About the Changes
One of the major changes in the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition is the addition of a new chapter on the role of project manager. This chapter will emphasize the importance of leadership skills, as well as technical project management skills. Additionally, the new version will include new processes and process groups, as well as updates to existing processes.
Another significant change is the removal of the Knowledge Area “Project Time Management”. Instead, it will be replaced with “Project Schedule Management”, which will incorporate scheduling techniques and tools to align project activities with the project schedule. Furthermore, there will be a new Knowledge Area called “Project Stakeholder Management” which will focus on the identification, management, and engagement of stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
How to Prepare for the New Edition
So, how can you prepare for the new edition of PMBOK® Guide? Firstly, you should get a copy of the new version as soon as it’s released and familiarize yourself with the changes. PMI also offers training and resources to help you stay up to date with the latest changes. Additionally, you should review and update your own project management methodology, tools and techniques to reflect the changes and updates in the guide.
It’s important to note that the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition will also place a greater emphasis on agile and adaptive project management methodologies. This reflects the growing trend towards more flexible and iterative approaches to project management, particularly in the software development industry. As such, project managers should be prepared to adapt their approach to project management to incorporate these new methodologies and techniques.
The PMP® Exam in 2018: What You Need to Know
The PMP® Exam is also getting an update in March 2018, which aligns with the release of the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition. The upcoming changes to the exam are significant, meaning that PMP® Exam candidates must be well-prepared for the new format and content.
Key Changes to the Exam
One of the key changes is the exam structure that will change to include 200 questions, instead of 175. The exam will also have a different distribution of questions across the five process groups. Additionally, there will be questions related to agile methodologies and approaches, which represents a significant departure from the previous version of the exam.
How to Prepare for the New Exam Format
To prepare for the new exam format, it’s important to use a study guide that reflects the changes in the exam. PMI is expected to release their own study material in the near future which will be based on the new edition of the PMBOK® Guide. Another important aspect of exam preparation is taking a practice exam that incorporates the new format and content. One such resource is The PM Exam Simulator, which is updated regularly to reflect the changes in the exam.
Why the Changes to the Exam are Important
The changes to the PMP® Exam are important because they reflect the evolving nature of project management. The inclusion of agile methodologies and approaches in the exam is a recognition of the growing popularity of agile in project management. The changes also ensure that the PMP® certification remains relevant and up-to-date in a constantly changing business environment. As such, it is important for PMP® Exam candidates to stay informed about the changes and to adapt their study strategies accordingly.
Upgrading Your PM PrepCast and The PM Exam Simulator
For those who have invested in The PM PrepCast and The PM Exam Simulator, there are also changes to be aware of.
What’s New in the Latest Versions
The latest versions of The PM PrepCast and The PM Exam Simulator will incorporate the new changes in the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition and the PMP® Exam. These changes will include updated content, as well as new practice questions that reflect the new exam format and content. Additionally, The PM Exam Simulator will include an agile simulator to help candidates prepare for the new agile-related questions in the exam.
How to Get the Most Out of These Tools
To get the most out of The PM PrepCast and The PM Exam Simulator, it’s important to upgrade to the latest versions. Additionally, you should use the upgraded tools to practice with the new exam format and content. By doing so, you can improve your chances of passing the PMP® Exam and boost your project management career.
Another important aspect to consider when upgrading your PM PrepCast and The PM Exam Simulator is to take advantage of the new features and tools that come with the latest versions. For example, the new agile simulator in The PM Exam Simulator can help you familiarize yourself with the agile-related questions in the exam, which can be a significant advantage in your preparation.
It’s also important to note that upgrading your PM PrepCast and The PM Exam Simulator is not a one-time event. As the PMP® Exam and the PMBOK® Guide continue to evolve, new updates and changes will be made to these tools. Therefore, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest versions and continue to practice with the most current exam format and content.
Navigating the Changes to The PMP® Exam in 2018
The changes to the PMP® Exam can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can navigate and master these changes.
Understanding the New Exam Content Outline
The first step is to understand the new exam content outline, so you can prioritize your study accordingly. Be sure to read up carefully on the new topics and processes added to the exam. Use study guides and practice exams that reflect the new content changes in the exam.
Tips for Studying and Preparing for the Exam
Preparing for the new PMP® Exam will require you to review your project management methodology and techniques carefully. Spend ample time practicing with study guides and practice exams to familiarize yourself with the new exam format and content. Additionally, joining a study group or seeking support from study partners can enhance your preparation efforts. Ensure that you understand how to apply project management concepts in real-world scenarios, as the PMP® Exam is designed to test your ability to apply knowledge in a practical scenario.
Changes to the Exam Format
In addition to changes in the exam content, the PMP® Exam format has also been updated. The new exam format includes a combination of multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop questions, and other interactive question types. It is important to familiarize yourself with the new exam format and practice answering questions in this new format. This will help you to manage your time effectively during the exam and ensure that you are able to answer all questions within the allotted time.
A Guide to the Major Changes in PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition
Finally, let’s take a closer look at the major changes in the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition.
New Processes and Knowledge Areas
The addition of new processes and knowledge areas is an important feature of the new edition of the guide. There will be a new chapter on the role of project manager, which places significant emphasis on leadership skills, as well as topics such as stakeholder management and project success. However, one of the most significant changes is the addition of agile methodologies and approaches throughout the guide. This reflects the growing importance of agile practices in modern project management and the general movement towards greater flexibility and responsiveness when managing projects.
How the Changes Will Impact Your Projects
With the changes reflected in the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition, it’s important to think about how these changes may impact your projects. With new processes and knowledge areas, there may be opportunities to improve project efficiencies and enhance stakeholder management. Additionally, the increased focus on agile methodologies may prompt you to reassess your own project management methodology to incorporate agile practices where appropriate.
Overall, the changes to the PMP® Exam and the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition reflect the evolving landscape of project management. By staying up to date with these changes and preparing accordingly, you can ensure that you are well-positioned to succeed in the PMP® Exam and beyond.
Another major change in the PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition is the inclusion of a new section on project management business documents. This section provides guidance on the various documents that are used in project management, such as project charters, project plans, and project reports. This new section is designed to help project managers create and manage these documents more effectively, which can lead to better project outcomes.
Finally, the new edition of the guide also places greater emphasis on the importance of soft skills in project management. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are critical to the success of any project. The PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition recognizes this fact and provides guidance on how project managers can develop and improve their soft skills to become more effective leaders and managers.
