Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm really perplexed by the folks who are starting to post in PMI's LinkedIn discussion group asking for study aids for the pilot of the new PMP exam.
I just don't get why someone would willingly want to be a "guinea pig", especially given the level of effort and cost associated with the exam.
The lack of any meaningful study aids other than a list of ten fairly lengthy reference books from PMI would be a detractor by itself.
That explains why PMI is offering it, Abolfazl, but NOT why candidates would take it!
Kiron Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Kiron, I could see several motivations: Curiousity Fear of PMP trainers missing the boat and trying to have the pilot label PMP trainers having no clue how to change their training material for the new exam PMPs trying to influence the exam with their feedback Retirees Givers
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1 reply by Kiron Bondale
Jan 23, 2020 10:57 AM
Kiron Bondale
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Thanks Thomas!
Let me analyze each of your proposed motivations in turn:
1. Curiosity - it killed the cat, and might lose a candidate a few hundred dollars
2. Fear of PMP trainers missing the boat + PMP trainers having no clue how to change their materials: The new REP program will prevent homegrown materials AND only folks who don't have their PMP can take the pilot exam
3. Retirees - really?!? There's nothing better to spend time and money on?
4. Givers - I like it, but I'm sure there are more worthwhile causes than swelling PMI's cash reserves...
Kiron, I could see several motivations: Curiousity Fear of PMP trainers missing the boat and trying to have the pilot label PMP trainers having no clue how to change their training material for the new exam PMPs trying to influence the exam with their feedback Retirees Givers
Thanks Thomas!
Let me analyze each of your proposed motivations in turn:
1. Curiosity - it killed the cat, and might lose a candidate a few hundred dollars
2. Fear of PMP trainers missing the boat + PMP trainers having no clue how to change their materials: The new REP program will prevent homegrown materials AND only folks who don't have their PMP can take the pilot exam
3. Retirees - really?!? There's nothing better to spend time and money on?
4. Givers - I like it, but I'm sure there are more worthwhile causes than swelling PMI's cash reserves...
Kiron
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1 reply by Brian Kellum
Jan 23, 2020 11:28 AM
Brian Kellum
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I get all of your points, but as a new applicant, the test will be difficult regardless, I can get a jump on the future of PM by going through the process, and they offer to let you retest once for free.
Saving Changes...
Brian KellumManaging Partner| Kellum ConsultingDallas, Ga, United States
Jan 23, 2020 10:57 AM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
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Thanks Thomas!
Let me analyze each of your proposed motivations in turn:
1. Curiosity - it killed the cat, and might lose a candidate a few hundred dollars
2. Fear of PMP trainers missing the boat + PMP trainers having no clue how to change their materials: The new REP program will prevent homegrown materials AND only folks who don't have their PMP can take the pilot exam
3. Retirees - really?!? There's nothing better to spend time and money on?
4. Givers - I like it, but I'm sure there are more worthwhile causes than swelling PMI's cash reserves...
Kiron
I get all of your points, but as a new applicant, the test will be difficult regardless, I can get a jump on the future of PM by going through the process, and they offer to let you retest once for free.
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2 replies by Ijeoma Agada and Kiron Bondale
Jan 23, 2020 11:50 AM
Kiron Bondale
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But why would someone not want to take advantage of all the great resources which are available for the current exam? After all, no one will care WHEN you got your PMP, just that you have it...
And failing the PMP exam once (or more) is a major blow to the ego. You want to go in expecting to do very well and without the benefit of any self-study or facilitated guidance beyond the ECO and the reference book list, the odds are against you.
Kiron
Jan 28, 2020 6:59 AM
Ijeoma Agada
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I am a new Applicant as well. If the offer to retest once for free is really true, i think that is thoughtful and fair.
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Hi Kiron,
there is a diversity of people out there. Luckily.
1/3 Curious or retirees with millions on their account would not care much about dollars - I don't but I do not care either
2 Well, I know PMP trainers who have no clue about how the exam prep program is going to change. Many of them are no REPs and some started to make sense of the new ECO (think volunteers in Chapters running prep programs, professors in universities, peers in companies).
And the new REP program it has not been finalized and announced yet, the trainer cert is not known, there is a lot of confusion.
And yes, there will be homegrown material, you just have to use the provided PMI stuff also. How to differentiate yourself?
So with signing up to the pilot they might want to get some more information, early. If a PMP cannot signup they might send a rookie. Saving Changes...
I get all of your points, but as a new applicant, the test will be difficult regardless, I can get a jump on the future of PM by going through the process, and they offer to let you retest once for free.
But why would someone not want to take advantage of all the great resources which are available for the current exam? After all, no one will care WHEN you got your PMP, just that you have it...
And failing the PMP exam once (or more) is a major blow to the ego. You want to go in expecting to do very well and without the benefit of any self-study or facilitated guidance beyond the ECO and the reference book list, the odds are against you.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
I usually enjoy being a guinea pig when it means that I can influence future outcomes. That doesn't seem the case for the PMP pilot. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Kiron
I hear your points, and frustration. I was involved in the past couple of months with PMP candidates, mentoring sessions and other volunteering activities and here is what I've heard:
1) Pilot exam is a good chance because we will get one more go for free so if we don't do well, at least we have an idea and it is at a discounted price.
2) Some are under the impression that because it is a pilot exam, the test will be easier and passing rate will be higher.
Those are the top two opinions that I've heard. In my head, both doesn't make sense but .... you know !
RK Saving Changes...
Deepesh RammoorthyICT Project Manager ( PMP®AgilePM®Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®))| Australian Red Cross Blood ServiceTarneit, Vic, Australia
There are early adopters for every new thing these days :)
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1 reply by Kiron Bondale
Jan 24, 2020 8:44 AM
Kiron Bondale
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Isn't one of the required competencies for an effective PM supposed to be judgment?
At the risk of offending some I'll state that just because "it is there" doesn't demonstrate good judgment (unless we are talking about climbing Mt. Everest) so unless the candidate has a legitimate reason why taking the new exam is a better decision than the current one, I'd suggest that might be used as a data point to disqualify them for their PMP credential as I'm not sure I'd want to hire them to manage any of my projects!
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