Project Management

PMP 2021 Exam Focus

Jimmy Atohengbe Md, United States

Since the PMBOK 7th edition is out and radically different from the 6th edition, I, and surely many other candidates, are quite unsure and confused on which PMBOK the focus of the exam will be since this isn't addressed on the list of FAQs on the PMI website. Which PMBOK should be studied and which should be abandoned for the current PMP exam (even though the 7th edition mentions the following, which really seems to complicate matters for candidates that need to be clear on how to focus study efforts;

"Nothing in this edition of The Standard for Project Management or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge negates alignment with the process-based approach of past editions. Many organizations and practitioners continue to find that approach useful for guiding their project management capabilities, aligning their methodologies, and evaluating their project management capabilities. That approach remains relevant in the context of this new edition.")?

When does the exam cut over from concepts in the 6th edition to the 7th edition as is the norm with certs? Also, the exam outline and the 7th edition don't seem to be aligned or reflective of each other either, which also adds to this confusion.

Concrete info will be appreciated to help better focus one's studies.

Posted: Jul 3, 2021 8:43 PM (Updated by author: Jul 4, 2021 8:02 AM)

Sort By:

Thomas Walenta Global Project Economy Expert Hackenheim, Germany

Very true Jimmy.
Confusion (and workload) for exam candidates is increased.
Is that good or bad?

...

1 reply by Jimmy Atohengbe

Jul 07, 2021 10:40 AM

Jimmy Atohengbe

...

Yes, exactly my sentiments.

The fact is laid out in question 15 of the FAQ document released this month (and question 17 simply the disorganization more glaring):
https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/...e8-daaf5ea2b13d

Conclusion; seek other updated books for exam prep. Even then, since the exams will start getting updated with 7th edition content from August 1, according to a rep but not mentioned in the FAQ or anywhere on the PMI website, you'd most likely also have to get through the 7th edition too. It's a complete mess especially when you realize that it's coming from what's supposed to be a 'PM' authority.

Posted: Jul 7, 2021 5:31 AM