Hello,
Do you know that PMP exam is changing on 31st Aug
2011?
Every five to seven years, the Project Management Institute (PMI)
performs a Role Delineation Study to determine authority ("the
role"), responsibilities & duties of project managers today. The
findings are then used to update the Project Management Professional
(PMP) Exam. This is to ensure that PMI always gives the latest and
updated exam resources for the PMP aspirants.
In this way, PMI completed their latest study at the end of 2010.
The findings will lead to an update in the PMP Exam on 31 August
2011. Let`s look at what this means to you.
THE NO CHANGES
First, let’s take a look at what is NOT changing for
Aug 31, 2011
The PMBOK Guide Is Not Changing
This is very important. There is NO change to the
PMBOK Guide. The PMP Exam is currently based on the PMBOK Guide 4th
Edition. The 5th edition is scheduled for publication at the end of
2012. This means that the PMP Exam will continue to be largely based
on the 4th edition until sometime in 2013. Therefore, everyone
preparing for the PMP Exam can continue to do so using the PMBOK
Guide 4th edition until 2013.
The Exam Format Is Not Changing
Another good news. The PMP Exam will continue to be a
computer-based exam, and you have four hours to answer and the 200
multiple-choice questions is also not changing.
The Score Report is Not Changing
PMI stated
"At this time, PMI does not anticipate any changes will be made to
the PMP score report". This suggests that the way the passing score
is determined will remain the same.
The Eligibility Requirements Are Not Changing
The education and experience eligibility requirements
for the PMP Exam will remain the same. Please read the eligibility
section of the PMP Credential Handbook for the details.
THE CHANGES
Now, let’s take a look at what is going to change for
the PMP exam.
Professional & Social Responsibility Will Be
Integrated
In the current exam format Professional and Social
Responsibility is tested as a separate domain. The Role Delineation
Study showed that Professional and Social Responsibility is
integrated into all of the work of project management and cannot be
seen as separate. The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct should
therefore be viewed and tested as an integrated part of a project
manager`s day-to-day work, be it on dealing with project scope,
project time, quality etc.
For the new exam, students will have to understand
the effects of Professional and Social Responsibility on their daily
tasks. Exam questions will ask about ethical considerations during
procurement, mix social responsibility with team management and test
your application of professional responsibility in a written status
report.
So the Professional & Social responsibility is really
mixed with the day-to-day activities of a Project manager instead of
listing it out as a separate domain/entity.
The Exam Changes on 31 August 2011.
The new exam will be rolled out on 31 August 2011 and
the last day on which you can take the exam under the current
specifications is on 30 August 2011. No exceptions.
Our recommendations for the PMP exam takers:-
1. Take The Exam Before The Change:
If you are currently studying for the PMP Exam then
plan your studies in such a way that you can take the exam before 31
July 2011. The new exam comes into effect on 31 August 2011 and
scheduling your exam one month before this date will give you 30
days to retake the exam in case you fail on your first attempt. In
this scenario, we plan for the known risk.
2. Read The FAQ:
PMI has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
page. Reading it will help you to better understand about the
upcoming changes. You may read the FAQ by visiting the PMI web-site http://www.pmi.org/Certification/Project-Management-Professional-PMP/~/media/PDF/Certifications/PMP%20Update%20and%20RDS%20FAQs%20-final.ashx
3. Read PMI`s Study Tips:
I recommend that you take a look at the PMP Study
Tips Page that PMI prepared on their website.
http://www.pmi.org/Certification/Project-Management-Professional-PMP/PMP-Exam-Prep.aspx
These tips will help you how to focus on your studies
and what is expected out of you.
Also visit http://www.pmi.org/Certification/Project-Management-Professional-PMP/Updates-to-PMP-Certification-Exam.aspx to
understand about the upcoming changes for 31st Aug 2011.
Happy Studying.