PMP Examination pattern is modifying on 31-Aug-2011. This article discusses about those changes, why PMI is doing those modifications, what is Role Delineated Study and what are the results of these changes to industry?
PMP certification is not just an school certificate but a certificate of project management practitioners therefore it is really crucial that skills required in the business are tested through the PMP examination. In order to be certain that the PMP certificate is awarded to only those people who have knowledge of contemporary project management methods PMI develops their PMP exam in such a way that only right aspirant should be able to pass the exam.
From time to time organizational surroundings is shifting fast therefore there is shift of knowledge essential to manage projects in new business environment. Business environment can include opponents, govt policies, resource availability, lessons realized from previous projects (this shapes the enterprise processes and systems).
To ensure that contemporary market and PM practices and skills of certified PM, both are aligned in the same direction PMI conducts RDS (role delineated study) from time to time, usually in 5-7 years. Based on the feedback PMI examination pattern is adjusted and sometimes input is taken for the updation of PMBoK®.
RDS commissioned in 2009 is responded by the project managers from 98 nations around the world and these individuals represent virtually all the key industries. Based on this global RDS, it was determined to change the PMP exam pattern. 30-August-11 is the last date of the exam on existing pattern and from 31-August PMP students will be evaluated based on the new exam pattern.
What is not modifying on 31-Aug-11
o Project management body of knowledge Version
o Eligibility criteria for PMP examination
o Any other exam (like CAPM) pattern of Project management institute
o No# questions and question style. They are still objective type
o Exam report card
What is changing on 31-Aug-11
o Complexity of questions. Because code of conduct and professional ethics related questions are incorporated with the knowledge areas & domains therefore questions will be more confusing and difficult than the existing one.
o Nearly 30% of the PMP exam content will change
o Professional and social responsibility content (domain 6) will be tested in each other domain rather than as a separate domain
According to new recent PMP exam outline knowledge and skills in project management shall be tested in five performance domains besides a cross cutting knowledge and skills. A brief description of what project management skills an individual is being tested for is given below:
Initiating
o Cost-benefit analysis
o Business case development
o Project selection criteria
o Stakeholder identification techniques
o Risk identification techniques
o Elements of project charter
Planning
o Requirement gathering techniques
o WBS tools and techniques
o Time, budget and cost estimation techniques
o Scope management techniques
o Resource planning process
o Workflow diagramming techniques
o Types and uses of organization charts
o Elements, purpose and techniques of project planning, communication planning, procurement planning, quality management planning, change management planning, risk management planning
Executing
o Project monitoring tools and techniques
o Understanding & Delivering elements of statement of work
o Integration of WBS within the project schedule
o Project budgeting tools and techniques
o Quality standard tools
o Continuous improvement processes
Monitoring and Controlling
o Performance measurement and tracking techniques
o Project control limits
o Project performance metrics
o Cost analysis techniques
o Variance and trend analysis techniques
o Project Plan management techniques
o Change management techniques
o Integrated change control processes
Closing
o Contract closure requirements
o Basic project accounting principles
o Close-out procedures
o Feedback techniques
o Project review techniques
o Archiving techniques and statues
o Compliance
o Transition planning techniques
Cross-cutting
o Active Listening
o Brainstorming Techniques
o Conflict resolution techniques
o Cultural sensitivity and diversity
o Data gathering techniques
o Decision making techniques
o Facilitation
o Information Management tools, techniques and methods
o Leadership tools and techniques
o Negotiating
o Oral and written communication techniques, channels and applications
o PMI's Code of Ethics and professional conduct
o Presentation and tools and techniques
o Prioritization/Time Management
o Problem-solving tools and techniques
o Project Management software
o Relationship Management
o Stakeholder Impact analysis
o Targeting communications and intended audiences
o Team Motivation Techniques
