All You Need to know about PMP Exam Change in 2021

The Project Management Institute (PMI)® announced that a change is coming to The Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam in Dec 2020.

Why is The PMP Exam Changing in 2020?

Every 3-5 years, PMI® conducts research to understand how the profession has progressed, the impact of emerging trends, and how the responsibilities of project managers have changed. The last round of this research was conducted in 2015 and resulted in the current PMP exam content outline.

Subject matter experts from leading organizations around the world have worked with PMI to define the PMP of the future. The result of this research was the publication of a new PMP Examination Content Outline in June of 2019, and one year later, this new outline will lead to an updated PMP exam.

When is the PMP Exam Changing in 2020?

There are three important dates to remember for those currently studying for the exam:

30 June 2019 – PMI published the new PMP Exam Content Outline
31st Dec 2020 – This is the last day to take the current version of the PMP Exam.
2nd Jan 2021 – This is the first day to take the new version of the PMP Exam.

What are the 2020 PMP Exam Changes?

A new PMP Examination Content Outline was published on 30 June 2019. This document defines the syllabus/content of the PMP exam. This means that PMI is currently updating the PMP exam to match the new syllabus and the new exam will go into effect on 31st Dec 2020.

The PMP exam is based on The PMP Examination Content Outline. A new version of this outline was published in June 2019, and PMI will use this new outline as the basis to update the exam.

The top three reasons why to get certified before Dec 2020 are listed below:

1. Content is Broader

The current five domains (initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, closing) to be replaced by three domains (people, process, business environments). Current content is part of the new Process domain while new content is added to the People and Business Environment domains.

Drawback: much more time will be needed to study and grasp the material!

2. Need to know Agile

Due to the impact of emerging trends in project management across various industries, agile and hybrid methodology is part of the new content. Questions will address these methodologies; therefore, one needs to have knowledge and work experience in the environments to be successful.

Drawback: The exam will be harder to pass on the first try!

3. New study guides not available yet

Lack of reviews for reference guides will affect choosing the right study guide for you.

Drawback: The risk of choosing an inadequate study guide will lead to wasted study time and money!

In conclusion, I stand by my recommendation of taking the exam before Dec 2020!

Especially if you are an experienced project manager needing that certification to be officially promoted and get that pay raise you deserve!

On average it takes students to 8 – 12 weeks to study and pass the exam on the first try! You have time to knock it out before 31st Dec 2020!

ShriLearning can help you Prepare and Pass the Exam at your first attempt and that too before Dec 2020!