LinkThe Project Management Professional (PMP) is one of eight certifications offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is the most widely recognized, with over 1.3 million certified professionals. While the PMP exam isn’t solely based on the PMBOK Guide, this guide has been a crucial resource for exam preparation.
Although the PMBOK 7th Edition has been available for three years, many project managers are still figuring out its structure and the best ways to apply it in their work.
Given the frequent updates to the PMBOK Guide, this article will explore the key changes and what they mean for the PMP exam under the PMBOK 7th Edition.
What is the PMBOK Guide?
At its core, the PMBOK Guide combines two essential resources: the Project Management Standard and the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide.
● The Project Management Standards are documents that can carry the approval of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
● The PMBOK Guide provides a framework of best practices for managing projects.
It includes knowledge areas, processes, tools, and techniques that project managers can apply to effectively guide and manage projects. The PMI regularly revises the guide to keep up with changes in the project management landscape. Simply put, the PMBOK Guide is designed to equip project managers with practical tools and strategies to drive better project outcomes.
The PMBOK Guide is a valuable resource for preparing for the PMP certification, but its role extends far beyond exam prep. It covers essential project documents like the Project Scope Statement, Risk Log, and Project Charter. The guide also provides insights into the key elements of the project management field, helping professionals understand industry standards.
Additionally, the PMBOK Guide outlines best practices, explains how to use various project management tools, and highlights the importance of standards in maintaining the quality and professionalism of the industry.
How the PMBOK Guide Has Evolved
The PMBOK Guide started as a simple report in 1981, which later grew into the “Ethics, Standards, and Accreditation Committee Final Report” in 1983. This document laid the groundwork for the first edition of the PMBOK Guide, released in 1987. Each version since has aimed to keep the content up to date while covering all the essential aspects of project management.
In 1996, PMI officially published the first standalone edition of the PMBOK Guide. It was created to give project managers a standard reference for tools, processes, and terminology.
Over time, the guide has continued to evolve, with updates from the 2nd edition to the 7th, and an 8th edition is expected to reflect the latest trends, tools, and techniques in project management. Each edition mirrors the standards of the profession at the time of its release.
Key Differences Between the PMBOK 7th and 6th Editions
The PMBOK 7th Edition, released in August 2021, introduces significant changes, marking a shift from a process-driven approach to a principle-based framework. This change makes the 7th edition shorter and easier to read compared to the 6th Edition.
Unlike the previous version, the 7th edition no longer provides a step-by-step guide on which processes or tools to use in a specific order. Instead, it emphasizes the key principles of project management, allowing you to apply them to achieve your desired results, no matter your role or industry. It is designed to be flexible and adaptable across various fields. Additionally, it provides more detailed and comprehensive guidance on agile practices and techniques than the 6th edition.
Overview of the PMBOK 7th Edition
The PMBOK 7th Edition centers on high-level principles grouped into eight performance domains. These domains highlight the crucial elements needed to successfully manage projects, regardless of your background or the methodology you use, whether it’s iterative, incremental, predictive, agile, or a hybrid approach.
The Eight Domains of the PMBOK 7th Edition
The release of the PMBOK 7th Edition introduced eight key performance domains in project management. According to PMI, these domains are essential for ensuring the successful delivery of project outcomes.
The PMBOK 7th Edition outlines eight essential domains for effective project management:
Stakeholders
Development Approach and Lifecycle
Project Work
Delivery
Measurement
Uncertainty
Change
Integration
Major Changes in the PMBOK Guide 7th Edition
Shift from a Process-Oriented to a Principle-Based Approach
One of the most significant updates in the 7th Edition is its shift from a process-based approach to a principle-based one. Previously, the PMBOK Guide focused heavily on process concepts like ITTOs (Inputs, Tools, Techniques, and Outputs) and a step-by-step approach to managing projects.
The 7th Edition, however, emphasizes achieving project results through guiding principles rather than strict processes. It introduces 12 project management principles designed to help professionals reach their goals in various project scenarios. These principles are flexible and applicable to all types of projects, rather than being prescriptive.
12 Project Management Principles in the PMBOK 7th Edition
For the first time, the PMBOK Guide includes a set of 12 project management principles. These principles serve as guidelines for project teams, helping them make decisions, solve problems, and develop strategies. They are intended to shape behavior and improve project outcomes.
The 12 principles are:
- Be a caring, respectful, and diligent steward
- Create a collaborative and communicative team environment
- Engage effectively with stakeholders
- Focus on delivering value
- Identify, examine, and respond to system interactions
- Demonstrate leadership behaviors
- Tailor approaches based on context
- Deliver quality in processes
- Navigate complexity
- Evaluate risk responses
- Be adaptable and resilient
- Embrace change according to future needs
As shown in the list, these principles apply universally, regardless of your industry, role, project size, or the nature of your work.
Concept of Value Delivery System
Another key addition in the 7th Edition is the focus on delivering value not just through project execution but as a key contributor to the organization's overall success. It introduces the idea that projects should align with and enhance the organization's broader goals. Instead of seeing projects as isolated tasks, the guide views them as integral parts of a larger system that includes portfolios and programs.
Tailored Content
One of the most appreciated updates in the 7th Edition is the new chapter dedicated to tailoring project management practices to fit specific organizational contexts and needs. This chapter provides guidance on adapting methodologies and practices based on your organization’s unique situation. It’s not about replacing existing PMO practices but rather supplementing them with relevant considerations for a more customized approach.
PMBOK Methods, Models, and Artifacts
In the PMBOK 7th Edition, methods, models, and artifacts are covered in a separate chapter. This section includes high-level models and methodologies relevant to project management.
Previously, these were included within the ITTOs (Inputs, Tools, Techniques, and Outputs) section of the knowledge areas. Now, they are organized by their specific purposes rather than being listed as ITTOs. This approach helps maintain continuity with previous editions while allowing for more flexibility in how techniques and tools are used.
PMBOK 7 Performance Domains
The 7th Edition introduces eight performance domains, replacing the ten knowledge areas from earlier editions. PMI defines these domains as key activities necessary for effectively delivering project results. This shift to performance domains reflects a more system-oriented view of project management.
These domains represent interconnected management capabilities that work together to achieve project goals. Success in project management is seen as customizing processes, methods, and tools to meet desired outcomes, rather than strictly following predefined processes.
Summary
It's important to clarify that while the PMP exam uses the PMBOK Guide as a resource, the two are not directly linked. The PMP exam is based on an exam outline that includes various sources, not just the PMBOK Guide. For effective preparation, consider using the PMBOK Guide alongside other study materials, such as an independent PMP study book, a video study course, and several practice exams. Make sure to take notes and compile them as you study.
I hope this article has helped you understand the PMBOK 7th Edition, its structure, and how it differs from previous versions. If you're preparing for the PMP exam, plan your study approach, stay committed, and take this step forward in your professional development!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the PMBOK 7th Edition Completely Replace the PMBOK 6th Edition?
No, the PMBOK 7th Edition does not completely replace the PMBOK 6th Edition. Many of the key concepts and learnings from the 6th Edition are still relevant for the PMP exam. PMI recognizes that ITTOs and Process Groups from the 6th Edition have been effectively used by project managers to achieve their goals.
2. Is the PMBOK 7 Guide Free for PMI Members?
Yes, PMI members can download the PMBOK 7 Guide for free as part of their membership benefits, along with other PMI guidelines and standards. If you prefer a physical copy, you can purchase one from retailers like Amazon.
3. What are the PMBOK 7 Project Management Standards?
The PMBOK 7 Guide represents a shift to principle-based knowledge, focusing on achieving project outcomes rather than just following process steps. While it supports PMI’s professional development programs, it is not a formal standard like those established by ISO or ANSI. Instead, it provides a comprehensive guide to best practices and methodologies in project management.
4. Are Hybrid and Agile Approaches Covered in the PMBOK 7 Guide?
Yes, the PMBOK 7 Guide includes information on hybrid and agile approaches throughout its chapters. Each of the eight performance domains also covers aspects of Agile culture, practices, and techniques.
5. What Resources Do I Need to Pass the PMP Exam?
Nick Mendez, a certified PMP and author of a PMP study book, recommends the following resources for exam preparation:
● PMBOK 7 Guide
● An independent PMP study book
● A PMP study course
● Several practice exams before taking the test
About the Author - About Nicholas Mendez (Nick Mendez):
Nicholas Mendez (Nick Mendez) is a 26-year-old tech professional with 5+ years of cyber security, and technology project management experience. He earned his PMP certification on April 30, 2023, marking a significant milestone in his career. Since then, he’s written many guest posts and blog posts where readers have received a great amount of value and knowledge to prepare for their PMP exam.
Check out his FREE exclusive top-notch PMP study resources at nickmendez.co and get ready to take your career to the next level!
