PMP certification exam is based on Exam Content Outline (ECO). It is like syllabus for the PMP exam. The latest ECO was published in January 2021. PMI is using it for holding 2023 PMP Exam.
The current ECO was first introduced in June 2019. The PMP exam was supposed to change on December 16, 2019 based on this ECO but that update never happened. PMI postponed the exam changes for July 2020, which too was postponed.
The exam couldn’t be updated in July 2020 because of the general lock-down all over the World due to Covid pandemic. PMI finally changed the exam on January 01, 2021.
Here is a small video explaining the PMP exam syllabus and how ECO and how can be used for exam preparation.
The ECO is updated every 3-5 years. ECO is revised based on the findings of a survey of project managers. The survey is called Role Delineation Study (RDS) and it is done to determine the role performed by the project managers in the industry.
You will find answers to a few frequently asked questions about the PMP exam changes of 2021, ECO, and RDS in this post.
PMP Exam Content Outline of 2021
Role and Responsibilities
Key competency areas
Domains of Practice
Tasks to be performed
Required Knowledge & skills including soft skills like conflict resolution skills.
The RDS is validated by Project Management Practitioners and Subject Matter Experts from various different Countries/Industries. The research results are compiled in the Exam Content Outline.The previous RDS was done in the year 2015. Subsequently, the ECO was revised to reflect updated role of project managers.
There was no change in the number of Domains. The exam takes are still evaluated on 5 domains viz. Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing.
However, the breakdown of the percentage of questions from each Domain has changed. The weight of Executing has increased by 1%, while that of Closing has decreased by 1%. Executing and Closing have a coverage of 31% and 7% respectively. This has changed from from 30% and 8% earlier.
A few new tasks have also been added in 4 of the 5 domains.
1 task has been added to Planning
2 Tasks have been added to Executing
2 Tasks have been added to Monitoring & Controlling
There are minor changes in some other tasks. The modified tasks have the same essence as the previous tasks, but there are some changes to the terminology and the language.
Some tasks have also been removed from the ECO.
You should also refer to my other article for complete details of new tasks.
Final Thoughts
PMI might not release a new ECO for another 2 years. It might be released in 2024.
However, the exam will change this year because of transition from 6th edition of the PMBOK Guide to 7th edition. The extent of change is still unknown.
There is no point in waiting around and understanding how the exam will change. PMP is a hard exam to crack. The difficulty increases whenever change are introduced. New version of the exam brings in a more uncertainty. It is better to take the exam before the change.
Moreover, the sooner you take the exam, the better it is for your career. You can potentially get 20% more salary with PMP credential.
You can download my free exam prep guide to kick-start your preparation. It will help you to pass the exam in first try.
Over To You
When are you planning to take the exam? Is there anything stopping you to take the exam soon?
I welcome your comments below.
Hi, Praveen Malik,
I would like to take the PMP exam within 2022, so I am confusing that I need to study 6th edition or both ? Any suggestion ?
Many Thanks
Marco
Hi Marco, You should study 6th ed for now. Here is an article (written by PMExperto) that will give you complete guidance. If you want, you can use their training program to prepare for the exam. It comes with lifetime access and 100% pass guarantee. Hope it helps.
BR, Praveen.