The PMP Test Change: What You Need to Know (AFTER Jan 12, 2016)

PMI has made changes to the PMP Exam starting on Jan. 12, 2016, based on the new Role Delineation Study (RDS), as announced in advance by PMI in June 2015.

Following are:

I.   Resources to help you with the changes

II.  Summary of key changes

I. RESOURCES to help you with the changes

1. The NEW E.C.O. – Exam Content Outline – Effective starting Jan 12, 2016 (Note that the date at the top of the current ECO says June 2015, even though it became effective on Jan 12, 2016)
2. The OLD E.C.O. – Exam Content Outline (was published in Aug. 2011 by PMI)
3. Webinar from PMI about the upcoming changes
4. PM-Podcast #369 – “Growing Business Acumen and Business Awareness as a Project Manager” – Host Cornelius Fichtner interviews Bruce Harpham, PMP
5. PM-Podcast #336 – Host Cornelius Fichtner, PMP/CSM interviews Simona Falluvita (PMI Program Manager) about the changes
6. Video from Andy Crowe: “PMP Exam Changes 2016 – Expanded”
7. Cornelius Fichtner: OSP International – 2 products updated for the change:

• *The PM Prepcast (updated for the change, OSP Int’l)
• *PM Exam Simulator (updated for the change, OSP Int’l)

*Disclaimer:  As an Affiliate of OSP International, I receive a commission on products purchased through the above 2 links.

7. Lessons Learned Management Techniques For The PMP Exam (Article about the changed emphasis on Lessons Learned in the new version of the Exam, from OSP International, Cornelius Fichtner)

8. 2016 PMP Exam Update and the PM Prepcast / PM Exam Simulator (Article  from OSP International, Cornelius Fichtner )

9. Get Ready For PMP Exam Changes Coming In January 2016 (Blogpost from Vicki James, PMP, CBAP, PMI-PBA)

10. PMP Exam Prep: Rita’s Course in a Book for Passing the PMP Exam (Eighth Edition, by the RMC company)

11. PM Fastrack Exam Simulation Software for the PMP Exam (online test prep tool from RMC Corporation)

II. SUMMARY OF KEY CHANGES  (Effective starting Jan 12, 2016)

1. LESS Emphasis on CLOSING Processes: 

There will be slightly less emphasis on the CLOSING Process Group (Down to 7% from 8% of exam questions.

2. MORE Emphasis on EXECUTING Processes: 

There will be slightly more emphasis on the EXECUTING Process Group (Up to 31% from 30% of exam questions)

3.  Eight (8) NEW TASKS:  8 New “TASKS” are being added to the PM Role, per the Role Delineation Study

The 8 new tasks are being added to 4 of the Process Groups, as follows:

1. *Initiating – 3 tasks added: Task #2, #7 & #8 and Change to Task #5
   • Task #2 – Identify key deliverables based on the business requirements in order to manage customer expectations and direct the achievement of project goals.
   • Task #7 – Conduct benefit analysis with relevant stakeholders to validate project alignment with organizational strategy and expected business value.
   • Task #8 – Inform stakeholders of the approved project charter to ensure common understanding of key deliverables, milestones, and their roles and responsibilities.
   • Task #5 – NOT new but changed – Subtle change to Initiating Task #5, about Develop Project Charter. In the past, it was considered the PM’s role to CREATE the charter. But based on the RDS, it is recognized that the PM assists in the charter’s creation, but is NOT primarily responsible for creating it — typically it is more the Project Sponsor’s role to create the charter and task the PM with fulfilling the charter.
2.    Planning – 1 task added: Task #13
   • Task #13 – Develop the stakeholder management plan by analyzing needs, interests, and potential impact in order to effectively manage stakeholders’ expectations and engage them in project decisions.
3.   Executing – 2 tasks added: Task #6 & #7
   • Task #6 – Manage the flow of information by following the communication plan in order to keep stakeholders engaged and informed
   • Task #7 – Maintain stakeholder relationships by following the stakeholder management plan in order to receive continued support and manage expectations
4.  M&C –  2 tasks added: Task #6 & #7
   • Task #6 – Capture, analyze, and manage lessons learned, using lessons learned management techniques in order to enable continuous improvement
   • Task #7 – Monitor procurement activities according to the procurement plan in order to verify compliance with project objectives
5.   Closing – No new tasks added

4. CROSS-CUTTING SKILLS:

• There are many new skills added to the list of Cross-Cutting Skills at the back of the ECO, especially in the area of Business Knowledge and Benefits Analysis. And some of the skills from the prior RDS (August 2011) have been modified with the new RDS (June 2015).
• It is recommended to study ALL the “Cross-Cutting Skills” in the ECO (BELOW)

The many skills added to the Cross-Cutting Skills list:

• Applicable laws and regulations
• Benefits Realization       
• Brainstorming techniques
• Business Acumen
• Change management techniques
• Coaching, mentoring, training and motivational techniques
• Communication channels, tools, techniques and methods
• Configuration management
• Conflict resolution
• Customer Satisfaction Metrics
• Decision making
• Delegation techniques
• Diversity and cultural sensitivity
• Emotional Intelligence
• Expert judgment technique
• General sensitivity and diversity
• Interpersonal skills
• Knowledge management
• Situational awareness
• Delegation Techniques
• Lessons Learned Management Techniques
• Meeting management techniques
• Negotiating and influencing techniques and skills
• Organizational and operational awareness
• Peer review process
• Project finance principles
• Quality assurance and control techniques
• Situational awareness
• Stakeholder management techniques
• Team-building techniques
• Virtual/remote team management

5. The new “TALENT TRIANGLE” 

• In addition to the traditional ‘Triple Constraint models,’ PMI points to a new triple constraint called the “Talent Triangle,” where the 3 corners are:
• The 3 corners of the new Talent Triangle are:
• 1. Technical (Left side of Triangle)
  2. Leadership (Right side of Triangle
  3. Strategic Management (Base of Triangle)
• A diagram of the new Talent Triangle, along with a detailed description, are provided in my book:

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1. My PMP Book: “The PM Answer Book”
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