Details & Resources — The PMP Test Change (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
2. Webinar from PMI about the upcoming changes.
3. PM-Podcast #336 (Host Cornelius Fichtner, PMP/CSM interviews Simona Falluvita (PMI, Program Manager about the changes)
4. Video from Andy Crowe: “PMP Exam Changes 2016 – Expanded”
5. From RMC Learning Solutions – 3 products updated to the change:

a) Upcoming Changes to the PMP Exam – (White Paper from RMC)

b) PM Fastrack (PMP Exam Simulator from RMC)

c) PMP Exam Prep, Eighth Edition, by Rita Mulcahy (book from RMC)

6. My next 2 PMP Prep classes for NYU SPS 

• PMP Prep – PROJ1-CE8601 – Section 1 – Starts Feb 6 (Saturdays)
• PMP Prep – PROJ1-CE8601 – Section 4 – Starts April 10 (Sundays)

II. SUMMARY OF KEY CHANGES  (Starting 01/12/2016)

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 Talent (Left side of Triangle)
  2. Leadership Talent (Right side of Triangle
  3. Strategic Management Talent (Base of Triangle)
• A diagram of the new Talent Triangle, along with a detailed description, are given in my book: The Project Management Answer Book.

Mavis recommends: “Buy my Dad’s book!”

You might also like to see:

• PMP Test Tip: Debunking the Green Sky vs. Blue Sky Mindset
• 27 out of 27 Five-Star Amazon Reviews for “The PM Answer Book”