Is PMP Exam Changing In 2022?

The Project Management Institute (PMI) manages the Project Management Professional (PMP) ® certification process, the program's exam administration, and the creation of the exam content.

In January 2021, PMI released a new version of the exam, followed in August 2021 by a new version of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition.

The Seventh Edition will influence exam questions; however, there are other PMP exam changes.

Changes in PMP exam

The changes to the PMP exam reflect how online test-taking options have grown and how the PMBOK Guide and Exam Content Outline have evolved. As a result, the following components of the exam are new or different:

Structure

As of January 2021, the Project Management Institute changed the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. The new structure will not significantly impact study approaches, but it can help you know what to expect on test days.

Duration of the exam: 230 minutes instead of 240 minutes

No. of Questions: Reduced from 200 to 180

No. of Breaks: 2 breaks each of 10 minutes

Type of Question

• Multiple-choice
• Matching
• Hotspot
• Fill-in-the-blank

Content and Questions

PMI conducts broad research to determine how, if, and when it changes project management standards and certification exam content. As a result, the percentage of topics covered by the PMP exam varies regularly.

Topic Changes: from the phases of making predictions to the areas of People, Processes, and Business Environment

Question Distribution change: from weighted question distribution by processes

• Initiating (13%)
• Planning (24%)
• Executing (31%)
• Monitoring & controlling (25%)
• Closing (7%)

To

A question distribution by domains

• People (42%),
• Process (50%)
• Business Environment (8%)

Why Change in the Exam?

After every change project managers go through, it's essential to understand its motivation. In addition, the project is constantly evolving due to emerging trends in the community.

As a proactive response, PMI constantly monitors these trends and changes accordingly.

These changes ensure PMI and its certifications can keep up with the advancements in the project management profession and still be a valuable resource for many years.

The exam updates help you build stronger relationships with colleagues and clients.

The new process-based questions will focus on how you can manage a project when things go wrong instead of simply following a plan.

The changes will be more than just academic; instead, they will help you develop your communication and lead you to apply them in the real world. However, it doesn't mean the process, methods, and techniques are less important.

Instead, it means that a candidate's ability to complete a project successfully is of utmost significance.

The New Vs Previous PMP Exam

The good news is that you still have three months to prepare for the PMP exam. Typically, it takes about three months to study for the exam properly.

Think about how much time and money changing might cost you when you decide.

The new exam will include two domains. One is the familiar process domain, while the other expands to account for agile and hybrid methodologies and approaches.

Because of these changes, you'll need extra preparation time. Try to take the current version of the exam.

You'll have a much better idea of what to expect, and there's a lot more information available than you might think.

If you are unprepared for the exam, you may take comfort in knowing the process portion of the test. The PMP credential exam tests your knowledge and skills related to the information in your current studies.

This means that even if you don't pass, your effort won't waste because the exam tests process skills and knowledge necessary to prepare for the new version of the certification.

Moreover, if you pass, your competence will be updated, too.

Preparation Plan for 2022 PMP exam

Plan a study structure-To to improve your studying, be sure to create a study plan. For example, include the amount of time you have available to study and your study period's start and end dates.

Also, outline what you need to do every day to schedule periods of intense learning throughout your study period.

Set a deadline -To get the most out of your sessions, set a timer for 25 minutes. Work on your task until the timer goes off, then take a five-minute break. Then, at four-hour intervals, take more extensive breaks lasting 20 to 25 minutes.

Avoid delay- If you want to get your PMP designation, you will have to be diligent about doing all the small tasks needed. So make a plan, carry it out, and be sure you follow through on every little thing!

Join the study group-We all struggle with the PMP exam at some point or another. You can talk to your instructor or your fellow students about your concerns. 

And by doing so, you're learning from others who have already passed the certification.

Practice mock test: The best way to prepare for the exam is to repeatedly practice questions that resemble those on the exam.

The new format of the exam will replicate the experience of taking it, so you'll be able to get a sense of how prepared you are by practicing test questions in this format. 

Also, it would help if you got accustomed to taking an exam that lasts three hours or more.

Following the above tips will help you do well in your PMP certification exam and ace it with flying colors.

Remember to strike a balance between study, rest, and other activities. In this way, you'll get results—as long as you don't forget to follow the tips given here. 

The bottom line is that PMP certification remains the gold standard to measure project management expertise and is an excellent addition to your resume.

And with such extensive practice and preparation material available, there's no excuse not to get certified unless you choose not to.

Final Thoughts

The PMP exam is changing in 2022. We don't know what will change when. However, the exam will adapt to reflect 21st-century project management and project managers' real-life situations. 

This is great news for project managers because the way we work and manage projects is no longer confined to office spaces within time zones. But unfortunately, this also means that certification exams will evolve, too.

The new PMP exam for changing the focus from process management to business management meets the business's high demand value. 

On top of this, PMP exam prep will be more standardized and flexible due to efforts toward making the certification more accessible and affordable.

Passing the PMP Exam is an important milestone for any project manager. Luckily, you have plenty of time to study for the exam. First, however, we recommend looking at your current experience and determining how many hours you will need to learn to pass. 

Then, use your schedule to find time to review your notes, online practice exams, and test yourself with full-length tests.

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