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Project Management Institute (PMI) announced that the project management professional (PMP) exam is changing from 2 January 2021 to meet the need of more diverse skills and approaches than ever before..

How Difficult Is New PMP Exam 2021?

PMP exam is considered as one of the most difficult project management exam mostly because of its huge syllabus, the dedication required, type & length of the questions asked, duration of exam & answer choices. it tests the candidate’s in-depth knowledge of Project Management skills & patience level. This does not mean that its impossible to clear PMP exam, If you study hard and prepare well you can pass the credential test.
According to Project Management Institute (PMI):

When at-least one-third pf project manager have a PMP certification, more projects are completed on the time, within budget, and with the original goals achieved.

PMP Exam 2021 Content Outline 

The new PMP exam will focus on 3 new domains :  

  • People: emphasizing the skills and the activities associated with effectively leading a project team            
  • Process: reinforcing the technical aspects of managing a project                                                                            
  • Business Environment: highlighting the connection between projects and organization strategy

The new exam comprised of :

  • 180 questions ( the previous exam was 200) but the same number of questions will be scored
  • 230 minutes to complete the exam
  • One additional break for a total of two 10-minute breaks for computer-based test . No scheduled breaks            for paper-based exams
  • Question will be a combination of multiple responses, matching, hotspot, and limited fill-in-the-blank.

How long would it take to prepare PMP Exam?

It varies based on the work experience, knowledge level & the academic background you have. To make it simple below are the 2 categories (based on the academics)

  • Category 1: Candidates with Project Management academic background                                                                  
  • Category 2: Others with no project management  experience

The main reason for doing this categorization was to assess the time required for the preperation based on the academic knowledge or no job experience already posed by the candidate.

Since category 1 candidates will have a brief understanding of the subject & familiarity to the majority of the terms being used in PMBOK or reference books, they tend  to take less time as compared to category 2 to complete the course

45 days for Category 1 & 60 days for Category 2 will be a suitable time period to be ready to clear the exam in 1st attempt (PMI allows 3 attempts, 1st attempt is free &2,3 are chargeable) . But again it varies from person to person depending on their capabilities.

How to Pass New PMP Exam 2021:

Here are the few tips to pass new PMP exam 2021 in the first attempt:

  •  Master PMBOK guide
  • Make a Study Plan
  • Refer to another Study Guide
  • Solve a lot of Practice Questions
  • Write Practice Test
  • Use the 35 hours of Project Management Training efficiently
  • Manage time during preparation stage and during exam
  • Join PMP training institutions.

  Conclusion

  PMP exam covers a broad spectrum of project management topics.It is an challenging and in-depth exam and goes beyond the basics covered in other entry level exams. While it is difficult, it is certainly out of reach. With right resources and good study , you can pass the PMP exam 2021 with flying colours.

                 

 

  • Dr Faiz Rasool
    CEO and Founder at PM Training School (PMI Premier and SAFe Transformation Partner)

    Faiz runs PM Training School, a PMI's Premier Authorised Training Partner and SAFe Bronze transformation partner. Dr Faiz Rasool is a multi-award winning Agile and Business Transformation Consultant, Speaker, Trainer and Coach who finely combines on one hand an in-depth knowledge and grasp of Project/Programme/Portfolio Management and on the other hand, experience and expertise in Business Strategy, Business Analysis and Change Management. A rare mix of competencies that perfectly blend and are needed for driving corporate growth. Faiz have demonstrated a track record of driving growth, managing successful transformation projects, improving Business Process, and successfully creating solutions for complex business problems. Faiz brings a mix of best practice thinking, practical experience and working knowledge of the local operating environment to projects and consulting engagements.

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