A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK^® Guide) – Sixth Edition from the Project Management Institute (PMI)^® is now available. So what does the latest PMBOK^® Guide mean for project management practitioners? What impact does it have for those looking at completing a PMP^® or CAPM^® certification?

Why the update?

Project management as a discipline is not static, it continues to develop, reflecting the dynamic nature and demands of the global and local market. Specifically, the trend for incorporating agile practices, methods and techniques within projects has influenced project management significantly in many industries.

Project management has evolved since the PMBOK^® Guide – Fifth Edition was published in 2013. In addition, part 2 of the PMBOK^® Guide includes The Standard for Project Management which is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is required to be updated every four to five years.

6 Key Updates to the PMBOK^® Guide – Sixth Edition

1. Four new sections in each Knowledge Area.

• Key Concepts. Consolidation of key concepts associated with the specific Knowledge Area.
• Trends and Emerging Practices. Including trends or practices that are occurring but may not be practised on most projects.
• Tailoring Considerations. Focuses on the importance of tailoring all aspects of the project to meet the needs of the organisation, environment, stakeholders and other variables.
• Considerations for Agile/Adaptive Environments. Discusses areas where agile approaches may differ from more predictive or traditional approaches.

2. Detailed new content on the Role of the Project Manager. This addresses the project manager’s sphere of influence (project, organisation, industry, professional disciplines, across disciplines) and competencies.  Content on the PMI Talent Triangle^® is now included, highlighting technical project management, leadership and strategic and business management skills.
3. Renaming of 2 Knowledge Areas.

• Project Schedule Management. Previously Project Time Management – changed to reflect that the schedule (not time) is defined and managed during a project.
• Project Resource Management. Previously Project Human Resource Management – changed to include both team resources (people) and physical resources.

4. Introduction of 2 key Project Management Business Documents. These business documents are interdependent and are developed and updated iteratively throughout the project life cycle.

• Business case
• Benefits management plan

5. Process changes. Including 3 new processes:

• Manage Project Knowledge (Integration)
• Control Resources
• Implement Risk Responses

Close procurements has been removed and there are some process name changes for consistency.

6. New Appendix on Agile Practices. This explores agile, adaptive, iterative and hybrid environments.

What about PMP^® and CAPM^® examinations?

The Project Management Professional (PMP)^® exam will be updated Q1 2018, and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)^® exam will be updated Q2 2018 to correspond to the release of the PMBOK^® Guide – Sixth Edition.

Meanwhile why not consider completing your PMP^® and CAPM^® certification prior to the cutover – the certification will be current and globally recognised.

Get more information on our PMI^® exam preparation for CAPM^® and PMP^® Certification please or call us on 1300 70 13 14.

PMI, PMP, CAPM and the PMI Talent Triangle are registered trade marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.