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New PMP Exam Guidelines for 2021

The PMI Authorized On-Demand PMP Exam Preparation is an online prep course that will allow you to prepare for the new PMP certification exam available on Jan 2, 2021.  If you sign up before November 1st, 2020, you can save $100.  This course was developed by PMI, and it is self-paced online to better align preparation with the new PMP Exam Content and Outline. More significantly, it satisfies the 35 training hours required to apply for the PMP certification. Following completion, you will receive 35 Technical Professional Units (PDUs) and 3.5 Continuing Educational Units (CEUs). The cost for the course is $699 for members until November 1, 2021 at which time the cost increases to $799. The exam fee is an additional $405 for members.

There has been much talk about the changes in the PMP Exam Content, and the last date that the old format will be used for the exam is December 31, 2020. As of January 2, 2021, the PMP Exam will be administered using the revised content discussed below.

This date has already been deferred due to COVID Pandemic protocols, and PMI as an organization is going even further. They are now offering an online proctored testing (OPT) option. PMI may also work with you to reschedule and automatically extend your exam eligibility until January 18, 2021 if you already scheduled the exam but were unable to take it because of health restrictions or training delays.

To take the exam, you must have a four-year degree, 36 months leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM Certification. Please remember that taking PMI’s online prep course discussed above satisfies the education and training requirements. If you have a high school diploma or an Associates degree, you must have 25 more moths leading projects – for a total of 60 months. The 35-hour training requirement (or taking the on-demand self-paced, online course already illustrated) still applies.

The new exam content does differ significantly from the former exam outline as seen below. A 42% focus on People now tests on topics ranging from managing conflict to mentoring relevant stakeholders. Exam content also now reflects a 50% emphasis on Process. Processes involving the planning, management, and execution of communication, risk, budget/resources, schedules, scope, and integration. Prior to the exam, the details contained in each outline need to be closely reviewed.

The PMP Exam can only improve a Project Leader’s ability to integrate Cost, Schedule, and Performance in their career! Good Luck!