A recently completed Role Delineation Study (RDS) provided an updated description of the project management professional role. Research included a large-scale survey of global Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification holders to validate updates to domains, tasks, knowledge, and skills. The RDS captures perspectives of project management practitioners from all industries, work settings, and regions. It serves as the foundation for the PMP exam and ensures its validity and relevance.

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WHAT THAT MEANS
A recently completed Role Delineation Study (RDS) provided an updated description of the
project management professional role. Research included a large-scale survey of global Project
Management Professional (PMP)® certification holders to validate updates to domains, tasks,
knowledge, and skills. The RDS captures perspectives of project management practitioners
from all industries, work settings, and regions. It serves as the foundation for the PMP exam
and ensures its validity and relevance.
HOW THE PMP® IS AFFECTED
The five domains of practice for the PMP remain the same. However, tasks within each domain
have been modified, added, or removed.
Exam Content Outline is final. Please check that you refer to the document dated June 2015 on
page 2 to be sure you are referring to the updated version.
HERE’S AN OVERVIEW OF THE NEWLY ADDED CONTENT:
• Domain 1: Initiating the Project
3 tasks added – task 2, task 7, task 8
• Domain 2: Planning the Project
1 task added – task 13
• Domain 3: Executing the Project
2 tasks added – task 6, task 7

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• Domain 4: Monitoring and controlling the project
2 tasks added – task 6, task 7
• Domain 5: Closing the project
No new tasks added
WHAT WAS UPDATED AS A RESULT OF THE RDS?
 There are multiple updates for the 2015 Nov 2016 Jan PMP Exam:
 Modification to existing project management tasks
 A few obsolete tasks were removed
 Weighting of different areas for the PMP exam has been changed
 8 new tasks were added
 3 tasks for Initiating Process Group
 1 task for Planning Process Group
 2 tasks for Executing Process Group
 2 tasks for Monitoring and Controlling Process Group
THE CHANGES OF THE NEW PMP EXAM
The most notable changes to the PMP Exam are the new tasks added to the 5 domain groups of
the PMP Exam by putting more emphasis on stakeholders (including managing, engaging and
communicating with the stakeholders). The total number of tasks increases from 34 to 42.
1. Initiating the Project [3 new tasks]
 Identify key deliverables based on the business requirements, in order
to manage customer expectations and direct the achievement of project
goals.
 Conduct benefit analysis with stakeholders (including sponsor,
customer, subject matter experts), in order to validate project alignment
with organizational strategy and expected business value.
 Inform stakeholders of the approved project charter, in order to
ensure common understanding of the key deliverables, milestones, and
their roles and responsibilities.
2. Planning the Project [1 new tasks]

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 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 the Project [2 new tasks]
 Manage the flow of information by following the communications plan,
in order to keep stakeholders engaged and informed.
 Maintain stakeholder relationships by following the stakeholder
management plan, in order to receive continued support and manage
expectations.
4. Monitoring and controlling the Project [2 new tasks]
 Archive project documents and materials using generally accepted
practices, in order to comply with statutory requirements and for potential
use in future projects and audits.
 Obtain feedback from relevant stakeholders, using appropriate tools
and techniques and based on the stakeholder management plan, in order
to evaluate their satisfaction.
5. Closing the Project [no new tasks]
WHY IS THE PMP CHANGING?
 The Project Management profession continues to evolve over time. In order to reflect the
most current practices, the exam syllabus of the PMP Exam must be updated from time to
time.
 Every 3-5 years, PMI carries out role delineation studies (RDS) for each PMI Certifications to
ensure relevancy to the current environments.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR THE NEW PMP EXAM
 The new PMP Exam will be available after 1 November 2015 January, 11 2016.
 The new PMP Exam will be based on the new PMP Exam Content Outline dated June 2015
 All language aids will be available at the same time.
 PMP aspirants taking the computer-based exam will be able to get their PMP Exam results
immediately.
IMPORTANT DATES
January 11, 2016 is last day to test under current version of PMP exam.

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WHAT’S NOT CHANGES IN THE PMP EXAM?
 PMP Exam eligibility requirements
 4,500 – 7,500 hours of project management working experience; and
 35 hours of formal project management education (i.e. 35 contact hours)
 Overall structure of the PMP Exam
 200 questions (175 questions to be scored) in 4 hours
 All questions are multiple-choice type questions with 1 correct answer
 Many of the questions are “scenario based questions” (or aka situational questions)
FAQS
1. WHAT IS AN RDS AND WHY ARE WE DOING IT? HOW OFTEN DO WE PERFORM AN RDS?
A Role Delineation Study (RDS) is a research study that examines the specific tasks of a project
management professional, as well as identifying the knowledge/skills required to perform
those tasks competently. As a result of the study, examination content and qualification
criteria may be updated to reflect the current status of the profession.
An initial RDS is conducted in order to establish the content coverage of a new examination.
Typically, organizations conduct update studies every 3 to 5 years, although groups may
conduct these studies more or less frequently, depending on the rate of change in a profession.
Updated studies ensure that the examination continues to assess what is most relevant to
practice as the profession evolves over time.
The role delineation and examination specification initiatives performed were designed in
accordance with all testing industry standards and meet internationally recognized criteria
(i.e., AERA, APA, NCME, 2014; ISO/IEC 17024, 2012; NCCA, 2014), and were carried out by
Professional Examination Services (ProExam), a recognized expert in the development,
implementation, and evaluation of credentialing programs, including the conduct of role
delineation studies and in the development of validated test specifications on which to base
credentialing program activities.
2. WHEN WILL THE CHANGES TO THE PMP EXAMINATION TAKE PLACE?
The last day to test under the current version of the PMP exam is January 11, 2016. After this
date, the PMP will reflect the new exam content outline. This has changed from the original
date of 1 November 2015.

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3. WHY HAS THE DATE FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW VERSION OF THE PMP EXAM
CHANGED?
The date for the PMP exam change has moved in order to allow all stakeholders adequate time
to prepare for this change. We realize that a change to the PMP exam impacts many groups.
4. I’M PLANNING TO TEST UNDER THE CURRENT VERSION OF THE PMP EXAM. HOW DOES
THIS DATE CHANGE IMPACT ME?
If you were already planning to test prior to the exam change then you can continue on as
planned. If you have already scheduled your exam, you can continue with your current plans
for testing. If you have not yet scheduled your exam, this date change provides you with more
time to prepare if necessary.
5. I ALREADY SCHEDULED MY EXAM BUT NOW THAT THE PMP IS NOT CHANGING UNTIL
JANUARY 11, I WANT TO ADJUST MY TEST DATE. WHAT CAN I DO?
You do have the ability to change your test date on the Prometric website. You can reschedule
or cancel your CBT exam at any time up to two full calendar days prior to your test date.
Please keep in mind that any rescheduling or cancelling within 30 days of your scheduled test
date will incur a US$70 fee.
If you have a PBT test date you must email pbtexams@pmi.org no later than 35 calendar days
before the scheduled examination administration date.
6. I DIDN’T THINK I HAD ENOUGH TIME TO TAKE THE PMP EXAM PRIOR TO JANUARY 11,
2015 SO I PLANNED ON WAITING AND TESTING UNDER THE NEW VERSION OF THE PMP EXAM.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?
If you were planning to test under the new version of the exam then you have two choices:
1. You can continue with your current plan and prepare for the PMP exam based on the new
content. If you decide to do this, then your test date will need to be after January, 11
2016.
2. If you believe you’re prepared to take the current version of the exam prior to January 11,
2016, then you have the opportunity to test before the exam changes.
7. HOW AM I AFFECTED AS A CANDIDATE?
As a PMP candidate, the only factors you need to be mindful of are the date of the exam
change and the updates to the exam content. All other elements of the application and testing
process remain the same. If you do not want to test under the new version of the PMP exam,
you must test on or before January 11, 2016. After January 11, 2016, all PMP exams
administered, including retakes and language aids, will reflect the new exam content outline.
8. ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA CHANGING?

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No, the education and experience eligibility requirements for the PMP certification will not
change.
9. WILL THE EXAM CONTENT BE CHANGING?
Yes, the content of the PMP exam will be changing. The five domains of practice for the PMP
have not changed but the underlying tasks within those domains have changed in some
instances. Some tasks have experienced slight modification while other tasks were changed or
deleted entirely. There are also a few tasks that have been newly added as well. Please refer
the new PMP Exam Content Outline for complete details.
10. WILL THE EXAM REPORT BE CHANGING?
No, the exam report for the PMP will not change. For computer based testing (CBT) candidates,
you will continue to receive an exam report immediately after testing both before and after
January 11, 2016.
11. WILL THE SCORING METHOD BE CHANGING?
At this time, PMI does not anticipate that any changes will be made to the scoring method for
the PMP exam.
12. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES TO THE ROLE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
PROFESSIONAL THAT WERE IDENTIFIED BY THE NEW STUDY?
This most recent RDS confirmed that the role of project management professional has
remained fairly consistent over the past few years. However, there are aspects of the role that
have evolved. Some of these areas include:
• Inclusion of benefits analysis and realization
• Looking at risk management in terms of opportunity
• Placing more emphasis on stakeholder management plans and communications
• Additional focus on lessons learned
13. WHY IS THERE NO PILOT PERIOD WITH A REBATE OFFER FOR THE NEW PMP EXAM
CHANGE?
Traditionally during pilot periods, candidates will test under the new version of an exam and
will not receive an exam report immediately after testing. These pilot candidates will wait
several weeks for their exam results while information is gathered on the new exam. It is for
this reason that a rebate offer is provided.
Due to the volume of PMP testing, PMI does not need to have a separate pilot testing period for
the release of this new exam. To avoid inconveniencing our candidates, we will collect data on
any new test items through standard delivery activities. By doing so we can ensure that PMP
candidates will receive their exam reports immediately after testing for computer based
testing or soon after taking a paper based option.

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14. WILL PMI CHAPTERS AND REGISTERED EDUCATION PROVIDERS (R.E.P.S) BE INFORMED
ABOUT THIS CHANGE AND WILL THEY BE TEACHING COURSES BASED ON THE CURRENT EXAM
OR THE NEW EXAM VERSION?
PMI Chapters and R.E.P.s have been informed of this change to the PMP exam and should be
updating their courses accordingly. If you are interested in taking a PMP course with a Chapter
or R.E.P., please contact it directly to confirm the content of a course and how it aligns to the
current or new version of the PMP Exam Content Outline.
15. WILL I NEED TO TAKE ANOTHER PREP COURSE SINCE THE EXAM IS BEING UPDATED?
The content of the PMP exam will remain the same through January 11, 2016. If you have a
test appointment scheduled after January 11, 2016, you are encouraged to compare the
training outline or curriculum map with the new PMP Exam Content Outline to decide if
additional training is necessary.