PMP Exam Update: What Changed in September 2023?
Last week, I had the opportunity to facilitate one of the most engaging and exciting PMP trainings. It was our 5th batch of PMP Exam Preparatory Classes for 2023, and the experience was truly invigorating.
During training, I always ask my students an important question: “When do you want to write the exam?” This seemingly simple question serves two purposes:
1️⃣ It sets a clear deadline for our goals, giving us something concrete to work towards.
2️⃣ It instills a sense of readiness and urgency in our exam preparation.
In late 2020, this question made all the difference between those who took the old V.6 exam and those who pioneered the new 2021 version.
As of today, the PMP exam is again undergoing changes.
What are these changes, and how might they impact you?
What is PMP Certification?
The Project Management Professional certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is the gold standard for project managers. It recognizes individuals who possess the skills and expertise needed to successfully navigate the complexities of project management, regardless of their chosen methodology.
Obtaining the PMP certification is a testament to a project manager’s ability to manage people, processes, and business priorities effectively. It is a globally recognized credential that holds immense value in the world of project management.
To become PMP certified, project managers must meet specific requirements and pass a 180-question exam. The exam is designed by project leaders for project leaders, so each test question relates to real-life project management experiences.
PMP certification validates that you are highly skilled in:
1. Motivating people and teams through all phases of a successful project.
2. Using predictive, agile, and hybrid approaches to determine which way of working is best for each project.
3. Highlight a project's success and impact on strategic organizational goals.
Moreover, PMP certification often translates into better career opportunities and financial rewards. According to PMI’s “Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Twelfth Edition,” PMP holders globally earn a median salary that is sixteen percent higher than those without certification, and this figure rises to 32% higher in the USA.
With over 1,400,000 PMP certification holders worldwide, it’s obvious that this certification is highly sought-after.
The PMP Exam: What Hasn’t Changed
While the PMP exam process is undergoing some changes starting today, September 25, 2023, it’s important to recognize what stays the same:
1. Exam Content: The core content of the PMP exam, which includes project management processes, frameworks, and best practices, remains unchanged. The PMP exam will still assess your knowledge in three key domains: People, Processes and Business Environment, based on the knowledge within the PMBOK 7 and the Agile Practice Guide.
2. Eligibility Requirements: The eligibility criteria for taking the PMP exam have not changed. To qualify for the PMP exam:
- You need a Four-Year College/University Degree or a High School/Secondary School Diploma.
- You must have either CAPM® Certification or 35 Contact Hours of project management education/training (our 5-day Exam Preparatory Course fulfills this).
- If you have a four-year degree, you require 36 months of project leadership experience within the past eight years.
- If you have a high school diploma or associate’s degree, you should have 60 months of project leadership experience.
What Has Changed
PMI’s latest policy change is all about strengthening data forensics and security measures to ensure the integrity of the PMI exam. What does this mean for your test-taking experience?
What’s Changing?
Before 25th September 2023, you could receive your exam results instantly, with any misconduct leading to an exam invalidation. In such cases, candidates were allowed to retake the exam free of charge.
What’s New?
With the new policy, after completing your exam, you will receive a notification that your results will be released within 5 working days. During this review period, if any misconduct is detected, your scores will be cancelled, and you will be promptly notified via email. If you receive a security failure, you’ll need to retake the exam at a Pearson testing center, and you will bear the cost of the retake fee.
For those of you who have been diligently preparing using valid methods and maintaining the highest ethical standards, the only difference you’ll notice is a 5-day wait for your results. Everything else remains unchanged.
Why the Change
Maintaining the credibility and value of the PMP certification was necessary. PMI has taken these steps to address identity verification and exam security concerns. Over time, some unscrupulous individuals have attempted to undermine the integrity of the certification process by engaging in unethical practices like having someone else take the exam for them. These changes aim to prevent such malpractices and ensure that only deserving candidates achieve PMP certification.
What Can You Do to Prepare?
Here are some steps to prepare for the PMP exam:
- Invest Time: Dedicate sufficient time to your study each day. There are no shortcuts that can match the value of consistent and dedicated study. We recommend a two-month study timeline, breaking it down into an hour of uninterrupted study 5 days a week and at least four hours over the weekend to attempt practice tests and study the answers.
- Understand PMI’s Expectations: Understand PMI’s style of questioning by studying the PMBOK7 with the 2021 exam course outline (AOC) and taking practice questions. You should also have a realistic study plan and effective study tools.
- Mock Exams: You will have a little less than 4 hours to answer 180 questions with a 230-minute time limit. Practice full-length mock exams at least three times before attempting the real exam.
- Be Ready for the Security Test: Prepare to undergo the new “Security Test” as part of your exam process. If you are taking the exam at an approved testing centre, you need to go with your means of identification and abide by the security protocol as instructed. If you are taking the proctored exam at home, prepare to have four uninterrupted hours in an empty room. Remember:
- Have your means of identification ready
- Test your laptop and internet connection before your exam.
- Clear your exam space. No books or 2nd screen should be around you.
- You are not to speak or allowed to read questions out loud
The PMP certification is not just about passing an exam but also upholding ethical standards in your profession. Avoid any unethical practices that could jeopardize your certification.
Finally,
Seek Guidance: PMP certification is an individual journey. You can navigate the journey independently since you have considerable project management knowledge at your fingertips. However, a training course will help you join the dots, fill in the gaps, and understand the principles. So why choose to go the hard way? It’s much easier to seek out the guidance of experienced and licensed coaches, who can help you filter out the information overload and break a world of material up into sizeable, easy-to-remember chunks. Here is where pcl. can help. For over two decades, we have offered guidance to professionals seeking to advance their careers. Let us hold your hand as you successfully qualify for the exam and prepare to write it.
So, are you ready to take the next step in your project management career? Consider obtaining the PMP certification and preparing for the upcoming changes to the exam process. With the right mindset and preparation, you can achieve your career goals and join the ranks of the many successful PMP certification holders worldwide.
