PMP Certification Course Syllabus 2025: A Detailed Overview

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of the most sought-after certifications for project managers. PMP certification demonstrates the professional's knowledge and experience in project management and commitment to the profession.

The PMP certification syllabus is designed to help project managers comprehensively understand project management principles and practices. It covers various topics, including DOMAINS, TASKS, AND ENABLERS.

Below, we have described what exactly the PMP syllabus includes:

PMP Course Outline

The new PMP exam changes came into effect from the beginning of 2021, that is, January 2nd, and it is based on the recommendations from the research conducted in 2019. Therefore, having a thorough knowledge of these changes is imperative to prepare for the PMP exam.

The new PMP course syllabus, which will focus on three core domains: people, process, and business environment, is a clear reflection of evolving occupational needs. Their weightage is divided as follows:

Domain Weightage (in %)
People 42
Process 50
Business Environment 8

Let us explore the 3 main process groups of the PMP syllabus:

People

As already mentioned, this domain weighs about 42% of the comprehensive exam and evaluates the candidate's leadership quality within the project team. A few of the tasks under this domain include:

  • Building or leading a team
  • Managing conflict among the team members
  • Ensuring all the team members are adequately trained

Process

This domain weighs about 50% of the entire exam. This stage in the PMP curriculum involves professionals evaluating the technical aspects of project management. Let's look at the tasks included under this domain:

  • Handling project changes
  • Integrating the project planning activities
  • Thorough planning and handling of budget and resources

Business environment

This domain holds a smaller percentage, 8%, than other domains. This domain tests the project manager's capability to adhere to organizational requirements.
Some of the tasks included in this domain are:

  • Plan and evaluate compliance management
  • Evaluate project benefits and their value to the organization
  • Support organizational change management

The new PMP exam version comprises 180 questions covering three domains. The questions will be a combination of multiple-response, multiple-choice, limited fill-in-the-blanks, and hotspot types.

The latest PMP course content focuses on three major domains, and this change is based on the need to change occupational demands. About half of the PMP exam will represent predictive project management approaches, and the other half will represent agile or hybrid approaches. However, the new PMP course syllabus includes "enablers," a new term.

Now, let's look at the changes to the PMP exam's domain, tasks, and enablers.

Domain

It is defined as the high-level knowledge domain critical to project management practice. On the other hand, the new PMP course syllabus will be divided into three domains (people, process, and business environment).

Tasks

Tasks define the project manager's fundamental responsibilities in each domain area. The PMP exam analyses each exam candidate's knowledge and experience based on these tasks within each topic.

Enablers

Enablers are some examples of work done about the task. They are not meant to be an entire list; they serve as examples of what the work entails.

Conclusion

The PMP Certification Syllabus is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to advance their career in project management. By acquiring the PMP Certification, individuals can gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of project management, allowing them to become more efficient and productive in their roles. With the right dedication and commitment, there is no limit to what you can achieve with a PMP Certification.

FAQs

1. What is the syllabus for PMP certification?

The syllabus for PMP certification includes topics related to project management, including:

  • People
  • Process
  • Business Environment

It's essential to manage your time effectively during the exam to ensure you can answer all the questions within the given timeframe.

2. Does PMP have math?

Yes, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam does have some math questions. The math questions are part of the exam's "Tools and Techniques" portion, which covers project management concepts, principles, and practices. Mathematical topics that may be tested include probability, forecasting, earned value management, and estimating.

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