Tag: PMP® Certification

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PMP® Exam Change 2021

African American PM working at her desk

Now is the time to get your PMP certification.  PMI® has announced that the PMP certification exam will change on January 2, 2021. This announcement gives you time to get your application submitted and to prepare to take the exam before the exam changes.  Stay current on the latest PMP exam information.

PMP 2021 Exam Content Outline – What’s New?

The exam change is prompted by the June 2019 release of a new PMP Exam Content Outline. The Exam Content Outline provides a basic description of the number of questions that will be on the PMP exam.  It also includes the number of domains and the percentage of questions within each domain.

A significant difference for the new exam is a change from five performance domains to just three domains. Those domains will include People, making up 42% of questions, Process with 50% of questions, and Business Environment at 8% of questions. It’s also worth noting that PMI has indicated about half the exam will represent predictive management approaches.  The other half of the exam will cover agile or hybrid approaches.

What Are the Content Outline and Exam Based On?

The content outline and exam are based on a role-delineation study of project managers.  This study is performed by PMI about every 4 years. Through this study, PMI gathers and analyzes data describing the role and work of project managers in the workplace. PMI then creates the Exam Content Outline.

The outline provides the foundation of the certification exam based on the results. It includes the percentage of questions by domain, the tasks of the project manager by domain, and the knowledge and skills associated with the project manager’s work. This is designed to keep the PMP exam consistent with the roles and responsibilities of project managers in the workplace.

Important Date to Remember

The PMP exam changes on January 2, 2021. RMC strives to provide early analysis of updates. Please visit our Exam Updates Page for the most current information we have concerning the upcoming content outline and exam changes!

You can also stay current on the exam changes by registering for one of our free webinars on Taking the PMP Exam: What You Need to Know.   Previous sessions are recorded if you cannot attend in person.

Last Content Outline Change

The last time PMI conducted a role delineation study that resulted in an exam change was 2015. At that time PMI estimated that approximately 25% of the exam content changed as the result of the study.

What Can I Do Between Now and 2021 to Get my PMP Certification?

To provide you with the most current exam preparation materials, RMC has analyzed the Exam Content Outline. RMC has fully updated our Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep Products and our Exam Prep Courses to align with the 2021 PMP exam change.

However, there is still time to take the current exam. RMC provides the most effective and innovative project management training available. Using Accelerated Learning Theory, we focus on teaching valuable, real-world skills and practical techniques to help our students learn more in less time. Rita Mulcahy started RMC with the modest idea of helping people pass the PMP exam. Her best-selling book, PMP® Exam Prep, set an industry standard for training material.

Project managers meeting the PMP exam qualifications are strongly encouraged to get certified before the exam changes. We recommend using Rita’s Way™ to complete your study and taking the exam before the January 2021 exam change. Those needing help to prepare can find all our PMP test preparation materials, or call RMC’s customer service at 952-846-4484.

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New Webinar for Project Management Professionals | RMC Learning Solutions

African American man attending project management webinar

Webinar – Taking the PMP® Exam: What You Need to Know

The PMP® certification exam changed significantly on January 2, 2021. If you are looking to become a certified project manager, you won’t want to miss this webinar.

Join us for information on preparing for the PMP® exam, the changes in the new exam, our recommended strategy to certification, and more. In this one-hour webinar we will answer the top questions professionals need to know when it comes to preparing for the PMP® exam:

  • Is the PMP® right for me?
  • What does the NEW PMP® Exam Content Outline include?
  • Why the changes?
  • What’s the latest information on new question types, exam length and breaks?
  • Should I take the new Online Proctored Exam option?

Thursday, February 4, 2021
12:00 – 1:00 PM Central Time

RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

 

Interested in Other Project Management Webinars?

If you are interested in other webinar topics from RMC Learning Solutions, we’ve got you covered.  Simply check out our previous project management webinars.

 

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Taking the PMP® Exam Online Versus Test In Person

Close up of student's hands working at the computer to choose to take the PMP online or in person

You’ve made the decision to take the PMP exam. Now you need to consider whether to take the test online or in person. Understanding the pros and the cons of each option will help you select which is best for you. You can always find the latest on the PMP exam here. As you consider your course of action, let’s start by describing what it looks like to take the PMP exam online.

What Does Online Proctoring Really Mean?

Taking the test online is a relatively new option. You should become familiar with how an online exam is executed. To take the PMP exam online, you need a quiet, private space. You should plan on having NO interruptions from colleagues, family, or pets.

No one is allowed in the room while you are taking your online test. The proctor will invalidate your exam if you are moving around or there is a lot of noise during the test. Make sure you have a strong internet connection and use a reliable and fully charged laptop or desktop computer.

During the online check-in process, your proctor will verify your identity using a current government issued ID. You will be asked to take four photos of your work area to make sure your space is in compliance. You can check-in up to 30 minutes before the exam is scheduled to get settled in.

Compliance means no materials, books, notepads, pencils, pens or other writing instruments nearby. Other electronic devices such as phones and watches (including smartwatches) must be removed and shut off. You can expect the PMP test to last for four hours. Find a space where you will be comfortable. Remember, you cannot eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum during the exam. Plan accordingly.

What are Some the of the Online Test Features?

During the exam, you will have access to some online features. You may have the option during the exam to use ONVUE’s built- in digital whiteboard for note taking. Since you are not allowed to use physical scratch paper for note boards, you can use the white board for those purposes. You are able to practice using the online white board anytime. You’ll also have access to an on-screen calculator.

Choosing the Online PMP Exam

Taking the PMP exam online is a relatively new option. It is convenient to take your test from home, but it requires a preparation, no interruptions and a strong, reliable internet connection.

Let’s look at the Online Exam PROS:

  • Avoid the risks of COVID 19. If you are worried or are high risk, this is an important health consideration.
  • Flexible times and days of the week – 24/7. This gives you more test date options, domestically and internationally, than in person.
  • Test sooner. More dates are available online compared to in person. You are also less likely to experience date and venue changes.
  • No travel During COVID, limited test center availability could mean you have to drive farther away to take your exam.
  • Test in the comfort and familiarity of your home.

Online Exam CONS:

  • Potential inability to have a quiet space free of interruptions. This may create an added level of test anxiety.
  • Risk of not being compliant. Your movements are limited. You cannot talk, even to read a question out loud.
  • Issues with technology and connectivity.  Make sure you are familiar with the system requirements,  perform a system test and a strong internet connection.
  • Delays in proctor communication online.

Why Consider the Taking the PMP In Person

The PMP test has been offered in person for decades. The process of in-person testing is known and the experience is well-documented. However, in our current environment, it can be challenging to find an in person center to sit for your exam at the time you want.

In Person PROS:

  • Known rules, environment and protocols clearly laid out by the in person test center.
  • Test centers are available around the world.
  • Ability to provide accommodations. PMI regularly handles requests for PMP test accommodations. Contact the program directly to determine your next steps.
  • Ability to use center-provided writing materials, including an erasable note board.
  • You get a 10-minute break, same as the online test, after you complete and submit Part 1 of the exam. You can also take unscheduled bathroom breaks.

In Person CONS:

  • Extended wait time to schedule your test due to lack of availability. It may take more time to find a date that works for you. We recommend you check the Pearson Vue website daily, or several times per day, to see if new dates and times open up.
  • When scheduling the test, only a few in-person locations show in the search results. The test center uses distance to display information. Consider expanding your search to a wider radius from home, to find more in-person centers.
  • Cancellation uncertainty. There is the potential that your test date could get canceled or moved because of the COVID 19 environment.
  • In person testing requires you to wear a mask the entire time, including during the test.
  • Potential exposure to COVID 19. Test centers have detailed information on their procedures.

Can I Change my PMP Exam from Online to a In Person?

You can change your test option even after you have registered to take the PMP test. To change your PMP exam from online to in person, you need to cancel your online appointment. You will receive a refund for the class. You must pay for and schedule a new exam. The same is true if you change your test from in person to online.

When changing your online class to in person, you may not find the same date you originally schedule. Dates and locations may also be limited. A word of caution: Don’t cancel your online or in-person appointment until you find a date that is a suitable replacement.

Up Next, It’s About Preparing for the Exam

Once you get your exam date schedule, you can focus on studying for the exam. To prepare for the PMP® exam, check out RMC’s training options for self-study, instructor-led virtual training, classroom training and eLearning courses.

RMC provides the most effective and innovative project management training available. we focus on teaching valuable, real-world skills and practical techniques to help you learn more in less time. Good luck!