PMBoK Edition 4:- What does this mean to PMP aspirants?

Hi All,

I am back with the article on PMI's new edition of PMBoK, version 4.
PMI had introduced this latest edition in last year.
From July 01, 2009 onwards, PMP exams will be based on this new version. This article is to differentiate between the third edition and fourth edition as far as PMP exam is concerned.

But before the start of the discussion, I'll ask few questions.
1) Will change in edition of PMBoK change the Project Management way?
2) Will the change have effects on Project Management Methodology?
3) Will the required soft skills(interpersonal skills) of Project manager (or Project Management) change becuase of edition change?
4) Will changing the proces names to verb noun format change the process?

What do you think the answers for these questions?

Obviously, all the answers will be "NO". Simply because PMBoK is a standard, and not a regulation. It is developed based on the best practises of Project Management.

So the next question... Will the exam (pattern) change with the change in edition?
Answer is same.., NO.

when I say NO here, I mean there will no be any major changes in the exam pattern.

I will start step by step and highlight if any change between third and fourth edition.

1) 35 contact hours eligibility criteria :

PMI says that these 35 contact hours are for any training on project management.
It does not specify or mandate that these training should be based on PMBoK so and so version.
So eligibility criteria is not changed and if you have 35 contact hours based on third edition, they are still VALID.

2) Now your study reference is changed. Study PMBoK fourth edition.
It is available for download for FREE to PMI members.
But if you have third edition, you can just go through that as well.
Dont read in depth, but understand the concept.

3) I was thinking of giving you the actual difference between third and fourth edition.
But there are so many articles explaining the difference like
http://www.pmsuccess.biz/detail_article.asp?article_id=4
http://linkbee.com/WTHB

4) If you have old exam question set, you can still use it.
Cause PM framework, professional responsibility is not going to change. So you can use it.
All the processes in Time , Quality and Risk management are same, only name change.
Read Appendix A in section IV of PMBoK carefully for all the details.
Reading this will help all, but more to the people migrating from third edition to fourth edition.

Hence, bottomline is, don't discard your study material based on third edition.
It has lot of potential.

I'll complete my article here and add to it when time permits more for the same.

Catch you next time,
Mahesh Masurkar, PMP
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Future article:-
Maintain your credentials COST effectively !!
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