What are the differences between PMBOK 6 vs 7?
Which PMBOK version should you study to pass the PMP exam?
On the internet, I’ve often seen people debate about whether PMBOK6 or PMBOK7 is better for studying for the PMP® certification exam. In this article, I'll explore the differences between PMBOK 6 and 7, making it easier for you to decide which version is most suitable for your PMP certification preparation journey.
PMBOK’s relevance to the PMP exam
Understanding how PMBOK relates to the PMP exam is crucial for anyone aiming to become a certified project manager. The PMBOK, popularly known as the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is the official book by PMI that covers the project management principles propagated by PMI. The PMBOK® Guide is a best practice guide that describes a range of processes, knowledge areas, tools, and techniques that can be applied during different stages of the project lifecycle to manage it.
Although PMI states that the PMBOK is not the only reference book for the PMP exam, the reality is that for a long time, many students have succeeded in the PMP certification exam by thoroughly studying the concepts, terms, and content of the PMBOK.
In fact, according to pmi.org, the certifying body for the PMP, the PMBOK® Guide serves as an input for preparing for the PMP exam. For example, for the current version of the PMP exam, it’s important to know the 49 processes from the PMBOK6. This means that the key learnings and concepts from the PMBOK® 6th edition still remain valid for the PMP exam.
Major differences between PMBOK6 vs 7
Every few years, PMI updates the PMBOK, with the latest update released in 2021 introducing the PMBOK Guide 7th edition. This update marks a significant shift in PMI's strategy to maintain the relevance of the PMBOK. Until the PMBOK 7, the guide continued to expand in page count, resulting in a bulky and challenging read. For example, the PMBOK6 has more than 700 pages of content, and this resulted in most people giving up reading the book only after a few chapters. Additionally, upon conducting a survey of project management practitioners regarding improvements for the PMBOK 7th edition, PMI received feedback to enhance the book’s readability while keeping its relevance intact.
Below, I have outlined all the major changes you will see from the PMBOK6 to the 7th edition.
PMBOK7 is principle-based rather than process-based
PMBOK7 has introduced 12 project management principles which were missing in the PMBOK6. The 12 principle statements capture and summarize generally accepted objectives for the practice of project management and provide broad parameters within which project teams can operate. Since the 12 project management principles are generic, they can be universally applied by project managers and teams in any industry.
In comparison, the PMBOK6 was much more prescriptive than the PMBOK7 and followed a process-based structure with 49 processes.
PMBOK7 has introduced 8 performance management domains
The PMBOK7 has introduced the concept of 8 performance management domains. PMI defines a performance domain as ‘a group of interrelated activities that are critical to the effective realisation of a project outcome.’ In a nutshell, these are aspects of a project that project managers must have for successful project delivery.
These 8 performance domains replace the 10 knowledge areas, with content from the PMBOK6 knowledge areas appearing in the performance domain chapters.
PMBOK7 Models, Methods and Artifacts
PMBOK6 followed an 'inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs' structure for its 49 processes, colloquially known as the ITTOs. These ITTOs were integrated into each process across the 10 knowledge area chapters. In PMBOK7, the section on Models, Methods, and Artifacts replaces the ITTOs, presented as a separate section in the book. It provides an exhaustive list of models, methods, and artifacts, along with suggestions on their likely usage across the performance domain(s).
Value Delivery System
PMBOK7 has introduced a new chapter called ‘Value Delivery System,’ which wasn’t present in the PMBOK6. This chapter extends the idea that the job of a project manager isn't only to manage projects, programs, and portfolios but rather to ensure that these initiatives contribute to the achievement of organizational strategy, customer value, and business objectives. Thus, the emphasis in this chapter is on understanding the value chain that connects these elements to organizational strategy and recognizing the interconnectedness of various components within the system.
Is the current PMP exam based on PMBOK 6 or 7?
For the current PMP certification, reviewing both PMBOK6 and PMBOK7 is advisable, as PMBOK6 covers the 10 knowledge areas containing valuable information that may be tested in the PMP® certification exam.
Additionally, even for existing PMP certification holders, the process groups and knowledge area information in the PMBOK6 remain relevant.
Should you read PMBOK7 or 6 first?
While the PMP exam is a test of your project management knowledge and understanding, it is equally a test of how much you understand PMI’s approach to project management. The PMBOK6 is the most extensive book written by PMI when it comes to covering the PMP process groups and knowledge areas that have been central to PMBOK and are a reflection of PMI’s thinking towards project management. Therefore, reading the PMBOK6 first would be more beneficial for PMP exam candidates, potentially eliminating the need for an in-depth reading of the PMBOK7.
In conclusion, while PMI acknowledges other references, many successful candidates rely on PMBOK extensively. PMBOK7 introduces significant changes, emphasizing principles over processes and introducing performance domains and a value delivery system. Despite these changes, both PMBOK6 and 7 hold relevance for the current PMP exam, but starting with PMBOK6 may offer a solid foundation for candidates.
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