The Project Management Institute (PMI) oversees the Project Management PMP Certification process, test administration, and exam material development.

PMI issued a new version of the test in January 2021, followed by a new edition of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition in August 2021.

The Seventh Edition will impact exam questions, but there are also changes to the PMP exam.

Changes to the PMP exam

The revisions to the PMP exam reflect the expansion of online testing alternatives and the evolution of the PMBOK Guide and Exam Content Outline. As a result, the following exam components are new or different:

Structure

The Project Management Institute modified the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification test in January 2021. The new structure will have little influence on study methods, but it will help you know what to anticipate on exam days.

Exam duration: 230 minutes rather than 240 minutes

The number of questions has reduced from 200 to 180.

Breaks: There will be two 10-minute breaks.

Question Type

Multiple-choice

Matching

Hotspot

Fill-in-the-blank

Content and Questions

PMI undertakes an extensive study to decide how, if, and when project management standards and certification test material will be changed. As a result, the percentage of subjects covered by the PMP test fluctuates regularly.

Topic Shifts: from forecasting stages to the domains of People, Processes, and Business Environment.

Processes have changed the question distribution from weighted to unweighted.

  • Getting started (13 percent )
  • Preparation (24 percent )
  • Execution (31 percent )
  • Controlling and monitoring (25 percent )
  • Finally (7 percent )

      To

Domain-based question distribution

  • People (42%)
  • Process (42%)
  • (50 percent )
  • The Business Setting (8 percent )

Why is there a change in the exam?

Project managers must understand the reason behind each change. Furthermore, the project is continually developing in response to growing community patterns.

As a proactive reaction, PMI continuously monitors these patterns and makes improvements.

These modifications guarantee that PMI and its certifications can stay up with innovations in the project management industry while being a valued resource for many years.

The exam updates assist you in developing deeper interactions with coworkers and clients.

Instead of just following a plan, the new process-based questions will focus on how you can manage a project when things go wrong. 

The New PMP Exam vs. the Previous PMP Exam

You still have three months to study for the PMP test, great news. It usually takes around three months to prepare for the test thoroughly.

When deciding, consider how much time and money altering may cost you.

The new test will consist of two domains. The first is the well-known process domain, while the second includes agile and hybrid techniques and approaches.

You’ll need more time to prepare as a result of these adjustments. Attempt to take the most recent version of the test.

You’ll have a better notion of what to anticipate, and there’s a lot more information available than you think.

If you are unprepared for the exam, knowing the procedure section of the examination may provide some solace. The PMP Certification exam assesses your knowledge and abilities about the material covered in your current study.

This implies that even if you fail, your efforts will not be in vain because the exam assesses the process skills and information required to prepare for the next edition of the certification.

Furthermore, if you pass, your knowledge will be updated.

PMP Exam Preparation Plan for 2022

Create a structure for your research–

Make a study plan if you want to boost your studying. Include, for example, the amount of time you have available to study and the start and finish dates of your study session.

Outline what you need to accomplish every day to arrange concentrated learning sessions throughout your study period.

Set the timer-

For 25 minutes if you want to get the most out of your workouts. Work on your assignment until the timer goes off, then take a five-minute break. Then, at four-hour intervals, take longer breaks of 20 to 25 minutes.

Avoid procrastination –

If you want to get your PMP, you must be conscientious about completing the necessary minor tasks. Establish a plan, execute it, and make sure you follow through on everything!

Participate in the study group –

We’ve all struggled with the PMP test at some point. You can discuss your issues with your instructor or fellow students.

You’ll also be studying from those who have previously completed the certification.

Mock test practice – 

The best strategy to prepare for the exam is to practice questions similar to those on the exam constantly.

Following the advice in this article can help you do well on your PMP Certification test and pass with flying colors.

Remember to maintain a healthy mix of study, rest, and other activities. You’ll achieve results this way—as long as you don’t neglect to follow the advice presented here.

The final result is that PMP certification is still the gold standard for measuring project management ability and is a valuable addition to your career.

And, with so much practice and preparation material accessible, there’s no reason not to get certified unless you want to.

Last Thoughts

In 2022, the PMP test will change. We don’t know what will change or when it will change. However, the test will be modified to reflect 21st-century project management and project managers’ real-life problems.

This is fantastic news for project managers since the way we work and manage projects is no longer limited to office locations and time zones. Unfortunately, this means that certification tests will develop as well.

The new PMP test for shifting the focus from process management to business management matches the rising demand value of the organization.