Ask any project manager who has studied for the PMP Exam and they will certainly tell you that the ultimate resource for PMP exam prep is none other than: the PMBOK. If you become a member of the PMI, you’ll get a free PMBOK pdf version (same as the print version but in pdf format) and a discount on the PMP or CAPM exam.
The PMBOK pdf is essential to anyone prepping for the PMP exam. Why is this so? What exactly is in the PMBOK pdf? In this article, we’ll dive in and help you become familiar with this valuable PMP exam prep tool. We’ll share a bit more about why it is important, what it entails and the different sections inside. In this article, you’ll find out what formats the PMBOK pdf comes in, what your best options are for obtaining your ideal format, and – bonus! You’ll also learn about the different editions and most recent changes. Read on, and let’s learn more about the PMBOK pdf, or, more specifically, the PMBOK 7th edition (the latest one, as of January 2023)!
What is the PMBOK pdf?
PMBOK is an acronym, which stands for: Project Management Body of Knowledge. This resource is produced by the Project Management Institute (PMI). PMI is the most well-known and prestigious world-class institute in the field of Project Management. The PMBOK pdf starts by spelling out the basic framework of project management. It also delves into the combined knowledge of a great many practicing project management professionals and members of PMI. This resource encapsulates their knowledge in one succinct place, helping those who are studying for the PMP exam learn best practices from the best in the industry quickly and efficiently.
How is the PMBOK provided?
The PMBOK pdf is provided in downloadable PDF format by the Project Management Institute.
Again, the PMI Institute is the most recognized not-for-profit institute in the field of project management. The PMI Institute is the organization hosting the PMP Exam, and therefore their own PMBOK pdf is the gold standard of PMP study resources.
How Do I Get the PMBOK PDF?
The PMBOK pdf is the property of the PMI Institute and is only provided to those who sign up as members of the PMI Institute.
Keep in mind, when you first fill out your PMP application, you are given the option to become a PMI member. Membership is provided on an annual basis, therefore becoming a member will give you full access to the PMI library for one year. This PMI library includes access to the PMBOK PDF. Because of this, it is strongly recommended that you apply to become a one-year member of the Project Management Institute.
Remember too, some fees will be different depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For example:
|
PMP Examination |
PMP Member Exam Fees (USD) |
Non-PMI Member Exam Fees (USD) |
|
PMP Exam – 1st Time |
$405 |
$555 |
|
PMP Re-attempt Exam |
$275 |
$375 |
How to get a copy of PMBOK pdf
Once again, you are able to obtain a copy of the PMBOK pdf once you are a PMI member. Once a member, you’ll get a custom login to the pmi.org website. When you go to the website, you’ll login to an area called: mypmi. Once inside, you’ll see a link where you can download the PMBOK pdf.
The PMBOK is also available in paperback format for purchase to both members and non-members. For members, the paperback is available for purchase at a discounted rate of $49.50. For non-members the PMBOK is available for $65.50.
Why Should I Become a PMI Member?
There’s a reason you are interested in finding out more about the PMBOK pdf. It means you are likely interested in taking the PMI PMP Exam. What are the reasons behind your desire to take the PMP Exam and obtain a PMP certificate. Do you believe it will be an asset to your current company? Do you feel it will help you take the next steps in you career? Whatever your reasons, for growing your project management knowledge, the Project Management Insitutute is a wealth of knowledge, resources and tools.
When you become a member, you have access to their full library of webinars, guides, whitepapers and events. Remember, as a member, you also enjoy a discounted rate for your PMP or CAPM certification exam. If you’d like to learn more about the PMI membership, head to their website. Membership is currently $129/year + a one-time $10 application fee.
What does the PMBOK pdf Contain?
PMBOK stands for: Project Management Body of Knowledge. You’ll see that much of what is included is stated right in the title.
The PMBOK guide is PMI’s flagship publication, containing standards, and fundamentals of project management processes and benchmarks for success. The PMBOK is continually updated by project management professionals from around the world so that it remains up-to-date with current tools, tips and best practices.
The PMBOK PDF Guide is available in a variety of different formats, including PDF download, eBook and print. It has also been translated into a variety of different lanuagages including: English, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and German.
An Outline of the PMBOK 7th Edition PDF
The 7th edition of the PMBOK, which was released in January 2021, is organized into the following main sections:
- Introduction – provides an overview of the PMBOK and the project management profession.
- The Standard for Project Management – describes the six aspects of project management (scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, and stakeholders) that must be balanced in order to successfully deliver a project.
- The Project Management Framework – outlines the five process groups (initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing) and the nine knowledge areas (integration, scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, communications, risk, and procurement) that are used to manage the project from start to finish.
- Project Integration Management – describes the processes and activities required to ensure that all aspects of the project are properly coordinated.
- Project Scope Management – covers the processes and techniques used to define, plan, and control the scope of the project.
- Project Schedule Management – describes the processes and techniques used to plan and control the project schedule.
- Project Cost Management – covers the processes and techniques used to plan and control the project budget.
- Project Quality Management – describes the processes and techniques used to ensure that the project meets the specified quality standards.
- Project Resource Management – covers the processes and techniques used to plan, acquire, and manage the project’s human and non-human resources.
- Project Communications Management – describes the processes and techniques used to manage the flow of information to, from, and within the project team.
- Project Risk Management – covers the processes and techniques used to identify, assess, and mitigate the risks associated with the project.
- Project Procurement Management – describes the processes and techniques used to acquire goods and services from outside the project team.
- Project Stakeholder Management – covers the processes and techniques used to identify, assess, and manage the stakeholders involved in the project.
- The Standard for Portfolio Management – describes the standard for portfolio management and it’s integration with project, program and operation management.
- Tailoring Considerations – provides guidance on tailoring the PMBOK to the specific needs of a particular project or organization.
The PMBOK 7th Edition – PMBOK PDF
The 7th edition of the PMBOK was released in January 2021 and included a restructuring of the content that was found in the 6th edition.
The 6th Edition of the PMBOK was released in Q4 of 2017.
What are the differences between the PMBOK 7th Edition and the PMBOK 6th Edition?
Let’s review…
What is the Difference Between the PMBOK 7th Edition and the PMBOK 6th Edition?
The 7th edition of the PMBOK, which was released in January 2021, includes several updates and changes compared to the 6th edition, which was released in 2017. Some of the main differences between the two editions include:
Increased focus on Agile: The 7th edition places more emphasis on Agile methodologies and their integration with traditional Waterfall methods. This includes the addition of a new knowledge area called “Agile and Hybrid Project Management” and the incorporation of Agile concepts throughout the guide.
New knowledge area: “Project Stakeholder Management” has been added as a separate knowledge area, it includes the processes for identifying, assessing and engaging with stakeholders.
Changes in process groups: The 7th edition includes slight changes in process groups, it also includes two new process; “Manage Project Knowledge” and “Implement Continuous Improvement” that have been added to the Executing and Monitoring & Controlling process groups respectively.
Alignment with other PMI standards: The 7th edition has been aligned with other PMI standards, like the Standard for Portfolio Management, Standard for Program Management and Standard for Organizational Project Management Maturity.
Tailoring Considerations: PMBOK 7th edition includes more information and guidance on tailoring the framework to the specific needs of a particular project or organization, including the importance of considering cultural, environmental and organizational factors.
The Standard for Portfolio Management – has been added as a separate standard in the PMBOK 7th edition.
The PMBOK 7th edition provides an updated framework for project management that incorporates the latest industry trends and best practices, including a greater emphasis on Agile and stakeholder management, and aligns with other PMI standards.
Do You Need a PMBOK PDF and Why?
The PMBOK PDF is a must for project management professionals. It includes industry standards for project management, the best practices for effective projects and agile environments, and most of what you need in order to take the PMP exam. This PMBOK 7th edition PDF is essentially your glossary and Bible for project management, allowing you to speak the language regardless of your workplace.
PMBOK pdf Download for PMP certification
If you are taking the PMP certification exam, you will need to first complete 35 contact hours of training. Most of this will involve studying the PMBOK. This will be much easier with a PMBOK PDF download.
What You’ll Find in 35 Contact Hours of PMP Exam Training
It’s important not just to rely on study guides for the PMP exam. The PMBOK 7th edition has information that will help you with your career as a whole, not just your certification. To truly understand the concepts of the industry, you’ll need to be familiar with the PMBOK 7th edition. To fully understand the concepts within the PMBOK 7th edition, it can be very helpful to take an online PMP Exam Prep course or a CAPM Exam Prep course. Both certifications use the PMBOK 7th edition as a core source (but not the only source).
PMBOK Glossary
The glossary at the end of the PMBOK is a boon for anyone taking the PMP certification. You can familiarize yourself with common terms used by the project management industry worldwide and truly gain a comprehension for what they mean. You may even find questions in the PMP exam that are based on the PMBOK definitions of certain terms. When studying for your PMP exam, it’s also a good idea to search the glossary of your PMP pdf.
PMBOK PDF To Study For PMP Renewal:
Your PMP certification will need to renew every three years. To keep it from becoming inactive, you need to be able to claim 60 PDU hours of training. You may not need to take the PMP exam again, but you will need to refresh your knowledge by studying the PMBOK, so it helps to have a PDF on hand.
What Are the Benefits of a PMI PMBOK PDF Download?
When you download the PMBOK PDF, you can enjoy benefits like:
- Helpful project management resources
- Base knowledge for both PMP and CAPM exams
- The ability to stay current on project management industry changes
Thus, if you want to succeed as a project manager, the PMBOK should be at your side throughout your career.
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