Everything you need to know about the new PMP course format and how to prepare for the 2021 exam.

The PMP designation positions you as a leader in project management. This distinction is recognized and respected everywhere in the world and attests to the depth of your expertise and the excellence of your work.

To pass your PMP exam, you need an effective action plan to ensure you master the concepts and are as well prepared as possible. Your chances of success increase when you properly plan your studying and follow a regular schedule.

PMI-Montréal can help you succeed in your endeavour. The success rate for candidates who rely on our services is currently over 90%. Give yourself the best chance for success with PMI-Montréal's preparation study course for the PMP® exam.

Frequently asked questions

In light of recent changes to the courses and the PMP exam, we have prepared a summary of the most frequently asked questions on the subject.  

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1. Will the way in which questions are answered be different for the new exam?

Yes. There will still be multiple-choice questions, but some will have more than one answer option.  In some cases, there will be a video to watch before answering. There will also be association questions. The new exam is intended to be more interactive. There will not be any essay-type questions. 

2. Will the new exam be more difficult?

The new exam relies on a fun approach, which may be a pro for some and a con for others. The content will also be different; it will now rely on a hybrid methodology, with an introduction to the Agile concept. 

3. I completed the preparation study course for the PMP certification before the change, can I still submit these 35 hours in my file or do I need to retake the course?

In terms of prerequisite, this course is valid for your entire life.

4. Will a preparation course be available?

Yes, however, its cost and duration have not yet been determined. This information should be available in January or February 2021.

5. Will the new course materials be available in French?

Yes, however, the release date of the materials in French has not yet been specified. 

6. Will the price change? What explains this significant price increase?

The price of the course itself hasn’t changed, but the license fees we now need to pay to PMI have, which explains this increase.

7. Why should I complete a preparation study course for the PMP certification with an ATP?

This guarantees that the course materials come directly from PMI and that they are 100% in line with the exam. You can also rest assured that the 35 hours of training required to pass the exam will be recognized by PMI.

8. What does ATP stand for?

Authorized Training Partner

9. Which course do I need to take to become a CAPM in 2021 and how often will it be offered?

For the CAPM certification, 3-day courses will be offered in 2021. We are thinking of offering the course 3 to 4 times a year. The price has yet to be determined. 

10. Will the new PMP affect the value of the current PMP?

No. The PMP exam has undergone multiple changes and improvements over time.  As in all sectors and disciplines, our profession is continually improving. Thus, this evolution is normal and eventually will even increase the value of your PMP designation.  

11. What do you recommend participants do before the course?

The PMP exam is based on the PMP Examination Content Outline (ECO) (also called Project Manager Job Task Analysis), which describes all the tasks, knowledge, and skills of a project leader. The PMBOK is also an excellent reference. We recommend the following reading to participants:

• Current PMP ECO
• PMP ECO 2021
• PMBOK 6 (free for PMI members)
• Agile Practice Guide (free for PMI members)

12. I found out the PMBOK 7 will be released in spring 2021. Will there be discrepancies between the release of the new exam, the December 2020 course, and the PMBOK 7? Is there another reference work available to prepare?

Since 1996, the PMP exam has always been based on the PMP Examination Content Outline (ECO) and not on the PMBOK. Until the PMBOK 7 is available, the PMBOK 6 and the Agile Practice Guide will remain the reference materials. 

13. When will the PMBOK 7 be available in French?

It will be available in French, but we cannot confirm the exact release date. 

14. What percentage of the new course and exam will be based on the current PMP ECO vs. the PMP ECO 2021?

• The current PMP ECO (until January 1, 2021): 90%-95% predictive (waterfall) + 5%-10% adaptive (Agile). Exam based on the process groups (5).
• PMP ECO 2021 (as of January 2, 2021): 50% predictive (waterfall) + 50% adaptive (Agile). Exam based on the PMI Talent Triangle (see PDUs).

15. Will the process groups and knowledge areas still be relevant?

Absolutely. The 5 process groups and 10 knowledge areas will remain relevant since for every project, a timeline must be followed and you must manage the project’s scope, budget, schedule, quality, etc. However, depending on the project delivery methodology (predictive-waterfall or adaptive-agile), the processes can change drastically. For example, project charter vs. product vision, WBS vs. product backlog, project plan vs. delivery plan/roadmap, etc.

16. Aside from the 35 hours of the preparation course, is other project management training that is offered by non-ATP organizations recognized to obtain PDUs?

Whether the conference or course is offered by an ATP organization or not does not change anything.  However, if the organization is an ATP, you will receive a claim code to enter in your pmi.org account, whereas if this isn’t the case, you will need to fill out a form and wait for PMI approval to see if the PDUs are valid or not. Make sure that the course or conference is 100% related to project management.