In late 2021 PMI released the new version of the PMBoK Guide: the 7th Edition, which is completely different from the previous editions. They made a change from the previous "process-based" approach to a "principle-based" approach.
Well, from that time on, all the PMP aspirants - like you -were confused about the fact, which version of the PMBoK Guide they should utilize for their preparations now. Especially cause the content from the 6th Edition (the process-based one) was - and still is - current.
PMI has modified its PMP guidance regarding the PMBOK Guide then and here is what they now say:
" The exam is based on the PMP certification exam content outline (ECO), not the (PMBOKĀ® Guide) or other reference books. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOKĀ® Guide) ā 7th Edition will now be a reference to inform the development of the exam items.
However, before any validated exam item is added to the exam, there is a very rigorous and thorough review and field test cycle. This process takes multiple months. "
What does this mean?
- No change. PMP has never been a test of PMBOK Guide knowledge.
- PMBOK 7 is just another one of the references that PMI expects PMP candidates to be familiar with and able to answer questions on.
- PMBOK 6 (and the PMIstandards+ content) will also remain a core reference for the PMP exam.
For further information on that topic and all the other references, PMI does recommend, please consider reading our following article:
In the next lesson you will learn, which additional books you need to have ... ,