Differences Between PMBOK 6th and 7th Editions

The degree of change with the PMBOK® Guide – Seventh edition is more significant than what you may have seen in the past. PMI has restructured the content and introduced a principle-based structure that summarizes the what and why of project management. Here is a quick snapshot of the changes:

Overall Approach

The standard moves from processes to principles: The 12 project management principles in The Standard for Project Management are built around a set of statements that guide the actions and behaviors of project management practitioners regardless of development approach.

Project Application

A move from most projects, most of the time to all projects all of the time.

Basis for Design

The guide moves from Knowledge Areas to eight project performance domains defined as groups of related activities that are critical for the effective delivery of project outcomes.

Target Audience

A move from only project managers to anyone involved in a project, with specific focus on team members and team roles.

Project Environment

No change. The Project Environment remains the same with a focus on internal and external influencers.

Tools and Techniques

The addition of an expanded list of tools and techniques in a new section of the guide titled “Models, Methods and Artifacts”—with additional content on how to apply these tools and techniques by project type, development approach and industry sector are available on a digital platform, PMIstandards+™.

Tailoring Guidance

A new section with guidance on tailoring, which is the deliberate adaptation of the project management approach, governance and processes to make them more suitable for the given environment and the work at hand.