8 Key Differences Between the PMBOK® Guide – 6th Edition and 7th Edition

The PMBOK® Guide has evolved significantly from the 6th Edition to the 7th Edition to reflect the changing landscape of project management. The 7th Edition introduces a more flexible, principle-based approach compared to the structured, process-oriented framework of the 6th Edition.

Here's a breakdown of the eight major differences:

Table of Contents

1. Structure and Approach

2. Philosophy

3. Tailoring

4. Agile and Hybrid Methodologies

5. Models, Methods, and Artifacts

6. Target Audience

7. Focus on Value Delivery

8. Certification Implications

1. Structure and Approach

• 6th Edition:

  • Organised into 5 Process Groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing) and 10 Knowledge Areas (e.g., Scope, Schedule, Cost, Risk Management).

  • Includes 49 processes, each with defined inputs, tools & techniques, and outputs (ITTOs).

  • Primarily focused on processes and workflows to manage projects.

• 7th Edition:

  • Focuses on 12 principles (e.g., Stewardship, Team, Value, Adaptability) rather than rigid processes.

  • Introduces 8 Performance Domains (e.g., Stakeholder Engagement, Delivery, Team, Development Approach & Lifecycle) instead of Knowledge Areas.

  • Adopts a value delivery approach, emphasising outcomes over detailed workflows.

2. Philosophy

• 6th Edition:

  • Emphasises a predictive and process-oriented approach.

  • Ideal for projects with clearly defined scopes and linear workflows (waterfall methodology).

• 7th Edition:

  • Shifts to a principle-driven and outcomes-based philosophy.

  • Encourages flexibility and the use of adaptive approaches like Agile or hybrid methodologies.

3. Tailoring

• 6th Edition:

  • Provides some guidance for tailoring project management processes but remains relatively prescriptive.

• 7th Edition:

  • Places a strong emphasis on tailoring practices to meet the unique needs of each project.

  • Encourages project managers to evaluate tools, methods, and artifacts based on project requirements.

4. Agile and Hybrid Methodologies

• 6th Edition:

  • Includes Agile concepts primarily in an appendix and as a supplementary reference.

• 7th Edition:

  • Fully integrates Agile and hybrid approaches into the main framework.

  • Reflects the growing trend toward adaptive project management practices.

5. Models, Methods, and Artifacts

• 6th Edition:

  • Focuses on tools and techniques directly associated with processes (e.g., Earned Value Analysis, Critical Path Method).

• 7th Edition:

  • Introduces a dedicated section on Models, Methods, and Artifacts, offering a toolbox of techniques for practical application (e.g., kanban boards, fishbone diagrams, decision trees).

6. Target Audience

• 6th Edition:

  • Designed for traditional project managers working in predictive environments.

  • Provides detailed workflows for those managing linear, well-structured projects.

• 7th Edition:

  • Appeals to a broader audience, including those managing Agile, hybrid, or less structured projects.

  • Provides flexibility to adapt the framework across various industries and scenarios.

7. Focus on Value Delivery

• 6th Edition:

  • Emphasises deliverables and managing constraints like time, cost, and scope.

• 7th Edition:

  • Shifts focus to value delivery and aligning project outcomes with organisational goals.

  • Encourages project teams to continuously assess whether their work is creating value.

8. Certification Implications

• 6th Edition:

  • The PMP® exam (until 2021) was heavily based on the 6th Edition's process-driven approach.

• 7th Edition:

  • The PMP® exam now reflects the principles and flexibility introduced in the 7th Edition while still referencing some concepts from the 6th Edition.

Comparison at a Glance

Which Edition Should You Focus On?

If you're preparing for the PMP® exam, it's essential to understand both editions. The exam now incorporates Agile, predictive, and hybrid approaches and reflects the flexibility introduced in the 7th Edition. However, knowledge of the 6th Edition's process framework is still valuable for organisations that use traditional project management practices.

Thank you for reading! Let’s connect and continue the conversation about project management on LinkedIn.

See you next Saturday!