Program Management

Professional (PgMP)®

E X A M I N AT I O N CO N T E N T O U T L I N E
Project Management Institute

Program Management Professional (PgMP®)

Examination Content Outline

April 2011
Published by: Project Management Institute, Inc.
14 Campus Boulevard
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073-3299 USA.
Phone: +610-356-4600
Fax: +610-356-4647
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.PMI.org

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

"PMI", the PMI logo, "PMP", the PMP logo, "PMBOK", "PgMP”, “Project Management Journal", "PM
Network", and the PMI Today logo are registered marks of Project Management Institute, Inc. The
Quarter Globe Design is a trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc. For a comprehensive list
of PMI marks, contact the PMI Legal Department
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1

Key Findings and Conclusions…………………………………………………………………..3

Exam Content Outline................................................................................................................... 5

Domains, Tasks, and Knowledge and Skill Statements ................................................................ 6

Performance Domain I: Strategic Program Management ............................................................. 6

Performance Domain II: Program Life Cycle ............................................................................... 8

Performance Domain III: Benefits Management ........................................................................ 13

Performance Domain IV: Stakeholder Management .................................................................. 14

Performance Domain V: Governance ......................................................................................... 15

Cross-Cutting Knowledge and Skills .......................................................................................... 17

Appendix A ................................................................................................................................. 20
 INTRODUCTION

The Project Management Institute (PMI®) offers a professional credential for program
managers, known as the Program Management Professional (PgMP®). PMI’s professional
credentialing examination development processes stand apart from other project management
certification examination development practices. PMI aligns its process with certification
industry best practices, such as those found in the Standards for Educational and Psychological
Testing.
A key component of this process is that organizations wishing to offer valid and reliable
professional credentialing examinations are directed to use a role delineation study (RDS) as the
basis for the creation of the examination. This process utilizes knowledge and task driven
guidelines to assess the practitioners’ competence, and determine the level of salience, criticality,
and frequency of each of the knowledge, tasks, and skills required to perform to the industry-
wide standard in the role of a program manager.
The role delineation study ensures the validity of an examination. Validation assures the
outcome of the exam is in fact measuring and evaluating appropriately the specific knowledge
and skills required to function as a program management professional. Thus, the role delineation
study guarantees that each examination validly measures all elements of the program
management profession in terms of real settings.
PgMP credential holders can be confident that their professional credential has been
developed according to best practices of test development and based upon input from the
practitioners who establish those standards. Please see Appendix A for a detailed description of
the process.
The PgMP examination is a vital part of the activities leading to earning a professional
credential, thus it is imperative that the PgMP examination reflect accurately the practices of the
program management professional. All the questions on the examination have been written and
extensively reviewed by qualified PgMP credential holders and tracked to at least two academic
references. These questions are mapped against the PgMP Examination Content Outline to
ensure that an appropriate number of questions are in place for a valid examination.
PMI retained Professional Examination Service (PES) to develop the global PgMP
Examination Content Outline. Since 1941, Professional Examination Service (PES) has provided
a full range of assessment and advisory services to organizations across a broad range of
professions, in support of professional licensure and certification, training, and continuing
professional education. PES is dedicated to promoting the public welfare through credentialing
as a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization.
Finally, while the PgMP Examination Content Outline and the The Standard for Program
Management have commonalities, it is important to note that those involved in the study
described previously were not bound by the The Standard for Program Management. They were

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
1
charged with defining the role of individuals leading and directing programs, and using their
experience and pertinent resources to help in this task.
Many of the domains, tasks, knowledge, and skills outlined by the PgMP Examination
Content Outline are new, revised, or reclassified in comparison to what is found in The Standard
for Program Management. Candidates studying for the examination will certainly want to
include the current edition of the The Standard for Program Management as one of their
references, and would be well advised to read other current titles on program management.

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
2
 KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

The task force developed a model that fundamentally restructured the then-existing
delineation of program management practice. Accordingly, rather than mirroring the six life
cycle domains utilized in the PMP model, the revised PgMP delineation comprises five domains
of practice, including four new overarching domains and one domain incorporating life cycle
tasks. The new framework provides a clear, concise, comprehensive, and contemporary
description of program management practice and accurately reflects the higher-level business
functions that are essential aspects of the program manager’s job—regardless of size of
organization, industry or business focus, and/or geographic location. The structure is organized
as follows:

Domain 1: Strategic Program Management

Identifying opportunities and benefits that achieve the organization’s
strategic objectives through program implementation
Domain 2: Program Life Cycle
Activities related to:
 Initiating. Defining the program and constituent projects, and obtaining
agreement from stakeholders
Planning. Defining program scope and developing the program,
including all constituent projects, and all activities that occur within the
program
 Executing. Performing work necessary to achieve the program’s
objectives and deliver the program’s benefits
 Controlling. Monitoring progress, updating program plans as required,
managing change and risk
 Closing. Finalizing all program activities, including all constituent
projects, executing transition plan, archiving, obtaining approvals, and
reporting
Domain 3: Benefits Management
Defining, creating, maximizing, and sustaining the benefits provided by
programs
Domain 4: Stakeholder Management
Capturing stakeholder needs and expectations, gaining and maintaining
stakeholder support, and mitigating/channeling opposition

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
3
 Domain 5: Governance
Establishing processes and procedures for maintaining proactive program
management oversight and decision-making support for applicable policies
and practices throughout the entire program life cycle

In addition to restructuring the domains, the task force revised existing tasks, developed new
tasks, reviewed and restructured the knowledge and skills associated with each domain, and
developed a core list of knowledge and skills applicable across all domains. The final model
contains 72 tasks and 126 knowledge and skills.

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
4
 EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE

The following table identifies the proportion of questions from each domain that will appear
on the examination. These percentages are used to determine the number of questions related to
each domain and task that should appear on the multiple-choice format examination.

Domain/Subdomain % of Exam
I. Strategic Program Management (11 tasks) 15%
II. Program Life Cycle (35 tasks) 44%

 Initiating (6 tasks) 6%

 Planning (9 tasks) 11%

 Executing (9 tasks) 14%

 Controlling (6 tasks) 10%

 Closing (5 tasks) 3%
III. Benefits Management (8 tasks) 11%
IV. Stakeholder Management (7 tasks) 16%
V. Governance (11 tasks) 14%

The revised conceptual framework describing the work of program managers, including the
four overarching domains of practice which impact the Program Life Cycle domain, was
validated through this RDS. This new structure calls attention to the clear distinctions which
exist between the jobs of PMP credential holders and PgMP credential holders, especially in the
view of the critical importance to the profession of program management for the tasks associated
with the new domains of Strategic Program Management, Benefits Management, Stakeholder
Management, and Governance.

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
5
 DOMAINS, TASKS, AND KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
OF PROGRAM MANAGERS

Domain I Strategic Program Management

Task 1 Perform an initial program assessment by defining the program

objectives, requirements, and risks in order to ensure program
alignment with the organization’s strategic plan, objectives, priorities,
vision, and mission statement.

Task 2 Establish a high-level road map with milestones and preliminary

estimates in order to obtain initial validation and approval from the
executive sponsor.

Task 3 Define the high-level road map/framework in order to set a baseline for
program definition, planning, and execution.

Task 4 Define the program mission statement by evaluating the stakeholders’

concerns and expectations in order to establish program direction.

Task 5 Evaluate the organization’s capability by consulting with

organizational leaders in order to develop, validate, and assess the
program objectives, priority, feasibility, readiness, and alignment to
the organization’s strategic plan.

Task 6 Identify organizational benefits for the potential program using

research methods such as market analysis and high-level cost-benefit
analysis in order to develop the preliminary program scope and define
benefits realization plan.

Task 7 Estimate the high level financial and nonfinancial benefits of the
program in order to obtain/maintain funding authorization and drive
prioritization of projects within the program.

Task 8 Evaluate program objectives relative to regulatory and legal

constraints, social impacts, sustainability, cultural considerations,
political climate, and ethical concerns in order to ensure stakeholder
alignment and program deliverability.

Task 9 Obtain organizational leadership approval for the program by

presenting the program charter with its high-level costs, milestone
schedule and benefits in order to receive authorization to initiate the
program.

Task 10 Identify and evaluate integration opportunities and needs (for example,
human capital and human resource requirements and skill sets,
facilities, finance, assets, processes, and systems) within program
activities and operational activities in order to align and integrate
benefits within or across the organization.

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
6
Domain I Strategic Program Management

Task 11 Exploit strategic opportunities for change in order to maximize the

realization of benefits for the organization.

Knowledge specific to Domain 1

(*Indicates knowledge is found in one other domain, shown in parentheses)
 Business strategy
 Business/organization objectives* (V)
 Economic forecasting
 Feasibility analysis
 Financial measurement and management techniques
 Funding models
 Funding processes
 Intellectual property laws and guidelines
 Legal and regulatory requirements
 Marketing
 Portfolio management
 Program and constituent project charter development* (II)
 Program mission and vision
 Public relations* (IV)
 Requirement analysis techniques
 Scenario analysis
 Strategic planning and analysis* (II)
 System implementation models and methodologies
 Trend analysis

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
7
 Domain II Program Life Cycle
Initiating the Program

Task 1 Develop program charter using input from all stakeholders, including
sponsors, in order to initiate and design program and benefits.

Task 2 Translate strategic objectives into high-level program scope

statements by negotiating with stakeholders, including sponsors, in
order to create a program scope description.

Task 3 Develop a high-level milestone plan using the goals and objectives of
the program, applicable historical information, and other available
resources (for example, work breakdown structure (WBS), scope
statements, benefits realization plan) in order to align the program with
the expectations of stakeholders, including sponsors.

Task 4 Develop an accountability matrix by identifying and assigning program

roles and responsibilities in order to build the core team and to
differentiate between the program and project resources.

Task 5 Define standard measurement criteria for success for all constituent
projects by analyzing stakeholder expectations and requirements
across the constituent projects in order to monitor and control the
program.

Task 6 Conduct program kick-off with key stakeholders by holding meetings

in order to familiarize the organization with the program and obtain
stakeholder buy-in.

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
8
 Domain II Program Life Cycle
Planning the Program

Task 7 Develop a detailed program scope statement by incorporating program

vision and all internal and external objectives, goals, influences, and
variables in order to facilitate overall planning.

Task 8 Develop program WBS in order to determine, plan, and assign the
program tasks and deliverables.

Task 9 Establish the program management plan and schedule by integrating

plans for constituent projects and creating plans for supporting
program functions (for example, quality, risk, communication,
resources) in order to effectively forecast, monitor, and identify
variances during program execution.

Task 10 Optimize the program management plan by identifying, reviewing, and

leveling resource requirements (for example, human resources,
materials, equipment, facilities, finance) in order to gain efficiencies
and maximize productivity/synergies among constituent projects.

Task 11 Define project management information system (PMIS) by selecting

tools and processes to share knowledge, intellectual property, and
documentation across constituent projects in order to maximize
synergies and savings in accordance with the governance model.

Task 12 Identify and manage unresolved project-level issues by establishing a

monitoring and escalation mechanism and selecting a course of action
consistent with program constraints and objectives in order to achieve
program benefits.

Task 13 Develop the transition/integration/closure plan by defining exit criteria

in order to ensure all administrative, commercial, and contractual
obligations are met upon program completion.

Task 14 Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) by using decomposition/

mapping/ balanced score card (BSC) in order to implement scope and
quality management system within program.

Task 15 Monitor key human resources for program and project roles, including
subcontractors, and identify opportunities to improve team motivation
(for example, develop compensation, incentive, and career alignment
plans) and negotiate contracts in order to meet and/or exceed benefits
realization objectives.

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
9
 Domain II Program Life Cycle
Executing the Program

Task 16 Charter and initiate constituent projects by assigning project

managers and allocating appropriate resources in order to achieve
program objectives.

Task 17 Establish consistency by deploying uniform standards, resources,

infrastructure, tools, and processes in order to enable informed
program decision making.

Task 18 Establish a communication feedback process in order to capture

lessons learned and the team’s experiences throughout the program.

Task 19 Lead human resource functions by training, coaching, mentoring, and

recognizing the team in order to improve team engagement and
achieve commitment to the program’s goals.

Task 20 Review project managers’ performance in executing the project in

accordance with the project plan in order to maximize their
contribution to achieving program goals.

Task 21 Execute the appropriate program management plans (for example,

quality, risk, communication, resourcing) using the tools identified in
the planning phase and by auditing the results in order to ensure the
program outcomes meet stakeholder expectations and standards.

Task 22 Consolidate project and program data using predefined program plan
reporting tools and methods in order to monitor and control the
program performance and communicate to stakeholders.

Task 23 Evaluate the program’s status in order to monitor and control the
program while maintaining current program information.

Task 24 Approve closure of constituent projects upon completion of defined

deliverables in order to ensure scope is compliant with the functional
overview.

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
10
 Domain II Program Life Cycle
Controlling the Program

Task 25 Analyze variances and trends in costs, schedule, quality, and risks by
comparing actual and forecast to planned values in order to identify
corrective actions or opportunities.

Task 26 Update program plans by incorporating corrective actions to ensure

program resources are employed effectively in order to meet program
objectives.

Task 27 Manage program level issues (for example, human resource

management, financial, technology, scheduling) by identifying and
selecting a course of action consistent with program scope,
constraints, and objectives in order to achieve program benefits.

Task 28 Manage changes in accordance with the change management plan in

order to control scope, quality, schedule, cost, contracts, risks, and
rewards.

Task 29 Conduct impact assessments for program changes and recommend

decisions in order to obtain approval in accordance with the
governance model.

Task 30 Manage risk in accordance with the risk management plan in order to
ensure benefits realization.
Closing the Program

Task 31 Complete a program performance analysis report by comparing final

values to planned values for scope, quality, cost, schedule, and
resource data in order to determine program performance.

Task 32 Obtain stakeholder approval for program closure in order to initiate

close-out activities.

Task 33 Execute the transition and/or close-out of all program and constituent
project plans (for example, perform administrative and PMIS program
closure, archive program documents and lessons learned, and transfer
ongoing activities to functional organization) in order to meet program
objectives and/or ongoing operational sustainability.

Task 34 Conduct the post-review meeting by presenting the program

performance report in order to obtain feedback and capture lessons
learned.

Task 35 Report lessons learned and best practices observed and archive to the
knowledge repository in order to support future programs and
organizational improvement.

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
11
Domain II Program Life Cycle

Knowledge Specific to Domain 2

(*Indicates knowledge is found in one other domain, shown in parentheses)
 Benchmarking
 Closeout plans, procedures, techniques and policies* (5)
 Decomposition techniques (for example, work breakdown
structure (WBS))
 Financial closure processes* (V)
 Logistics management
 Performance and quality metrics* (III)
 Phase gate reviews* (V)
 Procurement management
 Product/service development phases
 Program and constituent project charter development* (I)
 Program and project change requests* (V)
 Program initiation plan
 Program management plans
 Quality control and management tools and techniques
 Resource estimation (human and material)
 Resource leveling techniques
 Root cause analysis
 Schedule management, techniques, and tools
 Scope management
 Service level agreements
 Statistical analysis* (V)
 Strategic planning and analysis* (I)
 SWOT analysis
 Talent evaluation
 Team competency assessment techniques
 Training methodologies* (IV)

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
12
Domain III Benefits Management

Task 1 Develop the benefits realization plan and its measurement criteria in
order to set the baseline for the program and communicate to
stakeholders, including sponsors.

Task 2 Identify and capture synergies and efficiencies identified throughout

the program life cycle in order to update and communicate the
benefits realization plan to stakeholders, including sponsors.

Task 3 Develop a sustainment plan that identifies the processes, measures,

metrics, and tools necessary for management of benefits beyond the
completion of the program in order to ensure the continued realization
of intended benefits.

Task 4 Monitor the metrics (for example, by forecasting, analyzing variances,

developing “what if” scenarios and simulations, and utilizing causal
analysis) in order to take corrective actions in the program and
maintain and/or potentially improve benefits realization.

Task 5 Verify that the close, transition, and integration of constituent projects
and the program meet or exceed the benefit realization criteria in order
to achieve program’s strategic objectives.

Task 6 Maintain a benefit register and record program progress in order to

report the benefit to stakeholders via the communications plan.

Task 7 Analyze and update the benefits realization and sustainment plans for
uncertainty, risk identification, risk mitigation, and risk opportunity in
order to determine if corrective actions are necessary and
communicate to stakeholders.

Task 8 Develop a transition plan to operations in order to guarantee

sustainment of products and benefits delivered by the program.

Knowledge Specific to Domain III

(*Indicates knowledge is found in one other domain, shown in parentheses)
 Benefit optimization
 Business value measurement
 Decision tree analysis
 Maintenance and sustainment of program benefits post
delivery
 Performance and quality metrics* (II)
 Program transition strategies

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
13
Domain IV Stakeholder Management

Task 1 Identify stakeholders, including sponsors, and create the stakeholder

matrix in order to document their position relative to the program.

Task 2 Perform stakeholder analysis through historical analysis, personal

experience, interviews, knowledge base, review of formal agreements
(for example, request for proposal (RFP), request for information (RFI),
contracts), and input from other sources in order to create the
stakeholder management plan.

Task 3 Negotiate the support of stakeholders, including sponsors, for the

program while setting clear expectations and acceptance criteria (for
example, KPIs) for the program benefits in order to achieve and
maintain their alignment to the program objectives.

Task 4 Generate and maintain visibility for the program and confirm
stakeholder support in order to achieve the program’s strategic
objectives.

Task 5 Define and maintain communications adapted to different

stakeholders, including sponsors, in order to ensure their support for
the program.

Task 6 Evaluate risks identified by stakeholders, including sponsors, and

incorporate them in the program risk management plan, as necessary.

Task 7 Develop and foster relationships with stakeholders, including

sponsors, in order to improve communication and enhance their
support for the program.

Knowledge Specific to Domain IV

(*Indicates knowledge is found in one other domain, shown in parentheses)
 Customer relationship management
 Customer satisfaction measurement
 Expectation management
 Public relations* (I)
 Training methodologies* (II)

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
14
Domain V Governance

Task 1 Develop program and project management standards and structure

(governance, tools, finance, and reporting) using industry best
practices and organizational standards in order to drive efficiency and
consistency among projects and deliver program objectives.

Task 2 Select a governance model structure including policies, procedures,

and standards that conforms program practices with the
organization’s governance structure in order to deliver program
objectives consistent with organizational governance requirements.

Task 3 Obtain authorization(s) and approval(s) through stage gate reviews by

presenting the program status to governance authorities in order to
proceed to the next phase of the program.

Task 4 Evaluate key performance indicators (for example, risks, financials,

compliance, quality, safety, stakeholder satisfaction) in order to
monitor benefits throughout the program life cycle.

Task 5 Develop and/or utilize the program management information system),

and integrate different processes as needed, in order to manage
program information and communicate status to stakeholders.

Task 6 Regularly evaluate new and existing risks that impact strategic
objectives in order to present an updated risk management plan to the
governance board for approval.

Task 7 Establish escalation policies and procedures in order to ensure risks

are handled at the appropriate level.

Task 8 Develop and/or contribute to an information repository containing

program-related lessons learned, processes, and documentation
contributions in order to support organizational best practices.

Task 9 Identify and apply lessons learned in order to support and influence
existing and future program or organizational improvement.

Task 10 Monitor the business environment, program functionality

requirements, and benefits realization in order to ensure the program
remains aligned with strategic objectives.

Task 11 Develop and support the program integration management plan in

order to ensure operational alignment with program strategic
objectives.

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
15
Domain V Governance

Knowledge Specific to Domain V

(*Indicates knowledge is found in one other domain, shown in parentheses)
 Archiving tools and techniques
 Business/organization objectives* (I)
 Closeout plans, procedures, techniques and policies* (II)
 Composition and responsibilities of the program management
office (PMO)
 Financial closure processes* (II)
 Go/no-go decision criteria
 Governance models
 Governance processes and procedures
 Metrics definition and measurement techniques
 Performance analysis and reporting techniques (for example,
earned value analysis (EVA))
 Phase gate reviews* (II)
 Program and project change requests* (II)
 Statistical analysis* (II)

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
16
 CROSS-CUTTING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Core Knowledge (Required in Three or More Domains):

Three or More
Core Knowledge
Domains
 Benefits measurement and analysis techniques
 Brainstorming techniques
 Budget processes and procedures
 Business environment
 Business ethics
 Business models, structure, and organization
 Change management
 Coaching and mentoring techniques
 Collaboration tools and techniques
 Communication tools and techniques
 Conflict resolution techniques
 Contingency planning
 Contract negotiation/administration
 Contract types
 Cost-benefit techniques
 Cost management
 Cultural diversity/distinctions
 Data analysis/data mining
 Decision-making techniques
 Emotional intelligence
 Human resource management
 Impact assessment techniques
 Industry and market knowledge
 Information privacy
 Knowledge management
 Leadership theories and techniques
 Management techniques
 Motivational techniques
 Negotiation strategies and techniques
 Organization strategic plan and vision
 Performance management techniques (for example, cost
and time, performance against objectives)

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
17
Three or More
Core Knowledge
Domains
 Planning theory, techniques, and procedures
 PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
 Presentation tools and techniques
 Problem-solving tools and techniques
 Project Management Information Systems (PMIS)
 Reporting tools and techniques
 Risk analysis techniques
 Risk management
 Risk mitigation and opportunities strategies
 Safety standards and procedures
 Social responsibility
 Succession planning
 Sustainability and environmental issues
 Team development and dynamics

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
18
Core Skills (Required in All Domains)

All Domains Core Skills

 Active listening
 Analytical thinking
 Capacity planning
 Communicating
 Critical thinking
 Customer centricity/client focus
 Distilling and synthesizing requirements
 Employee engagement
 Executive-level presentation
 Facilitation
 Innovative thinking
 Interpersonal interaction and relationship management
 Interviewing
 Leveraging opportunities
 Managing expectations
 Managing virtual/multicultural/remote/global teams
 Maximizing resources/achieving synergies
 Negotiating/persuading/influencing
 Prioritizing
 Problem solving
 Stakeholder analysis and management
 Time management
 Vendor management

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
19
 APPENDIX A: ROLE DELINEATION STUDY (RDS) PROCESS

Defining the Responsibilities

The first step in developing a certification examination is to define the responsibilities of the
recipients of the credential. It must be known what the individuals who lead and direct programs
actually do on the job before a content-valid test can be developed. A valid examination draws
questions from every important area of the profession and specifies that performance areas
(domains) considered more important, critical, and relevant be represented by more questions on
the examination. Defining the role of individuals leading and directing programs occurs in two
major phases: one in which individuals currently in the role define the responsibilities, and
another in which the identified responsibilities are validated on a global scale.
Beginning in 2009, PMI commissioned a global role delineation study (RDS) for the PgMP
credential. The RDS process was led by a steering committee, representing PMI’s Certification
Governance structure. A project task force comprised of program managers was responsible for
the conduct of work on the project, with oversight from the steering committee. The task force
represented every geographic area of the globe and diversity in industry, job position, and
experience. Several other groups contributed to the formation and shaping of the RDS process,
including representatives from organizations that utilize program management for success,
academic representatives, and Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.s). Program managers were
also responsible for the independent reviews of the work of the task force and piloting the
information before surveying a larger sample of program managers.
Study participants, working under the direction of the Professional Education Service (PES),
reached consensus on the performance domains, a broad category of duties and responsibilities
that define the role, as well as the tasks required for competence performance and the
knowledge/skills needed to perform those tasks.
Validating the Responsibilities Identified by the Panelists
In order to ensure the validity of the study and content outline developed by the panels, a
survey requesting feedback on the panel’s work was sent to program management practitioners
throughout the world. Surveys were distributed globally to thousands of program managers
around the world. PMI received a robust set of responses to the survey, with participants from 79
countries and representing every major industry. This provided PMI with the statistical
significance from which to draw conclusions about the criticality for competent performance and
frequency of the tasks. Practitioners also rated the knowledge/skills on how essential they were
to their work as program managers and when they were acquired.
Developing a Plan for the Test
Based on respondent ratings, an examination blueprint, clarifying exactly how many
questions from each domain and task should be on the examination, was developed. Those
domains and tasks that were rated as most important, critical, and relevant by survey respondents
would have the most questions devoted to them on the examination.
©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.
PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
20
 Results of the study indicated that the 150 scorable questions on the test should be distributed
among the domains as shown in the following table. The remaining 20 questions will be
dispersed throughout the domains as pretest questions and will not count in the candidates’
scores. The pretest items allow PMI to monitor the question performance better, prior to
including the questions in the final databank of test questions.

Domain/Subdomain % of Exam
I. Strategic Program Management (11 tasks) 15%
II. Program Life Cycle (35 tasks) 44%

 Initiating (6 tasks) 6%

 Planning (9 tasks) 11%

 Executing (9 tasks) 14%

 Controlling (6 tasks) 10%

 Closing (5 tasks) 3%

III. Benefits Management (8 tasks) 11%

IV. Stakeholder Management (7 tasks) 16%
V. Governance (11 tasks) 14%

©2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMI PgMP® Examination Content Outline – April 2011
21
 Making project management indispensable for business results.®

©2017 Project Management Institute. All rights reserved. “PMI”, the PMI logo, “PgMP”, and “Making project management indispensable for business results” are registered trademarks of Project Management Institute, Inc. PRA-206-2017_PgMP (07/17)