The CompTIA Project+ certification is a globally recognized credential that validates your foundational knowledge and skills in project management. Having this certification demonstrates your ability to initiate, plan, execute, and close projects effectively. However, with the recent release of the new CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005) exam in November, those considering this valuable certification might be wondering how it compares to the previous version (PK0-004) which retired in 2023.
This blog post dives into the details of both exams, highlighting the key differences in their content focus, available training resources, and who should consider taking each version. By understanding these distinctions, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the right exam path and confidently pursue your project management goals.
What is CompTIA Project+ Certification?
Project+ is a special kind of project management certification offered by CompTIA, a big organization for IT professionals. CompTIA is different because it doesn’t favor any particular brand or technology. Instead, it’s open to everyone. Usually, certifications focus on just one type of technology or method. But Project+ is different. It’s for people who can work with various technologies and settings, like a jack-of-all-trades.
Project+ isn’t just about technology, though. It’s for non-tech individuals who need to understand tech enough to handle projects involving it. It’s like a bridge between tech and non-tech worlds. Unlike other certifications that tie you to specific methods, Project+ is more about general project skills that apply everywhere in the IT world.
Why CompTIA change the Project+ Exam version?
The new CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005) was scheduled for early November 2022. CompTIA regularly updates its certifications to ensure that skills remain relevant and current with the latest technologies. During these updates, industry experts, known as subject matter experts (SMEs), participate in workshops to create and review the exam content. This process guarantees that the exam covers the necessary skills for today’s job roles.
For the update of the CompTIA Project+ exam, IT project management experts from various companies contributed, including:
- CrowdStrike, Inc.
- KirkpatrickPrice
- Microsoft
- Interamerican Development Bank
- Western Governors University
- U.S. Department of the Interior
- KloudReadiness, LLC
- PCAOB
- Smith Business Services, LLC
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Catalyte
- NTT DATA
- U.S. Navy and more
Overview of New CompTIA Project+ PK0-005
The Latest CompTIA Project+ stands out as the sole industry certification designed to equip IT professionals with the foundational skills essential for effectively managing small to medium-sized projects. Use the exam to unlock Your Project Management Career. Further,
- CompTIA Project+ includes the methodologies, frameworks, and Agile expertise crucial for proficiently overseeing and delivering IT projects, while also incorporating emerging subjects like change management and compliance.
- The exam is for professionals handling less intricate projects, CompTIA Project+ guides them through the project life cycle, ensuring effective communication, resource management, and proper project documentation.
- Talking about the certification Life, the CompTIA Project+ is a lifetime certification, eliminating the need for renewal.
Who Should Take the New PK0-005 Exam?
CompTIA Project+ is for IT professionals who manage smaller, less complex projects alongside their primary job responsibilities but possess fundamental project management skills. Its versatility lies in covering crucial project management concepts beyond a single methodology or framework.
Recommended Experience:
- Candidates are recommended to have at least 6–12 months of hands-on experience managing projects in an IT environment
What Skills Will You Master?
- Understanding project properties, phases, schedules, roles, responsibilities, cost controls, and basic aspects of Agile methodology
- Recognizing the impact of various constraint variables and influences throughout the project, and implementing risk strategies and activities
- Utilizing appropriate communication methods, influencing factors, and implementing change control processes within project contexts
- Familiarity with diverse project management tools and creation of project and partner-centric documentation
Updated Exam Details
- Number of Questions: Maximum of 90 questions
- Type of Questions: Multiple-choice (single and multiple response) and performance-based
- Length of Test: 90 Minutes
- Passing Score: 710 (on a scale of 100-900)
- Languages: English, Japanese, Thai
CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 vs PK0-004: Domain Comparison
CompTIA regularly evaluates the content of its certifications to ensure they align with the most current technologies and industry demands. The objectives of the previous CompTIA Project+ exam have been revised to better encompass IT landscapes, Agile methodologies, and proficiency in risk management. The exam domains of CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005) have been adjusted to highlight the significance of IT-focused project management skills. These modifications involve restructuring and updating the exam domains, as illustrated in the table below.
The latest version of CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005) introduces an expanded set of exam objectives, featuring 24 compared to the 18 objectives in the previous 004 exam. These additional objectives have been incorporated to emphasize aspects such as the IT project environment, technical terminology, Agile methodologies, and risk management.
While utilizing the objectives to prepare for your exam, it’s important to acknowledge that they may not cover every topic you’ll encounter. Treat the exam objective stem (the heading) as your primary study guide, and view the bulleted lists as indicative examples of the content that could be included. CompTIA regularly evaluates exam content and updates questions to ensure they remain pertinent and uphold the integrity of the exam.
The restructuring of the exam domains results in approximately 70% of the topics remaining consistent with the previous version, while 30% have been updated to incorporate the following enhancements:
- Focusing on IT: There’s a growing demand for IT professionals who can effectively oversee IT projects and communicate within IT project teams. Notably, 25% of hiring managers specifically seek project management skills in their IT job postings. To contextualize this, it means that out of the 400,000 IT job openings in the United States during Fall 2021, 100,000 of them included requirements for IT project management skills.
- Focus on Agile: Hiring managers have informed CompTIA that Agile methodologies are now being applied across a broader spectrum of IT projects. Previously, Agile was primarily associated with software development projects, but feedback from job task analyses (JTA) indicates a growing need for all IT professionals to possess Agile knowledge and practical skills.
- Risk Management: Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) practices are exerting significant influence on the IT industry. Regulations such as PCI-DSS, NIST, GDPR, HIPAA, and CMMC mandate that IT departments comply with cybersecurity and privacy regulations to safeguard customer data. These tasks necessitate strong project management skills, making it the second most sought-after skill for risk management.
How the New CompTIA Project+ Domains follow the Industry trends?
In a dynamic field like IT project management, where roles are in a constant state of growing, it’s important for CompTIA exam domains to mirror the ongoing developments within the industry. The reason behind the updates made to the CompTIA Project+ exam domains and their alignment with current job requisites is:
1. Project Management Concepts
- This covers the fundamental principles such as Agile versus waterfall methodologies, change control processes and frameworks. Use this for comprehension and execution of core tasks like change control, risk and issue management, scheduling, conducting meetings, ensuring quality, and managing communication.
2. Project Life Cycle Phases
- This covers diverse practical scenarios to guide the implementation of each project phase. This empowers practitioners to carry out project management duties across all stages, including initiation, planning, execution, and closure.
3. Tools and Documentation
- This introduces project management tools designed to support Agile methodologies. It equips professionals with the ability to utilize Agile-integrated project management tools like Smartsheet, PowerBI, Jira, Confluence, etc., effectively.
4. Basics of IT and Governance
- This addresses the application of appropriate IT risk mitigation strategies and compliance frameworks to projects. This ensures project managers uphold regulatory requirements such as PCI-DSS, NIST, and CCMC by maintaining comprehensive project documentation.
New CompTIA Project+ Top IT Jobs
The main job roles for CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005) closely resemble those of the PK0-004 exam, with a focus on IT environments. Notably, positions such as project coordinator have evolved into IT project coordinator, highlighting the intensified focus on IT. The principal job roles include:
- IT project coordinator
- Junior IT project manager
- IT Support Manager
- Business Analyst
- IT Manager
How to prepare for the New CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 Exam?
While CompTIA Project+ might include a broad range of topics, we’re here to support you every step of the way. A significant difference between the 004 and 005 exams lies in the official CompTIA training solutions offered. CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005) provides a comprehensive array of training solutions including various online options. Here’s how CompTIA assists you in learning the content and achieving certification:
1. CertMaster Learn for Project+
CertMaster Learn offers an interactive and flexible learning experience, blending instructional modules with videos, practice quizzes, and performance-based tasks to equip you for both your certification exam and a career in IT. This includes:
- Comprehensive coverage of all exam objectives
- Fifteen lessons featuring scenario-based performance tasks
- Instant feedback on 150 practice questions
- A final assessment comprising 90 questions
- Access to videos, flashcards, and gamified elements
2. CertMaster Labs for Project+
CertMaster Labs for Project+ provides learners with an essential platform to acquire the competencies required for readiness in their CompTIA Project+ exam. It focuses on the hands-on components of the CompTIA Project+ exam objectives and enhances previous training by offering access to genuine equipment and software environments.
3. CertMaster Practice for Project+
CertMaster Practice serves as a companion tool for knowledge assessment and certification training. It assists in acquiring knowledge and getting ready for your CompTIA exam. With its question-first design, real-time learning analytics, and content refreshers, CertMaster Practice effectively reinforces learning, tests your knowledge, and addresses any areas of weakness.
4. CompTIA Instructor-Led Training
With instructor-led training, you benefit from expert guidance and insights from individuals well-versed in the exam’s intricacies. Whether you prefer classroom sessions or live online instruction, CompTIA offers top-tier instructor-led training suitable for both individuals and groups. If you’re new to the tech field and seeking training, explore the following options:
- Individual Training:
- Enroll in CompTIA’s online instructor-led training, where you’ll receive instruction from our esteemed CompTIA instructors. Gain hands-on experience under the guidance of certified CompTIA instructors, all within the convenience and adaptability of an online setting.
- Customized Group Training:
- CompTIA Custom Training delivers premier instructor-led training directly to your group or organization. Equip your team with the IT certification training they require, led by highly qualified trainers with a track record of success.
Conclusion
Above we have explored the difference between the preview CompTIA Project+ (PK0-004) and the latest(PK0-005) exams focusing on the new domains and what changes it has. However, if you registered for PK0-004 before its retirement in May 2023, prioritize taking that exam while it’s still available. For new testers, the PK0-005 exam stands as the clear frontrunner. Its updated content reflects the evolving landscape of project management, with a stronger focus on the IT project environment, technical projects, agile methodologies, and risk management practices.
By choosing the right training materials available for PK0-005, you can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in today’s dynamic project management field. The updates will happen but remember, the CompTIA Project+ certification remains a valuable asset for aspiring project managers.
