PMP (PMBOK 7) study guide · 2026

The 3 PMP (PMBOK 7) domains, explained

3 domains and 26 official tasks. Process carries the most weight at 41%. Each guide explains what the domain covers, how its questions are framed and where candidates lose marks.

Start with Domain 2 See all domains
Questions
180 (170 scored, 10 unscored pretest)
Time
240 minutes (4 hours), with two 10-minute breaks
Passing score
Not published; PMI reports pass/fail with performance ratings by domain
Outline
PMP Examination Content Outline – July 2026 (current; replaced the 2021 ECO)

Exam blueprint

Bar widths follow the official weights. Weight ranges are drawn at their midpoint.

  1. 1 33%
  2. 2 41%
  3. 3 26%
  1. 1 People
  2. 2 Process
  3. 3 Business Environment

All 3 domains

26 official tasks 125–170 hrs suggested study

  1. Domain 01 33%

    People

    People is a third of the July 2026 PMP exam: shared vision, conflict, team leadership, stakeholder expectations, knowledge transfer and communication. Here each task is tied to the PMBOK 7 principles and performance domains that explain why the best answer is best.

    Inside this domain

    • Develop a common vision
    • Manage conflicts
    • Lead the project team
    • Engage stakeholders
    • and 4 more tasks

    Watch for Escalate first

    Tasks
    8
    Questions est.
    ~59
    Study time est.
    40–55 hrs
  2. Domain 02 41%

    Process

    Process is the largest PMP domain at 41%: tailoring the approach, scope, value delivery, resources, procurement, finance, quality, schedule, status and closure. Each task here is read through the PMBOK 7 Planning, Delivery and Measurement performance domains.

    Inside this domain

    • Develop an integrated project management plan and plan delivery
    • Develop and manage project scope
    • Help ensure value-based delivery
    • Plan and manage resources
    • and 6 more tasks

    Watch for Act on the metric without analysis

    Tasks
    10
    Questions est.
    ~74
    Study time est.
    50–70 hrs
  3. Domain 03 26%

    Business Environment

    Business Environment jumped to 26% in the July 2026 PMP outline. It covers governance, compliance, change control, impediments, risk, continuous improvement and organizational and external change, linked here to the PMBOK 7 Uncertainty domain and stewardship, risk and change principles.

    Inside this domain

    • Define and establish project governance
    • Plan and manage project compliance
    • Manage and control changes
    • Remove impediments and manage issues
    • and 4 more tasks

    Watch for Implement the small change to keep the customer happy

    Tasks
    8
    Questions est.
    ~47
    Study time est.
    35–45 hrs

Study the heaviest domains first

Marks follow weight. This order puts the most marks behind you first, across about 125–170 hrs of study.

  1. 2 Process 41% · 50–70 hrs
  2. 1 People 33% · 40–55 hrs
  3. 3 Business Environment 26% · 35–45 hrs

Try one

Practice questionDomain 2: Process

A project has a budget at completion of 800,000. Current figures are EV 300,000, PV 360,000 and AC 330,000. The overrun came from a one-time equipment price increase that will not recur. What is the estimate at completion?

One trap from every domain

The answer that looks right, and the clue that gives it away.

  • Domain 1

    Escalate first

    Clue The scenario has not mentioned any prior attempt to resolve it directly; look for 'meet privately', 'discuss', or 'understand the cause' options.

  • Domain 2

    Act on the metric without analysis

    Clue The question gives indices but no cause; look for 'analyze the variance' or 'determine the root cause'.

  • Domain 3

    Implement the small change to keep the customer happy

    Clue Words like 'baseline', 'change control board' or 'signed-off requirements' signal the formal path; 'product owner' and 'backlog' signal backlog refinement.

Other Project Management certifications

Study guides for exams that overlap with PMP (PMBOK 7).

Practise what you read

PMP (PMBOK 7) domains: common questions

How many domains are in the PMP (PMBOK 7) exam?

PMP (PMBOK 7) has 3 domains with 26 official tasks between them: People, Process and Business Environment.

Which PMP (PMBOK 7) domain carries the most weight?

Process is the heaviest at 41%, followed by People (33%). The lightest is Business Environment (26%). Weights come from PMI's official outline.

What is the PMP (PMBOK 7) exam format?

Questions: 180 (170 scored, 10 unscored pretest). Time allowed: 240 minutes (4 hours), with two 10-minute breaks. Passing score: Not published; PMI reports pass/fail with performance ratings by domain.

How long should I study for PMP (PMBOK 7)?

Our planning estimate is 125–170 hrs across all domains, split by weight. It is an editorial estimate, not an official figure, so adjust it to your experience and to how you score on practice questions.

Where should I start?

Start with Process, because it carries the most marks, then work down by weight. Use the checklist on each domain page to confirm you can do what the domain asks before moving on.

Which outline is this guide based on?

This guide follows PMP Examination Content Outline – July 2026 (current; replaced the 2021 ECO), published by PMI. It was last reviewed in October 2026.

Domain names, weights and tasks come from PMI's official outline (PMP Examination Content Outline – July 2026 (current; replaced the 2021 ECO)). Question counts and study hours are editorial planning estimates, not official figures. Last reviewed October 2026.