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PMP Exam 2026: Everything Changing and What You Need to Know | A Conversation with Phil Akinwale
Description
The PMP® Certification exam is changing in 2026, and these updates will impact how future project managers prepare for one of the most respected certifications in the profession.
In this special episode, I'm joined by my mentor, Phil Akinwale, to break down the upcoming PMP Exam changes, explain what PMBOK® Guide 8 means for certification candidates, and discuss how Agile, leadership, business value, and new question formats are reshaping the future of project management.
More importantly, we discuss something that many certification candidates overlook: passing the PMP exam isn't just about memorizing processes. It's about learning to think like a project leader.
Whether you're preparing for your PMP certification, mentoring aspiring project managers, or simply trying to stay current with the evolving profession, this conversation will help you understand what matters most moving forward.
What We'll Discuss
- The biggest PMP Exam changes coming in 2026
- How PMBOK® Guide 8 impacts the PMP exam
- New PMP question formats and what to expect
- Why Agile and Hybrid project management now carry greater weight
- Leadership skills PMI is emphasizing more than ever
- The difference between passing the exam and becoming an effective project leader
- Common mistakes PMP candidates continue to make
- How experienced project managers should adapt to the evolving profession
- Why communication, stakeholder management, and value delivery are becoming even more important
- Practical advice for anyone preparing for the PMP exam
✔ What You'll Learn
✔ How the 2026 PMP Exam differs from previous versions
✔ What PMBOK Guide 8 changes mean for your study strategy
✔ Why PMI is placing greater emphasis on leadership and business value
✔ How Agile and Hybrid approaches continue to shape the profession
✔ The mindset PMI expects candidates to demonstrate during the exam
✔ Why memorization alone is no longer enough to succeed
✔ Practical preparation strategies from two experienced project leaders
✔ How to think beyond certification and become a stronger project leader
Resources Mentioned
- PMBOK® Guide 8
- PMP® Exam Content Outline (ECO)
- Agile Practice Guide
- Scrum Guide
- Kanban Principles
- PMI® Standards and Best Practices