Aspirational vs Mandatory Standards
Aspirational standards describe the conduct that PMI practitioners strive to uphold as ideals, while mandatory standards establish firm requirements that can result in disciplinary action if violated.
Explanation
The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct organizes its guidance into two categories for each of its four values. Aspirational standards represent the ideals to which practitioners should aspire. They use language like "we strive to" and describe best practices that elevate the profession. Violating an aspirational standard does not directly trigger disciplinary proceedings, but it indicates a failure to fully embody professional excellence.
Mandatory standards, by contrast, are hard requirements. They use language like "we must" or "we do not" and define the minimum acceptable behavior. Violations of mandatory standards are subject to the PMI Ethics Review Committee’s disciplinary process and can result in formal sanctions. Examples include the prohibitions against dishonesty, discrimination, and failure to disclose conflicts of interest.
For the exam, understanding the distinction helps you evaluate answer choices. When a scenario asks what a project manager "must" do, it typically references a mandatory standard. When it asks what a project manager "should" do, it may reference an aspirational standard. Both types of questions appear on PMP and CAPM exams.
Key Points
- •Aspirational standards describe ideals; use language like "we strive to"
- •Mandatory standards are firm requirements; use language like "we must"
- •Only mandatory standard violations trigger formal disciplinary action
- •Each of the four values (responsibility, respect, fairness, honesty) has both types
Exam Tip
Pay attention to whether an exam question uses "must" or "should." Mandatory standards involve absolute requirements, while aspirational standards describe ideal behavior. Both are testable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is a foundational document that establishes the ethical expectations and behavioral standards for all PMI members, volunteers, and certification holders.
Responsibility (Ethical Principle)
Responsibility is the PMI ethical principle requiring practitioners to take ownership of decisions, actions, and their consequences, and to act in the best interests of society, public safety, and the environment.
Respect (Ethical Principle)
Respect is the PMI ethical principle requiring practitioners to show high regard for themselves, others, and the resources entrusted to them, including people, money, reputation, safety, and the environment.
Fairness (Ethical Principle)
Fairness is the PMI ethical principle requiring practitioners to make decisions and act impartially and objectively, free from self-interest, prejudice, and favoritism.
Honesty (Ethical Principle)
Honesty is the PMI ethical principle requiring practitioners to understand the truth and act in a truthful manner, both in communications and in conduct.
Test your knowledge
Practice scenario-based questions on this topic with detailed explanations.