Knowledge Areas
Knowledge Areas are the ten identified areas of project management expertise defined in the PMBOK Guide, each encompassing a set of related processes.
Explanation
The PMBOK Guide Sixth Edition organizes the 49 project management processes into ten Knowledge Areas: Integration Management, Scope Management, Schedule Management, Cost Management, Quality Management, Resource Management, Communications Management, Risk Management, Procurement Management, and Stakeholder Management. Each Knowledge Area represents a complete set of concepts, terms, and activities that make up a professional field or area of specialization.
Project Integration Management is unique among the ten because it spans and connects all other Knowledge Areas. The integration processes — such as Develop Project Charter, Develop Project Management Plan, Direct and Manage Project Work, and Perform Integrated Change Control — ensure that the various elements of the project are properly coordinated.
The Knowledge Areas provide a convenient structure for learning and reference, but in practice, a project manager uses processes from multiple Knowledge Areas simultaneously. For example, estimating activity durations (Schedule Management) requires understanding the resources available (Resource Management) and the risks involved (Risk Management). Effective project management requires integration across all ten areas.
Key Points
- •Ten Knowledge Areas organize 49 processes by subject matter
- •Integration Management connects and coordinates all other areas
- •Each area has its own set of processes, inputs, tools, and outputs
- •In practice, Knowledge Areas overlap and must be managed together
Exam Tip
For the CAPM exam, memorize which processes belong to which Knowledge Area and Process Group. For the PMP exam, focus on understanding when and why to apply specific processes in scenario-based questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Process Groups
Process Groups are a logical grouping of project management processes categorized into five groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing.
Project Management
Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements.
Project Management Plan
The project management plan is the document that describes how the project will be executed, monitored and controlled, and closed.
Test your knowledge
Practice scenario-based questions on this topic with detailed explanations.