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.
Explanation
The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct was first published in 2006 and applies to every PMI member and credential holder worldwide. It is built on four core values: responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty. Each value contains both aspirational standards, which describe the conduct practitioners strive to uphold, and mandatory standards, which establish firm requirements that can result in disciplinary action if violated.
The Code serves as the ethical backbone of the project management profession. It guides practitioners when they face difficult decisions involving stakeholders, team members, employers, and the public. Adherence to the Code is not optional for PMI credential holders; violations can lead to sanctions including suspension or revocation of certifications.
On the PMP and CAPM exams, questions about the Code often present situational scenarios where a project manager must choose the most ethical course of action. Understanding the intent behind each value, not just the wording, is critical for answering these questions correctly.
Key Points
- •Applies to all PMI members, volunteers, and certification holders
- •Built on four core values: responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty
- •Contains both aspirational and mandatory standards for each value
- •Violations can result in disciplinary action including certification revocation
Exam Tip
When an exam question involves an ethical dilemma, default to the action that best aligns with the four core values of the PMI Code. The Code always takes precedence over organizational pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
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.
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.
Test your knowledge
Practice scenario-based questions on this topic with detailed explanations.