The 49 Processes in PMBOK: A Complete PMP Reference

Understanding the PMBOK Framework

The PMBOK Guide organizes project management into 49 distinct processes. These processes are categorized along two dimensions: five process groups that describe the project lifecycle, and ten knowledge areas that describe the subject matter. Together, they form a matrix that covers every aspect of managing a project from start to finish.

For the PMP exam, you need to understand how these processes relate to one another, when each process is performed, and what each process accomplishes. This reference guide breaks down every process so you can study efficiently.

The Five Process Groups

Process groups are not phases — they are categories of processes that may overlap and repeat throughout the project. Here is a brief summary:

1. Initiating (2 processes): Defines and authorizes the project or phase
2. Planning (24 processes): Establishes scope, refines objectives, and defines the course of action
3. Executing (10 processes): Carries out the project management plan
4. Monitoring and Controlling (12 processes): Tracks, reviews, and regulates progress
5. Closing (1 process): Formally completes the project or phase

Initiating Process Group

The initiating process group contains just two processes, but they are critically important. Without proper initiation, a project lacks authority and direction.

• Develop Project Charter (Integration Management): Creates the document that formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority to apply resources.
• Identify Stakeholders (Stakeholder Management): Identifies all people and organizations impacted by the project and documents their interests and involvement.

Planning Process Group

Planning is the largest process group with 24 processes. This is where the project management plan and its subsidiary plans are developed.

Integration Management

• Develop Project Management Plan: Combines all subsidiary plans into a single comprehensive document.

Scope Management

• Plan Scope Management: Defines how scope will be defined, validated, and controlled.
• Collect Requirements: Determines, documents, and manages stakeholder needs.
• Define Scope: Develops a detailed description of the project and product.
• Create WBS: Subdivides deliverables into smaller, manageable components.

Schedule Management

• Plan Schedule Management: Establishes policies and procedures for planning and managing the schedule.
• Define Activities: Identifies the specific actions to produce deliverables.
• Sequence Activities: Identifies and documents relationships among activities.
• Estimate Activity Durations: Estimates the time needed to complete each activity.
• Develop Schedule: Analyzes sequences, durations, and constraints to create the schedule model.

Cost, Quality, Resource, Communications, Risk, Procurement, and Stakeholder

The remaining planning processes follow similar patterns: each knowledge area has a "Plan" process that establishes the management approach, followed by detailed planning processes specific to that area. Cost management includes Plan Cost Management, Estimate Costs, and Determine Budget. Quality, Resource, Communications, Risk, Procurement, and Stakeholder each have their own planning processes.

Executing Process Group

The executing process group contains 10 processes where the actual project work happens. Key processes include Direct and Manage Project Work, Manage Quality, Acquire Resources, Develop Team, Manage Team, Manage Communications, Implement Risk Responses, Conduct Procurements, and Manage Stakeholder Engagement.

Monitoring and Controlling Process Group

With 12 processes, this group runs throughout the project. It includes Monitor and Control Project Work, Perform Integrated Change Control, Validate Scope, Control Scope, Control Schedule, Control Costs, Control Quality, Control Resources, Monitor Communications, Monitor Risks, Control Procurements, and Monitor Stakeholder Engagement.

Closing Process Group

The closing group contains a single process: Close Project or Phase. This process finalizes all activities, transfers deliverables, releases resources, and captures lessons learned.

How to Study the 49 Processes

Do not try to memorize all 49 processes in one sitting. Instead, study them by knowledge area to understand the logical flow within each discipline, then study by process group to understand the project lifecycle. Our topic-based study guides break each knowledge area into manageable lessons. For a printable overview, visit our cheat sheets page.