Mastering the 49 Project Management Processes: The Ultimate PMP Guide (2026)
Mastering the 49 Project Management Processes: The Ultimate PMP Guide:2026
The 5 Process Groups (The Lifecycle)
Before we list the processes, it’s essential to understand the stages of a project’s life:
- Initiating: Defining a new project or phase.
- Planning: Establishing the scope and objectives.
- Executing: Completing the work defined in the plan.
- Monitoring & Controlling: Tracking, reviewing, and regulating progress.
- Closing: Formally completing the project or phase.
The 10 Knowledge Areas (The Domains)
Here is a breakdown of all 49 processes categorized by their specific focus area:
1. Project Integration Management (7 Processes)
This is the "glue" that holds the project together.
- Develop Project Charter
- Develop Project Management Plan
- Direct and Manage Project Work
- Manage Project Knowledge
- Monitor and Control Project Work
- Perform Integrated Change Control
- Close Project or Phase
2. Project Scope Management (6 Processes)
Ensuring the project includes all the work required, and only the work required.
- Plan Scope Management
- Collect Requirements
- Define Scope
- Create WBS (Work Breakdown Structure)
- Validate Scope
- Control Scope
3. Project Schedule Management (6 Processes)
Managing the timely completion of the project.
- Plan Schedule Management
- Define Activities
- Sequence Activities
- Estimate Activity Durations
- Develop Schedule
- Control Schedule
4. Project Cost Management (4 Processes)
Budgeting and keeping the project within the approved funding.
- Plan Cost Management
- Estimate Costs
- Determine Budget
- Control Costs
5. Project Quality Management (3 Processes)
Ensuring the project meets the needs for which it was undertaken.
- Plan Quality Management
- Manage Quality
- Control Quality
6. Project Resource Management (6 Processes)
Identifying and managing the people and physical resources needed.
- Plan Resource Management
- Estimate Activity Resources
- Acquire Resources
- Develop Team
- Manage Team
- Control Resources
7. Project Communications Management (3 Processes)
Ensuring timely and appropriate planning, collection, and distribution of information.
- Plan Communications Management
- Manage Communications
- Monitor Communications
8. Project Risk Management (7 Processes)
Identifying and preparing for uncertainties.
- Plan Risk Management
- Identify Risks
- Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis
- Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis
- Plan Risk Responses
- Implement Risk Responses
- Monitor Risks
9. Project Procurement Management (3 Processes)
Acquiring products or services from outside the project team.
- Plan Procurement Management
- Conduct Procurements
- Control Procurements
10. Project Stakeholder Management (4 Processes)
Engaging people or organizations that could impact or be impacted by the project.
- Identify Stakeholders
- Plan Stakeholder Engagement
- Manage Stakeholder Engagement
- Monitor Stakeholder Engagement
Why Does This Matter?
You don't necessarily use all 49 processes for every project. The secret to great project management is Tailoring. You choose the processes that provide value based on the size, complexity, and industry of your specific project.
Mastering these processes allows you to move away from "accidental" project management and toward a structured, repeatable framework for success.
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