Exam vocabulary

PMP (PMP) PathTerms™

158 plain-language terms mapped for PMP: Project Management Professional. Lists are Accumentum study aids based on our glossary and PathKey™ coverage, not a vendor blueprint reprint.

July 2026 outline The July 2026 outline is current. From December 1, 2026, PMI updates Expert-led training eligibility requirements for PMP.

Showing 158 terms in a learn-these-first order.

  1. Business Analysis FoundationsBusiness Analysis Foundations are the core principles for aligning business needs with technology solutions, ensuring successful project outcomes.July 2026 outline
  2. ChartersA charter formally defines a project's purpose, scope, and objectives, serving as its foundational agreement.July 2026 outline
  3. Configuration itemA configuration item (CI) is any manageable component of an IT service, essential for tracking and understanding system relationships.July 2026 outline
  4. Earned valueEarned value (EV) measures completed work's value against the planned budget, integrating scope, schedule, and cost for project performance insights.July 2026 outline
  5. Engagement Management: PlanningEngagement Management: Planning is the structured process of defining and organizing all activities, resources, and timelines for successful project del...July 2026 outline
  6. Gantt chartA Gantt chart visually displays project tasks and their timelines, crucial for planning and tracking progress.July 2026 outline
  7. Lifecycle ManagementLifecycle Management is the structured oversight of technology assets from acquisition to disposal, optimizing use and controlling costs.July 2026 outline
  8. ManagementManagement is the process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources to achieve specific goals efficiently and effectively.July 2026 outline
  9. ObjectivesObjectives are specific, measurable goals that define desired outcomes for projects, processes, or systems, guiding actions and measuring success.July 2026 outline
  10. PERTPERT is a project management technique for estimating task durations and identifying critical paths using probabilistic time estimates.July 2026 outline
  11. PhasesPhases are distinct stages in a project or process, breaking down complex work into manageable steps for structured progress and effective resource allo...July 2026 outline
  12. Planning and ScopingDefining project objectives, boundaries, and requirements is crucial for successful initiative outcomes.July 2026 outline
  13. PMO DesignPMO Design is the strategic blueprint for creating and refining a Project Management Office to enhance project success and organizational alignment.July 2026 outline
  14. ProcurementProcurement is the process of acquiring goods, services, or works from external sources, involving sourcing, negotiation, and vendor management.July 2026 outline
  15. Program StrategyProgram Strategy is the overarching plan guiding related projects to achieve organizational objectives, ensuring alignment and maximizing value.July 2026 outline
  16. Project charterA project charter formally authorizes a project and grants the project manager authority, outlining objectives, scope, and stakeholders.July 2026 outline
  17. Project Management ConceptsProject Management Concepts are the core principles and practices for planning, executing, and controlling projects to achieve specific goals.July 2026 outline
  18. Project Management Concepts: CharacteristicsProject management characteristics define a project's unique nature, scope, and objectives, distinguishing it from ongoing operations.July 2026 outline
  19. Project Management Fundamentals: ProjectsA project is a temporary effort to create a unique outcome, with a defined start and end, distinct from daily operations.July 2026 outline
  20. Project Tools: Gantt ChartsA Gantt chart visually maps project tasks and timelines, showing durations and dependencies for effective scheduling and progress tracking.July 2026 outline
  21. RequirementsRequirements are documented statements of capabilities, conditions, or constraints a system must meet.July 2026 outline
  22. Schedule MonitoringSchedule Monitoring tracks project progress against the timeline to identify variances and ensure timely delivery.July 2026 outline
  23. SchedulingScheduling is the process of determining when specific tasks or activities will be performed, allocating resources to ensure efficient progress and meet...July 2026 outline
  24. Workforce ManagementWorkforce management is the strategic planning and optimization of human resources to meet operational demands and achieve business goals.July 2026 outline
  25. Acceptance criteriaAcceptance criteria are the conditions a deliverable must meet to be considered complete and satisfactory by stakeholders.July 2026 outline
  26. activitiesActivities are discrete units of work performed to achieve specific project outcomes, representing actions taken to complete tasks and progress towards...July 2026 outline
  27. Actual costActual cost (AC) is the real money spent on project work up to a specific point in time, crucial for budget tracking and decision-making.July 2026 outline
  28. AI Project DeliveryAI Project Delivery is the structured management of projects involving artificial intelligence, from planning to closing.July 2026 outline
  29. Approval of FrameworkFormal endorsement of a proposed structure or methodology, ensuring alignment with goals and best practices before implementation.July 2026 outline
  30. Backlog refinementBacklog refinement is an agile practice of reviewing, estimating, and prioritizing product backlog items for future sprints.July 2026 outline
  31. BaselineA project baseline is the approved scope, schedule, and cost reference point used to measure performance and manage changes.July 2026 outline
  32. Benefit AlignmentBenefit Alignment ensures project outcomes directly support organizational strategic goals, linking activities to tangible advantages and demonstrating...July 2026 outline
  33. Burndown chartA burndown chart visually tracks remaining work against time in agile projects, helping teams monitor progress and forecast completion.July 2026 outline
  34. Business caseA business case justifies a project by detailing its benefits, costs, and risks, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.July 2026 outline
  35. Change control boardA Change Control Board (CCB) is a stakeholder group that reviews, approves, or rejects proposed project changes to maintain integrity.July 2026 outline
  36. Change requestA formal proposal to alter a project's scope, schedule, budget, or deliverables, ensuring controlled modifications.July 2026 outline
  37. ControllingControlling monitors project progress, compares it to the plan, and takes action to keep the project on track.July 2026 outline
  38. CostCost is the monetary expenditure for project activities and outputs, encompassing all resources consumed. It's vital for budget control and project succ...July 2026 outline
  39. Cost performance indexCost Performance Index (CPI) measures project financial efficiency by comparing earned value to actual cost. A vital metric for budget control.July 2026 outline
  40. Critical pathThe critical path is the longest sequence of tasks determining the minimum project completion time. Any delay impacts the project end date.July 2026 outline
  41. Critical path methodCPM identifies the longest task sequence determining project completion time, crucial for on-time delivery.July 2026 outline
  42. Definition of DoneThe Definition of Done (DoD) is a shared understanding of when a piece of work is complete and ready for release.July 2026 outline
  43. Definition of ReadyThe Definition of Ready (DoR) is a checklist of criteria ensuring a backlog item is clear and feasible before starting development.July 2026 outline
  44. Earned value managementEarned value management (EVM) integrates scope, schedule, and cost for objective project performance measurement and forecasting.July 2026 outline
  45. Estimate to completeEstimate to complete (ETC) forecasts the remaining cost or effort needed to finish a project or task.July 2026 outline
  46. Global MobilityGlobal Mobility strategically manages people, processes, and technology across geographic locations for effective international operations and talent de...July 2026 outline
  47. Management & Security GovernanceManagement and Security Governance provides the framework for directing and overseeing technology operations and security.July 2026 outline
  48. MilestoneA milestone is a significant event in a project timeline, marking the completion of a major phase or deliverable and guiding progress.July 2026 outline
  49. Needs AssessmentA needs assessment systematically identifies gaps between current conditions and desired future states to guide improvements and resource allocation.July 2026 outline
  50. NegotiationNegotiation is a collaborative process to reach mutually acceptable agreements between parties, crucial for project success.July 2026 outline
  51. OversightOversight is the active monitoring and supervision of activities to ensure they meet standards and achieve goals, crucial for quality and risk mitigation.July 2026 outline
  52. Planned valuePlanned value (PV) is the authorized budget for work scheduled to be completed by a specific time, crucial for project performance tracking.July 2026 outline
  53. Planning: Business Analysis ApproachDefines how project teams will gather, document, and manage business requirements, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs.July 2026 outline
  54. Product OwnerThe Product Owner maximizes product value by defining features, prioritizing the backlog, and acting as the voice of the customer.July 2026 outline
  55. Product: Product OwnershipProduct: Product Ownership defines, prioritizes, and manages product development to maximize value and align with business goals.July 2026 outline
  56. Project GovernanceProject governance provides the structure for decision-making and accountability, ensuring projects align with organizational goals and stakeholder needs.July 2026 outline
  57. Project management officeA Project Management Office (PMO) centralizes project standards, provides resources, and ensures alignment with business strategy.July 2026 outline
  58. Project Output AlignmentProject Output Alignment ensures project deliverables directly support business goals, maximizing value and preventing wasted effort.July 2026 outline
  59. Project scopeProject scope defines a project's boundaries, detailing its objectives, deliverables, and work to be performed.July 2026 outline
  60. RACI matrixA RACI matrix clarifies project roles: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. It ensures clear ownership and communication.July 2026 outline
  61. RAID logA RAID log tracks project Risks, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies to proactively manage challenges and ensure success.July 2026 outline
  62. Risk Management DirectionStrategic guidance for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing threats to information assets and operations.July 2026 outline
  63. RoadmapA roadmap is a high-level strategic plan visualizing a product or project's direction and evolution over time.July 2026 outline
  64. ScheduleA schedule is a project management tool outlining task sequence, durations, and dependencies to achieve project objectives. It provides a timeline for a...July 2026 outline
  65. Schedule CloseoutSchedule Closeout formally finalizes and documents all project timeline activities, ensuring accountability and historical accuracy.July 2026 outline
  66. Schedule ManagementSchedule Management is the process of creating, maintaining, and controlling the project timeline to ensure timely completion.July 2026 outline
  67. Schedule performance indexThe Schedule Performance Index (SPI) measures project progress against the planned timeline. It indicates if a project is ahead or behind schedule.July 2026 outline
  68. Schedule PlanningSchedule Planning defines and sequences project activities, creating a realistic timeline for efficient execution and progress monitoring.July 2026 outline
  69. Scope creepScope creep is the uncontrolled expansion of a project's requirements after the initial scope has been defined.July 2026 outline
  70. Scope ManagementScope Management defines and controls what work is and is not included in a project, ensuring focus and preventing scope creep.July 2026 outline
  71. Scope of the SystemScope of the System defines project boundaries, outlining what will be delivered and what will not, crucial for preventing scope creep and ensuring proj...July 2026 outline
  72. ScopingScoping defines project boundaries and objectives, ensuring clarity and preventing scope creep for successful outcomes.July 2026 outline
  73. Security Program MetricsQuantifiable measurements assessing cybersecurity program effectiveness, efficiency, and maturity. Essential for informed decisions and risk management.July 2026 outline
  74. Servant leadershipServant leadership prioritizes team well being and growth, fostering collaboration and empowerment to achieve shared goals.July 2026 outline
  75. SpikeA Spike is a time-boxed agile investigation to reduce uncertainty and inform future development, not to deliver production code.July 2026 outline
  76. Sprint ReviewA Sprint Review is an agile ceremony where a Scrum team demonstrates completed work to stakeholders for feedback and discussion.July 2026 outline
  77. StakeholderA stakeholder is anyone impacted by or who can impact a project's outcome including team members sponsors and customers.July 2026 outline
  78. Stakeholder CommunicationStakeholder Communication is the systematic process of exchanging information with individuals or groups interested in or affected by a project.July 2026 outline
  79. StakeholdersStakeholders are individuals or groups interested in or affected by a project's outcome, influencing its success.July 2026 outline
  80. Sustainability ReportingSustainability Reporting is the process of measuring and communicating an organization's environmental, social, and governance performance.July 2026 outline
  81. To-complete performance indexTCPI measures the cost performance needed to finish the project within the remaining budget. It's a crucial metric for project success.July 2026 outline
  82. town hallsTown halls are recurring meetings for open communication and information sharing, crucial for transparency and alignment.July 2026 outline
  83. User Story MappingUser Story Mapping visually organizes user stories to understand the big picture and prioritize features in agile development.July 2026 outline
  84. Value MaximizationMaximize value by ensuring every action yields the greatest benefit relative to cost, optimizing resources and outcomes for the highest return.July 2026 outline
  85. Variance at completionVariance at completion (VAC) forecasts a project's final budget status, indicating if it will finish over or under budget.July 2026 outline
  86. VelocityVelocity measures the amount of work an agile team can complete in a sprint, aiding in capacity planning and forecasting.July 2026 outline
  87. Adaptive PlanningAdaptive planning is a flexible project management approach that embraces change and uncertainty by building adaptability into the project roadmap.July 2026 outline
  88. Advanced Program Management ContextAdvanced Program Management Context is the strategic environment surrounding a program, crucial for understanding its goals, stakeholders, and alignment...July 2026 outline
  89. AgileAgile is an iterative project management approach valuing flexibility, collaboration, and rapid adaptation to change.July 2026 outline
  90. Agile Foundations: ScrumScrum is an agile framework for managing complex projects through iterative sprints, promoting collaboration and rapid adaptation to change.July 2026 outline
  91. Agile FrameworksAgile frameworks are flexible, iterative project management approaches that prioritize collaboration and rapid delivery.July 2026 outline
  92. Agile Frameworks and MethodologiesAgile frameworks and methodologies are iterative and incremental approaches to project management emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and rapid resp...July 2026 outline
  93. Agile Principles & MindsetAgile Principles and Mindset is a project management philosophy valuing adaptability, collaboration, and iterative delivery over rigid plans.July 2026 outline
  94. Agile Product DevelopmentAgile Product Development is an iterative approach to building products, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and rapid delivery through sprints.July 2026 outline
  95. Agile vs. WaterfallAgile and Waterfall are distinct project management methodologies, one iterative and flexible, the other linear and sequential.July 2026 outline
  96. BaselinesBaselines are established reference points used to measure system or project performance against a known good state.July 2026 outline
  97. Behavior BaselinesBehavior baselines define normal system activity, crucial for detecting security threats and operational anomalies.July 2026 outline
  98. BusinessA business is an organization providing goods or services to customers, often for profit. It guides technology decisions and demonstrates value.July 2026 outline
  99. CAPMCAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) is a project management concept used across modern IT and certification study.July 2026 outline
  100. Capstone Leadership ProjectA Capstone Leadership Project is a comprehensive real-world initiative demonstrating mastery of project management and leadership skills.July 2026 outline
  101. Certification StrategiesCertification Strategies are deliberate plans for acquiring and maintaining professional technology credentials to advance your career.July 2026 outline
  102. ClosingClosing is the final phase of a project, process, or engagement where all activities are completed and formal sign-offs are obtained.July 2026 outline
  103. Compensation & BenefitsCompensation and Benefits is the total package of pay and perks offered to employees, designed to attract, retain, and motivate.July 2026 outline
  104. Compute with vCenterManage and orchestrate virtualized computing resources using VMware's vCenter Server for simplified, automated, and efficient IT operations.July 2026 outline
  105. Continuous improvementContinuous improvement is a proactive and ongoing effort to enhance processes, products, or services through systematic refinement and adaptation.July 2026 outline
  106. Data Pipeline OptimizationOptimizing data pipelines means making data flows faster, more reliable, and more efficient from source to destination.July 2026 outline
  107. Design Cost-Optimized ArchitecturesDesign Cost-Optimized Architectures means planning and building systems to minimize expenditure without compromising functionality or performance.July 2026 outline
  108. EstimationEstimation is forecasting outcomes based on available data and experience, vital for effective project planning and risk management.July 2026 outline
  109. Exam SchedulingExam Scheduling is the logistical planning for when and where certification tests are administered, ensuring fair access and program integrity.July 2026 outline
  110. Governance Program Management: DocumentationFormal records, policies, and standards defining and controlling a program's governance framework for transparency and accountability.July 2026 outline
  111. Human Resource Development & RetentionHuman Resource Development & Retention is the strategic management of workforce growth, engagement, and long term commitment to enhance skills and foste...July 2026 outline
  112. Hybrid project managementHybrid project management combines predictive and agile approaches to adapt to project needs and changing environments.July 2026 outline
  113. implement governance for TeamsEstablish policies and procedures for how teams build, deploy, and manage technology solutions to ensure security, compliance, and alignment with busine...July 2026 outline
  114. IncrementAn increment is a usable, potentially shippable piece of work produced during an agile iteration or sprint. It's the sum of completed work.July 2026 outline
  115. Inherent riskInherent risk is the baseline risk level before controls are applied, based on an asset's natural susceptibility to threats.July 2026 outline
  116. Introduction to ScrumIntroduction to Scrum is an agile framework for managing complex projects, emphasizing iterative development and collaboration.July 2026 outline
  117. IT Project Management FundamentalsIT Project Management Fundamentals offers a structured approach to planning, executing, and closing technology projects, ensuring successful delivery.July 2026 outline
  118. Iterative lifecycleAn iterative lifecycle breaks projects into cycles, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation throughout development.July 2026 outline
  119. Labor RelationsLabor relations is the management of employer employee relationships, especially with unions, focusing on fair practices and productive work environments.July 2026 outline
  120. ManageManaging involves directing, controlling, and overseeing resources and processes to achieve objectives, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.July 2026 outline
  121. MCPsMCPs are the absolute minimum requirements for a system or process to function correctly and achieve its purpose.July 2026 outline
  122. MeetingsMeetings are scheduled gatherings for discussion, information sharing, and decision-making, crucial for team collaboration and project progress.July 2026 outline
  123. Methodology SelectionMethodology selection is choosing the best framework for a project, balancing needs, resources, and goals for successful execution.July 2026 outline
  124. MonitorMonitoring is the continuous observation and measurement of system performance, security status, and operational health.July 2026 outline
  125. PfMPPfMP, also called Portfolio Management Professional, describes a project management concept that shows up whenever teams build, operate, or secure technology.July 2026 outline
  126. PgMPPgMP, also called Program Management Professional, is a project management concept used across modern IT and certification study.July 2026 outline
  127. PMI-ACPIn certification study, PMI-ACP, also called Agile Certified Practitioner, is a project management concept with practical impact on day-to-day work.July 2026 outline
  128. PMI-PBAIn certification study, PMI-PBA, also called Professional in Business Analysis, is a project management concept with practical impact on day-to-day work.July 2026 outline
  129. PMI-RMPA PMI-RMP, also called Risk Management Professional, is a project management concept you will see in blueprints, job posts, and architecture discussions.July 2026 outline
  130. PMI-SPPMI-SP (Scheduling Professional) is a project management concept used across modern IT and certification study.July 2026 outline
  131. PMPPMP (Project Management Professional) is a widely recognized project management certification from PMI that validates predictive, agile, and hybrid delivery.July 2026 outline
  132. PMP: Project Management ProfessionalPMP: Project Management Professional is a professional certification topic covered in Accumentum training catalogs and PathKey™ guides.July 2026 outline
  133. POA&M CloseoutPOA&M Closeout is the formal verification that all planned security actions are completed and effective.July 2026 outline
  134. PodA Pod is the smallest deployable unit in Kubernetes, encapsulating one or more containers that share resources.July 2026 outline
  135. Policy CreationPolicy Creation develops documented rules and standards to govern behavior, manage risk, and ensure consistency in IT environments.July 2026 outline
  136. Predictive lifecycleA predictive lifecycle, or waterfall, completes project phases sequentially, defining all requirements upfront for a linear progression.July 2026 outline
  137. Predictive Planning: ScopePredictive Planning: Scope defines project boundaries, objectives, and deliverables to prevent scope creep and ensure successful project completion.July 2026 outline
  138. Product Backlog ManagementProduct Backlog Management is the ongoing process of refining, prioritizing, and organizing development work to deliver maximum product value.July 2026 outline
  139. ProductivityProductivity is the efficiency and effectiveness of accomplishing tasks, maximizing output while minimizing wasted effort.July 2026 outline
  140. Project Management ProfessionalProject Management Professional, also called PMP, describes a project management concept that shows up whenever teams build, operate, or secure technology.July 2026 outline
  141. Release planningRelease planning in agile sequences work for delivering product increments over time, aligning with business goals and stakeholder expectations.July 2026 outline
  142. RetrospectiveA retrospective is a regular meeting where agile teams reflect on past work to identify improvements for future iterations.July 2026 outline
  143. Risk registerA risk register tracks potential threats to an organization, detailing their likelihood, impact, and mitigation strategies for proactive management.July 2026 outline
  144. SalesSales in tech is the process of meeting customer needs with products or services, driving revenue and relationships.July 2026 outline
  145. Schedule StrategyA Schedule Strategy is a high-level plan for developing, managing, and controlling a project's schedule. It guides key decisions.July 2026 outline
  146. Scrum ArtifactsScrum Artifacts are key tools in Agile project management, representing work and progress to ensure transparency and adaptation.July 2026 outline
  147. Scrum ImplementationScrum Implementation is the practical application of Scrum principles and practices for project management, focusing on iterative delivery and team coll...July 2026 outline
  148. Scrum RolesScrum Roles define responsibilities within agile teams, ensuring efficient product development and collaboration. Key roles include Product Owner, Scrum...July 2026 outline
  149. Security baselineA security baseline is a documented set of minimum security requirements and configurations for an IT system, application, or network.July 2026 outline
  150. Stakeholder Communications ManagementManage project information flow to stakeholders, ensuring everyone has what they need when they need it.July 2026 outline
  151. Story pointsStory points are agile units of measure for relative effort, complexity, and uncertainty in implementing features.July 2026 outline
  152. Team ResourcesTeam Resources are the people, skills, and knowledge available to an organization or project for achieving goals.July 2026 outline
  153. Value & EvidenceValue & Evidence means providing proof and benefits to justify actions, ensuring efforts align with goals and optimize resources.July 2026 outline
  154. Value-Driven DeliveryValue-Driven Delivery prioritizes outcomes that maximize stakeholder benefit and return on investment.July 2026 outline
  155. Work breakdown structureA work breakdown structure (WBS) hierarchically decomposes project scope into manageable components, clarifying deliverables and tasks.July 2026 outline
  156. Workloads and SchedulingWorkloads and scheduling is about efficiently assigning and timing computational tasks and resources for optimal system performance and cost.July 2026 outline
  157. EpicAn Epic is a large initiative broken into smaller user stories, guiding large-scale agile development and prioritization.July 2026 outline
  158. ScrumScrum is an agile framework for managing complex projects through iterative sprints, defined roles, and regular events.July 2026 outline

Keep going

Open ReadyScore™ Cards on the PathTerms™ hub, then check ReadyScore™ when you want a scored readiness read.