February 04 2026 at 09:36AM
Introduction to the PMBOK Guide Eighth Edition
The following article is the first in a series to increase your level of understanding about the PMBOK Guide Eighth edition.
On the exact day that the new PMBOK Guide Eighth edition was released, I already shared my enthusiasm about it via a LinkedIn post, because compared to the Seventh edition this new edition really is a great improvement!
In this and following articles I will explore this PMBOK Guide Eighth edition in more detail, to support your level of understanding, aiming on both newbies, as well as more seasoned users of earlier PMBOK Guide Editions, and especially those having been educated on the editions up to and including the Sixth. As with the Seventh edition, PMI made a huge change, causing a lot of criticism and confusion. But luckily, we now have the Eight edition! And, of course, if you haven´t done that yet, get your free copy as a PMI member of the new PMBOK Guide here.
Let´s get started!
Introduction to the PMBOK Guide Eighth edition
The ‘PMBOK Guide - A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Eighth edition’, in short PMBOK Guide, contains two books in one: The Standard for Project Management (ANSI standard) and A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. Therefore, the main book title may sound a bit confusing, but like most things in life, once you know it, everything becomes easier.
Luckily, in the second part of the book, a handy picture can be found, explaining the structure, relationship and high-level content of both parts of the main book in a visual way. See below Figure 1-1. Relationship Between Project Management Principles and Project Management Performance Domains.
Book Two contains much more than only the Performance Domains, formerly known as Knowledge areas. It also covers Inputs and Outputs, and Tools and Techniques. Adopters of earlier editions of the PMBOK Guide, up to and including the Sixth edition, may be happy to see the return of that, as these components were badly missed in the Seventh edition, while in practice being very handy for creating your well-structured and reusable PM toolbox.
Just like a professional carpenter, as a project manager you will also need a well-equipped toolbox to enable yourself to do a decent job. Because when all you have is a hammer, then your environment better only contains nails, and you'll likely only know one approach: hit it!
Projects are complex, and should be handled with care, because they break down very easily. So, only using a hammer?... Maybe too simple and not the best approach!
So, this is a first and quick introduction to the PMBOK Guide and its main content and structure. If you want to learn more about Book One, The Standard for Project management, then check for my next article in the March Newsletter.
Until then, join me on the Chapter Lunch Webinar - The new PMBOK Guide Eighth Edition Brought To Life - on February 26, 2026, 12 - 1 PM. Register here. This online lunch session offers a quick introduction of the PMBOK Guide Eighth Edition, which is again fundamentally restructured compared to the Seventh and all six earlier Editions. But a great improvement! Yes, really! Because especially recognizable and making sense again for more seasoned PMPs and users of earlier editions (PMBOK Guide 6* and earlier). No boring lecture, but the PMBOK Guide to be applied in practice in a pragmatic way.
Author’s Bio
Anton Zandhuis, Associate Partner at threon, is an experienced project management professional, author, PMI-ATP-certified trainer, and co-founder of the PMI Netherlands Chapter, with over 35 years of experience in project, program, and portfolio management. He co-authored globally recognized publications, including A Pocket Companion to PMI’s PMBOK® Guide and ISO 21500 – A Pocket Guide. Anton helps professionals translate and integrate recognized frameworks into pragmatic solutions that deliver real business value and help you realize your strategy.
About Threon - www.threon.com
We help organizations manage uncertainty through flexible, focused portfolios—built on strong foundations, scenario planning and clear decision frameworks. Together, we get your strategy delivered.
We’ve supported the PMI Netherlands Chapter for over 25 years, actively contributing as Chapter Partner. We believe in the Chapter’s value: promoting best practices, peer networking and professional development for individuals and organizations. And because we care—so we share!
Threon’s last PMP® training opportunity before the PMP exam changes in July 2026.
PMP® - Certification Preparation - Breda
Monday16 March – Friday 20 March, 2026
9:00 – 17: 00 (CET)
Delivered by Anton Zandhuis, PMI-ATP certified instructor
More information here
Free Webinars in February
February 9, 2026 | 12:00 - 12:45 PM - The AI mirror: How invisible organization dynamics impact adoption. Under the guidance of Geert Coppens, Discover how leaders can make invisible organisational dynamics visible to create the conditions for meaningful and sustainable AI adoption beyond the technical implementation. Register today.
February 12, 2026 | - Smartly connect your budget to your strategic goals. Under the guidance of Jerone D’hulst, Discover in this webinar how leaders can connect budgeting decisions to strategic goals to ensure every euro spent drives real and measurable business impact. Register today.
