PMP Certification: Create WBS (based on PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition)


  • WHAT Create WBS Is. Create Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) implies taking the deliverables listed in the scope statement and subdividing them into smaller, more manageable components. It is where a project manager actually identifies all the work needed in the project.
  • WHY Create WBS Is Important. Since much of the other work in project planning is based on the WBS, Create Work Breakdown Structure is a critical project management process.
  • WHEN Create WBS Is Executed. The Create Work Breakdown Structure process begins after a project manager has collected requirements and defined scope.
  • HOW Create WBS Operates.
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Create WBS 101

What Does Create WBS Involve and When Do You Perform It in a Project Life Cycle?


  • WHAT Create WBS Is. Create Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) implies taking the deliverables listed in the scope statement and subdividing them into smaller, more manageable components. It is where a project manager actually identifies all the work needed in the project.
  • WHY Create WBS Is Important. Since much of the other work in project planning is based on the WBS, Create Work Breakdown Structure is a critical project management process.
  • WHEN Create WBS Is Executed. The Create Work Breakdown Structure process begins after a project manager has collected requirements and defined scope.
  • HOW Create WBS Operates.
InputsTools and techniquesOutputs
  1. Project management plan
    • Scope management plan
  2. Project documents
    • Project scope statement
    • Requirements documentation
  3. Enterprise environmental factors
  4. Organizational process assets
  1. Expert judgment
  2. Decomposition
  1. Scope baseline
  2. Project documents updates
    • Assumption log
    • Requirements documentation

Source: PMBOK® Guide, 6th ed., Chapter 5, section 5.4, p. 156.

Create WBS Key Terms

project management professional certification 2018 all-in-one free online preparation tipsographicWhat Are the Key Terms to Fully Understand the Process of Creating WBS?


  • Decomposition. A technique used for breaking down project deliverables into smaller pieces.
  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). A deliverable-oriented grouping of the project elements that organizes and defines the total scope of the project: work not in WBS is not in scope.
  • Work Breakdown Structure Templates. A work breakdown structure from a previous project with similar deliverables and project life cycle.

Create WBS Tips

What Are the Best Tips to Answer Correctly the PMP CCertificationExam Questions on Create WBS Process?


  • Missing WBS. Without WBS, a project manager cannot complete the planning processes of the project. Therefore, if the PMP exam poses a scenario where the WBS is missing and asks what you should do, you must stop and create the WBS. This is the only exception to the general rule that, if something is missing, it is acceptable to continue with the project and fill the void in the interim, to let the project keep going.

Click here for a detailed analysis of each project management process group and knowledge area.

SOURCES: Project Management Institute (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). 6th ed. Newtown Square: Project Management Institute.

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