PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Ethical decision-making is an important part of professional project management and may appear on the PMP exam through scenario-based questions. You may not see a question that directly asks you to define ethics, but you may see situations involving conflicts of interest, stakeholder pressure, vendor selection, reporting accuracy, confidentiality, bias, or professional responsibility.

The PMP exam expects you to choose responses that are ethical, transparent, stakeholder-centered,
and aligned with PMI’s expectations for professional conduct.

The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct applies to:

• PMI members

• Individuals who hold a PMI certification

• Individuals applying for a PMI certification

• Individuals serving PMI in a volunteer capacity

Students should review the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct directly through PMI as part of their exam preparation.

Visit the PMI Ethics Guidelines page for the following resources:

1. PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

2. PMI Ethical Decision-Making Framework (EDMF)

3. Ethics Toolkit for PMI Practitioners

The Four Core Values

The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is built around four core values:

Fairness

Fairness means making decisions objectively and without favoritism, prejudice, or bias.

Examples include:

• Making decisions transparently

• Disclosing real or potential conflicts of interest

• Applying standards consistently

• Avoiding favoritism, discrimination, and algorithmic bias

Responsibility

Responsibility means taking ownership of your actions, inactions, decisions, and results.

Examples include:

• Fulfilling commitments

• Protecting confidential and proprietary information

• Using technology and AI responsibly

• Reporting unethical, illegal, or irresponsible behavior

Respect

Respect means showing regard for people, resources, safety, reputation, money, and data.

Examples include:

• Listening to different viewpoints

• Respecting cultural norms and perspectives

• Managing conflict professionally

• Avoiding misuse of authority, position, or expertise

Honesty

Honesty means seeking the truth and communicating truthfully.

Examples include:

• Providing accurate and timely information

• Avoiding misleading statements or omissions

• Creating an environment where assumptions and data can be questioned

• Refusing to condone deceptive behavior