12.1. Introduction

This chapter highlights the professional responsibilities of a certified project management professional (PMP). The PMP Code of Professional Conduct, a document provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is an authoritative guide to project managers on how to conduct themselves professionally in project management environments and serves as a basis for establishing standards on ethical practices and professionalism in a project environment. Generally, about 10% of the questions in the PMP exam cover this topic. The following list highlights the integrity and exemplary standards expected of a PMP:

• PMPs must declare conflicts of interest, if any, and be fair to the interests of all stakeholders.

• PMPs must respect the confidentiality of intellectual property (IP) information that they may handle as part of their professional duties.

• PMPs must provide accurate information to members of the public.

• PMPs must neither accept nor receive inappropriate gifts.

• PMP aspirants must provide accurate information throughout the PMP application process. Any violations can lead to disciplinary action by the PMI.