Can I Print the PMBOK Guide 5th Edition PDF legally?
Many Project Managers, PMPs and PMP aspirants are not sure whether they are legally allowed to print the PDF version of the PMBOK® Guide, 5th Edition? Some of them might have already printed it and living with the guilt of violating the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. So, is it legal to print the PMBOK Guide?
Update, Sep 24, 2017: With the release of PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition, PMI has changed their terms with regard to printing the PMBOK Guide and other PMI Standards. Read the post Why can’t I Print the PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition to learn more.
Yes. With the new security features in the PMBOK Guide, PMI has made it legal to print the PDF Version of the Guide, as long as the PDF file is licensed under your name. Note: All PMI Members get free access to the electronic version (PDF) of the latest edition of PMBOK Guide. In fact, this is one of the 10 benefits of PMI Membership.
I quote the following paragraph from PMI’s Terms:
3.2 PMI Content. As a courtesy to our customers and members, we have posted to the Site certain PMI Content. Unless otherwise specifically set forth on the Site or we give you written permission, you may only use and access, download and copy the PMI Content (and print a single copy) for your personal use, and you agree you will not alter, erase or otherwise obscure our copyright, proprietary or other notices on the PMI Content.
Also, there used to be an FAQ about the PMBOK® Guide, 5th Edition on the PMI website that I quote below.
Can I print the PDF? Yes, you can print the PMBOK® Guide, 5th Edition file you have downloaded. When you print the file, it is marked with your username and member ID, and it is secured with your PMI.org password. This means the file is licensed to you for your personal use only. If you print the file, it will be identified with a notice that says, "Licensed to (First name, last name, PMI member ID). This copy is a PMI Member Benefit, not for distribution, sale or reproduction." The file can only be opened using your PMI.org password. Again, this is designed to protect PMI's intellectual property and preserve the value of this member benefit.
If you haven’t downloaded your copy of the PMBOK Guide yet, you can do so following the instructions here:
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Harwinder Singh
Harwinder Singh