What is the primary objective of **PMBOK**?

**The primary objective of PMBOK is to document and standardize generally accepted project management practices to ensure effective project lifecycle flow across industries.** PMBOK, published by PMI, codifies **five Process Groups** (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing) and **ten Knowledge Areas** (Integration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resource, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholder), with processes defined by **Inputs, Tools & Techniques, Outputs (ITTOs)**. PMBOK 7 shifts to **12 principles** and **performance domains** emphasizing value delivery, tailoring for predictive/adaptive/hybrid approaches, and outcomes over rigid processes.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **PMBOK**?

**No organizations are legally required to comply with PMBOK, as it is a voluntary standard published by PMI, not a regulatory mandate.** Professionally, it applies to project managers, PMOs, and teams in contract-heavy sectors like construction, IT, and public procurement where clients specify PMI-aligned practices. High-performing organizations are **three times more likely** to use standardized PMBOK processes per PMI’s Pulse of the Profession research.

Does **PMBOK** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**PMBOK does not require external audits or third-party certification, as it is a guidance standard without formal compliance verification.** Organizations may pursue internal audits via **OPM3 maturity assessments** or align with PMI certifications like PMP, but tailoring and self-assessed application of **Process Groups**, **Knowledge Areas**, and **performance domains** suffice for governance.

How often should an assessment for **PMBOK** be performed?

**PMBOK assessments should be performed periodically through maturity models like OPM3, typically annually or during continuous improvement cycles.** Gap analyses map current practices to **Process Groups** and **Knowledge Areas**, with pilots and retrospectives in **Closing** ensuring tailoring evolves; high-maturity organizations integrate reviews into **Monitoring & Controlling** for ongoing alignment.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **PMBOK**?

**Non-compliance with PMBOK carries no direct legal penalties, as it is not mandatory, but results in higher project failure risks like overruns and poor value delivery.** Without standardized **baselines**, **change control**, and **risk registers**, organizations face increased variance, per PMI research showing low performers lag in predictability; contractual breaches may occur if PMBOK is specified in bids.

Can **PMBOK** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, PMBOK can be mapped to other frameworks, serving as a governance baseline adaptable to agile, predictive, or hybrid lifecycles.** Its **Knowledge Areas** align with discipline coverage in standards like ISO 21500, while **performance domains** in PMBOK 7/8 support tailoring for sector-specific needs without prescriptive conflicts.

What is the first step to begin implementing **PMBOK**?

**The first step to implement PMBOK is developing a project charter in the Initiating Process Group to authorize existence and align with strategy.** Conduct a gap analysis mapping current practices to **Process Groups** and **Knowledge Areas**, secure executive sponsorship, and define tailoring rules for context-specific application.

What is the primary objective of **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C's primary objective is to enable aviation maintenance organizations to consistently provide products and services meeting customer and applicable statutory/regulatory requirements while enhancing customer satisfaction through effective QMS application and continual improvement.** It incorporates ISO 9001:2015's Annex SL structure (Clauses 4–10) with maintenance-specific additions like configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, product safety, traceability, preservation, and human factors controls to ensure continuing airworthiness.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C applies to aviation maintenance organizations, including repair stations, MRO providers, and OEMs with autonomous MRO operations, regardless of size.** It targets entities performing maintenance, repair, overhaul, or continuing airworthiness management on civil/military aircraft/components, where certification is often mandated by customers, OEMs, or regulators like FAA/EASA for supply-chain access and OASIS listing.

Does **AS9110C** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, AS9110C requires third-party certification through accredited bodies, demonstrated via Stage 1 (documentation review) and Stage 2 (on-site effectiveness audit).** The QMS must be fully operational for at least three months, including a full internal audit cycle and management review, before initial certification; surveillance audits follow annually, with recertification every three years.

How often should an assessment for **AS9110C** be performed?

**AS9110C requires internal audits at planned intervals based on process risk, status, and importance, with full QMS coverage annually.** Management reviews occur at least annually or when significant changes arise; external surveillance audits are annual, ensuring ongoing conformity to Clauses 4–10, risk-based thinking (6.1/8.1.1), and operational controls like configuration management.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **AS9110C**?

**Non-compliance with AS9110C risks loss of certification, regulatory approvals (e.g., FAA/EASA Part 145), customer contracts, and OASIS listing.** It exposes organizations to safety incidents, rework, AOG events, fines, litigation, and market exclusion, as customer/regulatory requirements override the standard, undermining continuing airworthiness and supply-chain eligibility.

Can **AS9110C** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, AS9110C aligns directly with ISO 9001:2015 via its Annex SL high-level structure and common terminology (e.g., documented information, external providers).** IAQG correlation matrices facilitate mapping to regulatory frameworks like FAA/EASA Part 145, enabling integrated management systems without exclusions unless justified in QMS scope.

What is the first step to begin implementing **AS9110C**?

**The first step is to define QMS scope, determine internal/external issues (Clause 4), and conduct a gap analysis against Clauses 4–10 using IAQG checklists.** Secure executive sponsorship, map regulatory/customer requirements, justify any non-applicable clauses, and prioritize high-risk areas like operational planning (Clause 8) for risk-based transformation.

PMBOK vs AS9110C

Standards Comparison

PMBOK

Voluntary

2021

Global standard for project management practices and governance

AS9110C

Mandatory

2016

International QMS standard for aviation maintenance organizations.

Quick Verdict

PMBOK provides flexible project governance for all industries, while AS9110C mandates rigorous QMS for aerospace MROs ensuring airworthiness and traceability. Organizations adopt PMBOK for delivery success, AS9110C for regulatory compliance and market access.

Project Management

PMBOK

Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)

Cost

€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Matrix of 5 Process Groups and 10 Knowledge Areas
ITTOs defining inputs, tools, techniques, outputs per process
Tailoring for predictive, adaptive, hybrid project lifecycles
12 principles and performance domains for value delivery
Planning-dominant with over 50% processes in Planning Group

Quality Management

AS9110C

AS9110C: Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Risk-based thinking in operational planning and execution
Configuration management and product traceability controls
Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention processes
Human factors integration in root cause analysis
Continuing airworthiness and maintenance release requirements

Detailed Analysis

A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

PMBOK Details

What It Is

PMBOK® Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge) is a PMI standard and guide codifying generally accepted project management practices. It standardizes governance, planning, execution, and closure across industries. Scope covers all project types; approach shifts from process-heavy (6th ed.) to principle- and outcome-based (7th/8th eds.) with tailoring emphasis.

Key Components

**5 Process GroupsInitiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring/Controlling, Closing.
**10 Knowledge AreasIntegration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resources, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholders.
~49 processes with ITTOs; 12 principles, 8 performance domains in modern versions.
Aligns with PMP® certification; no direct guide certification.

Why Organizations Use It

Boosts performance (3x likelihood in high-performers per PMI).
Reduces risks via baselines, change control.
Supports compliance in regulated sectors through traceability.
Enables hybrid delivery, common language for stakeholders.
Drives competitive edge, predictability, value realization.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, tailoring, pilots, rollout, improvement.
Involves PMO setup, training, tools, change management.
Scalable for all sizes/industries; geography-agnostic.
Voluntary; internal audits/governance, no mandatory certification.

AS9110C Details

What It Is

AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation maintenance organizations, such as repair stations and MRO providers. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements for continuing airworthiness, using a risk-based thinking approach across its 10-clause high-level structure.

Key Components

Core pillars: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, external provider controls.
Built on Annex SL framework; no fixed control count, but emphasizes documented information and process approach.
Certification via accredited bodies with Stage 1/2 audits.

Why Organizations Use It

Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA).
Mitigates safety risks, ensures traceability for airworthiness.
Enhances market access via IAQG OASIS, improves on-time delivery.
Builds stakeholder trust through proven QMS effectiveness.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
Applies to MROs globally, scalable by size.
Requires internal audits, management reviews before certification.

Key Differences

Aspect	PMBOK	AS9110C
Scope	Project management principles, processes, lifecycle governance	Aerospace MRO quality management, maintenance controls, airworthiness
Industry	All industries worldwide, any project type	Aerospace maintenance organizations, aviation repair stations
Nature	Voluntary guide and standard, no certification enforcement	Certification standard based on ISO 9001, audited compliance
Testing	Self-assessment, no mandatory audits or certification	Internal audits, management reviews, external certification audits
Penalties	No legal penalties, loss of best practices only	Certification loss, regulatory non-compliance risks, contract ineligibility

Scope

PMBOK

Project management principles, processes, lifecycle governance

AS9110C

Aerospace MRO quality management, maintenance controls, airworthiness

Industry

PMBOK

All industries worldwide, any project type

AS9110C

Aerospace maintenance organizations, aviation repair stations

Nature

PMBOK

Voluntary guide and standard, no certification enforcement

AS9110C

Certification standard based on ISO 9001, audited compliance

Testing

PMBOK

Self-assessment, no mandatory audits or certification

AS9110C

Internal audits, management reviews, external certification audits

Penalties

PMBOK

No legal penalties, loss of best practices only

AS9110C

Certification loss, regulatory non-compliance risks, contract ineligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about PMBOK and AS9110C

PMBOK FAQ

AS9110C FAQ

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PMBOK

AS9110C

Quick Verdict

PMBOK

Key Features

AS9110C

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

PMBOK Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

AS9110C Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

PMBOK FAQ

What is the primary objective of PMBOK?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with PMBOK?

Does PMBOK require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for PMBOK be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with PMBOK?

Can PMBOK be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing PMBOK?

AS9110C FAQ

What is the primary objective of AS9110C?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with AS9110C?

Does AS9110C require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for AS9110C be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9110C?

Can AS9110C be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9110C?

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Beyond the Boardroom: 5 Ways Modern Compliance Software Elevates Every Department

The Tool Landscape for Reaching and Maintaining ISO 27001 Compliance

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

TOGAF vs ISO 22301

ISO 55001 vs IATF 16949

RoHS vs WEEE