PMBOK
Global standard for project management practices and governance
WELL
Certification standard for occupant health and well-being
Quick Verdict
PMBOK guides project delivery across industries with processes and principles for success, while WELL certifies buildings for occupant health via air, water, and wellness metrics. Companies adopt PMBOK for reliable execution; WELL for talent retention and ESG differentiation.
PMBOK
Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide
Key Features
- Matrix of 5 Process Groups and 10 Knowledge Areas
- ITTOs defining inputs, tools, techniques, outputs per process
- Tailoring for predictive, agile, hybrid project approaches
- Planning-heavy architecture with over 50% processes upfront
- Integrated change control protecting scope, schedule, cost baselines
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- On-site performance verification testing
- 10 core health concepts with preconditions
- Point-based optimizations for tiers
- Continuous monitoring compliance pathways
- Applies to new and existing buildings
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PMBOK Details
What It Is
PMBOK® Guide, published by PMI, is a global standard and framework documenting generally accepted project management practices. It provides a scalable governance benchmark for planning, executing, and delivering projects across industries, evolving from process-based (6th edition) to principle- and domain-based (7th/8th editions) with explicit tailoring for predictive, adaptive, or hybrid lifecycles.
Key Components
- **5 Process GroupsInitiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring/Controlling, Closing.
- **10 Knowledge AreasIntegration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resources, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholders.
- 12 Principles and performance domains (e.g., governance, risk, stakeholders) in modern editions.
- ITTOs for ~49 processes; no formal certification but aligns with PMP® credentialing.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives predictability, reduces overruns via standardized processes (high performers 3x more likely per PMI research), embeds risk/compliance controls, enables common language for stakeholders. Offers voluntary best-practice adoption for competitive edge, auditability, and value delivery.
Implementation Overview
Phased rollout: assess gaps, tailor methodology, pilot, train (PMP paths), deploy tools/PMO. Suits all sizes/industries; 12-24 months typical; focuses on minimum artifacts like charters, baselines, change control.
WELL Details
What It Is
The WELL Building Standard (WELL v2) is a performance-based certification framework administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). It focuses on designing, operating, and verifying buildings to advance human health and well-being through evidence-based strategies. Its people-first approach emphasizes measurable indoor environmental quality and organizational policies over pure sustainability.
Key Components
- **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (plus Innovation).
- 24 Preconditions (mandatory pass/fail) and 102 Optimizations (point-earning).
- Built on public health and building science research.
- Certification model: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80), with concept minimums at higher tiers.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances occupant health, productivity, and retention.
- Supports ESG reporting with verified people metrics.
- Differentiates assets via higher rents and investor appeal.
- Mitigates risks from poor IEQ; complements LEED.
- Builds stakeholder trust through rigorous verification.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, on-site testing, certification.
- Applies to new/existing buildings across sectors.
- Requires third-party review and performance verification.
- Recertification every 3 years with ongoing monitoring.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PMBOK | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project management processes, principles, governance | Building health, air/water quality, occupant well-being |
| Industry | All industries worldwide, any project type | Real estate, construction, corporate offices globally |
| Nature | Voluntary standard/guide, no enforcement | Voluntary performance-based certification |
| Testing | No formal testing, self-tailoring audits | On-site performance verification, third-party testing |
| Penalties | No penalties, loss of standardization benefits | No legal penalties, loss of certification status |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PMBOK and WELL
PMBOK FAQ
WELL FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5.1 Private Sector Tailoring Blueprint: First 5 Steps to Overlay-Driven Compliance with Infographic
Step-by-step blueprint for private sector NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5.1 tailoring using overlays for AI & supply chain risks. Infographic + first 5 steps for ROI-drive
ISO 27701 Implementation Roadmap: Step-by-Step Guide for Extending Your ISO 27001 ISMS to PIMS
Extend ISO 27001 ISMS to ISO 27701 PIMS with this step-by-step roadmap. Master role-specific controls, avoid pitfalls, meet certification evidence needs for pri
NIST CSF 2.0 Deep Dive: Mastering the Updated Framework Core Functions
Unpack NIST CSF 2.0's enhanced Core Functions: Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover. Get SME playbooks, governance shifts & strategies for cyber
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
NIS2 vs Six Sigma
Discover NIS2 vs Six Sigma: EU cybersecurity directive's expanded scope, risk mgmt & reporting vs DMAIC defect reduction. Align for compliance, resilience—read now!
PDPA vs POPIA
Compare PDPA vs POPIA: Decode Singapore/Thailand/Taiwan PDPA & South Africa's POPIA. Scope, rights, breaches, transfers & enforcement differences. Master compliance now!
OSHA vs PIPEDA
Compare OSHA vs PIPEDA: Decode US workplace safety regs & Canadian privacy laws. Gain expert insights, compliance strategies & risk reduction tips. Master both now!