Explicit Knowledge

Knowledge that can be formally captured and represented using symbols such as words, numbers, diagrams, or images, so it can be documented, stored, and shared.

Key Points

  • Expressed clearly in text, numbers, charts, or pictures.
  • Easy to document, store, version, and retrieve in tools and repositories.
  • Shared through artifacts like manuals, plans, checklists, reports, and databases.
  • Different from tacit knowledge, which is personal and hard to articulate.

Example

The project manager publishes a risk register with probability, impact scores, and response plans in the PMO repository. Team members can search, read, and reuse this documented content across projects.

PMP Example Question

A team creates a detailed configuration management plan with step-by-step procedures and diagrams. This is an example of what type of knowledge?

  1. Tacit knowledge
  2. Explicit knowledge
  3. Implicit knowledge
  4. Experiential knowledge

Correct Answer: B - Explicit knowledge

Explanation: The documented procedures and diagrams are codified information that can be stored and shared, which characterizes explicit knowledge.

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