{"id":281,"date":"2021-04-21T14:13:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T19:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/?p=281"},"modified":"2025-12-12T06:08:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T11:08:57","slug":"gold-plating-vs-scope-creep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/","title":{"rendered":"Gold Plating vs. Scope Creep"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You had a solid plan, a clear scope, and a timeline that worked\u2014so why is the project suddenly over budget, behind schedule, or delivering features no one asked for? The answer is often one of two things: <strong>gold plating<\/strong> or <strong>scope creep<\/strong>. Both can quietly derail your progress, leading to delays, rising costs, and frustrated stakeholders. While they might seem similar on the surface, they come from different places\u2014and require different strategies to manage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll break down the key differences between gold plating and scope creep, why they happen, and how to avoid them\u2014whether you\u2019re managing real-world projects or preparing for the PMP\u00ae exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>On this page:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/project-quality-management-pmp\/#data-representation-in-quality-management\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#What-is-Gold-Plating\">What is Gold Plating?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/project-quality-management-pmp\/#data-representation-in-quality-management\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#What-is-Scope-Creep\">What is Scope Creep?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/project-quality-management-pmp\/#data-representation-in-quality-management\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#Importance-of-scope-creep-and-gold-plating-for-the-PMP-exam\">Importance of scope creep and gold plating for the PMP exam<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/project-quality-management-pmp\/#data-representation-in-quality-management\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#Example-of-Gold-Plating\">Example of Gold Plating<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/project-quality-management-pmp\/#data-representation-in-quality-management\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#Example-of-Scope-Creep\">Example of Scope Creep<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/project-quality-management-pmp\/#data-representation-in-quality-management\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#Test-question-examples\">Test question examples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"183\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/06\/22121647\/Ultimate-Data-Quality-Guide-Thumbnail-1-183x250-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1650\" style=\"width:137px;height:188px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><br><strong>Free Download: <\/strong><br><strong>The Ultimate Data Quality Guide<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Learn about the 7 data quality<\/em><br><em> tools every project manager <\/em><br><em>should know!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<script>\n\t\t\t\t\t\thbspt.enqueueForm({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tportalId: 3294842,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tformId: \"337e0f3b-15f5-4cb5-9041-20ee1e2444ae\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\ttarget: \"#hbspt-form-1778678854000-1525286627\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tregion: \"na1\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t});\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hbspt-form\" id=\"hbspt-form-1778678854000-1525286627\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What-is-Gold-Plating\">What is Gold Plating?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gold_plating_(project_management)\">Gold plating<\/a> happens when the project team adds extra features that were not part of the original scope, usually as \u201cfreebies\u201d for the client. Possible causes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Going above and beyond: the project team thinks it will make the client happy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Showing off: team members want to demonstrate their abilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distracting from defects: an attempt to hide mistakes or deficiencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, gold plating is well-intentioned and may initially seem like a good idea. The client may appreciate the extra work, but they could also be upset that changes were made without their approval. Either way, gold plating is bad for the project and incorrect PMP procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is gold plating bad for your project?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s say the client likes what was added. This may initially seem positive. However, besides increasing costs, risks, and time delays, you have also increased your client\u2019s expectations and set a troubling precedent. Next time, they may expect you to over-deliver again and be unhappy if you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, if your client dislikes the unauthorized changes, they may refuse to accept the deliverables. In this case, gold plating causes further delays and increased costs as you remove the extra features \u2013 or you may even lose the client. PMPs should avoid gold plating altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guidelines for avoiding gold plating<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Monitor project progress and deliverables to avoid gold plating. Here are some guidelines to help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set a standard: never allow team members to add extra features without client approval and a PMP-approved review of how they will affect the project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow PMP procedure: establish steps for if team members think additional work is needed outside of the original project scope.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communicate and monitor: communicate openly throughout the project and monitor work to prevent gold plating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As a PMP, it is best to avoid gold plating and stick to the agreed-upon scope to manage your client\u2019s expectations, set a reliable precedent, and control your project\u2019s budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/educate360.zoom.us\/rec\/share\/pkN--MTtkMPkmcp-2w5qHt3KtjqNFC-WqlAGIJHCb3rGixURMFg7r_Bgr2OisGdO.NFReSTF4sU3Tjjhx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" src=\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/03\/29141739\/PMI-Certification-Overview-Webinar-1.png\" alt=\"PMI Certification Overview Webinar\" class=\"wp-image-6993\" srcset=\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/03\/29141739\/PMI-Certification-Overview-Webinar-1.png 728w, https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/03\/29141739\/PMI-Certification-Overview-Webinar-1-300x37.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What-is-Scope-Creep\">What is Scope Creep?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"289\" style=\"width: 289px; float: right; margin: 0px 5px 0px 4px;\" src=\"https:\/\/f.hubspotusercontent40.net\/hubfs\/3294842\/Fixing%20a%20Troubled%20Project%20cropped.jpg\" alt=\"Fixing a Troubled Project cropped\">Scope creep occurs through unapproved changes or expansions to your project scope without adjusting the project\u2019s time, cost, or other resources. It usually happens little by little and often creates issues in later stages. Scope creep may happen for reasons including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Client requests or interference<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Project team miscommunication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incomplete or inadequate scope statements, systems, or procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insufficient project monitoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>External causes (e.g., market trends, industry announcements)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Controlling scope creep is tough for PMPs, but it is crucial to keeping your project within budget and on schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scope creep and change management<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the proper steps for integrated change management, this is controlled change, not scope creep. Scope creep changes the scope without changing other parts of the project. In contrast, proper PMP change management includes reviewing the change, performing impact analysis, and adjusting other project details as needed. Following this process, you accommodate the change and mitigate its impact on your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guidelines for avoiding scope creep<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Scope creep can be challenging for PMPs to avoid because it has many causes and often occurs in small increments. Follow these guidelines to control scope creep:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Manage expectations. Create a thorough scope statement, approve all deliverables and timelines, and establish clear expectations and understanding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review all changes properly. Keep the project team from making changes without review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Control client communication channels. Communicate promptly with the client and do not let the client speak directly to the team unless necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage open communication within the project team.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check in regularly. Ensure the project progresses as planned to prevent any scope, budget, or timeline deviations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, any changes from what is stated in the project scope can cause costly delays, unexpected expenses, or other issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Importance-of-scope-creep-and-gold-plating-for-the-PMP-exam\">Importance of scope creep and gold plating for the PMP exam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gold plating and scope creep are highly likely to appear on the PMP exam because they are common in real-life project management situations. You can expect to see at least one or two questions about scope creep and gold plating on the PMP exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Definitions of gold plating vs. scope creep<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Know the definitions of gold plating and scope creep for the PMP exam. Gold plating is when you deliver more than what you initially promised. The scope stays the same, but your deliverables do not match the scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In scope creep, the scope changes, but other project details do not change accordingly. The scope is expanded without considering the impact on your project schedule, budget, risks, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Core differences between gold plating vs. scope creep<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Scope creep and gold plating for the PMP exam differ in two ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Scope creep expands or changes the scope. Gold plating keeps the scope baseline the same but adds additional features or deviations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scope creep usually begins with a stakeholder requesting a change or expansion. Gold plating usually begins with the project team providing extras without client approval.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Both gold plating and scope creep are bad for your project and should be avoided. However, this does not mean you should ignore client requests or issues raised by your team. <a href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/business-leaders-should-pay-attention-to-quality\/\">Communication and control are essential for a good PMP<\/a>! Learn more in the following examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Example-of-Gold-Plating\">Example of Gold Plating<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re creating a product for a client, and partway through the project, a team member suggests adding a new feature. It wouldn\u2019t increase cost, delay the timeline, or introduce additional risk. On the surface, it seems like a win. But if you approve the change without reviewing it through your change control process or informing the client, that\u2019s gold plating. Even if the intention is positive, unapproved enhancements can lead to scope confusion, maintenance issues, or misaligned expectations down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the project manager, your role is to protect the scope and keep the client in the loop. If the idea has real value, it should be formally presented to the client for review\u2014not added quietly in the background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Example-of-Scope-Creep\">Example of Scope Creep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s say you are developing a website for your client. Your client approaches one of your front-end developers to request something outside the scope, and your front-end developer agrees without proper review. This type of scope creep can have unplanned effects on later project stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your client should approach you, the PMP, directly. Then, you can determine if the requested scope expansion can be integrated into the project by adjusting the project\u2019s budget and other details. If you can\u2019t accommodate the project, contact your client and explain why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Test-question-examples\">Test question examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What scope creep and gold plating PMP questions may appear on the exam? Check out some test question examples. (Answers at bottom of blog)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" data-hs-responsive-table=\"true\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; border: 2px solid #99acc2;\" cellpadding=\"4\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 93.734%; background-color: #f1c233;\" width=\"733\"><strong>Question<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 18.2097%; background-color: #f1c233;\"><strong>A<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 17.5703%; background-color: #f1c233;\"><strong>B<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 22.9412%; background-color: #f1c233;\"><strong>C<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 21.2788%; background-color: #f1c233;\"><strong>D<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 93.734%;\" width=\"733\">1. You are managing a project to develop a new software platform for one of your top customers.&nbsp; In past projects, there were often additional, unrequested features added to the scope in order to &#8220;wow&#8221; the customer, but the stakeholders have made it very clear that this should not be done in this case, as the budget and schedule are very tight.&nbsp; You are also dealing with more limited resources than usual.&nbsp; As you develop your project management plan, you should pay particular attention to which of the following in order to prevent this sort of gold plating from re-occurring?<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 18.2097%;\" width=\"68\">Project Charter<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 17.5703%;\" width=\"68\">WBS<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 22.9412%;\" width=\"68\">Scope management plan<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 21.2788%;\" width=\"68\">Cost Management Plan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 93.734%;\" width=\"733\">2. You are managing a project to develop a new space craft.&nbsp; The project has dragged on for several years, with hundreds of changes and updates being requested\/implemented.&nbsp; You have dealt with multiple stakeholders and your sponsor changed midway through the project.&nbsp; You have spent most of your time lately ensuring that changes to the project are properly authorized, documented, communicated and implemented.&nbsp; What is the process in which you are currently engaged?<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 18.2097%;\" width=\"68\">Identify Risk<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 17.5703%;\" width=\"68\">Direct and Manage Project Work<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 22.9412%;\" width=\"68\">Monitor and Control Project Work<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 21.2788%;\" width=\"68\">Perform Integrated Change Control<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Studying for the PMP Exam?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/free-pmp-questions\" style=\"border-radius:2px;background-color:#366194\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PMP Practice Questions<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to understand scope creep and gold plating for the PMP exam and project management in general. Uncontrolled changes can cause unexpected costs, schedule delays, or problems completing your project. They can be prevented through project monitoring, proper review, and well-established procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to learn more? <a href=\"mailto:info@projectmanagementacademy.com\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact<\/a>&nbsp;your experts at Project Management Academy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10px;\">Answers: <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10px;\">1: C. The scope management plan would outline controls for ensuring that gold plating (extra functionality, not part of agreed upon project scope) is prevented, while ensuring that all approved requirements are included in the deliverable.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10px;\">2: D. The question is describing the Perform Integrated Change Control process. A critical part of project management, it ensures that each change is properly approved, documented, communicated to those affected, etc. A failure in this process will often result in scope creep, cost overruns, delays, miscommunications, quality defects, and other problems.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Studying for the PMP Exam?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-2 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/free-pmp-questions?cat=pmp-quality\" style=\"border-radius:20px;background-color:#366194\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Practice Questions on Quality<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You had a solid plan, a clear scope, and a timeline that worked\u2014so why is the project suddenly over budget, behind schedule, or delivering features no one asked for? The answer is often one of two things: gold plating or scope creep. Both can quietly derail your progress, leading to delays, rising costs, and frustrated [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1232,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-281","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pmp-exam-prep","category-pmp-quality"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Gold Plating vs. Scope Creep - Project Management Academy Resources<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Project Managers must know the difference between scope creep and gold plating for the PMP exam. Read about Gold Plating vs Scope Creep.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Gold Plating vs. Scope Creep - Project Management Academy Resources\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Project Managers must know the difference between scope creep and gold plating for the PMP exam. Read about Gold Plating vs Scope Creep.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Project Management Academy Resources\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ProjectManagementAcademy.net\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-04-21T19:13:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-12T11:08:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/04\/10105712\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep-pmp.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Project Management Academy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@PM_Academy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@PM_Academy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Project Management Academy\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/\",\"name\":\"Gold Plating vs. Scope Creep - Project Management Academy Resources\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/04\/10105712\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep-pmp.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-04-21T19:13:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-12T11:08:57+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/4a267d6569ba739f7eae44a619e5061c\"},\"description\":\"Project Managers must know the difference between scope creep and gold plating for the PMP exam. Read about Gold Plating vs Scope Creep.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/04\/10105712\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep-pmp.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/04\/10105712\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep-pmp.jpg\",\"width\":900,\"height\":200,\"caption\":\"Gold Plating vs Scope Creep in PMP\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Gold Plating vs. Scope Creep\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/\",\"name\":\"Project Management Academy Resources\",\"description\":\"Get the latest industry news, trends, and insights you need to be the most effective Project Manager.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/4a267d6569ba739f7eae44a619e5061c\",\"name\":\"Project Management Academy\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/06\/24142759\/Project-Management-Academy-Logo-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/06\/24142759\/Project-Management-Academy-Logo-scaled.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Project Management Academy\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\"],\"url\":\"#molongui-disabled-link\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Gold Plating vs. Scope Creep - Project Management Academy Resources","description":"Project Managers must know the difference between scope creep and gold plating for the PMP exam. Read about Gold Plating vs Scope Creep.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Gold Plating vs. Scope Creep - Project Management Academy Resources","og_description":"Project Managers must know the difference between scope creep and gold plating for the PMP exam. Read about Gold Plating vs Scope Creep.","og_url":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/","og_site_name":"Project Management Academy Resources","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ProjectManagementAcademy.net","article_published_time":"2021-04-21T19:13:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-12-12T11:08:57+00:00","og_image":[{"width":900,"height":200,"url":"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/04\/10105712\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep-pmp.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Project Management Academy","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@PM_Academy","twitter_site":"@PM_Academy","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Project Management Academy","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/","url":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/","name":"Gold Plating vs. Scope Creep - Project Management Academy Resources","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/04\/10105712\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep-pmp.jpg","datePublished":"2021-04-21T19:13:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-12T11:08:57+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/4a267d6569ba739f7eae44a619e5061c"},"description":"Project Managers must know the difference between scope creep and gold plating for the PMP exam. Read about Gold Plating vs Scope Creep.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/04\/10105712\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep-pmp.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/04\/10105712\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep-pmp.jpg","width":900,"height":200,"caption":"Gold Plating vs Scope Creep in PMP"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/blog\/gold-plating-vs-scope-creep\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Gold Plating vs. Scope Creep"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/#website","url":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/","name":"Project Management Academy Resources","description":"Get the latest industry news, trends, and insights you need to be the most effective Project Manager.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/4a267d6569ba739f7eae44a619e5061c","name":"Project Management Academy","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/06\/24142759\/Project-Management-Academy-Logo-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/e360-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/2021\/06\/24142759\/Project-Management-Academy-Logo-scaled.jpg","caption":"Project Management Academy"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources"],"url":"#molongui-disabled-link"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/281","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=281"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/281\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8548,"href":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/281\/revisions\/8548"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=281"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=281"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectmanagementacademy.net\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=281"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}