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.

Project Management with AI: From Initiation to Closing

Build a practical project management process from initiation to closing with our Project Management: From Initiation to Closing with AI course. Learn how to move from informal project coordination to a structured, repeatable approach using PMBOK-aligned workflows, real examples, and professional templates.

This hands-on course follows a complete project lifecycle. You will learn how to write a project charter, define scope, build a work breakdown structure, develop a schedule, estimate costs, manage risks, engage stakeholders, execute the work, monitor performance, and close the project properly.

You will also learn how to use AI tools to accelerate project management work. The course includes reusable prompts, downloadable templates, assignments, and worked examples that show how project documents connect from one stage to the next.

The course is designed for professionals, team leads, coordinators, analysts, and new project managers who need practical skills they can apply at work. Enroll now and build the confidence to manage projects with structure, clarity, and control.

Explore the Course


Build complete project plans in minutes with AI

Stop spending hours on documentation. Learn how to use AI to create charters, WBS, schedules, risk registers, and executive reports faster—while staying fully in control. This course gives you ready-to-use prompt templates and practical workflows based on real project work. No guesswork, no fluff—just tools you can apply immediately. Backed by Udemy’s 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can start risk-free.

Learn More