The Resource Requirements template documents the types, quantities, and characteristics of resources needed for each project activity or work package. In the PMBOK Guide 8th Edition, resource requirements are a key output of the Estimate Resources process within the Resources Performance Domain. A well-structured resource requirements template ensures that every work package has clearly defined resource needs, enabling accurate acquisition planning and budget estimation.

Why You Need a Resource Requirements Template

Without documented resource requirements, projects risk under-staffing critical activities, over-spending on unnecessary resources, or failing to acquire specialized skills in time. A comprehensive resource requirements template captures what each work package needs in terms of resource type, quantity, skill level, duration, and priority. This information drives the resource acquisition strategy, informs make-or-buy decisions, and feeds into the project budget. The resource requirements template also serves as the foundation for resource calendars and team assignments, creating a seamless flow from requirements to execution.

Template Sections

This resource requirements template is an Excel spreadsheet with the following columns:

1. WBS Element — Work package or activity requiring the resource
2. Resource Type — Dropdown: Human, Equipment, Material, Facility, Service
3. Resource Description — Specific resource name and skill requirements
4. Quantity — Number of units required
5. Duration — How long the resource is needed
6. Priority — Dropdown: Critical, High, Medium, Low
7. Source — Dropdown: Internal, External, TBD
8. Acquisition Status — Dropdown: Not Started, In Progress, Acquired, Not Available
9. Estimated Cost — Budget impact of the resource requirement
10. Notes — Special requirements, alternatives, or constraints

PMBOK 8 Features

• Dropdown Lists — Pre-built dropdowns for Type, Priority, Source, and Status fields ensure data consistency and enable pivot table analysis
• WBS Integration — Requirements linked to specific WBS elements, supporting bottom-up resource estimation aligned with PMBOK 8 practices
• Acquisition Status Tracking — Real-time visibility into which resources have been secured and which are still pending, enabling proactive procurement
• Priority Classification — Critical path resource requirements are flagged to ensure they receive acquisition priority

Related PMBOK 8 Templates

Build a complete resource management toolkit with these related templates:

• Resource Management Plan — PMBOK 8
• Resource Breakdown Structure — PMBOK 8

Format: Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) | PMBOK Edition: 8th (2025) | Domain: Resources | Process: Estimate Resources