Types of PMP® Exam Questions You Can Expect on the Real Test

The Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is one of the most recognized credentials for project managers. Earning the PMP® certification requires passing a rigorous exam that tests your knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices. Understanding the types of questions you’ll encounter on the exam can help you prepare effectively. Below, we’ll explore the various types of PMP® exam questions and how you can tackle them.

1. Multiple-Choice Questions

The most common type of question on the PMP Certification in Chicago is the multiple-choice format. Each question presents a scenario or concept and provides four possible answers. Your task is to choose the best answer. These questions often test your knowledge of project management processes, terminology, and the application of the PMBOK® Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge) principles.

Example:

Which process involves creating a detailed description of the project and product requirements?

A) Develop Project Charter
B) Collect Requirements
C) Define Scope
D) Create WBS

Answer: C) Define Scope

Tip: Pay close attention to keywords in the question, such as “best,” “most likely,” or “first.” These can help you identify the correct answer.

2. Situational Questions

Situational questions require you to apply your project management knowledge to real-world scenarios. These questions assess your ability to make decisions based on specific circumstances that a project manager might face.

Example:

You are managing a project with a tight deadline. One of your key team members informs you that they will need to take unexpected leave for a week. What should you do first?

A) Notify the sponsor about the delay
B) Reassign the tasks to other team members
C) Update the project schedule to reflect the delay
D) Conduct a risk assessment to determine the impact

Answer: D) Conduct a risk assessment to determine the impact

Tip: When answering situational questions, consider the PMI’s best practices, and focus on what a professional project manager would do in that specific situation.

3. Matching Questions

Matching questions require you to pair items from two columns. This type of question tests your ability to connect related concepts, processes, or terms.

Example:

Match the project management process group with the corresponding process:

Process GroupProcessInitiatingA) Develop Project CharterPlanningB) Monitor and Control Project WorkExecutingC) Define ActivitiesMonitoring and ControllingD) Manage Project Knowledge

Answer:

• Initiating: A) Develop Project Charter
• Planning: C) Define Activities
• Executing: D) Manage Project Knowledge
• Monitoring and Controlling: B) Monitor and Control Project Work

Tip: Understanding the process groups and how they relate to specific processes in the PMBOK® Guide is crucial for answering these questions correctly.

4. Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

These questions require you to complete a statement or equation with the appropriate term or value. Fill-in-the-blank questions test your understanding of project management concepts and your ability to recall specific information.

Example:

The formula for calculating the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is _______________.

Answer: SPI = EV / PV (Earned Value / Planned Value)

Tip: Review key formulas, definitions, and concepts regularly to ensure you can recall them during the exam.

5. Drag and Drop Questions

Drag and drop questions require you to arrange items in a specific order or to place labels on a diagram. These questions test your ability to sequence activities, identify relationships, or categorize information.

Example:

Arrange the project management processes in the correct order:

• Develop Project Charter
• Define Scope
• Create WBS
• Plan Stakeholder Engagement

Answer:

1. Develop Project Charter
2. Define Scope
3. Create WBS
4. Plan Stakeholder Engagement

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the logical flow of project management processes to answer drag-and-drop questions efficiently.

6. Hotspot Questions

Hotspot questions require you to click on a specific area of an image or diagram to answer the question. These questions test your ability to identify elements of a project management plan or diagram.

Example:

You are presented with a diagram of a project schedule network. Click on the critical path.

Answer: (User would click on the correct sequence of activities on the diagram that represents the critical path.)

Tip: Practice interpreting project management charts and diagrams, such as Gantt charts, network diagrams, and critical path analysis.

7. Interpretational Questions

Interpretational questions require you to analyze data, charts, or reports and draw conclusions based on the information provided. These questions assess your analytical skills and your ability to make informed decisions.

Example:

Given the following earned value metrics:

• EV (Earned Value): $50,000
• PV (Planned Value): $60,000
• AC (Actual Cost): $55,000

What is the project’s Cost Performance Index (CPI)?

A) 0.91
B) 1.10
C) 0.83
D) 1.20

Answer: A) 0.91 (CPI = EV / AC = $50,000 / $55,000)

Tip: Make sure you are comfortable with calculations and interpreting project data accurately.

Conclusion

The PMP® exam is designed to assess not only your theoretical knowledge but also your practical application of project management principles. Familiarity with the types of questions you may encounter—such as multiple-choice, situational, matching, fill-in-the-blank, drag and drop, hotspot, and interpretational questions—will help you approach the exam with confidence. Regular practice, coupled with a solid understanding of the PMBOK® Guide, will be key to your success on the PMP® exam.