What are PMP questions?

PMP questions refer to the questions you may encounter on the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. These questions test your knowledge of project management concepts, principles, tools, and practices based on the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge) and other real-world scenarios.

Here’s an overview of PMP question types and examples:

1. Types of PMP Questions

Situational Questions

• Test your ability to apply project management principles to real-world scenarios.
• Example: "Your team is struggling with scope creep during a project. What should you do next?"

Knowledge-Based Questions

• Test your understanding of concepts, definitions, and methodologies.
• Example: "What is the main output of the Define Scope process?"

Calculation-Based Questions

• Involve formulas and numerical problem-solving.
• Example: "If the Earned Value (EV) is 10,000 and Actual Cost (AC) is 12,000, what is the Cost Performance Index (CPI)?"

Matching or Multiple-Select Questions

• Require matching terms with their definitions or selecting multiple correct answers.
• Example: "Which of the following are inputs to the Develop Project Charter process? Select two."

Behavioral or Leadership-Based Questions

• Assess your ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
• Example: "A team member is consistently missing deadlines. How should you handle this situation?"

2. Sample PMP Questions by Knowledge Area

Project Integration Management

• "What is the purpose of the Integrated Change Control process?"
• "How do you ensure the alignment of a project charter with organizational goals?"

Project Scope Management

• "What is the difference between the WBS and WBS Dictionary?"
• "Which tool or technique is most useful during Scope Validation?"

Project Schedule Management

• "What is a critical path, and how is it calculated?"
• "How would you handle schedule delays caused by resource shortages?"

Project Cost Management

• "What is the difference between Planned Value (PV) and Earned Value (EV)?"
• "What does a negative Cost Variance (CV) indicate?"

Project Quality Management

• "Which tool is best for identifying root causes of quality issues?"
• "What is the purpose of Quality Audits in project management?"

Project Resource Management

• "How do you resolve conflicts between team members?"
• "Which document defines team roles and responsibilities?"

Project Risk Management

• "How do you prioritize risks in a risk register?"
• "What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative risk analysis?"

Project Communication Management

• "What is the purpose of the communication management plan?"
• "Which communication method is most effective for urgent updates?"

Project Procurement Management

• "What is a fixed-price contract, and when is it appropriate?"
• "How do you manage disputes with vendors?"

Project Stakeholder Management

• "How do you identify stakeholders during project initiation?"
• "What is the best approach for managing resistant stakeholders?"

3. Tips for Answering PMP Questions

1. Understand the PMBOK Guide Framework: Be familiar with the 5 Process Groups, 10 Knowledge Areas, and 49 Processes.
2. Use Elimination: Eliminate incorrect or irrelevant options to narrow down answers.
3. Apply Situational Thinking: Think about the best practice or process for resolving the given scenario.
4. Practice Time Management: The PMP exam has 180 questions in 230 minutes. Avoid spending too much time on one question.
5. Practice Mock Tests: Take practice exams to identify weak areas and improve speed.

4. Key Formulas to Memorize

• Earned Value (EV), Planned Value (PV), and Actual Cost (AC)
• Cost Performance Index (CPI) = EV / AC
• Schedule Performance Index (SPI) = EV / PV
• Estimate at Completion (EAC) = BAC / CPI (or alternative formulas based on scenarios)

PMP questions are designed to test not only your theoretical knowledge but also your ability to apply project management principles effectively in real-world situations. Practice is essential to master these questions and pass the PMP certification exam.