The PMP certification examination
is a computer-based exam that is offered at PMI locations
in India and outside India, world wide.
PMBOK is the “Guide to the Project
Management Body of Knowledge”, this exam is based
on information from the entire project management body
of knowledge. The (PMBOK), which is published by PMI,
provides an outline of the topics covered.
It is a four-hour exam which consists of 200 multiple
choice questions with four possible answers (a through
d) for each question.
The participant needs to correctly answer 137 of the
questions (68.5%) to receive a passing grade.
The participants can find out how they scored by reading
the detailed report on performance that is available after
the exam is completed.
The examination covers the five groups of project management
processes and professional responsibility covered by the
examination is as follows:
Breakdown of Questions
by Process Group
Process Group
Approximate Number
of Questions
Percentage
Initiating
17
8.50
Planning
47
23.50
Executing
47
23.50
Controlling
46
23.00
Closing
14
7.00
Professional Responsibility
29
14.50
Questions on the PMP exam are grouped
by project management processes.
The basic PMP exam is not industry specific. The PMI Certificate
of Added Qualification (CAQ), which tests your knowledge
of a particular industry, can be added to certify your
expertise in Information Technology Project Management,
Establishing a Project Management Office, and Project
Management in the Automotive Industry
Tips related to Questions
It is not necessary to use all the information
given in the question to answer it. There are certain
questions that contain extra information.
There will be statements which will be true but not
relevant. Each question has only one correct answer, select
the most appropriate answer. Be sure to read all the options
before you select any one.
Answer the questions from a PMI perspective—not
from your own perspective, which you acquired through
experience. PMI is trying to present an ideal environment
for project managers that might be different from your
own experience.
The correct answer may not be grammatically correct.
Beware of answer choices that represent generalizations,
which may be characterized by words such as always, never,
must, or completely; these are often the incorrect choices.
Look out for choices that represent special cases. These
choices tend to be correct and are characterized by words
such as often, sometimes, may, generally, and perhaps.
General tips
Memorize all formulas properly it will save
your time, especially the Earned Value and PERT.
Try eliminating the completely implausible options first.
There is no penalty or negative marking for guessing;
thus, do not leave any question blank.
You have only 80 seconds for each question. There will
always be those situations where you have no idea what
the question is asking. Use educated guessing to select
the most appropriate option. If you do not know the answer
of a question, mark it and move on and revisit it later
if you have time
Answer the questions based on the PMBOK concepts first,
then consider your experience. If they are in conflict,
the PMBOK should be followed
