Based on the information provided, the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) of 0.97 indicates that the project is slightly behind schedule, but still within acceptable limits. A SPI between 0.9-1 means the schedule is a little behind but in no imminent danger. Therefore, the best description of the project health is option B

Understanding15 PMI® Question Types
Presented By:
Adekunle Philips Adeniyi
PMI (PMP, RMP, SP, ACP, PBA) MCTS
Principal Consultant, Project Taskmodes Ltd.

If you know the enemy and know yourself,
you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
If you know yourself but not the enemy,
for every victory gained you will also suffer a
defeat.
If you know neither the enemy nor yourself,
you will succumb in every battle.
-Sun Tzu
3

Welcome
• About Me….
• PMI Examination Overview
• The 15 Question Types & Tips to Answer Them
• Questions
• 15 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid
• Next Step
• Acknowledgements
• Thank You
4

PMI Examination Overview
• PMBOK Guide • PMP Exam Content Outline
5

PMI Examination Overview
• PMP Exam Content Outline• PMP Exam Change
PMBOK Guide, 4th Edition Released
Dec 2008
Content Outline Updated
Based on RDS 2009-10
Aug 2011
Aug 2009
Aug 2011
PMBOK Guide, 5th Edition Released
Dec 2012
Aug 2013
Content Outline Updated
Based on RDS 2014
Jun 2015
Jan 2016
PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition*
To be Released
Dec 2017
Aug 2018*
6
• PMBOK Guide

The Question Types & Tips to Answer Them
1. Questions that are ITTO based
2. Questions that are Definitions based
3. Questions that are Situational
4. Questions that are excessively
wordy
5. Questions that are formula based
6. Questions that are interpretational
7. Questions requiring a specific
technique
8. Questions with two or more right
answers
9. Questions with extraneous
information
10. Questions using made-up terms
11. Questions where understanding is
important
12. Questions with a new approach to
a known topic
13. Questions with more than one item
in each option
14. Questions that are knowledge
based on PMBOK Guide
15. Questions on professional ethics
and social responsibility
16. Negative Questions*
7

1. Questions that are ITTO based
This type of Question will test your understanding of the Input, Tools & Techniques
and Output of any of the 47 Known Processes in the PMBOK® Fifth Edition
Example:
Accepted deliverables are an input to
the Close Project or Phase process.
These deliverables would have been
accepted through which of the following
processes?
A. Validate Scope
B. Control Quality
C. Control Scope
D. Perform Quality Assurance
The Correct Answer is A
Accepted Deliverables are “Output” or deliverables that
have been accepted through the “Validate Scope”
process.
Reference:
PMBOK 5th edition, Section 4.6.1 Close Project or
Phase, Inputs, and 5.5.3 Validate Scope: Outputs,
page 101 and 135.
Knowledge Area(s): Project Integration/Scope/Quality
Management.
Domain V: Closing.
Task 1: Obtain final acceptance of the project
deliverables from relevant stakeholders in order to
confirm that project scope and deliverables were
achieved.
8

2. Questions that are Definitions based
These are the simplest questions that you will see on your PMP certification exam;
by just focusing on the project management definitions, acronyms and glossary of
terms.
Example:
In Quality Management, A checklist is:
A. An ordered listing of quality items that must be
verified before the quality control step is
completed
B. An inspection list that is used when no
evidence exists that the quality level of the
product being submitted is better or worse
than the specified quality level
C. A technical list of measured variables or
counted data for decision making in a quality
process review
D. A structured tool used to verify that a set of
required steps has been performed
The Correct Option is D
A checklist is a structured tool, usually component-
specific, used to verify that a set of required steps
has been performed.
Reference:
PMBOK 5th edition, Section 8.1.3 Plan Quality
Management: Outputs, Quality Checklists,
Page 242.
Knowledge Area: Project Quality Management.
Domain II: Planning.
Task 8: Develop the quality management plan and
define the quality standards for the project and
its products, based on the project scope, risks,
and requirements, in order to prevent the
occurrence of defects and control the cost of
quality.
9

2. Questions that are Definitions based (b)
These are the simplest questions that you will see on your PMP certification exam;
by just focusing on the project management definitions, acronyms and glossary of
terms, however the definition can be reversed…
Example 2:
Doing activities in parallel that would
normally be done sequentially in order to
achieve project objectives or to deal with
resource allocation problems is called:
A. Crashing
B. Accelerating
C. Fast Tracking
D. Objectives management
The Correct Option is C,
Fast Tracking. Fast tracking is defined as A specific
project schedule compression technique that changes
network logic to overlap phases (or activities) that
would normally be done in sequence.
Reference:
PMBOK 5th edition, Section 6.6.2 Develop Schedule:
Tools and Techniques-Schedule Compression, Page
181.
Knowledge Area(s): Project Time Management.
Task 4: Develop the project schedule based on the
approved project deliverables and milestones,
scope, and resource management plans in order to
manage timely completion of the project.
10

3. Questions that are Situational
Situational questions is critical to passing this exam. Such questions require you to
integrate your real-world experience and your knowledge of the exam concepts.
Example:
You receive notification that a major item
you are purchasing for a project will be
delayed.
What is the BEST thing to do?
A. Re-plan your project to accommodate
this delay.
B. Notify your boss.
C. Let the customer know about it, and
talk over options.
D. Meet with the team, and identify
alternatives.
The Best option is D
As Project Managers, real world challenges encourages
you to make smart decisions and show your
Leadership skills. In this scenario, you should first
consult your team for options.
Option A is wrong because you need to carry your
team along as some may be impacted by the issue
Option B is wrong because most likely your boss will
also seek recommendations from you and your team
Option C is wrong and should be the last option to
implement when other options have failed
Reference: Project Management Professional (PMP)®
Examination Content Outline© June 2015, Page 11.
Cross-Cutting Knowledge and Skills: Decision making,
Leadership tools, techniques, and skills
11

4. Questions that are excessively wordy
Instead of saying, "The team is not reporting properly," the exam could say, "The team has lost sight
of the communications management plan“. Answer such questions by extracting the core
information, then translate the wordy phrasing.
Example:
You are managing a bridge restoration project and in the
process of estimating the duration for a primary activity.
After consulting with several industry specific Subject Matter
Experts (SME), they have provided a range of estimates:
• If all goes to plan, it can be completed in eight weeks.
• From experience, it will be completed in twelve weeks.
• Historically, inclement weather and difficulties sourcing
materials may cause the activity to take twenty weeks.
What is the standard deviation for the activity?
A. 6 weeks
B. 10 weeks
C. 2 weeks
D. 4 weeks
Option C is correct. It is two weeks.
Explanation: The SMEs are actually providing
optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic
estimates. We need to use the Standard
Deviation (SD) formula derived from PERT
(Project Evaluation Review Technique)
method.
SD = (Pessimistic – Optimistic) / 6
= (20-8) / 6
= 2 weeks.
Reference:
PMBOK® Guide Fifth Edition, Section 6.5.2
Estimate Activity Durations: Tools and
Techniques, Page. 170-171.
Knowledge Area: Project Time Management
Domain II: Planning, Task 4.
12

5. Questions that are formula based
Formula based questions are more than just ‘solving for the median’ or calculating earned value.
There are around 49 PMP exam formulas that you must know backwards and forwards in order to
pass the PMP Exam. Understanding them thoroughly down to the importance of each element will
give you the decision making criteria to include or exclude the values in the PMP exam question.
Example:
You are using Earned Value Analysis to assess the
health of your project. The schedule is planned to
last for 550 staff days. The project is around 70
percent complete and the Schedule Performance
Index (SPI) = 0.88.
Calculate the Earned Value (EV) for the project
(round answer to closest staff day).
A. EV = 339 staff days
B. EV = 484 staff days
C. EV = 338 staff days
D. EV = 385 staff days
Option A is correct. EV = 339 staff days.
Explanation: The project plans to have 385 staff days
completed (PV) at the 70 percent completed stage (0.7 *
550).
The Schedule Performance Index (SPI) = 0.88.
Therefore, SPI = EV / PV,
rearrange to produce EV = SPI * PV
= 0.88 * 385
= 338.8 (339) staff days.
Reference:
PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition, Section, 6.7.2 Control
Schedule: Tools and Techniques, Page. 189 and 217-219.
Domain IV: Monitoring & Control, Knowledge and Skills:
Performance measurement and tracking techniques (e.g.,
EV, CPM, PERT, Trend Analysis).
13

6. Questions that are interpretational
Interpretational questions test your ability to deduce a situation or condition from the description of
a status or problem. For example: “If your project has an SPI and a CPI both greater than 1, how well
is your project performing?” To solve this, you will need to know how SPI and CPI relate to the
project’s performance.
Example:
You are using Earned Value Analysis to assess the
health of your project. The schedule is planned to
last for four hundred staff days. The project is
around 70 percent complete, and the Schedule
Variance (SV) is -2. The Schedule Performance
Index (SPI) is 0.97. How would you describe the
health of your project?
A. The schedule is slightly ahead of plan.
B. The schedule is slightly behind plan but in no
imminent danger.
C. The schedule is behind plan and requires
immediate emergency corrective action.
D. The budget is slightly behind plan but in no
imminent danger.
Option B is correct. The schedule is slightly behind plan but in
no imminent danger.
Explanation: Schedule Variance (SV) is indicating that the
project is only two staff-days behind, and the project is 70
percent complete. This time lapse can be easily made up. The
Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is measuring at 0.97. If
there are eight hours in a staff day, 0.97 indicates that 7.76
hours (0.97 * 8) of work is being completed for every eight
hours.
Remember, if SPI is <1, then the schedule performance is
behind.
Option D is wrong because the question is about schedule,
not cost
Reference:
PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition, Section 6.7.2 Control
Schedule: Tools and Techniques page. 189.
Domain IV: Monitoring & Control. Task 1
14

7. Questions requiring a specific technique
Specific Technique questions will provide a snap shot of a situation, like a network
diagram, and ask you to provide an element that’s inherent in that diagram such as
forward pass, backward pass, floats or critical path.
Example:
From the figure shown….
what is the planned duration of the critical path?
Assume the durations are in days.
A. 43 days
B. 24 days
C. 22 days
D. 18 days
Option B is correct.
Perform a forward pass using the critical path method.
Reference:
PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition, Section, 6.6.2 Develop
Schedule: Tools and Techniques, Page. 177
Domain II: Planning, Task 4.
Start End
5
A
7
C
3
B
10
G
8
D
8
F
2
E
1 5
6 8
9 16
17 24
13 14
6 12 13 22
15

8. Questions with two or more right answers
Questions that appear to have two, three, or even four right answers are a major complaint from
many test takers. Many questions will list several choices that could reasonably be done, or that less-
experienced or less-qualified project managers would be likely to choose.
Example:
You have just started leading a World bank health care
development project in an developing country in which it is
customary to offer lunch when a project is initiated. Although,
your team members are willing to accept the offer, you
decide to refuse the offer since you are well-aware that the
PMI's code of ethics and professional conduct does not allow
to take gifts. Which of the following statements are TRUE
considering your decision?
A. Your decision is wrong because you should obey the
norms and customs of others as long as you do not favor
them
B. Your decision is correct because you are engaging yourself
in unethical behavior by accepting the lunch
C. Your decision is correct because you are following the
PMI's code of ethics and professional conduct
D. Your decision is wrong because conduct rules only apply to
local projects not international projects
The correct answer is A –
Although the PMI code of ethics and
professional conduct does not allow gift
taking, project managers should obey the
norms and customs of others as long as they
do not show favoritism based on the norms.
Therefore, “Your decision is wrong because
you should obey the norms and customs of
others as long as you do not favor them” is
the correct answer. The PMI code of conduct
applies to both the local and international
projects.
Reference:
PMI code of Ethics and Professional
responsibility, Page 2 & 3 Prof. Responsibility
16

9. Questions with extraneous information
It is very important to realize that not all information included in a question will be relevant. For
example, the numbers in the following question are extraneous data.
Example:
"Your company is a major manufacturer of doors,
and has received numerous awards for quality. As
the head of the manufacturing department, you
have 230 people reporting to you on 23 different
projects. Experience shows that each time you
double the production of doors, unit costs
decrease by 10 percent.
Based on this, the company determines that
production of 3,000 doors should cost $21,000.
This case illustrates...“
A. Learning cycle.
B. Law of diminishing returns.
C. 80/20 rule.
D. Parametric cost estimating.
The correct answer is D,
Parametric estimating uses a statistical
relationship between relevant historical data
and other variables (e.g., square footage in
construction) to calculate a cost estimate for
project work.
Reference:
PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition, 7.2.2
Estimate Costs: Tools and Techniques page.
205.
Knowledge Area: Project Cost Management
17

10.Questions using made-up terms
Many people taking the exam expect that all the terms used as choices should mean something.
They do not! There are often made-up terms on the exam. Perhaps the question writer needed
another choice, or perhaps the made-up terms are added to trick test takers. If you consider yourself
well trained and see a term you do not know on the exam, chances are it is not the right answer.
Example:
The ongoing definition of a project as more
information becomes available to the team is
called:
A. Scope validation.
B. Strategic planning.
C. Progressive elaboration.
D. Quantitative elaboration.
The correct answer is C,
In this question, "quantitative elaboration"
(choice D) is not a real project
management term. If you can easily
eliminate this, you narrow your chance of
getting to the right answer.
Reference:
PMBOK® Guide -Fifth Edition, Section 3.4
Planning Process Group Page 66
Knowledge Area: Project Management
Process
18

11. Where understanding is important
Sometimes you are exposed to some questions in the real exam the you do not have a clue from
which Domain or Knowledge area you are in.
Example:
The process of decomposing deliverables
into smaller, more manageable
components is complete when:
A. Project justification has been
established.
B. Change requests have occurred.
C. Cost estimates can be developed for
each work element.
D. Each work element is found in the
WBS dictionary.
The correct answer is C,
In order to answer this question, you must understand
the terms, as well as the concept of decomposition
and what value this technique has in the project
management process.
Memorization is not enough!
Decomposition
Decomposition is a technique used for dividing and
subdividing the project scope and project deliverables
into smaller, more manageable parts. The work
package is the work defined at the lowest level of the
WBS for which cost and duration can be estimated
and managed.
Reference:
PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition, Section 5.4.2 Create
WBS: Tools and Techniques
Knowledge Area: Project Scope Management
19

12. A new approach to a known topic
There will be many instances where you understand the topic, but have never
thought about it in the way the question describes.
Example:
In a matrix organization, information
dissemination is MOST likely to be effective
when:
A. Information flows both horizontally and
vertically.
B. The communication flows are kept simple.
C. There is an inherent logic in the type of matrix
chosen.
D. Project managers and functional managers
socialize.
The correct answer is A,
Many people know what a matrix
organization is but have not taken the
time to consider how this organizational
structure affects the directions in which
communication and information is
shared..
Reference:
PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition, Section
2.1.3 Organizational Structures Page 31
20

13.….more than one item in each option
Let us look at the following examples, the options may be complimentary,
contradictory or an ideal structured steps…
Example:
The seller on the project has presented the project manager with a formal notification
that the seller has been damaged by the buyers activities. The seller claims that the
buyers slow response to requested approvals has delayed the project and has caused the
seller unexpected expense. The FIRST things the project manager should do are:
A. Collect all relevant data, send the data to the company attorney, and consult with the
attorney about legal actions.
B. Review the contract for specific agreed-upon terms that relate to the issue, see if there
is a clear response, and consult an attorney if needed.
C. Review the procurement statement of work for requirements, send a receipt of claim
response, and meet to resolve the issue without resorting to legal action if possible.
D. Hold a meeting with the team to review why the acceptances have been late, make a
list of the specific reasons, and correct those reasons.
21

13.….more than one item in each option (b)
Example:
When managing a project, which of the
following is the BEST order to deal with
problems that arise?
A. Go to the team, go to management, go to
resource managers.
B. Go to resource managers, go to
management, go to the customer.
C. Handle it yourself, go to the customer, go to
management.
D. Resolve problems with resources you control,
go to resource managers, go to the customer.
22
The Correct Option is D,
In this case, you need to look at
each choice independently to see
if the process listed is correct.

14.…knowledge based on PMBOK® Guide
PMBOK Guide Knowledge questions test your familiarity of specific areas, such as
“Which of these processes are not part of the Initiating Process Group?” or What to
do in a particular situation and understanding your or organizational exposures
Example:
In a multi-phase project, the procurement team decided
to close the procurements applicable to a particular
phase of the project. What happens to unresolved claims?
A. Unresolved claims are usually resolved at the end of all
phases of the project.
B. Unresolved claims are also closed when the
procurements for that phase are closed.
C. Unresolved claims remain open for a period of 1 year
from closure of procurements.
D. Unresolved claims may still be subject to litigation after
closure.
The Correct Option is D,
In multi-phase projects, although
the procurements for a particular
phase may have been closed, the
unresolved claims are still subject
to litigation after closure.
Reference:
PMBOK 5th edition, Section 12.4
Close Procurements, Page 387
Knowledge Area: Project
Procurement Management
Domain V: Closing
23

15.…professional ethics and social responsibility
Since are you going to be a PMI Certified PMP, PMI expects you to follow a certain
code of ethics and professional conduct in your behavior.
As per PMI, “As practitioners of project management, we are committed to doing
what is right and honorable. We set high standards for ourselves and we aspire to
meet these standards in all aspects of our lives- at work, at home, and in service to
our profession.”
Example:
You overlooked a high-level risk in an insurance project and failed
to document it in the project charter. If the risk shows up during
the planning phase, what should be your response as a project
manager?
A. Take the responsibility and evaluate the impact
B. Call a customer meeting to inform them that risk has occurred
C. Escalate to the sponsor for advice
D. Develop the risk response plan and communicate to the team
According to the PMI code of
ethics and professional conduct,
project managers must take the
ownership of the decisions they
make or fail to make. Thus, you
should take the responsibility
and evaluate the impact first.
Reference:
PMI code of Ethics and
Professional responsibility, Page
2. Professional Responsibility
24

Negative Questions
Finally, you should be extremely cautious of Negative Questions,
25

16. Negative Question
Example:
All of the following are Statistical
Sampling Method, Except.
A. Systematic Sampling
B. Variance Estimation
C. Stratified Sampling
D. Convenience Sampling
The correct Answer is B,
Choice A, C and D are valid examples of
Statistical Sampling.
Explanation;
Variance Estimation is an EMV Technique and not
a Statistical Sampling Method.
Reference:
PMBOK 5th edition, 8.3.2 Control Quality: Tools
and Techniques, Page 252.
Knowledge Area: Project Quality Management
Domain IV: Monitoring and Controlling, Task 3
Knowledge and Skills: Quality measurement tools
(e.g., statistical sampling, control charts,
flowcharting, inspection, assessment)
26

15 Costly Mistakes to Avoid
27
1. Not preparing for the examination
2. Thinking that “Your Way” and “PMI Way” are the same.
3. Using your Project Management Experience as a guideline
4. Using whatever materials that are available to sturdy
5. Reading the outdated PMBOK Guide & Exam Content Outline
6. Not finding the right PMI® course
7. Taking the test before you’re ready
8. Not having a test partner(s) or buddies
9. Putting off the test too long and forgetting what you have learned
10. Trying to go for the wrong certification
11. Not pacing yourself during the examination
12. Not taking breaks during the test
13. Using Outdated test questions to practice
14. Not being exposed to enough test questions
15. Not visiting the test center prior to the examination date

Next Steps
28
Taskmodes 2017 Training Sessions*
Days PDU Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
PMI-PMP 4 35 21, 22, 28, 29 22, 23, 29, 30
PMI-ACP 3 21 21, 22, 28 20, 21, 27
PMI-RMP 3 30 18, 19, 25 17, 18, 24
PMI-SP 3 30 15, 19, 25
PMI-PBA 3 35 22, 23, 29, 30
Days PDU Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
PMI-PMP 4 35 19, 20, 26, 27 9, 10, 16, 17
PMI-ACP 3 21 23, 24, 30
PMI-RMP 3 30 21, 22, 28
PMI-SP 3 30 22, 23, 29 18, 19, 25
PMI-PBA 3 35 19, 20, 26, 27 9, 10, 16, 17
* All training comes with a free 2-day examination simulation boot-camp, valid for 6-months.
‡ 100% guarantee examination success or your money back.
For all full training, ‡ Call for terms and conditions

Acknowledgements
1. Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Fifth Edition © 2013 PMI®
2. Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content Outline © June 2015 PMI®
3. PMI® Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct © 2006 PMI®
4. Accelerated Learning to Pass PMI® PMP Exam 8th Edition, © 2013 By Rita Mulcahy, PMP, et. al
5. PMP Exam Prep: Questions, Answers & Explanations, © 2013 Edition by Christopher Scordo
6. A Roadmap to Cracking the PMP® Exam © Copyright 2013 Stuart Brunt, PMP, PgMP, PMI-RMP
7. Project Management Tasks, Knowledge and Skills, PM Essentials & Exam Prep by Q'Vive
8. How to get every Network Diagram question right on the PMP® Exam © 2015 by Aileen Ellis
9. PMP® Exam Simplified: Updated for 2016 Exam © January 2016 © January 2016
10. PMP Certification Math Practice: by Rod C.
11. PMP® EXAM PREP - Over 400+ Qs that are the REAL DEAL!: © 2014 by Alexander McDuffie
12. PMP Exam Preparation. 600 Questions with Explanations, 2nd Edition by Daud Nasir
13. Memorize PMP Exam Formulas Using Cartoons by Jennifer Nelson
14. Practice and Pass the PMP Exam: The 2000 Questions (Annotated) by FJ Russo
15. Crack the New (2016) PMP® Exam in 4 Weeks: by Shiv Shenoy
16. PMP® Certification Mathematics, © 2010 by Vidya Subramanian & Ravi Ramachandran,
17. PMP Question Bank, 400 PMP Exam Sample Questions © 2015 by M Fahad Usmani
18. PMP® Examination Practice Qs for the PMBOK® Guide, 5th edition. © 2013 by Sean Whitaker
19. Http://www.wikipedia.com
20. Http://www.gettyimages.com
21. Http://www.chessbaron.co.uk

30
• PMI Examination Preparatory Courses
• PMI Examination Boot Camps
• Examination Simulations
• Retreats
• Facilitated Workshop & Training
• Business Lean Start-up & Modelling
• Seminars and Webinars
Our Services…

31
Project Taskmodes Ltd. is a Training Consultancy firm in
Nigeria. We Primary Focus on Project & Program
Management, Business Analysis, Lean & Agile Framework,
Schedule & Risk Management, Business Modeling & Process
Improvement
Phone: +234 (0)8030944000
Email: info@taskmodes.com
Website: www.taskmodes.com
Facebook: facebook.com/taskmodes
Thank You…
PMI, PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA, PMI-SP, PMI-RMP, PMI-PgMP and PMBOK are trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Recomendados

Recomendados

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Mais procurados

Mais procurados (20)

Destaque

Destaque (12)

Último

Último (20)