PMP Exam Pattern Overview
The PMP Exam pattern changes as per the latest industry practices. It is the reflection of the practices and trends in project management. The exam assesses the students on various knowledge areas like project integration management, scope management, time management, cost management, human resource management and so on.
If you are someone who is preparing for the PMP exam or planning to get the PMP Certification by PMI. Then this article comprises all the answers you need.
PMP Exam Pattern
The PMP Exam pattern went under significant reforms in 2021. Let us see the major difference in the 2015 and 2021 exam pattern:
The exam pattern is supposed to be tougher now with the introduction of PMBOK Guide 7th edition. Let us take a closer look at the changes to help you in the PMP Exam prep:
Unlike the older version of pmp exam, the new version focuses on mainly three domains:
People, process and business environment
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People- 42%
At 42% of the total exam, this domain focuses on assessing your capabilities as a leader. You are assessed based on the following topics:
Building or leading a team
Managing conflicts among the team
Training your team adequately to meet the latest business requirements
Also Read: Project Leader Roles and Responsibilities?
Process- 50%
Holding 50% of the total exam weightage, this particular section focuses on evaluating the technical aspects of project management. Here are the topics you should focus on to prepare:
Planning, allocating budget and managing resources
Planning the project and filing any gaps
Acquiring to any project changes
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Business Environment- 8%
This holds a smaller portion as compared to other domains and it basically tests the project manager’s ability to adhere to the company’s demands. The tasks included are:
Take care of the project compliance
Analysing the value of the projects
Assuring seamless transitions
Also Read: PERT Chart vs. Gantt Chart
Types of Questions in PMP Exam
1. Situational Based
One of the types of PMP Questions are situational based. This is to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios.
Also Read: SDLC in Project Management
2. ITTO Based
The PMBOK Guide 7th edition has 49 processes. Each of the processes has several IITO. This IITO stands for input, tools, techniques and output. Some of the exam questions ask you to choose the correct tool, process or techniques from the given options.
3. Definition based questions
These are based on the definitions given in the PMBOK guide, these are considered as the easiest questions in the exam.
4. Formulas based
You must be aware of the formulas mentioned in the PMBOK guide 7th edition to be able to solve these questions.
5. Diagram Based
These types of questions are based on diagrams or flowcharts. You are required to comprehend the graphs or charts and then answer the questions.
6. Interpretational
In these questions, you are presented with some data and you are required to analyse data and give the answers accordingly.
7. Questions on professional Responsibility
PMI expects you to be handling teams with professionalism and follow the best practices for project management. Therefore, these questions are based on the professional responsibilities you are required to take.
Also Read: Engineering to Project Management
FAQ's
- 1. How to schedule the PMP Exam?Scheduling the PMP Exam is quite easy, you are just required to follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility
- Go to the Pearson VUE website to schedule your exam
- If you are already have an account then login else make a new account
- Go to schedule a test by selecting any of the PMP Exams available
- Selection date and time which is feasible for you
- Review the details that you have filled in for the application
- Pay the exam fees and then schedule your exam
- You will receive a confirmation email for the exam.
2. What is the cost of the PMP Exam?The cost of the PMP Exam is $405 if you are a PMI-member and $555 if you do not hold the PMI-membership.3. Is Exam fee included in the PMP Certification training cost?Usually the PMP Exam fee is included in the training fee. For instance, StarAgile PMP Training includes the PMP Exam fees. One attempt will be given with the certification training, if you fail you are required to re-attempt by paying $275 for members and $375 for non-members.
