Overview of PMP Exam Format

Introduction

The PMP exam pattern is a closed book exam, which implies that you cannot refer to any study material in the middle of writing your examination. There is no fixed score as no two candidates receive the same set of questions. Each question carries different weightage as per the PMP exam format. Hence, you cannot extrapolate the scores needed to crack the exam.

PMP Exam Pattern

The PMP certification exam pattern consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. Of these 200 questions, only 175 are scored. 

The remaining are pre-test questions that do not contribute to your score. These questions are experimental, often tested to retain the validity in future examinations. 

The pre-test questions are randomly scattered all across the examination. Thus, you cannot tell what questions are experimental and which ones are not. Attempt all the listed questions with the same seriousness. 

• Time Allotment 

You receive a total time of 4 hours as set by the PMP exam pattern to attempt the examination. 

You cannot exercise any scheduled breaks during these 4 hours. In case of urgency, you can receive a break; however, your delegated 4-hour tenure would bear the price.

• Examination Overview

The exam takes off with a tutorial, and a survey follows shortly after. The average completion time for this survey for most of the students is 15 minutes. 

You receive extra time to complete the survey alongside the 4 hours available for writing the examination.

These questions have their foundations lay on the PMBOK specification as-well-as the PMP Code of Ethics. 

There are primarily five domain areas in which you need to prove your proficiency and skills- 

PMP Exam Scores - A Brief History

Till 2005, PMI had set the passing score at 68.5%, i.e. attempting 137 questions out of 200 right. After that, it skyrocketed to 80.6%.

Eventually, the officials changed the score to 60.6% while revising the PMP certification exam pattern. Then, you had to attempt 106 questions correct from the 175 to qualify.

Latest PMP Exam Pattern

Since 2007, PMI transformed the PMP exam format to clear the exam and stopped announcing the results via percentages. 

Instead, they started mentioning the proficiency level for each of the domains in the test results. Nowadays, you would not know the numerical percentage for every expertise. 

The score only shows whether you are proficient, moderately proficient or below proficient in each domain.

There is no official corroboration from PMI that states scores of 80% or above mean proficient, 61% as moderately proficient and below 61% as below proficient. 

Cost Of Obtaining A PMP Certification

The 'hidden' PMP certification fee is the cost of the time spent while studying for the PMP certification exam.

Here is a detailed fee structure on the PMP certification costs - 

PMP Certification Exam Fee