Are you curious about the number of questions on the PMP exam and how they may affect your preparation? You are not alone. As one of the most esteemed certifications in project management, the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam represents a significant milestone for many professionals.
Understanding what to expect on exam day can greatly enhance your preparation. The number of questions on the PMP exam can influence both your study strategy and your approach to test-taking.
In this article, we will examine the specifics of the exam, including the total number of questions, their format, and effective strategies for tackling them.
Total Number of Questions on the PMP Exam
The PMP exam consists of 180 questions in total. Out of these, 175 questions are scored, while 5 questions are unscored and included for research purposes. These unscored questions, often referred to as “pre-test” questions, are used by PMI to evaluate their effectiveness for future exams.
Here is a breakdown of the number of questions in each section:
Section 1: People
- 42 questions (approximately 42% of the total questions)
Section 2: Process
- 90 questions (approximately 50% of the total questions)
Section 3: Business Environment
- 18 questions (approximately 8% of the total questions)
Candidates are not informed which questions are scored and which are not, emphasizing the importance of treating every question with equal seriousness.
Read More: How to Pass PMP Exam
Types of Questions on the PMP Exam
The PMP (Project Management Professional) exam features a diverse array of question types designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge and application of project management principles.
Understanding these question types is crucial for effective preparation.
1. Multiple-Choice Questions
In multiple-choice questions, candidates are presented with a question and four answer options, of which only one is correct. These questions assess a candidate’s understanding of project management concepts and require careful consideration of each option.
The distractors (incorrect answers) are often designed to be plausible, making it essential for candidates to identify the best response based on their knowledge.
For these questions, if you’re confident in your answer, mark it during your initial review of the test. If you’re unsure, consider marking them for review later. On your subsequent passes, you may be able to eliminate at least two of the distractors.
Ultimately, if you’re still unsure, make an educated guess. Remember, there’s no penalty for guessing, so make sure to answer every question.
2. Multiple Responses
Multiple-response questions account for approximately 15% of the PMP exam. In these questions, you’ll be presented with a scenario and asked to select the best responses from several options. There may be more than four choices, and more than one of them could be correct.
These questions typically present a scenario and ask candidates to identify all applicable responses. This format tests a deeper understanding of project management principles, as candidates must evaluate multiple aspects of the situation presented.
3. Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
Fill-in-the-blank questions involve a statement or scenario with one or more missing terms that candidates must correctly complete. These questions assess your recall and understanding of essential project management terminology and concepts.
These types of questions can appear in various formats on the exam. For example, they might be part of a multiple-choice or multiple-response question where you need to fill in a blank with your selections.
Alternatively, you might encounter a straightforward fill-in-the-blank question where a paragraph or table is missing information, and you must enter the missing terms in a designated box. For instance, you could be given a table and asked to type in the row number that meets specific criteria.
4. Drag and Drop Questions
Drag-and-drop questions require candidates to match items or arrange them in a specific order by dragging them into the correct position.
For instance, you might be given a list of project management processes and asked to arrange them in the correct sequence according to the project lifecycle stages.
This format is often used to test knowledge of project phases, processes, or other sequential information. Candidates must demonstrate their understanding of the relationships between different project management elements.
5. Hotspot Questions
Hotspot questions present candidates with an image or diagram and require them to identify specific areas by clicking on the appropriate section.
This type of question assesses a candidate’s ability to interpret visual information and apply it to project management scenarios. Candidates must be familiar with the content of the images to answer correctly.
6. Situational Questions
Situational questions present a real-life project scenario and ask candidates to determine the best course of action. These questions test a candidate’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, often requiring critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Candidates may encounter scenarios that include ambiguous or conflicting information, making it essential to identify the most relevant details.
7. ITTO-Based Questions
ITTO stands for Input, Tools, Techniques, and Output. These questions assess a candidate’s understanding of the various inputs and outputs associated with specific project management processes.
Candidates may be asked to identify the correct ITTO for a given scenario or process, requiring familiarity with the PMBOK Guide and its processes.
How Long Is the PMP Exam?
Candidates are allotted 230 minutes to complete the PMP exam, which consists of 180 questions.
This allocation translates to approximately 76 seconds per question, allowing candidates to review each question thoroughly before answering.
Scheduled Breaks
In addition to the 230 minutes, candidates can take two scheduled breaks of 10 minutes each. These breaks are strategically placed after the completion of the first 60 questions and the next 60 questions.
Importantly, the time taken for these breaks does not count against the total exam time. Therefore, if candidates utilize both breaks, they effectively have up to 250 minutes to complete the exam.
Before the exam, you will have the option to complete a tutorial, and after the exam, a survey. Both are optional and take approximately 5-15 minutes each to finish. The time spent on the tutorial and survey does not count towards the 230 minutes allocated for the examination.
Structure of the Exam
The exam is structured in three sections:
- First Section: (Questions 1 to 60) After completing these questions, candidates can take the first 10-minute break.
- Second Section: (Questions 61 to 120)After completing this section, candidates have the option for a second 10-minute break.
- Final Section: (Questions 121 to 180)Candidates must complete the remaining questions after the second break.
NOTE: Once you review your responses and start your break you will not be able to return to the questions from the previous section of the exam. This makes it essential to be confident in the answers before taking a break.
Check out: How Much Does It Cost to Book for PMP Exams
Time Management Tips
Given the exam’s duration and structure, effective time management is critical. Here are some strategies:
- Pacing: Candidates should aim to complete each section within approximately 76 minutes. This pacing allows for a systematic approach to answering questions while leaving time for review.
- Reviewing Answers: Before taking breaks, candidates should carefully review their answers. Since they cannot return to previous questions after confirming completion, it is vital to be confident in their selections.
- Break Utilization: Use the breaks wisely to relax and refocus. Stretching, deep breathing, or simply stepping away from the screen can help clear the mind and reduce exam fatigue.
Can I Take the PMP Exam Online?
Yes, you can take the PMP (Project Management Professional) exam online. The PMP exam is offered in a computer-based testing (CBT) format, which allows candidates to take the exam online from a remote location.
This option provides flexibility for candidates who may prefer to take the exam in a familiar environment rather than at a physical testing center.
Read More: What is the Difference between Computer Based Testing and Paper Based Testing
Requirements for Taking the Exam Online
- Technical Requirements
Candidates must ensure they have a reliable computer, a stable internet connection, and a webcam to facilitate the online exam. The exam is monitored through a proctoring system that requires candidates to be visible during the test.
- Environment Setup
It is essential to choose a quiet, well-lit space free from distractions. Candidates should also ensure that no one else is in the room during the exam to comply with proctoring guidelines.
- Identification Verification
Candidates must present a valid form of identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, to verify their identity before starting the exam.
If you wish to take the PMP exam online, It is essential to meet the technical requirements, prepare the testing environment, and learn the top strategies for passing online exams.
Can I Hire Someone To Take My PMP Exam?
Yes, you can hire someone to take the PMP exam for you. Our team of PMP experts is ready to handle the exam on your behalf, aiming to secure a score of 95% or more. Recognizing the challenges of the PMP exams, we offer this service to ease your stress.
As a leading platform in online exam assistance, we ensure top-notch results. Avoid the strain by using our “pay someone to take the PMP exam for me” service. This way, you increase your chances of passing the PMP test on your first attempt!
FAQS
How Many Questions Do You Need To Get Right To Pass the PMP Exam?
To pass the PMP exam, you need to correctly answer approximately 61% of the questions, which translates to about 106 out of 175 scored questions.
The exact passing score can vary slightly, as it is determined by the exam’s difficulty level. It’s essential to prepare thoroughly to ensure you meet or exceed this benchmark.
How Many People Pass PMP on First Try?
About 60% to 70% of candidates pass the PMP exam on their first attempt. Success often depends on thorough preparation, understanding the exam content, and practicing with sample questions.
Many candidates benefit from online exam help services to increase their chances of passing on the first try.
Is Passing the PMP Exam Hard?
Many PMP exam takers report that the exam is challenging, with a first-attempt passing rate of around 60%. However, the difficulty level can vary depending on a person’s prior project management experience and their preparation for the exam.
The key is to invest time in understanding the material and familiarizing yourself with the exam format.
What Is the Average Score Needed To Pass PMP?
The average score needed to pass the PMP exam is approximately 61%, which equates to around 106 correct answers out of 175 scored questions.
However, the exact passing score can vary slightly based on the exam’s difficulty. To increase your chances of success, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly and understand the exam content and structure.