Sample Questions

PMP Sample Questions

6 practice questions with complete answer explanations.

Sample Questions

Question 1problem-solving

A team member on a waterfall project tells the PM that the feature they were assigned is nearly complete but won't meet the quality standard. The PM should first:

A.Work with the team member to understand the root cause✓ Correct

B.Report the issue to the sponsor immediately

C.Assign the task to a different team member

D.Update the project schedule to reflect the delay

Explanation

First-response: investigate the issue. Understand scope and root cause before escalating or reassigning.

Question 2earned-value

A project's CPI is 0.85 and SPI is 1.05. What is true?

A.The project is over budget but ahead of schedule✓ Correct

B.The project is under budget and behind schedule

C.The project is over budget and behind schedule

D.The project is on budget and on schedule

Explanation

CPI < 1 = over budget. SPI > 1 = ahead of schedule.

Question 3conflict-resolution

Two team members disagree about the technical approach for a module. The PM should:

A.Encourage them to work it out together, focusing on project goals✓ Correct

B.Decide the approach for them to save time

C.Escalate to the sponsor for a decision

D.Remove one team member from the task

Explanation

PMI prefers collaborative conflict resolution. The PM facilitates, doesn't decide for the team.

Question 4scrum

In a Scrum project, who is responsible for prioritizing the product backlog?

A.Product Owner✓ Correct

B.Scrum Master

C.Development Team

D.Project Manager

Explanation

The Product Owner owns the backlog and prioritizes based on business value.

Question 5change-control

During project execution, a stakeholder requests a significant scope change. The PM should first:

A.Evaluate the impact on schedule, cost, and quality✓ Correct

B.Reject the change to protect the baseline

C.Implement the change immediately to satisfy the stakeholder

D.Escalate to the change control board without analysis

Explanation

Integrated change control: first assess impact, then route through the CCB.

Question 6governance

A project is 80% complete but its original business justification is no longer valid. The PM should:

A.Escalate to the sponsor and recommend closing the project✓ Correct

B.Complete the project since it's almost done

C.Re-plan the remaining 20% to create new business value

D.Ignore the issue — business case isn't the PM's concern

Explanation

If the business case is invalid, continuing wastes resources. The PM should escalate to the sponsor immediately.

Test-Taking Tips

1.Read the PMBOK Guide but don't memorize it — understand the intent and philosophy.
2.Think like PMI: proactive, process-driven, and collaborative. 'Communicate first' is usually right.
3.Know earned value formulas: EV, PV, AC, CPI, SPI, EAC, ETC, VAC.
4.Study Agile as much as Waterfall — about half the exam is agile/hybrid.
5.Use a Qbank (PrepCast or Andrew Ramdayal) for 500+ scenario questions.
6.Join a study group — explaining concepts to others reinforces understanding.

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