PMP Key Vocabulary
Essential terms and definitions you must know before exam day.
Key Vocabulary
CPI
Cost Performance Index = EV/AC. CPI < 1 means over budget.
SPI
Schedule Performance Index = EV/PV. SPI < 1 means behind schedule.
CCB
Change Control Board — the decision-making body for approving project changes.
Retrospective
Agile ceremony at the end of each sprint to inspect the process and identify improvements.
Vocabulary Study 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.