How Many Questions on the PMP Exam?
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a globally recognized standard for project management professionals. Achieving this certification requires passing a rigorous exam that tests a candidate’s knowledge and skills in project management. One of the most common questions among aspiring PMP candidates is, “How many questions are on the PMP exam?” Understanding the number of questions and the format of the exam can help candidates prepare more effectively for their certification journey.
The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. These questions are divided into two types: formative and summative. Formative questions are used to provide feedback on the candidate’s performance during the exam, while summative questions are used to determine whether the candidate has met the required standard for certification.
Of the 200 questions, 25 are considered pretest questions. These questions are not scored and are used by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to evaluate the effectiveness of the exam. Candidates should not focus on these pretest questions, as they do not contribute to the final score.
The remaining 175 questions are scored and contribute to the candidate’s overall score. These questions are designed to test the candidate’s understanding of project management concepts, processes, and best practices. The questions are based on the PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), which serves as the primary reference for the PMP exam.
The PMP exam is divided into two parts: the Formative Section and the Summative Section. The Formative Section consists of 25 pretest questions and is not scored. The Summative Section consists of 175 scored questions and is divided into two categories: Domain-Based and Hot-Spot Questions.
Domain-Based Questions are based on the five process groups and ten knowledge areas outlined in the PMBOK® Guide. These questions test the candidate’s understanding of project management concepts and processes across the entire project lifecycle. There are 10 questions in each of the five domains, totaling 50 Domain-Based Questions.
Hot-Spot Questions require the candidate to select a specific area on a figure or table. These questions test the candidate’s ability to interpret and apply project management concepts in a practical context. There are 25 Hot-Spot Questions in the PMP exam.
In conclusion, the PMP exam consists of 200 questions, with 25 pretest questions and 175 scored questions. Understanding the format and content of the exam can help candidates prepare more effectively for their certification journey. By focusing on the PMBOK® Guide and practicing with a variety of question types, candidates can increase their chances of passing the PMP exam and achieving their certification goals.
