Anticipate that many questions will have multiple correct answers. It is your challenge to pick the best answer based on how PMI outlines the situation should be handled. Remember to answer questions from PMI’s perspective, not from your real-life experience. Think, “What does PMI say I should I do?” rather than “What ‘s worked in the past?” The actual exam allows you to “mark” any question for later review. Plan on making several passes through all 200 questions of the exam. (Double-check yourself on questions that you are unsure of your answer). On the initial pass through the exam, “mark” any question that you are not 100% sure of the answer. On the second pass, review all the “marked” questions. You may discover that the answer to a given question is detailed out in another question or answer throughout the exam. During the exam, as the test taker, you will need to manage your exam time. 200 questions in four hours (240 minutes) = 1.2 minutes per question. Some questions will be as easy as 15 seconds; others may take 3 – 4 minutes. You are not required to immediately take the exam when you sit down at the computer terminal. Use this time to gather your thoughts and prepare your “reference sheet.” Write down all formulas, diagrams, and information that will assist you with the exam. This allows you to clear your thoughts and focus better as you begin the exam. When you begin the exam process, you will initially be provided a tutorial of how to use the terminal and how to take the exam. If you feel comfortable with the information, you can pass over this tutorial quickly and begin the exam. Pace yourself and be sure to read all four answers completely. Do not just choose the first potentially correct answer you see, there may be a “More right / Most right” answer available. Take breaks throughout the exam. You have 4 hours for the exam, you need to complete at least 50 questions per hour and allot for periodic breaks to allow yourself to regain focus and rest. Question content is something to pay close attention too. Practice exam questions provide valuable insight into actual exam questions.

There will be several types of questions to be cognizant of:

   Situational questions
   Conceptual
   Time-consuming questions
   Fill-in-the-blank and other factual-type questions
   Select the exception from the four possible answers
   Short stories
   Calculations and/or draw simple diagrams.
 

In our estimation, around 75% of the exam questions come directly from the PMBOK® Guide. The remaining questions are derived from other reference materials and real-world situations. Solid common project sense should help you in answering these.

Some key exam topics you won’t find in the PMBOK but should understand are: Conflict-resolution techniques, Organizational theories, Problem-solving Techniques and Theories of motivation.

Before the exam begins, you have fifteen minutes to do the tutorial. Use this time to do a memory dump of the formulas. The tutorial is straightforward on marking questions, reviewing questions and how to view exhibits.

Things you should know to so are:

   Usually, the examination center will give you time to write down things, get your thoughts clear and then begin the tutorial.
   Take a few minutes to do the memory dump.
   If the question contains diagrams, tables or other numbers used in calculations, copy these down completely on your scratch paper before beginning the development of the solution. Number your notes and diagrams (the exam calls these exhibits) on the scratch paper and use it in an orderly fashion, later to facilitate checking. Often the exhibit used in one section of the exam will be used in another section.
   Keep a close eye on the way a question is phrased. The exam has lots of which is the correct answer EXCEPT. Usually the questions will highlight this (i.e. word EXCEPT or BUT)
   Be very careful of questions framed in the double negative (“None of the following are true EXCEPT….”). Re-phase these questions (if necessary, write the rephrased question down on your scratch paper and number it) to eliminate both negatives (“which of the following is true…”).
   Use the calculator for all but the most elementary calculations. If you have enough time re-calculate your calculations -- again using the calculator. It is amazing how often, in the pressure of the examination 1+1 = 3 by mistake.
   Make note of questions that have exhibits, or calculations these are often referred to in later questions and open question will give you a clue.
   Remember to answer all questions! If you miss a question, when the exam hits review it will flag questions you missed.
   Keep track of your score: Use your predictor tool