If you’re preparing for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam, one of the most important details to understand is the number of questions and the exam format. Since the PMP exam was updated in 2021, several aspects, including the number of questions, the types of questions, and the domains covered, have changed.
In this guide, we will break down:
- The total number of questions in the PMP exam.
- The exam structure and question types you can expect.
- Time management strategies to maximize your score.
- The latest updates from PMI (Project Management Institute) as of 2025.
Let’s dive in!
How Many Questions Is the PMP Exam?
The PMP exam consists of 180 questions in total. However, only 175 questions are scored—the remaining 5 are pretest questions that do not count toward your final score.
The pretest questions are included to validate future PMP exam questions, and they are randomly distributed throughout the test. You won’t know which ones they are, so it’s important to answer every question carefully.
Breakdown of PMP Exam Questions
| Total Questions | Scored Questions | Unscored (Pretest) Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 180 | 175 | 5 |
Exam Duration and Structure
The PMP exam is 230 minutes long (3 hours and 50 minutes). This gives candidates an average of 1.2 minutes per question.
Exam Timing & Breaks
| Exam Section | Questions | Time Allocated | Break Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Section | 60 | ~80 minutes | Yes (10 min) |
| Second Section | 60 | ~80 minutes | Yes (10 min) |
| Final Section | 60 | ~70 minutes | No |
- Two 10-minute breaks are allowed.
- Once you start a break, you cannot return to previous questions.
- There is no penalty for guessing—always select an answer before moving on.
Question Types in the PMP Exam
The PMP exam includes various question formats to evaluate different project management skills. PMI has moved beyond simple multiple-choice questions to test real-world project management application.
PMP Exam Question Types
- Multiple-Choice Questions
- Choose the best answer from four options.
- These questions often test theoretical knowledge or best practices from the PMBOK Guide.
- Multiple-Response Questions
- Requires selecting two or more correct answers from a set of options.
- The question will specify how many answers are required.
- Matching Questions
- Candidates drag and drop answers to correctly pair items (e.g., matching project phases to their descriptions).
- Hotspot Questions
- Candidates click on an area of an image or diagram to mark their answer.
- Limited Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
- A short answer (such as a number or a term) is entered directly into a blank field.
Key Exam Strategy: Expect Scenario-Based Questions
Approximately 90% of the PMP exam questions are situational, meaning they present real-world project scenarios. These questions test your problem-solving ability, not just memorization.
PMP Exam Domains & Question Distribution
The PMP exam is based on the PMP Exam Content Outline (ECO). The 180 questions are divided across three domains:
| Domain | Percentage of Questions | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| People | 42% | Leadership, team management, stakeholder engagement |
| Process | 50% | Planning, executing, monitoring & controlling project work |
| Business Environment | 8% | Organizational strategy, governance, compliance |
Predictive vs. Agile vs. Hybrid
- About 50% of the PMP exam covers Agile and Hybrid methodologies.
- The other 50% covers traditional (Waterfall) project management.
- Situational questions test your ability to manage projects across different methodologies.
Scoring & Passing the PMP Exam
PMI does not disclose a fixed passing score. Instead, the exam is graded based on psychometric analysis.
- Candidates receive a pass/fail result.
- Your performance is measured against pre-determined competency levels.
- The three performance ratings for each domain are:
- Above Target (Excellent performance)
- Target (Meets competency level)
- Below Target (Below required standard)
Pro Tip: Don’t Waste Time on One Question
If a question is difficult, mark it for review and move on. You can always return to it later within the same section.
How to Prepare for the PMP Exam?
1. Study the Right Materials
- Read the PMBOK Guide (7th Edition & 6th Edition) & Agile Practice Guide.
- Use PMP exam prep books like Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep.
2. Take Practice Exams
- Simulated full-length PMP mock exams help improve time management.
- Aim for 75-80% on practice tests before attempting the real exam.
3. Understand Agile & Hybrid Approaches
- Since 50% of the PMP exam covers Agile/Hybrid, review Agile frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and SAFe.
4. Learn the PMP Exam Terminology
- The PMP exam heavily tests terminology from the PMBOK Guide.
- Familiarize yourself with key formulas, charts, and process flows.
Final Thoughts: Key Takeaways
✅ The PMP exam has 180 questions, with 175 scored and 5 unscored pretest questions.
✅ You have 230 minutes to complete the exam, with two 10-minute breaks.
✅ The exam covers People (42%), Process (50%), and Business Environment (8%).
✅ Expect a mix of multiple-choice, multiple-response, matching, hotspot, and fill-in-the-blank questions.
✅ The passing score is not fixed, so aim to score at least 75% on practice tests.
✅ The exam includes 50% Agile/Hybrid and 50% Predictive (Waterfall) approaches.
The PMP exam is challenging, but with proper preparation, practice, and time management, you can pass on your first attempt!
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