Preparing for the PMP (Project Management Professional) exam can be overwhelming due to the vast amount of knowledge required. However, with the right tools, you can simplify your study process and significantly increase your chances of passing. One of the most effective resources at your disposal is a PMP tasks cheat sheet—a condensed, structured guide that highlights key concepts, tasks, process groups, knowledge areas, and essential formulas for PMP exam success.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to understand, apply, and master to pass the PMP exam confidently. Whether you’re an experienced project manager or new to PMP certification, this cheat sheet will serve as your go-to reference for both exam preparation and real-world project management applications.
Understanding the PMP Exam Structure
Before diving into the details of PMP tasks, it’s essential to understand the exam structure and format. The Project Management Institute (PMI) bases the PMP exam on the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge) and real-world project management best practices.
PMP Exam Format Overview
- Total Questions: 180 (previously 200, updated by PMI)
- Types of Questions:
- Multiple-choice
- Multiple responses
- Drag and drop
- Hotspot questions
- Fill-in-the-blank
- Time Limit: 230 minutes (3 hours and 50 minutes)
- Breaks: Two 10-minute breaks
- Passing Score: PMI does not disclose an official passing score, but it is estimated to be around 61%–65%.
PMP Exam Domains
The exam is structured around three domains, each representing a key aspect of project management:
- People (42%) – Focuses on leadership, team management, and communication.
- Process (50%) – Covers the technical aspects of project management, including planning, executing, monitoring, and closing projects.
- Business Environment (8%) – Ensures alignment between projects and organizational strategy.
Understanding these domains helps prioritize your study efforts, focusing on the highest-weighted sections.
PMP Process Groups and Knowledge Areas
The PMP exam covers five process groups and ten knowledge areas, each containing specific project management tasks that candidates must master.
The Five PMP Process Groups
Each project progresses through five process groups:
- Initiating – Defines the project and secures approval.
- Planning – Develops a detailed roadmap to meet project goals.
- Executing – Implements the project plan and manages teams.
- Monitoring & Controlling – Tracks project performance and makes adjustments.
- Closing – Finalizes deliverables and ensures stakeholder satisfaction.
The Ten PMP Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge Area | Key Tasks |
|---|---|
| Integration Management | Develop project charter, manage project work, perform integrated change control, close project or phase. |
| Scope Management | Define scope, collect requirements, create WBS (Work Breakdown Structure), validate and control scope. |
| Schedule Management | Define activities, estimate durations, develop and control the project schedule. |
| Cost Management | Estimate costs, determine budget, monitor and control project costs. |
| Quality Management | Plan, manage, and control project quality. |
| Resource Management | Plan, acquire, develop, and manage project teams and resources. |
| Communications Management | Plan, manage, and monitor project communications. |
| Risk Management | Identify, analyze, plan responses, implement responses, and monitor risks. |
| Procurement Management | Plan, conduct, and control procurements. |
| Stakeholder Management | Identify stakeholders, plan engagement, manage and monitor stakeholder expectations. |
Understanding how these knowledge areas integrate within process groups is crucial for answering scenario-based PMP questions effectively.
PMP Certification Tasks Breakdown
The PMP tasks cheat sheet is structured around specific responsibilities that project managers must perform. Here’s a breakdown by process group:
1. Initiating Phase Tasks
- Develop the Project Charter and obtain stakeholder approval.
- Identify stakeholders and develop a stakeholder engagement strategy.
2. Planning Phase Tasks
- Define project scope, schedule, and cost baselines.
- Identify risks and create mitigation strategies.
- Develop a communication, procurement, and stakeholder engagement plan.
3. Executing Phase Tasks
- Manage team performance and resolve conflicts.
- Implement quality assurance processes.
- Ensure effective stakeholder engagement and maintain transparency.
4. Monitoring and Controlling Phase Tasks
- Measure performance using Earned Value Management (EVM).
- Implement change control procedures.
- Track and mitigate project risks.
5. Closing Phase Tasks
- Conduct final project evaluations and secure stakeholder sign-offs.
- Ensure all lessons learned are documented for future projects.
By memorizing and practicing these tasks, you’ll be better prepared to apply them in real-world projects and answer PMP exam questions accurately.
PMP Formulas and Critical Path Cheat Sheet
The PMP exam often includes calculations for cost, schedule, and performance metrics. Here are some essential formulas:
Earned Value Management (EVM) Formulas
- Planned Value (PV) = % Planned Work × Budget at Completion (BAC)
- Earned Value (EV) = % Completed Work × BAC
- Actual Cost (AC) = Costs incurred so far
- Cost Performance Index (CPI) = EV / AC
- Schedule Performance Index (SPI) = EV / PV
- Estimate at Completion (EAC) = BAC / CPI
Critical Path Method (CPM) Formulas
- Float (Slack) = LS – ES or LF – EF
- Early Start (ES) & Late Start (LS) = Determine the earliest and latest times an activity can start.
- Early Finish (EF) & Late Finish (LF) = Identify the earliest and latest finish times.
Having a cheat sheet for these formulas ensures you can quickly recall and apply them during the exam.
PMP Exam Study Strategies for Success
1. Use a PMP Tasks Cheat Sheet PDF
A condensed, structured study guide helps with quick revisions before the exam.
2. Take Full-Length Mock Exams
Simulate real test conditions to improve time management and accuracy.
3. Create Visual Study Aids
Use mind maps, flowcharts, and flashcards for better memory retention. Buy the 800+ PMP Flashcard E-Book by Diptish.
4. Engage in a Study Group
Join PMP study groups to discuss difficult topics and clarify doubts.
5. Apply Concepts to Real-World Projects
Practicing PMP tasks in real projects strengthens your understanding and problem-solving skills.
Final Thoughts: Master Your PMP Exam with a Cheat Sheet
A PMP tasks cheat sheet is an essential tool for mastering the exam’s key concepts, tasks, and formulas. Breaking down PMP process groups, knowledge areas, and formulas into bite-sized, actionable insights boosts confidence and efficiency in answering exam questions.
By studying strategically, practising consistently, and leveraging structured resources, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the PMP exam and excel in project management.
Good luck on your PMP journey!
