How Many Questions Is the PMP Exam

How Many Questions Are on the PMP Exam? Everything You Need to Know

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 QuestionsScored QuestionsUnscored (Pretest) Questions
1801755

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.

PMP Exam timeframes and breaks

Exam Timing & Breaks

Exam SectionQuestionsTime AllocatedBreak Allowed?
First Section60~80 minutesYes (10 min)
Second Section60~80 minutesYes (10 min)
Final Section60~70 minutesNo
  • 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

  1. Multiple-Choice Questions
    • Choose the best answer from four options.
    • These questions often test theoretical knowledge or best practices from the PMBOK Guide.
  2. Multiple-Response Questions
    • Requires selecting two or more correct answers from a set of options.
    • The question will specify how many answers are required.
  3. Matching Questions
    • Candidates drag and drop answers to correctly pair items (e.g., matching project phases to their descriptions).
  4. Hotspot Questions
    • Candidates click on an area of an image or diagram to mark their answer.
  5. 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:

DomainPercentage of QuestionsFocus Areas
People42%Leadership, team management, stakeholder engagement
Process50%Planning, executing, monitoring & controlling project work
Business Environment8%Organizational strategy, governance, compliance
Distribution of PMP Exam Questions by Domain

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

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!

PMP Tasks Cheat Sheet

The Ultimate PMP Tasks Cheat Sheet: Maximize Your Exam Success

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:

  1. People (42%) – Focuses on leadership, team management, and communication.
  2. Process (50%) – Covers the technical aspects of project management, including planning, executing, monitoring, and closing projects.
  3. 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:

  1. Initiating – Defines the project and secures approval.
  2. Planning – Develops a detailed roadmap to meet project goals.
  3. Executing – Implements the project plan and manages teams.
  4. Monitoring & Controlling – Tracks project performance and makes adjustments.
  5. Closing – Finalizes deliverables and ensures stakeholder satisfaction.

The Ten PMP Knowledge Areas

Knowledge AreaKey Tasks
Integration ManagementDevelop project charter, manage project work, perform integrated change control, close project or phase.
Scope ManagementDefine scope, collect requirements, create WBS (Work Breakdown Structure), validate and control scope.
Schedule ManagementDefine activities, estimate durations, develop and control the project schedule.
Cost ManagementEstimate costs, determine budget, monitor and control project costs.
Quality ManagementPlan, manage, and control project quality.
Resource ManagementPlan, acquire, develop, and manage project teams and resources.
Communications ManagementPlan, manage, and monitor project communications.
Risk ManagementIdentify, analyze, plan responses, implement responses, and monitor risks.
Procurement ManagementPlan, conduct, and control procurements.
Stakeholder ManagementIdentify 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!

PMP vs. CAPM

PMP vs CAPM: Which Project Management Certification is Right for You in 2025?

In project management, certifications are essential for showcasing expertise, commitment, and preparedness for challenging projects. Two of the most esteemed credentials in this field are the Project Management Professional (PMP) and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), both awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP is known for its high standards and […]