PMP Exam Passing Score

The Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam, administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is designed to test your knowledge and application of project management concepts, methodologies, and practices. As of January 2021, the exam has been updated to reflect changes in the PMP Exam Content Outline and industry practices.

Exam Structure

The PMP exam consists of 180 questions, which include:

• 175 scored questions
• 5 unscored (pretest) questions

The pretest questions are used by PMI to validate future exam content and do not affect your score.

The exam questions are distributed across three domains, as outlined in the PMP Exam Content Outline:

Exam Duration and Breaks

The total duration of the PMP exam is 230 minutes (3 hours and 50 minutes). Candidates are allowed two optional 10-minute breaks, which occur as follows:

1. After completing the first set of 60 questions.
2. After completing the second set of 60 questions.

During these breaks:

• You may leave the testing room.
• The timer will pause.

Once you resume the exam after each break, you cannot go back to the previous set of questions. This structure effectively divides the exam into three sections of 60 questions each.

Types of Questions

The PMP exam includes the following types of questions:

1. Multiple Choice: Select the best answer from the options provided.
2. Multiple Responses: Choose two or more correct answers from a list.
3. Drag and Drop: Match items or organize them in the correct sequence.
4. Hotspot Questions: Click on specific areas of an image to answer.
5. Fill-in-the-Blank Questions: Provide short responses based on the question.

Passing Score and Evaluation

PMI uses a psychometric analysis approach to determine the passing score. Key features include:

• There is no fixed passing score; it varies for each candidate based on the difficulty of their specific exam.
• Questions have different weightings based on their complexity. Some questions may score higher than others.

Upon completion, candidates receive an exam summary report with their performance categorized into proficiency levels for each domain:

• Above Target
• Target
• Below Target
• Needs Improvement

To pass, candidates should aim to score “Target” or “Above Target” in high-weight domains (People and Process). Performance in lower-weight domains (Business Environment) is less critical but still contributes to the overall result.

Domains Breakdown

The exam is designed to assess your competency across three key domains:

1. People (42%)
   Focuses on leadership skills, team dynamics, and conflict resolution. Sample topics include:
   • Managing conflict.
   • Supporting team performance.
   • Empowering and leading virtual teams.
   • Mentoring and coaching stakeholders.
2. Process (50%)
   Centers on technical aspects of project management. Topics include:
   • Developing project plans and schedules.
   • Managing project scope, cost, and quality.
   • Risk management.
   • Leveraging Agile and predictive methodologies.
3. Business Environment (8%)
   Addresses the broader context of projects within organizational strategy. Topics include:
   • Understanding compliance and governance.
   • Supporting project alignment with organizational objectives.
   • Managing the impact of external business factors on the project.

Additional Exam Details

• Eligibility Criteria:
  Candidates must meet specific education and professional experience requirements, as outlined in the PMP Handbook.
• Language Aids:
  The PMP exam is offered in English but provides language aids for non-native speakers, including translations for terminology and concepts.
• Exam Preparation Tips:
  • Familiarize yourself with the PMBOK® Guide and Agile frameworks.
  • Practice using mock exams to build time management skills.
  • Focus on high-weight domains (People and Process) for optimal scoring.
• Exam Format Options:
  • Online Proctored Exam: Taken remotely with strict monitoring.
  • In-Person Exam: Administered at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center.

Key Takeaways

• The PMP exam emphasizes practical application across three domains: People (42%), Process (50%), and Business Environment (8%).
• The exam includes 180 questions with a total duration of 230 minutes, divided into three sections with two optional 10-minute breaks.
• A psychometric scoring system ensures fair evaluation, with no fixed passing score.

Understanding these details will help you approach the PMP exam confidently and strategically. Preparation should prioritize high-weight domains and focus on achieving “Target” or “Above Target” proficiency levels for success.