PMI PMP Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 22,2026- Exam Code: PMP
- Exam Name: Project Management Professional
- Certification Provider: PMI
- Latest update: Oct 22,2026
Question #201
A new privacy law will go into effect at the beginning of the next calendar year. The project manager realizes the project needs to be compliant with the new law.
What should the project manager do next?
- A . Inform the project steering committee of this constraint.
- B . Inform the project team and create a spike for the next Iteration.
- C . Inform the legal department that the project scope will be updated.
- D . Inform the product owner that the project will continue as planned.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
A spike is a time-boxed activity that is used to explore a specific topic or issue, such as a new requirement, a technical challenge, or a risk. A spike can help the project team to gain more knowledge, reduce uncertainty, and plan better. In this case, the project manager should inform the project team of the new privacy law and create a spike for the next iteration to investigate how to comply with it and what impact it will have on the project scope, schedule, cost, and quality.
Reference: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 6.2.3.2; Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Guide, 2nd edition, section 5.2.3.2.
B
Explanation:
A spike is a time-boxed activity that is used to explore a specific topic or issue, such as a new requirement, a technical challenge, or a risk. A spike can help the project team to gain more knowledge, reduce uncertainty, and plan better. In this case, the project manager should inform the project team of the new privacy law and create a spike for the next iteration to investigate how to comply with it and what impact it will have on the project scope, schedule, cost, and quality.
Reference: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 6.2.3.2; Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Guide, 2nd edition, section 5.2.3.2.
Question #202
During regular project progress review meetings, one team member shares bad news that has a significant impact on the project schedule.
How should the project manager react to ensure the project remains successful?
- A . Focus the discussion on recovery and ways to get back on track.
- B . Act in a way to highlight the criticality of the situation.
- C . Punish the team member for providing negative data that will affect the team’s morale.
- D . Thank the team member for raising this issue, log it, and move on to the next topic.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The PMBOK Guide and PMP objectives emphasize the importance of a proactive approach to project management, which includes focusing on recovery and corrective actions when faced with setbacks. When bad news is shared that impacts the project schedule, it is crucial for the project manager to
maintain a positive outlook and lead the team towards finding solutions to get back on track. This involves analyzing the situation, understanding the implications, and working collaboratively with the team to develop a recovery plan. It is not productive to punish team members for sharing bad news, as this can create a negative atmosphere and discourage open communication. Instead, the project manager should encourage transparency and use the information to make informed decisions that steer the project towards success12.
Reference: PMI’s guidelines on delivering bad news and focusing on recovery plans1.
PMBOK Guide’s principles on proactive project management and problem-solving2.
A
Explanation:
The PMBOK Guide and PMP objectives emphasize the importance of a proactive approach to project management, which includes focusing on recovery and corrective actions when faced with setbacks. When bad news is shared that impacts the project schedule, it is crucial for the project manager to
maintain a positive outlook and lead the team towards finding solutions to get back on track. This involves analyzing the situation, understanding the implications, and working collaboratively with the team to develop a recovery plan. It is not productive to punish team members for sharing bad news, as this can create a negative atmosphere and discourage open communication. Instead, the project manager should encourage transparency and use the information to make informed decisions that steer the project towards success12.
Reference: PMI’s guidelines on delivering bad news and focusing on recovery plans1.
PMBOK Guide’s principles on proactive project management and problem-solving2.
Question #203
A project manager is nearing completion of an automation project. One of the key stakeholders requests a meeting to discuss some new ideas that would make the project even more appealing to end users. As a result, the stakeholder suggests that the project manager does not close the project.
What should the project manager do first?
- A . Update the project charter with the new requirement.
- B . Add a risk to the risk register.
- C . Add it to the issue log as an ongoing issue.
- D . Review and validate the scope management plan.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
When a stakeholder requests changes that could impact the project scope, the project manager should first review and validate the scope management plan. This plan outlines how scope changes are managed and controlled. If the new ideas are not covered within the existing project scope, they may require a formal change request and impact analysis before proceeding. This ensures that any changes align with project objectives and do not adversely affect project constraints such as time, cost, and quality.
Reference: Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) C Sixth Edition.
Project Scope Management according to the PMBOK1.
The PMBOK’s Project Scope Management Knowledge Area2.
Project scope management: Plan, template, and guide3.
D
Explanation:
When a stakeholder requests changes that could impact the project scope, the project manager should first review and validate the scope management plan. This plan outlines how scope changes are managed and controlled. If the new ideas are not covered within the existing project scope, they may require a formal change request and impact analysis before proceeding. This ensures that any changes align with project objectives and do not adversely affect project constraints such as time, cost, and quality.
Reference: Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) C Sixth Edition.
Project Scope Management according to the PMBOK1.
The PMBOK’s Project Scope Management Knowledge Area2.
Project scope management: Plan, template, and guide3.
Question #204
A project is being initiated, and almost every resource available on the project team is a recent university graduate.
What should the project manager do to ensure their engagement with the project?
- A . Provide clear direction on the work to be done and its alignment to the major objectives of the organization, using technology to communicate.
- B . Establish a clear hierarchical environment and allow them to navigate through the project faster using social networks.
- C . Foster proactive decision making and develop a hierarchy to approve decisions based on different
levels of complexity. - D . Create an environment that encourages leadership, translates ambitions into growth opportunities, and rewards overtime workers.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
According to the PMBOK Guide, a project manager is responsible for leading and motivating the project team and ensuring their engagement with the project. A project manager should create an environment that encourages leadership, translates ambitions into growth opportunities, and rewards overtime workers when working with a project team composed of recent university graduates. This will help to inspire, empower, and recognize the team members, and to align their personal and professional goals with the project objectives. Creating an environment that encourages leadership, translates ambitions into growth opportunities, and rewards overtime workers is the best action that the project manager should take in this situation. Providing clear direction on the work to be done and its alignment to the major objectives of the organization, using technology to communicate (A) may be a necessary action, but not sufficient to ensure the team’s engagement, as it may not address their needs, interests, and expectations. Establishing a clear hierarchical environment and allowing them to navigate through the project faster using social networks (B) may not be effective or appropriate, as it may create a rigid or bureaucratic structure, and undermine the team’s collaboration and communication. Fostering proactive decision making and developing a hierarchy to approve decisions based on different levels of complexity © may be a good practice, but not the best one, as it may not create a conducive environment for the team’s development and growth.
Reference: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 349-350, 361-362.
D
Explanation:
According to the PMBOK Guide, a project manager is responsible for leading and motivating the project team and ensuring their engagement with the project. A project manager should create an environment that encourages leadership, translates ambitions into growth opportunities, and rewards overtime workers when working with a project team composed of recent university graduates. This will help to inspire, empower, and recognize the team members, and to align their personal and professional goals with the project objectives. Creating an environment that encourages leadership, translates ambitions into growth opportunities, and rewards overtime workers is the best action that the project manager should take in this situation. Providing clear direction on the work to be done and its alignment to the major objectives of the organization, using technology to communicate (A) may be a necessary action, but not sufficient to ensure the team’s engagement, as it may not address their needs, interests, and expectations. Establishing a clear hierarchical environment and allowing them to navigate through the project faster using social networks (B) may not be effective or appropriate, as it may create a rigid or bureaucratic structure, and undermine the team’s collaboration and communication. Fostering proactive decision making and developing a hierarchy to approve decisions based on different levels of complexity © may be a good practice, but not the best one, as it may not create a conducive environment for the team’s development and growth.
Reference: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 349-350, 361-362.
Question #205
A project has a very tight delivery schedule. The project is approaching the delivery date, and the project sponsor often sends the project manager alerts to avoid any schedule slippage. The project team has performed at an acceptable level until new, but the project manager wants to ensure that team’s performance level is performance is maintained until the end.
What action should the project manager take to motivate the project team’s performance?
- A . Award certificates of appreciation to encourage the team
- B . Inform the team about the delivery pressure from the project sponsor
- C . Send a formal notice to team members instructing them to maintain performance
- D . Hire a few temporary team members to help with the additional work.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
According to the PBA Guide, one of the techniques for managing stakeholder engagement is recognition and rewards, which can be used to motivate and appreciate the team members for their contributions and achievements1. The PMP Exam Content Outline also lists recognition and rewards as one of the tools and techniques for leading a team2. Awarding certificates of appreciation is an example of recognition and rewards that can boost the team’s morale and performance. Informing the team about the delivery pressure from the project sponsor may increase their stress and anxiety, which can negatively affect their performance. Sending a formal notice to team members instructing them to maintain performance may be perceived as a threat or a punishment, which can also demotivate the team. Hiring a few temporary team members to help with the additional work may introduce new risks and challenges, such as communication issues, learning curves, and integration problems, which can delay the project further.
Reference:
1: PBA Guide, Chapter 6, Section 6.4.3.5 Recognition and Rewards
2: PMP Exam Content Outline, Domain II: People, Task 8: Lead a team
A
Explanation:
According to the PBA Guide, one of the techniques for managing stakeholder engagement is recognition and rewards, which can be used to motivate and appreciate the team members for their contributions and achievements1. The PMP Exam Content Outline also lists recognition and rewards as one of the tools and techniques for leading a team2. Awarding certificates of appreciation is an example of recognition and rewards that can boost the team’s morale and performance. Informing the team about the delivery pressure from the project sponsor may increase their stress and anxiety, which can negatively affect their performance. Sending a formal notice to team members instructing them to maintain performance may be perceived as a threat or a punishment, which can also demotivate the team. Hiring a few temporary team members to help with the additional work may introduce new risks and challenges, such as communication issues, learning curves, and integration problems, which can delay the project further.
Reference:
1: PBA Guide, Chapter 6, Section 6.4.3.5 Recognition and Rewards
2: PMP Exam Content Outline, Domain II: People, Task 8: Lead a team
Question #206
A town wants to build a community center and has appointed a project manager. A site was found, and all of the necessary approvals and governance were completed. When the project kick-off was held, it was discovered that a local farmers’ group was not consulted, and they use the site for a monthly market.
What should the project manager do to move forward with the project?
- A . Continue building the center as the farmers’ group does not need to be consulted.
- B . Document a risk related to the impact that the farmers’ group could bring to the project.
- C . Request that the project sponsor discuss compensation with the farmers’ group for the lost business.
- D . Discuss the project objectives with all stakeholders, including the farmers’ group, and review their requirements.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
In this scenario, the project manager should engage with all stakeholders, including the farmers’ group, to discuss the project objectives and review their requirements. This is in line with the best practices of stakeholder engagement and management, which are critical for the success of any project. By involving the farmers’ group, the project manager can understand their needs and concerns, and work towards a solution that accommodates all parties involved. This approach not only helps in mitigating risks but also ensures that the project delivers value to all stakeholders.
Reference: The importance of stakeholder engagement is highlighted in PMI’s resources on project management and business analysis. Engaging stakeholders for project success is a key aspect of the PMI’s guidance on project management1. Additionally, the role of business analysts in gathering stakeholder requirements and ensuring that projects deliver the expected business benefit is emphasized in PMI’s Professional in Business Analysis materials2.
D
Explanation:
In this scenario, the project manager should engage with all stakeholders, including the farmers’ group, to discuss the project objectives and review their requirements. This is in line with the best practices of stakeholder engagement and management, which are critical for the success of any project. By involving the farmers’ group, the project manager can understand their needs and concerns, and work towards a solution that accommodates all parties involved. This approach not only helps in mitigating risks but also ensures that the project delivers value to all stakeholders.
Reference: The importance of stakeholder engagement is highlighted in PMI’s resources on project management and business analysis. Engaging stakeholders for project success is a key aspect of the PMI’s guidance on project management1. Additionally, the role of business analysts in gathering stakeholder requirements and ensuring that projects deliver the expected business benefit is emphasized in PMI’s Professional in Business Analysis materials2.
Question #207
A project sponsor would like to include a new deliverable. The sponsor contacts the project manager in order to seek advice on the most efficient approach to complete the deliverable within the next 2 months.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Change the project methodology in order to achieve completion of the deliverable within 2 months.
- B . Advise the sponsor that it is not the project manager’s job to evaluate the project.
- C . Suggest that the sponsor conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine feasibility.
- D . Use the management reserve in order to expedite completion of the deliverable within 2 months.
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
When a new deliverable is proposed, the project manager should evaluate its impact on the project’s scope, time, cost, and quality. A cost-benefit analysis is a systematic approach to estimate the strengths and weaknesses of alternatives and is used to determine options that provide the best approach to achieve benefits while preserving savings12. It involves comparing the expected costs of project actions to the expected benefits in order to choose the best option3.
Reference: Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge
(PMBOK® Guide) C Sixth Edition.
ProjectManager.com. (2023). Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Quick Guide with Examples and Templates1.
Wrike.com. (2023). Cost-Benefit Analysis in Project Management Explained2.
Project-management.com. (2023). Cost Benefit Analysis – Formula, Example & Definition3.
C
Explanation:
When a new deliverable is proposed, the project manager should evaluate its impact on the project’s scope, time, cost, and quality. A cost-benefit analysis is a systematic approach to estimate the strengths and weaknesses of alternatives and is used to determine options that provide the best approach to achieve benefits while preserving savings12. It involves comparing the expected costs of project actions to the expected benefits in order to choose the best option3.
Reference: Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge
(PMBOK® Guide) C Sixth Edition.
ProjectManager.com. (2023). Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Quick Guide with Examples and Templates1.
Wrike.com. (2023). Cost-Benefit Analysis in Project Management Explained2.
Project-management.com. (2023). Cost Benefit Analysis – Formula, Example & Definition3.
Question #208
A project to construct an electricity generation plant is on site near a nature reserve. An environmental activist group is questioning the need for the project. The customer has informed the project manager to disregard the group as they are not in support of the project.
What should the project manager do next?
- A . Ask the customer to contact the activist group and let them know the project status and completion date.
- B . Add the activist group to the list of stakeholders and analyze the impact they may have on project delivery.
- C . Obey the directive from the customer since they are funding the project and are the most important stakeholder.
- D . Request the project team disregard all communication from the activist group and continue with their project work.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The PMBOK® Guide emphasizes the importance of identifying all stakeholders and understanding their influence and impact on the project. In this scenario, the environmental activist group, being concerned with the project’s proximity to a nature reserve, qualifies as a stakeholder. Their concerns could impact project delivery, public perception, and regulatory compliance. Therefore, the project manager should add the group to the stakeholder list and analyze their potential impact as part of the stakeholder engagement process12. This aligns with the principles of stakeholder management and engagement, which are crucial for project success and are also reflected in the Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) reference materials, where managing stakeholder expectations and engagement is a key aspect of business analysis34.
Reference: This response is informed by the PMBOK® Guide’s approach to stakeholder management12, as well as the practices outlined in the Professional in Business Analysis reference materials regarding stakeholder engagement and management34.
B
Explanation:
The PMBOK® Guide emphasizes the importance of identifying all stakeholders and understanding their influence and impact on the project. In this scenario, the environmental activist group, being concerned with the project’s proximity to a nature reserve, qualifies as a stakeholder. Their concerns could impact project delivery, public perception, and regulatory compliance. Therefore, the project manager should add the group to the stakeholder list and analyze their potential impact as part of the stakeholder engagement process12. This aligns with the principles of stakeholder management and engagement, which are crucial for project success and are also reflected in the Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) reference materials, where managing stakeholder expectations and engagement is a key aspect of business analysis34.
Reference: This response is informed by the PMBOK® Guide’s approach to stakeholder management12, as well as the practices outlined in the Professional in Business Analysis reference materials regarding stakeholder engagement and management34.
Question #209
A business analyst on the project meets the customer in the elevator and says that due to constant changes in requirements the development of the product will take more time than expected.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Submit a change request to the change control board (CCB) in order to reflect the new requirements and longer timeline of the project
- B . Refer to the resource management plan to find out if more business analysts may be assigned to process the requirements changes
- C . Point out to the project team and the customer that all information concerning the timeline of the project should be communicated by the project manager.
- D . Explain that distribution of important news can only be done using traceable communication methods
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
According to the PMBOK® Guide, the project manager is responsible for managing the communication among stakeholders, and ensuring that the information needs of the project are met (Section 10.1). The project manager should also establish and enforce the ground rules for communication within the project team, and address any issues that may arise from unauthorized or inappropriate communication (Section 9.3.2.4). By pointing out to the project team and the customer that all information concerning the timeline of the project should be communicated by the project manager, the project manager can prevent confusion, misunderstanding, and conflict among the stakeholders, and maintain control over the project scope and schedule. This is also consistent with the Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline, which states that one of the tasks of a business analyst is to “communicate requirements information to stakeholders according to the communication plan” (Task 4.3).
Reference: PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Section 10.1, Section 9.3.2.4
Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline, Task 4.3
C
Explanation:
According to the PMBOK® Guide, the project manager is responsible for managing the communication among stakeholders, and ensuring that the information needs of the project are met (Section 10.1). The project manager should also establish and enforce the ground rules for communication within the project team, and address any issues that may arise from unauthorized or inappropriate communication (Section 9.3.2.4). By pointing out to the project team and the customer that all information concerning the timeline of the project should be communicated by the project manager, the project manager can prevent confusion, misunderstanding, and conflict among the stakeholders, and maintain control over the project scope and schedule. This is also consistent with the Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline, which states that one of the tasks of a business analyst is to “communicate requirements information to stakeholders according to the communication plan” (Task 4.3).
Reference: PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Section 10.1, Section 9.3.2.4
Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline, Task 4.3
Question #210
A company has decided to initiate a project to eliminate a sales channel that has been unprofitable for the past 3 years. Some members of the project team are pessimistic about the project.
What should the project manager do in this situation?
- A . Engage the functional managers to describe the project’s impact to the team members directly.
- B . Provide team members with specific and clear instructions on the project objectives and tasks.
- C . Communicate the project’s impact and plans to engage the project team throughout the project.
- D . Escalate the team’s concerns and ask the project sponsor to change the team’s composition.
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Effective communication is a cornerstone of project management, particularly when dealing with changes that may affect team morale. The project manager should openly communicate the project’s impact and involve the team in the planning process. This approach not only helps in managing the change effectively but also in addressing the concerns of the team members, thereby fostering a collaborative project team environment. Engaging the team throughout the project helps in building a common understanding and ensures that everyone is aligned with the project’s objectives12.
Reference: Create a collaborative project team environment:: PMBOK® Guide1.
PMBOK 7 principles:: PMBOK® Guide2.
C
Explanation:
Effective communication is a cornerstone of project management, particularly when dealing with changes that may affect team morale. The project manager should openly communicate the project’s impact and involve the team in the planning process. This approach not only helps in managing the change effectively but also in addressing the concerns of the team members, thereby fostering a collaborative project team environment. Engaging the team throughout the project helps in building a common understanding and ensures that everyone is aligned with the project’s objectives12.
Reference: Create a collaborative project team environment:: PMBOK® Guide1.
PMBOK 7 principles:: PMBOK® Guide2.