PMI PMP Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 21,2026- Exam Code: PMP
- Exam Name: Project Management Professional
- Certification Provider: PMI
- Latest update: Oct 21,2026
Question #21
A company is initiating a project to enhance one of its existing products. All of its products are developed internally.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Ensure the stakeholder engagement plan is accurate and properly documented.
- B . Review the lessons learned from the previous project
- C . Identify the risk of implementing the new solution and evaluate the impact on the project.
- D . Create a lessons learned document for the initiation phase
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Lessons learned are the documented information that reflects both the positive and negative experiences of a project. They help project managers and teams to learn from their successes and failures, and to apply that knowledge to improve current and future projects. Reviewing the lessons learned from the previous project is a good practice for the project manager to do before initiating a new project, especially if the new project is similar or related to the previous one. By reviewing the lessons learned, the project manager can identify what worked well and what did not work well in the previous project, and use that information to plan, execute, monitor, and control the new project more effectively and efficiently. The project manager can also avoid repeating the same mistakes, leverage the best practices, and incorporate the feedback and recommendations from the previous project stakeholders. This is part of the Develop Project Charter process, which aims to define the new project and authorize the project manager. The other options are not the best choices because they are not the first thing that the project manager should do before initiating a new project. Ensuring the stakeholder engagement plan is accurate and properly documented (option A) is an important activity, but it is done later in the planning phase, after the project charter is approved and the key stakeholders are identified. The stakeholder engagement plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how the project will communicate and interact with the stakeholders. Identifying the risk of implementing the new solution and evaluating the impact on the project (option C) is also an important activity, but it is done later in the planning phase, after the project scope, schedule, and cost are defined. The risk management plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how the project will identify, analyze, prioritize, respond, and monitor the project risks. Creating a lessons learned document for the initiation phase (option D) is a good practice, but it is done at the end of the initiation phase, not at the beginning. The lessons learned document is a project document that records the knowledge gained from the project activities and processes. It is updated throughout the project and finalized at the end of the project.
Reference: Project Management Professional (PMP) Reference Materials:
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 4: Project Integration Management, pp. 71-123
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 13: Project Stakeholder Management, pp. 513-558
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 11: Project Risk Management, pp. 395-440
Lessons learned – Project Management Institute Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) Reference Materials:
Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 2: Needs Assessment, pp. 25-40 Lessons learned – Project Management Institute
B
Explanation:
Lessons learned are the documented information that reflects both the positive and negative experiences of a project. They help project managers and teams to learn from their successes and failures, and to apply that knowledge to improve current and future projects. Reviewing the lessons learned from the previous project is a good practice for the project manager to do before initiating a new project, especially if the new project is similar or related to the previous one. By reviewing the lessons learned, the project manager can identify what worked well and what did not work well in the previous project, and use that information to plan, execute, monitor, and control the new project more effectively and efficiently. The project manager can also avoid repeating the same mistakes, leverage the best practices, and incorporate the feedback and recommendations from the previous project stakeholders. This is part of the Develop Project Charter process, which aims to define the new project and authorize the project manager. The other options are not the best choices because they are not the first thing that the project manager should do before initiating a new project. Ensuring the stakeholder engagement plan is accurate and properly documented (option A) is an important activity, but it is done later in the planning phase, after the project charter is approved and the key stakeholders are identified. The stakeholder engagement plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how the project will communicate and interact with the stakeholders. Identifying the risk of implementing the new solution and evaluating the impact on the project (option C) is also an important activity, but it is done later in the planning phase, after the project scope, schedule, and cost are defined. The risk management plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how the project will identify, analyze, prioritize, respond, and monitor the project risks. Creating a lessons learned document for the initiation phase (option D) is a good practice, but it is done at the end of the initiation phase, not at the beginning. The lessons learned document is a project document that records the knowledge gained from the project activities and processes. It is updated throughout the project and finalized at the end of the project.
Reference: Project Management Professional (PMP) Reference Materials:
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 4: Project Integration Management, pp. 71-123
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 13: Project Stakeholder Management, pp. 513-558
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 11: Project Risk Management, pp. 395-440
Lessons learned – Project Management Institute Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) Reference Materials:
Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 2: Needs Assessment, pp. 25-40 Lessons learned – Project Management Institute
Question #22
During a project’s initiation phase a lessons learned sharing session was held with the team from another project Low construction productivity was discussed as a potential delay to project completion
What should the project manager do next?
- A . Discuss this issue with the project sponsor to request additional funding to implement mitigation
- B . Hire a construction management consultant to develop a comprehensive site execution plan
- C . Prequalify contractors with proven track records to eliminate productivity concerns
- D . Add construction productivity to the risk register and develop a mitigation strategy for site execution
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
During the initiation phase of a project, the project manager and the team define the project idea, including project goals, scope, and resources1. If a potential risk, such as low construction productivity, is identified during a lessons learned sharing session, it should be added to the risk register1. The risk register is a document where all details of the identified risks are recorded. The project manager should then develop a mitigation strategy for site execution. This strategy could include various actions to address the risk, such as improving processes, providing additional training, or hiring additional resources. The goal is to reduce the impact of the risk on the project’s objectives.
Reference: Asana Resources | Project management, 4 Phases of the Project Management Lifecycle Explained | Coursera
D
Explanation:
During the initiation phase of a project, the project manager and the team define the project idea, including project goals, scope, and resources1. If a potential risk, such as low construction productivity, is identified during a lessons learned sharing session, it should be added to the risk register1. The risk register is a document where all details of the identified risks are recorded. The project manager should then develop a mitigation strategy for site execution. This strategy could include various actions to address the risk, such as improving processes, providing additional training, or hiring additional resources. The goal is to reduce the impact of the risk on the project’s objectives.
Reference: Asana Resources | Project management, 4 Phases of the Project Management Lifecycle Explained | Coursera
Question #23
A customer is concerned about the time required to complete a project and is asking the project team to reduce the number of iterations required to complete the product.
Which approach should the project manager take?
- A . Ask the team to raise blockers or impediments in daily meetings.
- B . Prioritize deliverables based on business value and define frequent releases.
- C . Ask the team to challenge the project estimations for a faster delivery.
- D . Prioritize the tasks with high risks to reduce the number of iterations required.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
In situations where a customer is concerned about the project timeline, it is essential to focus on delivering value efficiently. Prioritizing deliverables based on business value ensures that the most critical features are developed first. Defining frequent releases allows for quicker feedback loops and the ability to adjust priorities as needed, which can lead to a reduction in the number of iterations required to complete the product. This approach aligns with agile methodologies, which emphasize the importance of delivering valuable features quickly and continuously1.
Reference: PMI’s Practice: Iteration Planning Meeting1.
PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)2.
PMI’s. The PMI Guide to Business Analysis3.
B
Explanation:
In situations where a customer is concerned about the project timeline, it is essential to focus on delivering value efficiently. Prioritizing deliverables based on business value ensures that the most critical features are developed first. Defining frequent releases allows for quicker feedback loops and the ability to adjust priorities as needed, which can lead to a reduction in the number of iterations required to complete the product. This approach aligns with agile methodologies, which emphasize the importance of delivering valuable features quickly and continuously1.
Reference: PMI’s Practice: Iteration Planning Meeting1.
PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)2.
PMI’s. The PMI Guide to Business Analysis3.
Question #24
A project manager is leading a project with strict time constraints. In team meetings, one of the team members is always silent. The project manager determines that this team member is not knowledgeable about the technology solution. The project manager is concerned that this problem will impact productivity.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Assign an experienced team member to work with this member on a daily basis in order to
become knowledgeable about the technology. - B . Arrange formal training for this member to gain sufficient knowledge to reduce the impact on team performance.
- C . Let this team member understand the urgency and encourage them to spend extra time to become knowledgeable about the technology.
- D . Let the team lead the meeting discussions so that every member has a chance to prepare and speak up.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
In a situation where a team member is not knowledgeable about the technology solution, it is essential to address this knowledge gap to prevent any negative impact on the project’s productivity, especially under strict time constraints.
Option B is the most suitable as it provides a structured approach to learning and ensures that the team member gains the necessary knowledge in a formal setting. This approach is more likely to result in a thorough understanding of the technology, which is critical for the project’s success.
Reference: The answer is supported by the best practices outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), which suggests that project managers should develop their team’s competencies to enhance project performance. Additionally, the Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) reference materials emphasize the importance of training and skill development to equip team members with the necessary tools and knowledge to contribute effectively to the project.
B
Explanation:
In a situation where a team member is not knowledgeable about the technology solution, it is essential to address this knowledge gap to prevent any negative impact on the project’s productivity, especially under strict time constraints.
Option B is the most suitable as it provides a structured approach to learning and ensures that the team member gains the necessary knowledge in a formal setting. This approach is more likely to result in a thorough understanding of the technology, which is critical for the project’s success.
Reference: The answer is supported by the best practices outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), which suggests that project managers should develop their team’s competencies to enhance project performance. Additionally, the Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) reference materials emphasize the importance of training and skill development to equip team members with the necessary tools and knowledge to contribute effectively to the project.
Question #25
A project manager has been assigned to a hybrid project. The project manager needs to ensure all team members are collaborating and are aware of the project’s ongoing changes.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Send out daily emails with the project status and task lists to all team members.
- B . Meet daily with the project team and include a monthly report on the risks and issues.
- C . Distribute a project newsletter that includes any project changes and required project information.
- D . Encourage collaboration on a daily basis, facilitating different communication channels.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
In a hybrid project, which combines elements of both traditional and agile methodologies, it is crucial to maintain open and effective communication to ensure all team members are aligned and aware of ongoing changes. Daily collaboration and the use of various communication channels can help in achieving this. It allows for real-time updates, immediate feedback, and fosters a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. This approach is supported by the principles of hybrid project management, which emphasize flexibility, individuality, and communication123. By encouraging daily collaboration, the project manager ensures that the team can quickly adapt to changes and that all members are consistently informed and engaged in the project’s progress.
Reference: The answer is supported by resources on hybrid project management methodologies, which highlight the importance of communication and collaboration in such projects123. Additionally, the Professional in Business Analysis materials emphasize the role of communication in business analysis and project management456.
D
Explanation:
In a hybrid project, which combines elements of both traditional and agile methodologies, it is crucial to maintain open and effective communication to ensure all team members are aligned and aware of ongoing changes. Daily collaboration and the use of various communication channels can help in achieving this. It allows for real-time updates, immediate feedback, and fosters a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. This approach is supported by the principles of hybrid project management, which emphasize flexibility, individuality, and communication123. By encouraging daily collaboration, the project manager ensures that the team can quickly adapt to changes and that all members are consistently informed and engaged in the project’s progress.
Reference: The answer is supported by resources on hybrid project management methodologies, which highlight the importance of communication and collaboration in such projects123. Additionally, the Professional in Business Analysis materials emphasize the role of communication in business analysis and project management456.
Question #26
A project manager submits a version of the software that the project team created. During the review meeting, a team member informs the project manager of a recent regulation that requires a dual verification process in the software. However, the product sponsor strongly insists there should be no updates to the software.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Include the new requirement in the next iteration of the software without informing the sponsor.
- B . Inform the team that the sponsor decided to reject any changes and release the software as is.
- C . Release the software as is and start a new project to deliver the new requirements.
- D . Collect the requirements of the regulation and follow the change control process.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The project manager should not ignore the new regulation, as it may affect the quality, scope, and compliance of the software. Nor should the project manager bypass the sponsor’s authority and include the new requirement without approval. The project manager should also not release the software as is and start a new project, as this may create unnecessary rework, waste, and risk. The best option is to collect the requirements of the regulation and follow the change control process, which involves analyzing the impact of the change, obtaining approval from the sponsor and other stakeholders, and updating the project management plan and baselines accordingly. This way, the project manager can ensure that the software meets the customer’s needs and expectations, as well as the legal and regulatory requirements.
Reference: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)
PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 4.6.1, page 113
PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Guide, 2nd edition, section 5.3, page 87
D
Explanation:
The project manager should not ignore the new regulation, as it may affect the quality, scope, and compliance of the software. Nor should the project manager bypass the sponsor’s authority and include the new requirement without approval. The project manager should also not release the software as is and start a new project, as this may create unnecessary rework, waste, and risk. The best option is to collect the requirements of the regulation and follow the change control process, which involves analyzing the impact of the change, obtaining approval from the sponsor and other stakeholders, and updating the project management plan and baselines accordingly. This way, the project manager can ensure that the software meets the customer’s needs and expectations, as well as the legal and regulatory requirements.
Reference: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)
PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 4.6.1, page 113
PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Guide, 2nd edition, section 5.3, page 87
Question #27
During daily team standup meetings, team members constantly ask about which tasks they should focus on first.
How should the project manager ensure the team is fully productive?
- A . Review the project backlog during the team’s standup meeting.
- B . Encourage project team members to prioritize the product backlog.
- C . Ensure team members are working according to the project plan.
- D . Work with the product owner to ensure the project backlog is prioritized.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
In agile project management, the product owner is responsible for the product backlog, including its content, availability, and prioritization. The project manager (or Scrum Master in Scrum terminology) should collaborate with the product owner to ensure that the backlog is well-organized and prioritized according to the project’s needs. This helps team members understand which tasks are of highest priority during the standup meetings, thus enhancing productivity and focus.
Reference: Agile practices suggest that the product backlog should be a living document, constantly refined and prioritized. This is supported by the Agile Manifesto’s principles, which emphasize customer collaboration and responding to change over following a set plan.
D
Explanation:
In agile project management, the product owner is responsible for the product backlog, including its content, availability, and prioritization. The project manager (or Scrum Master in Scrum terminology) should collaborate with the product owner to ensure that the backlog is well-organized and prioritized according to the project’s needs. This helps team members understand which tasks are of highest priority during the standup meetings, thus enhancing productivity and focus.
Reference: Agile practices suggest that the product backlog should be a living document, constantly refined and prioritized. This is supported by the Agile Manifesto’s principles, which emphasize customer collaboration and responding to change over following a set plan.
Question #28
A project manager is assigned to a project that has a tight schedule. Due to recent market changes the marketing team has identified that a few features that were initially in the scope are no longer required
What should the project manager do?
- A . Advise the marketing team that at this stage of the project changes to the scope are no longer accepted
- B . Escalate the issue to the project management office (PMO) and make sure they understand the impact on the schedule due to the change
- C . Update the risk register with input from marketing and sales and highlight the benefits of the features m discussion
- D . Review the change request with the project stakeholders and evaluate the impact of the scope reduction
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
When changes to the project scope are identified, it’s important for the project manager to review these changes with the project stakeholders. This allows for a collective understanding of the impact of the scope reduction on the project’s objectives, deliverables, and schedule. It also ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and in agreement with the proposed changes. This approach is in line with the PMBOK® Guide’s emphasis on integrated change control, which involves reviewing all change requests, approving changes, and managing changes to deliverables, organizational process assets, project documents, and the project management plan.
Reference: PMBOK® Guide C Sixth Edition, Section 4.6: Perform Integrated Change Control
D
Explanation:
When changes to the project scope are identified, it’s important for the project manager to review these changes with the project stakeholders. This allows for a collective understanding of the impact of the scope reduction on the project’s objectives, deliverables, and schedule. It also ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and in agreement with the proposed changes. This approach is in line with the PMBOK® Guide’s emphasis on integrated change control, which involves reviewing all change requests, approving changes, and managing changes to deliverables, organizational process assets, project documents, and the project management plan.
Reference: PMBOK® Guide C Sixth Edition, Section 4.6: Perform Integrated Change Control
Question #29
A project sponsor has approved the project charter and business case. The project manager has reviewed the artifacts to initiate the project and is unclear if the intended benefits of the project align with the strategic objectives of the business.
What should the project manager do first?
- A . Start executing the project since leadership is responsible for the business strategy.
- B . Meet with the project sponsor to better understand the strategic benefits of the project.
- C . Propose an updated business case and project charter that are more aligned with the business strategy.
- D . Conduct qualitative and quantitative risk analysis and record the results in the risk register.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The project manager should first seek to understand how the project aligns with the strategic objectives of the business. This involves engaging with the project sponsor to clarify the strategic benefits and ensure that the project will deliver value in line with the business’s goals. This approach is consistent with the PMI’s guidance, which emphasizes the importance of aligning projects with an organization’s strategy and objectives to ensure that they contribute to its success.
Reference: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) C Sixth Edition1.
The PMI Guide to Business Analysis2.
PMP Examination Content Outline3.
B
Explanation:
The project manager should first seek to understand how the project aligns with the strategic objectives of the business. This involves engaging with the project sponsor to clarify the strategic benefits and ensure that the project will deliver value in line with the business’s goals. This approach is consistent with the PMI’s guidance, which emphasizes the importance of aligning projects with an organization’s strategy and objectives to ensure that they contribute to its success.
Reference: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) C Sixth Edition1.
The PMI Guide to Business Analysis2.
PMP Examination Content Outline3.
Question #30
A project manager has been assigned to a project after the charter has been approved. While reviewing the charter with the team, the project manager finds that some major budget items, necessary for achieving the project outcome, have been missed.
What should the project manager do next?
- A . Reduce the quality and cost of other deliverables to allow additional budget for the items that were missed.
- B . Start the project and deal with these budget issues as they arise throughout the project life cycle.
- C . Add the missing budget items to the risk log and present them in the next project steering committee.
- D . Immediately discuss this with the project sponsor and request to revisit the budget to ensure its accuracy.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
According to PMI’s best practices, a project manager should communicate any discrepancies found in the project charter, especially those related to the budget, as soon as possible. It is crucial to address these issues early on to avoid future risks and to ensure that the project has all the necessary resources for successful completion. The project manager should not start the project with known gaps in the budget or reduce the quality of deliverables to compensate for budgeting errors.
Reference: PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) C Sixth Edition.
D
Explanation:
According to PMI’s best practices, a project manager should communicate any discrepancies found in the project charter, especially those related to the budget, as soon as possible. It is crucial to address these issues early on to avoid future risks and to ensure that the project has all the necessary resources for successful completion. The project manager should not start the project with known gaps in the budget or reduce the quality of deliverables to compensate for budgeting errors.
Reference: PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) C Sixth Edition.