PMP Exam Question Styles

Here is a question that I receive a lot from my PMP and CAPM students:

"I have purchased the PMP preparation book from Author X and it helps me a lot in my studies. There are also a lot of sample questions in the book. But I was wondering this: How close are these questions in the book to the real exam questions? Are the real ones written in a similar style? Will the real ones be more difficult?"

Let me first of all say that as a PMP I am not allowed to discuss any specific questions that I have seen on my own exam. This is one of the terms and conditions that we all agree to as we sign up for the exam. But I can discuss this question in general terms. So here are my thoughts:

One of the volunteer positions that any PMI member can apply for is to become an author for PMP exam questions. And there are hundreds of PMI volunteers throughout the world who are helping out in this capacity. These volunteers come from many industries and they all have their own areas of interest. They each have their separate careers, experience or training in project management. Therefore, the "real" PMP exam questions are going to reflect this diversity. You can expect to see easy questions, moderate questions and difficult questions. You will see questions that have a "good" writing style and you will see questions that have a "bad" writing style even though all questions undoubtedly go through an editorial process by the PMI.

For you this means that you should also not just focus on "one book" or "one style" as you prepare for the PMP exam. There are dozens and dozens of inexpensive and free resources available on the web. Some are good, some are bad and some are really ugly. Nevertheless, each one of them will show you a possible, different aspect of what question styles and difficulty levels you can expect. I always recommend the following approach:

• Read the PMBOK® Guide . Twice.
• Listen to The Project Management PrepCast
• Buy at least 1 PMP Exam prep Book
• Search for the many free PMP exam overviews on the web and read them.
• Use an online exam simulator and pay for their questions
• Search for all the free PMP exam sample questions on the web and answer them all.

With this approach, you will be exposed to a variety of styles, ideas and difficulty levels as you prepare for the exam. And that will help you pass the exam.