Best 20 PMP Exam Questions with Answers (2025 Edition)
Prepare Smart, Pass with Confidence
Are you preparing for the PMP® exam in 2025? If yes, you’re in the right place! This article offers the best 20 PMP exam questions with detailed explanations based on the latest PMBOK® Guide and PMI Exam Content Outline (ECO). Whether you’re a first-time test taker or looking to refresh your knowledge, these questions will sharpen your understanding and help boost your exam score.
Why These PMP Questions Matter
The PMP exam isn’t just about memorization—it tests your ability to apply knowledge in real-world project management scenarios. Our curated questions focus on the three domain areas defined by PMI:
- People (42%)
- Process (50%)
- Business Environment (8%)
Best 20 PMP Exam Questions with Answers & Explanations
1. A stakeholder wants to add a feature late in the project. What should you do first
A. Reject the request
B. Implement the change
C. Evaluate the impact on scope, time, and cost
D. Escalate to the sponsor
Answer: C
Explanation: According to the Change Control process, the first step is to assess the impact of the change. Only after impact evaluation can the request be approved or denied.
2. Which document authorizes the existence of a project?
A. Business Case
B. Project Charter
C. Project Management Plan
D. Scope Statement
Answer: B
Explanation: The Project Charter formally authorizes the project and grants the project manager authority to use organizational resources.
3. What is the main output of the Plan Risk Responses process?
A. Risk Register
B. Risk Management Plan
C. Change Requests
D. Project Management Plan updates
Answer: D
Explanation: The primary output includes updates to the project management plan and project documents. Risk responses are also documented in the risk register.
4. You notice a team member is underperforming. What is your best course of action?
A. Replace them
B. Document the issue and ignore it
C. Provide coaching and support
D. Escalate to HR
Answer: C
Explanation: In the People domain, the PMP emphasizes servant leadership and team development. Supporting the team member with coaching is the correct step.
5. What is a key output of the Define Activities process?
A. Schedule baseline
B. Work Breakdown Structure
C. Activity List
D. Network Diagram
Answer: C
Explanation: The Activity List is a key output used for sequencing and estimating in schedule planning.
- What does a burn-down chart represent?
A. Scope creep
B. Remaining work in an agile sprint
C. Budget performance
D. Resource availability
Answer: B
Explanation: A burn-down chart tracks the remaining work in a sprint and is a core agile tool.
7. What is the main purpose of a stakeholder register?
A. Define roles and responsibilities
B. Track procurement details
C. Identify project stakeholders and key information
D. Manage change requests
Answer: C
Explanation: The stakeholder register captures stakeholder names, roles, influence, and communication needs.
8. A project manager wants to track progress without micromanaging. What’s the best tool?
A. Gantt chart
B. Team charter
C. Kanban board
D. RACI matrix
Answer: C
Explanation: A Kanban board provides visual workflow management, ideal for agile and lean tracking.
9. What’s the best technique for gathering requirements from multiple stakeholders?
A. Interviews
B. Brainstorming
C. Focus Groups
D. Facilitated Workshops
Answer: D
Explanation: Facilitated workshops are efficient for building consensus and resolving conflicts early in the planning stage.
10. What tool helps determine the root cause of a quality issue?
A. Pareto Diagram
B. Scatter Diagram
C. Fishbone Diagram
D. Control Chart
Answer: C
Explanation: The Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram helps identify root causes of a problem in quality management.
11. What’s the first step in stakeholder engagement planning?
A. Send out a survey
B. Analyze stakeholder influence
C. Develop a communication plan
D. Create a stakeholder register
Answer: B
Explanation: According to PMI, analyzing stakeholder impact and interest is critical before developing the engagement strategy.
12. A project is ahead of schedule but over budget. What should you analyze?
A. Schedule Performance Index
B. Cost Variance
C. Earned Value
D. Cost Performance Index
Answer: D
Explanation: The Cost Performance Index (CPI) measures the cost efficiency of budgeted resources.
13. What is the primary goal of integrated change control?
A. Speed up changes
B. Avoid unnecessary documentation
C. Ensure change benefits are realized
D. Review and manage all changes effectively
Answer: D
Explanation: Integrated Change Control ensures that only approved changes are implemented, maintaining project alignment.
Top 6 Tips for PMP Exam Preparation: How to Succeed with Effective Study Strategies
14. What type of contract shares the risk between buyer and seller?
A. Fixed-price
B. Cost-reimbursable
C. Time and Material
D. Incentive Fee
Answer: D
Explanation: Incentive contracts motivate both parties to meet or exceed objectives, sharing risk and reward.
15. When should lessons learned be collected?
A. At project closure only
B. During planning phase
C. Throughout the project
D. Before project kickoff
Answer: C
Explanation: PMI emphasizes continuous learning, so lessons learned should be gathered throughout the project.
16. What does the critical path represent?
A. All project risks
B. Longest duration path through the network diagram
C. Path with most resources
D. Shortest possible timeline
Answer: B
Explanation: The Critical Path shows the longest sequence of dependent tasks and defines the shortest time to complete the project.
17. Which document defines how to manage changes?
A. Configuration Management Plan
B. Scope Statement
C. Change Log
D. Change Management Plan
Answer: D
Explanation: The Change Management Plan outlines the process and tools to handle project changes.
18. Who is responsible for project benefit realization?
A. Project Manager
B. Sponsor
C. Team Lead
D. PMO
Answer: B
Explanation: According to PMI, the Project Sponsor owns the business case and ensures benefits are achieved.
19. What is fast tracking in schedule management?
A. Adding resources
B. Doing activities in parallel
C. Delaying non-critical tasks
D. Compressing scope
Answer: B
Explanation: Fast tracking involves executing tasks in parallel to shorten the project duration but increases risk.
20. How does the team decide what to work on in Scrum?
A. The project manager assigns tasks
B. The client decides
C. During the Sprint Planning meeting
D. The Scrum Master decides
Answer: C
Explanation: In Sprint Planning, the development team selects items from the product backlog based on priority and capacity.
Final Thoughts about the Best 20 PMP exam questions
Studying PMP exam questions is a great way to internalize key concepts. Make sure you’re not just memorizing answers, but understanding why they are correct. Use this guide alongside your PMBOK® Guide, Agile Practice Guide, and a solid PMP prep course.
