What the PMP Exam Covers
The PMP is 50% agile/hybrid and 50% predictive. You need to be fluent in both Scrum and traditional waterfall — and know when to apply each approach in complex scenarios.
PMP Exam Content Outline (ECO)
Key EVM formulas: CPI = EV/AC · SPI = EV/PV · EAC = BAC/CPI · CV = EV−AC · SV = EV−PV
PMP Exam FAQ
What is the PMP exam format?
The PMP has 180 questions (including 5 unscored) split across two 85-question sessions with a 10-minute break. You have 230 minutes total. Approximately 50% of questions are agile or hybrid, 50% predictive (waterfall). Questions are scenario-based — you're choosing the 'best' action, not a factual answer.
What are the PMP eligibility requirements?
To sit for the PMP you need: a 4-year degree + 36 months of project leadership experience + 35 hours of PM education/training, OR a high school diploma/associate's + 60 months of project leadership experience + 35 hours of PM education. 'Project leadership' means directing or leading projects — not just working on them.
How hard is the PMP exam?
The PMP is widely considered one of the harder professional certifications. Industry estimates suggest a first-time pass rate of 55–65% for well-prepared candidates. The exam tests judgment, not recall — you must know when to apply agile vs. predictive approaches and choose the PMI-preferred 'best' action in complex scenarios.
How many hours should I study for the PMP?
Most successful PMP candidates study 150–250 hours over 2–4 months. Candidates with extensive real-world PM experience tend toward the lower end. Those newer to formal project management frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, PMBOK) need closer to 200–250 hours.
Do I need to know agile for the PMP?
Yes — approximately 50% of the current PMP exam is agile or hybrid content. You must understand the Scrum framework (roles, ceremonies, artefacts), Kanban (WIP limits, flow, cycle time), and when to recommend an agile vs. predictive approach based on project characteristics.
What are the most important EVM formulas?
CPI = EV/AC (cost efficiency — <1 = over budget), SPI = EV/PV (schedule efficiency — <1 = behind), CV = EV-AC (cost variance), SV = EV-PV (schedule variance), EAC = BAC/CPI (estimate at completion), ETC = EAC-AC (estimate to complete). These appear on almost every PMP exam — memorise all of them.