2021 PMP exam question types

The PMP exam questions type only comprised of multiple-choice questions. However, as of 2 January 2021 when the new version of the exam was launched, a combination of other question types were included in the PMP exam.

In the new version of the exam, questions are a combination of multiple-choice, multiple responses, matching, hotspot, and limited fill-in-the-blank. There are other changes in the new version of the exam that has been launched, you can find out about other changes here.

PMI released some prototype questions to help PMP candidates anticipate what to expect in the new version of the exam. I have included some below and added a few more prototypes to give an example for each of the question types.

Multiple-choice questions

Firstly, multiple-choice questions. This is the PMP exam question type we are familiar with. In this question type, the candidate is given multiple choices to select from and there is only one correct answer. See the example question below: 

You just got appointed as a project manager for a building project. Upon briefing, you are informed that they are about to begin planning the project. You want to read a document that can give you information about the project objectives and deliverables. Which document would you read? 

  1. Project Management Plan
  2. WBS
  3. Project Charter
  4. Project Scope statement

Get access to 10 Free PMP exam questions here to test your knowledge

Multiple responses questions

Secondly, multiple responses questions. In this question type, the candidate is required to select more than one response to the question. See the example question below: 

Which of the following is a prevention cost that could be incurred as part of the cost of quality on a project? Select all that apply

  1. Testing
  2. Training
  3. Rework
  4. Equipment

Matching questions

Thirdly, matching questions. In this question type, there are two sets of related items to be matched with each other, and the candidate is expected to correctly match them together. See the example question below from the PMI prototype questions

Fill-in-the-blank questions

Fourthly, Fill-in-the-blank question types. In this question type, the candidate puts the missing information into the blank space of the question. See the example question below: 

Project Management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools & techniques to project activities to meet the project _________.

  1. Standards
  2. Requirements
  3. Guidelines
  4. Deliverables

Hotspot questions

Finally, the hotspot questions. In this question type, the candidate is presented with an image-based or visual question and required to select an item on the image or visual as the correct answer. See the example question below from the PMI prototype questions

See more examples of hotspot prototype questions by PMI: get a pdf copy of the prototype questions here.

In conclusion, these are the 5 question types you can expect to see in the exam. You can take the PMP exam online or in a center; find out more details about the online exam


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