PMP Scoring Guide
How scores are calculated, what they mean, and how to reach your goal score.
Scoring Overview
PMP results are reported as Above Target, Target, Below Target, or Needs Improvement across three performance domains (Predictive, Agile, Business). No numeric score is published. Target is roughly equivalent to ~61% correct.
Score Scale
| Section | Duration | Max Score |
|---|---|---|
| PMP | 230 min | 100 |
Section Breakdown
people
People — leading teams and stakeholders (42% of exam).
Team buildingConflict resolutionCoachingStakeholder engagementVirtual teams
process
Process — managing technical aspects of a project (50% of exam).
ScopeScheduleCostQualityRiskProcurementCommunications
business
Business Environment — supporting strategic and organizational priorities (8% of exam).
Benefits realizationComplianceOrganizational changeGovernance
Key Facts
- Questions
- 180 (MCQ + matching + hotspot + fill-in)
- Duration
- 230 minutes + 2 breaks
- Passing score
- Above target (no published %, ~61%)
- Cost
- $405 PMI members / $555 non-members
- Renewal
- 60 PDUs every 3 years
- Pass rate
- ~60%
Study Tips
- 1.Read the PMBOK Guide but don't memorize it — understand the intent and philosophy.
- 2.Think like PMI: proactive, process-driven, and collaborative. 'Communicate first' is usually right.
- 3.Know earned value formulas: EV, PV, AC, CPI, SPI, EAC, ETC, VAC.
- 4.Study Agile as much as Waterfall — about half the exam is agile/hybrid.
- 5.Use a Qbank (PrepCast or Andrew Ramdayal) for 500+ scenario questions.
- 6.Join a study group — explaining concepts to others reinforces understanding.