Book far enough ahead to get a slot that suits you. Having a slot is highly motivating, but if you be sure to give yourself enough study time.
Choose a time slot when you tend to be at your peak alertness and energy levels. For most people, that is early in the day.
Book a day off work for your exam day and, better still, also book a day off for the day before your exam. Of course, you could always book your exam for the day after a non-working day.
Your PMP exam will consist of:
- 180 Questions (of which 175 will be scored)
- 230 minutes’ duration
- Two (mandatory) 10-minute breaks for computer-based exams
- No scheduled breaks for paper-based exams at a center
- 5 question types
The mandatory breaks are there in the online exam because, during the sessions, you need to stay in full view of the camera. You may not get up from your seat. Also, you must work on a completely clear desk.
The Five Question Types are:
- Multiple choice
- Multiple correct
- Drag & Drop
- Fill in the blank
- Hotspot questions
PMI has prepared a short PDF document that illustrates the Drag & Drop and Hotspot question types.
And, of course, the content of the questions will conform to the Examination Content Outline (ECO).
The Breaks
You will get two 10-minute breaks. But I still recommend using the bathroom before you start the exam.
When you complete certain sections, there will be a prompt.
Do review the questions before you take your break; you will not be able to revisit the questions after the break.
If you get back late from your break, you will have the extra time deducted from your time available on the next set of questions.
You may not take any break other than the two that are built into the exam.
The examination software also provides you with:
- An on-screen whiteboard
- The equivalent of a standard pad of white paper, because you need a clear desk
- An on-screen calculator
In the next lesson, we will show you, what you will need to carry with you on the exam day ...