How do I manage time effectively during the 230-minute PMP exam with its 180 questions?

All answers to this question.

Pacing is often harder than the content itself. The math works out to about 75 seconds per question. My strategy: Divide the exam into three blocks of 60 questions. You should aim to finish the first 60 questions in about 75-80 minutes. This leaves you enough time for the two breaks, which do not count against your 230-minute clock (but only if you take them exactly when prompted). A huge tip: Read the last sentence of the question first to see what they are actually asking, then skim the long scenario for the "Relevant" information. This saves at least 15 seconds per question.

   Answered 2024-11-07 by Barbara Mitchell

That "read the last sentence first" tip is a lifesaver! Do you ever use the "Strike-through" and "Highlight" tools during the exam to help you process the long paragraphs? I find that crossing out the two obviously wrong answers immediately helps reduce my anxiety. Does the clock pause while you are reviewing your "Flagged" questions at the end of a section, or should I be wary of flagging too many?

   Answered 2024-11-10 by Thomas Baker

• Thomas, the clock does keep running while you review flagged questions, so be careful! I recommend only flagging questions where you've narrowed it down to two choices and need a fresh look. If you flag more than 5-10 per section, you’ll burn through your buffer. Also, remember that once you finish a block of 60 and take your break, you cannot go back and review those questions. Make your final decisions within the block!

     Commented 2024-11-11 by Kevin Parker

Practice with a timer every single day. Your brain needs to get used to the "fatigue" of reading for 4 hours. If you only practice in 20-question chunks, you'll hit a wall on the real day.

   Answered 2024-11-13 by Sarah Green

• So true, Sarah. Endurance is a part of the score. By question 150, your brain will want to quit—that’s when you need your pacing strategy most.

     Commented 2024-11-15 by Steven Wright