How do I handle the PMP math questions on the new exam?

All answers to this question.

Just remember: "Greater than 1 is Good" for indices (CPI/SPI). That simple rule will get you through most math-related questions!

   Answered 2024-11-06 by Karen Phillips

• Well put, Karen. "Efficiency" is the key word. If you're efficient (>1), the project is healthy!

     Commented 2024-11-07 by Emily Rodriguez

Is it still worth doing a "Brain Dump" of the formulas onto the scratch paper as soon as the exam starts?

   Answered 2024-11-07 by James Wilson

• James, you can't really do a brain dump anymore because the "tutorial" time isn't meant for that, and many centers are strict. Plus, with fewer math questions, you don't really need it. If you practice enough, the formulas like $CPI = EV / AC$ become second nature. Just relax and focus on the question context.

     Commented 2024-11-09 by Steven Harris

Don't panic! The new exam has significantly less "calculator math" than previous versions. In my 2023 attempt, I only had two questions that actually required a calculation. The rest were "Interpretive." For example, instead of calculating the CPI, the question would say: "Your CPI is 0.8, what should you do?" You need to know that 0.8 means you are over budget. Focus on understanding what the numbers mean (if it’s < 1, you’re in trouble). Memorize the basic "Big 4" for EVM (CV, SV, CPI, SPI) and the PERT formula, but spend more time on situational logic.

   Answered 2024-12-20 by Cynthia Howard