SPM101
SPM101
Answer: A
Explanation: The first thing a project manager should do when learning of a dissatisfied stakeholder is to meet
with that stakeholder directly to gain a deeper understanding of their concerns. Then appropriate actions can
be taken to address the concerns.
Q2. During project execution, a team member reports that a key activity will take longer than
originally estimated. What should the project manager do first?
Answer: B
Explanation: Whenever an activity is going to take longer than expected, the PM should first assess the
impact on the overall project schedule and cost estimates. Understanding the implications allows the PM to
determine the best course of action.
Q3. A project manager is preparing the final project presentation for stakeholders. Where should
they document lessons learned from the project?
A. Issue log
Answer: D
Explanation: Lessons learned should be documented in the organizational process assets. These archives
allow future project managers to benefit from the experience gained on past projects.
Q4. Which of the following tools would a project manager use to evaluate the completeness of the
project scope statement?
A. Context diagram
B. Stakeholder register
Answer: C
Explanation: The requirements traceability matrix tracks requirements through every stage of the project to
ensure they are delivered as expected. This helps assess the completeness of the scope statement.
Q5. A project manager is reviewing the work breakdown structure (WBS) created by the team.
What should they verify?
Answer: B
Explanation: Each work package in the WBS should have at least one associated activity from the activity list.
This ensures all elements of the project work are accounted for.
Q6. A project manager is planning a project focused on developing a new software feature for an
existing program. This feature was not included in the original project charter. What should the
project manager do before work begins?
Explanation: Changes in scope, even on agile projects, should be approved through the proper change control
process before work begins. This ensures stakeholders are in agreement.
Q7. A project manager establishes the sequence of project activities using which of the following
tools?
B. Resource leveling
D. Precedence diagramming
Answer: D
Explanation: A precedence diagram shows the logical sequence of activities and dependencies between
activities to create the project schedule.
Q8. A project manager is developing a schedule for a software development project. The project
management plan requires each scheduled activity to be less than 2 days. Which technique should
the project manager use to meet this requirement?
A. Resource leveling
B. Critical chain method
C. Critical path analysis
D. Fast tracking
Answer: B
Explanation: The critical chain method requires breaking down activity durations to be less than 5-15 days.
This helps improve schedule predictability.
Q9. A project is expected to take 12 weeks to complete. However, the sponsor requests that the project finish 2
weeks earlier. What technique could help the project manager compress the schedule?
A. Crashing
B. Fast tracking
C. Resource smoothing
D. Critical path analysis
Answer: A
Explanation: Crashing involves adding resources or working overtime on critical path activities to shorten their
duration and complete the project faster.
Q10. A project manager needs to fund key activities early in the project schedule. Which cost
management tool could they use?
A. Reserve analysis
B. Sunk costs
C. Parametric estimating
D. Cash flow forecasting
Answer: D
Explanation: Cash flow forecasting predicts periodic project funding needs and allows the PM to plan for
sufficient funds availability as activities are executed.
Q11. A project manager discovers that project costs are running higher than planned, causing a
budget deficit. Which approach could help reduce costs?
Answer: D
Explanation: Value engineering looks for ways to remove unnecessary costs while maintaining essential
functions and quality. This helps improve cost efficiency.
Q12. Which cost estimation method uses quantifiable data and mathematical models to predict
total project costs?
A. Bottom-up estimating
B. Analogous estimating
C. Three-point estimating
D. Parametric estimating
Answer: D
Explanation: Parametric estimating uses established cost-per-unit metrics to estimate total costs based on
project parameters and historical data.
Q13. During project execution, a project manager tracks defects and fixes to prevent reoccurrence.
What tool are they using?
A. Control charts
B. Design of experiments
C. Statistical sampling
D. Quality audits
Answer: A
Explanation: A control chart plots data over time to identify trends and variations from expected results,
signaling potential problems needing corrective action.
Q14. A project manager is overseeing software development and wants to use a structured test
approach. What technique should they implement?
A. Reviews
B. Inspection
C. Pilot testing
D. Walkthroughs
Answer: B
Explanation: Inspections follow a defined process for identifying defects in work products, and are commonly
used in software development.
Q15. A key project deliverable did not meet the quality standards established in the quality
management plan. What should the project manager have done differently?
Answer: B
Explanation: Quality control during execution could have identified deficiencies earlier so corrections could be
made before final acceptance.
Q16. A project manager is forming the project team. What should be the PM’s FIRST consideration?
Answer: A
Explanation: The required knowledge, skills, and abilities for project execution should drive team formation.
Other factors are secondary.
Q17. Partway through a project, a key team member becomes unavailable. The project manager
decides to bring in a contractor to fill the role temporarily. What type of resource is this?
A. Consumable material
B. Capital equipment
C. Direct cost
D. Shared resource
Answer: C
Explanation: A direct cost resource is one directly involved in project execution, such as a team member
brought onto the core team.
Q18. A project manager realizes there is insufficient staff to complete all project work in the
allotted timeframes. Which approach could help resolve this issue?
A. Resource smoothing
B. Resource leveling
C. Resource allocation
D. Resource utilization
Answer: B
Explanation: Resource leveling adjusts assignments across activities to avoid overloading resources. This
helps balance the workload.
Q19. During project planning, a project manager employs a matrix ranking each stakeholder based
on their power, interest, and influence over the project. What tool are they using?
A. Stakeholder register
B. Stakeholder analysis matrix
C. Communication matrix
D. RACI chart
Answer: B
Explanation: A stakeholder analysis matrix ranks and maps stakeholders on various attributes to prioritize
engagement.
Q20. What is the BEST way for a project manager to gain support from resistant stakeholders?
Answer: B
Explanation: Sharing specific project information tailored to the resistant stakeholder and gathering their
feedback can help gain their support.
Q21. A project sponsor asks the project manager for a status update. The project is behind
schedule and over budget. What should the PM communicate?
A. Assure the sponsor they will bring the project back on track
B. Provide unfiltered facts and the PM’s assessment
C. Explain they are waiting on team members to finish their tasks
D. Promise to work overtime until the project is back on track
Answer: B
Explanation: The PM should give sponsors objective data along with insightful analysis, even if negative. The
sponsor needs complete visibility.
Q22. A construction project manager plans to subcontract some project work. What document
defines the subcontracted work to be performed?
A. Statement of work
B. Contract management plan
C. Resource management plan
D. Change control plan
Answer: A
Explanation: The statement of work describes the procured work to be performed by contractors or suppliers.
Q23. A project manager is preparing to contract an external company to perform testing services.
Which contract pricing structure is MOST suitable for this type of service?
A. Fixed-price
B. Time and materials
C. Cost reimbursable
D. Purchase order
Answer: B
Explanation: Time and materials contracts pay for contracted resources at predetermined hourly rates,
appropriate for services like testing.
Q24. A vendor failed to deliver project work according to the terms in the procurement agreement.
What should the project manager do FIRST?
Answer: C
Explanation: A cure notice gives the vendor time and opportunity to resolve the issue before pursuing
contract termination.
Q25. A project manager is developing a risk management plan. Which of the following is a tool or
technique used for qualitative risk analysis?
Answer: C
Explanation: Conducting interviews with project stakeholders is a useful technique for identifying risks that
may not be captured otherwise.
Q26. A project faces a risk that could substantially delay project completion. What should the
project manager do FIRST in response?
Answer: B
Explanation: The risk response plan outlines agreed-upon responses to identified risks. It should be
implemented when a risk materializes to minimize impact.
Q27. Which risk response strategy involves adjusting project management plans to reduce the
probability and/or impact of a risk?
A. Mitigate
B. Transfer
C. Accept
D. Exploit
Answer: A
Explanation: Risk mitigation seeks to reduce risk impact or likelihood through targeted strategies and actions.
Q28. A project sponsor requested an update on project’s progress. However, the report presented
contains highly technical details. What should the project manager have done differently?
Answer: C
Explanation: Project communications should be tailored to stakeholder needs and preferences. The PM should
present relevant info without unnecessary details.
A. Email
B. Phone call
C. Video conference
D. In-person meeting
Answer: D
Explanation: Difficult conversations are best done in person. This allows greater opportunity to communicate
details, answer questions, and observe reactions.
Q30. At the start of a project, the project manager develops a communication matrix listing all
project stakeholders, communication channels, frequency and more. What document are they
creating?
Answer: D
Explanation: The communications management plan defines project communication needs and strategies. It
includes the communication matrix.
Q31. A project is approved and launched. The project manager begins planning all aspects of
project execution according to the project charter. What process is the project manager engaged
in?
Answer: B
Explanation: The Develop Project Management Plan process establishes how the project will be planned,
executed, monitored, controlled and closed. It creates the overall project roadmap.
Q32. A new project manager is assigned to take over an existing project mid-execution. What
document should the new PM review FIRST?
A. Lessons learned
B. Issue log
C. Project management plan
D. Risk register
Answer: C
Explanation: The project management plan contains all information on how the project was intended to be
executed. The new PM should review it first for context.
Q33. The project sponsor requests adding new features during project execution that were not
included in the original project scope. What should the project manager do FIRST?
Explanation: A change request to modify the scope must be analyzed for impacts before approval. The PM
does not have the authority to expand the scope unilaterally.
Q34. A project manager discovers that a team member falsifies test results to hide defects in a
project deliverable. What is the BEST course of action for the PM?
Answer: C
Explanation: The PMI Code of Ethics requires discussing ethical issues directly with the individual first before
taking other actions.
Q35. A project forecast shows a cost overrun, although the schedule predicts on-time completion.
The sponsor insists the PM present on-schedule, on-budget forecasts to stakeholders. What should
the PM do?
Answer: B
Explanation: The PMI Code of Ethics forbids knowingly reporting false or inaccurate information. The PM must
provide truthful forecasts.
Q36. A project manager’s friend works for a company bidding on a procurement contract for the
PM’s project. The PM is asked to recommend who should receive the contract. What is the BEST
course of action?
Answer: C
Explanation: The PM should disclose the relationship and recuse themselves from decisions to avoid any
appearance of impropriety.
Q37. During project planning, a project manager develops a scope management plan and
requirements documentation. What process are they engaged in?
A. Define Scope
B. Create WBS
C. Validate Scope
D. Control Scope
Answer: A
Explanation: The Define Scope process determines and documents project goals, deliverables, assumptions
and constraints. It creates the scope baseline.
Q38. The project sponsor requests adding functionality that was specifically excluded from scope
based on low business value. What should the project manager explain is needed to add this
functionality?
Answer: B
Explanation: Adding excluded functionality requires formally submitting a change request and going through
change control for approval.
Q39. During user acceptance testing, key requirements are found to be missing from the
deliverable. What should have been the project manager’s FIRST line of defense against this?
A. Scope verification
B. Scope validation
C. Quality control
D. Change control
Answer: A
Q40. A project is running behind schedule. By crash costing the critical path, the project manager
calculates the budget required to meet the original deadline. What schedule compression
technique is being used?
A. Resource leveling
B. Fast tracking
C. Critical path analysis
D. Crashing
Answer: D
Explanation: Crashing determines the reduction in duration possible through adding resources on the critical
path.
Q41. While monitoring the project schedule, the project manager sees that the critical path has 25
days of float available. What does this suggest?
A. The next activity is estimated at 25 days
B. The project can be completed 25 days later
C. The critical path can be delayed without impacting the end date
D. The critical path has 25 days of risky activities
Answer: C
Explanation: Float on the critical path means it can be delayed without delaying project completion.
Q42. The project management office (PMO) requires all project schedules have a risk threshold =
top 3 longest paths, and cut-off = near-critical ratio = 1.1. What do these parameters control?
Answer: D
Explanation: These parameters define criteria for determining the critical path(s) when analyzing the schedule
network.
Q43. A project manager is estimating project costs. Stakeholders request using the most
conservative estimates to minimize risk of cost overruns. What estimation approach meets this
need?
A. Bottom-up estimating
B. Parametric estimating
C. Three-point estimating
D. PERT estimating
Answer: D
Explanation: PERT uses three estimates – most likely, optimistic, and pessimistic – to calculate a weighted
average that emphasizes the extremes.
A. $65,000
B. $80,000
C. $90,000
D. $100,000
Answer: C
A. -$100,000
B. -$75,000
C. +$75,000
D. +$100,000
Answer: A
Q46. A project team is designing a new building. The project manager wants to ensure the
electrical wiring will meet safety codes and standards. What quality technique should be used?
A. Benchmarking
B. Design of experiments
C. Statistical sampling
D. Quality audits
Answer: A
Explanation: Benchmarking compares product designs to industry best practices and standards to ensure
quality.
Q47. A project has several complex processes that must operate efficiently to meet product
specifications. What tool should the project manager use to identify the inputs and outputs of
these processes?
Answer: C
Explanation: A flowchart diagrams the steps of a process, showing inputs, outputs, decision points etc. Useful
for analyzing process efficiency.
Q48. A project has fallen behind schedule leading to significant quality issues. What root cause is
most likely?
Answer: D
Explanation: Poor workmanship generating rework is a common root cause of quality issues and schedule
delays.
Q49. A project manager must staff a team of database developers for an upcoming project
expected to last 18 months. There are no internal resources available. What contract type would
be MOST suitable?
A. Fixed-price
B. Purchase order
C. Statement of work
D. Retainer
Answer: D
Explanation: A retainer contract secures resources for the duration of the project, appropriate for long-term
staff augmentation needs.
Q50. The project budget allows for hiring two web developers. However, the schedule requires four
developers to finish on time. What should the project manager do?
Answer: D
Explanation: The PM cannot arbitrarily change the budget or schedule. They should report the mismatch
between budget/schedule as a project constraint.
Q51. A project manager learns that a team member booked on the project full-time is also
assigned to another project. What should the PM do FIRST?
Answer: B
Explanation: The PM should discuss resource overallocation directly with the functional manager to negotiate
availability.
Q52. During stakeholder analysis, a project manager categorized a stakeholder with high influence
but low interest as…
A. Champion
B. Observer
C. Critic
D. Resister
Answer: C
Explanation: Critics have high influence in the project but low interest. Keeping them satisfied helps reduce
opposition.
Q53. A project sponsor has made unrealistic demands about the project scope, cost and schedule.
What strategy could the project manager use to manage the sponsor’s expectations?
Answer: C
Explanation: Offering data and evidence can help manage sponsor expectations without damaging the
relationship.
Q54. Stakeholders started raising many complaints about poor communication during a project.
What should the project manager have done proactively?
Answer: B
Explanation: The communications management plan outlines how communications will be managed. Doing
this upfront prevents later issues.
Q55. A major project deliverable failed quality testing. The project manager decides to rework it
completely rather than try to fix it incrementally. What process is the project manager engaged in?
A. Corrective action
B. Preventive action
C. Defect repair
D. Quality control
Answer: A
Explanation: Corrective action involves taking steps to address root causes and bring expected future
performance in line with requirements.
Q56. A project is nearing completion. The project manager creates a final performance report and
project presentation and obtains final acceptance from the sponsor. What closing process is this?
A. Close project
B. Close procurements
C. Control resources
D. Transfer team members
Answer: A
Explanation: The Close Project process finalizes all project activities to formally close the project, including
final reports and transition planning.
Q57. A project suffered major issues leading to failure to meet scope, schedule, and cost goals.
What should the project manager do during the closing process?
Answer: B
Explanation: The PM should lead a comprehensive analysis of what went right and wrong during Closeout for
input to lessons learned.
Q58. A project manager suspects a team member violated the company’s code of conduct. The PM
wants to discuss this directly. Which ethical principle supports this approach?
A. Respect
B. Responsibility
C. Fairness
D. Honesty
Answer: B
Explanation: Responsibility requires holding ourselves and others accountable for upholding ethical conduct.
Q59. A project forecast shows the current timeline is unrealistic based on productivity data.
However, the sponsor told the PM to keep reporting the unrealistic plan. What ethical standard
does this violate if the PM complies?
A. Integrity
B. Respect for others
C. Responsibility
D. Professionalism
Answer: A
Explanation: Integrity means being truthful and upholding moral principles. Reporting false information
violates this standard.
Q60. A project manager’s company won a competitive bid for a large government contract. During
planning, the PM discovers family members hold senior roles in the government agency awarding
the contract. What should the PM do?
Answer: C
Explanation: The PM has a duty to disclose conflicts of interest to uphold ethics, accountability and public
trust.
Q61. A key stakeholder requests adding more features during project execution. What should the
project manager explain is the BEST way to add features?
Answer: A
Explanation: Adding scope requires submitting a formal change request, getting approval through the change
control process.
Q62. The productscope describes the features and functions of the product or service being
created by the project. Which document defines the product scope?
A. Business case
B. Requirements documentation
C. Project scope statement
D. WBS dictionary
Answer: C
Explanation: The scope statement describes the product scope, which defines the end result being delivered
by the project.
Q63. The project manager is reviewing the WBS with the project team. The WBS does not break
down all the work involved. What should the PM do?
Answer: A
Explanation: The PM needs to continue decomposition until the WBS defines all the work in sufficient detail for
planning.
Q64. A project manager is estimating activity durations. The PM estimates the testing phase will
take 8-12 weeks. This is an example of which estimating approach?
A. Three-point estimate
B. Reserve analysis
C.Parametric estimate
D. Bottom-up estimate
Answer: A
Explanation: Stating an optimistic, pessimistic and most likely estimate is three-point estimating.
Q65. A project manager is creating a milestone trend chart. What information is conveyed in this
chart?
Answer: A
Explanation: A milestone trend chart shows if major milestones are being completed as planned.
Q66. The project management plan requires a schedule contingency reserve of 15% on top of
activity estimates. What is the purpose of this reserve?
Answer: A
Explanation: Schedule contingency reserve provides time buffer to account for known-unknowns and
unknown-unknowns that may delay activities.
A. $5,000
B. $8,333
C. $10,000
D. $15,000
Answer: B
Q68. A project manager is monitoring project performance. Actual costs are $25,000 while earned
value is $40,000. What is the cost variance?
A. -$5,000
B. -$15,000
C. +$15,000
D. +$25,000
Answer: B
Explanation: Cost variance = Earned value (EV) – Actual cost (AC)
Here, EV is $40,000 and AC is $25,000.
Therefore, cost variance is -$15,000.
Q69. A project has a budget at completion (BAC) of $350,000. Currently, it has spent $125,000 and
completed 30% of work. What is the estimate to completion (ETC)?
A. $87,500
B. $175,000
C. $262,500
D. $350,000
Answer: C
Q70. A project team is designing a new building. The project manager wants to ensure the
electrical wiring will meet safety codes and standards. What quality technique should be used?
A. Benchmarking
B. Design of experiments
C. Statistical sampling
D. Quality audits
Answer: A
Explanation: Benchmarking compares product designs to industry best practices and standards to ensure
quality.
Q71. A project manager notices multiple delays being caused by insufficient capacity in a key
testing process. What tool should the PM use to analyze this process?
A. Control charts
B. Pareto chart
C. Histograms
D. Flowchart
Answer: D
Explanation: A flowchart diagrams the steps of a process to identify bottlenecks causing delays or defects.
Q72. A project has missed quality targets for the last 2 weeks. The PM checks the process control
limits and sees no points outside the control limits. What should the PM conclude?
Answer: B
Explanation: All data points within control limits indicates the process is statistically stable and predictable.
Q73. A project manager must assign human resources to activities in an upcoming project. The PM
first documents the roles, responsibilities, required skills and reporting relationships. What is this
document called?
Answer: D
Explanation: Role description documents define staffing requirements, competencies and reporting
relationships for project team roles.
Q74. Due to high turnover, a project manager is unable to staff a project with internal personnel
possessing required expertise. Which contract type is MOST suitable to obtain qualified resources?
A. T&M
B. FP
C. CR
D. PO
Answer: A
Explanation: A time and materials contract pays an hourly rate for labor and is useful for obtaining expertise
not available internally.
Q75. A resource’s actual work on a project is 60 hours. Their original estimate was 40 hours. What
is the resource’s schedule performance index (SPI)?
A. 0.67
B. 1.5
C. 2.0
D. 3.0
Answer: B