Tag Archives: exam

Four Estimating Methods you Must Know for your PMP Exam

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The PMP exam will test your understanding of estimation techniques. Here are the four estimating techniques you need to know, and when to use each one.

Analogous Estimating

Look at similar features or similar products from past projects to estimate the current item. It is like using an analogy. This method is most helpful at the beginning of your project when you do not have detailed information but you do have someone on the team who has worked on something similar before. It is fast but less accurate than other methods.

Parametric Estimating

Use a parameter like $30 per meter or 10 days to deliver to another country. This method works well when you have some information about what you are estimating and a bit more time to develop the estimate. It is more accurate than analogous estimating.

Bottom-Up Estimating

This is the most accurate but also the most time-consuming. Take all the work packages at the lowest levels of your work breakdown structure and estimate each one. Then aggregate all those estimates together to get the overall project cost or budget. Use this method when you have time and need the highest accuracy.

Three-Point Estimating

Take an average of three estimates: optimistic, most likely and pessimistic. Add them together and divide by three. This gives you a balanced estimate that accounts for uncertainty.

A similar method is PERT or beta estimating which uses the formula: (Optimistic + 4 × Most Likely + Pessimistic) ÷ 6. It weights the most likely estimate more heavily.

Know when to use each method and you will handle estimation questions confidently on your PMP exam. You can do it!

– David McLachlan

You can see what people are saying about David McLachlan here: REVIEWS

Navigate to Free Project Management and Leadership Articles through the links on the right (or at the bottom if on Mobile) 

PMI PMP 35 PDUs CourseThe Ultimate PMP Project Management Prep Course (35 PDUs)
Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP 28 PDUs)The Complete PMI-ACP Course: (28 PDUs) 
PgMP Program Management CourseLearn Program Management – the PgMP Prep Course
Full PMP Exams to Pass on the First TryFour Full PMP Practice Exams (180 Qs each) to pass your PMP on the First Try!
PMP Cram Course – FULL PMP Course Condensed to just 8 hours!
Scrum Master Course PSMScrum Master Course (PSM)
Product Owner Course PSPOProduct Owner Course (PSPO)
Business Analyst CourseBusiness Analyst Course

Also available are my Project Management Templates – they’re a great way to save 100s of hours when you’re first starting out:

50 Project Management Templates Gantt Chart Risk Matrix and more Excel50+ Project Management Templates in Excel and PowerPoint (Gantt Chart, Risk Matrix and more!)
Project Management Plan TemplatesPre-made Project Management Plan Templates: Save 100 HOURS!

 

14 Day PMP Study Plan

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If you are sitting the PMP this year, a focused 14-day study plan can get you exam-ready quickly. The plan centers around four key activities done together over the two-week window.

Activity 1: Review the Exam Content Outline

Start with the ECO (Exam Content Outline) published by PMI. This defines exactly what will be tested on the exam across the three domains: People (33%), Process (41%) and Business Environment (26%).

Activity 2: Review the PMI Guides

Work through the PMBOK Guide 8th edition for the current exam format, the PMBOK Guide 7th edition for a broader overview and the Agile Practice Guide to round out your knowledge of adaptive approaches.

Activity 3: Use Targeted Resources

The PMP Fast Track provides specific tips and strategies for answering PMP questions under pressure. Use it daily to build your exam instincts.

Activity 4: Take Practice Exams

Aim for 20 to 30 practice questions daily, alternating between predictive and agile scenarios. Complete at least two full-length practice exams before your real exam to build stamina and identify weak areas.

Fourteen days of consistent effort across these four activities is all it takes. You can pass your PMP this year.

– David McLachlan

You can see what people are saying about David McLachlan here: REVIEWS

Navigate to Free Project Management and Leadership Articles through the links on the right (or at the bottom if on Mobile) 

PMI PMP 35 PDUs CourseThe Ultimate PMP Project Management Prep Course (35 PDUs)
Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP 28 PDUs)The Complete PMI-ACP Course: (28 PDUs) 
PgMP Program Management CourseLearn Program Management – the PgMP Prep Course
Full PMP Exams to Pass on the First TryFour Full PMP Practice Exams (180 Qs each) to pass your PMP on the First Try!
PMP Cram Course – FULL PMP Course Condensed to just 8 hours!
Scrum Master Course PSMScrum Master Course (PSM)
Product Owner Course PSPOProduct Owner Course (PSPO)
Business Analyst CourseBusiness Analyst Course

Also available are my Project Management Templates – they’re a great way to save 100s of hours when you’re first starting out:

50 Project Management Templates Gantt Chart Risk Matrix and more Excel50+ Project Management Templates in Excel and PowerPoint (Gantt Chart, Risk Matrix and more!)
Project Management Plan TemplatesPre-made Project Management Plan Templates: Save 100 HOURS!

 

3 Ways You’ll See A.I. on the New PMP Exam

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The PMBOK Guide 8th edition introduces Artificial Intelligence in project management across three categories. Here is what you need to know for the exam.

Automation:

…covers low complexity tasks where the logic is programmed directly. If a certain condition is met, a certain action follows. Think automated reporting, routine documentation or task reminders.

Assistance:

…is where AI tools help analyze and develop ideas. A tool might generate a risk register or a draft schedule, but a project manager still needs to review and refine the output.

Augmentation:

…enhances existing skills for more strategic work. This might look like optimizing a project schedule using historical data, forecasting risks based on patterns or using AI as a brainstorming partner to develop scope ideas or improve stakeholder engagement strategies.

These three categories are worth knowing for the exam and are increasingly relevant in real project environments.

– David McLachlan

You can see what people are saying about David McLachlan here: REVIEWS

Navigate to Free Project Management and Leadership Articles through the links on the right (or at the bottom if on Mobile) 

PMI PMP 35 PDUs CourseThe Ultimate PMP Project Management Prep Course (35 PDUs)
Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP 28 PDUs)The Complete PMI-ACP Course: (28 PDUs) 
PgMP Program Management CourseLearn Program Management – the PgMP Prep Course
Full PMP Exams to Pass on the First TryFour Full PMP Practice Exams (180 Qs each) to pass your PMP on the First Try!
PMP Cram Course – FULL PMP Course Condensed to just 8 hours!
Scrum Master Course PSMScrum Master Course (PSM)
Product Owner Course PSPOProduct Owner Course (PSPO)
Business Analyst CourseBusiness Analyst Course

Also available are my Project Management Templates – they’re a great way to save 100s of hours when you’re first starting out:

50 Project Management Templates Gantt Chart Risk Matrix and more Excel50+ Project Management Templates in Excel and PowerPoint (Gantt Chart, Risk Matrix and more!)
Project Management Plan TemplatesPre-made Project Management Plan Templates: Save 100 HOURS!

 

3 Myths About the New PMP Exam (2026)

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Several myths are circulating about the 2026 PMP exam changes. Here is what is actually true.

Myth 1: There are now 185 questions

The exam still has 180 questions. This has not changed.

Myth 2: The breaks are now shorter

You still get two 10-minute breaks. The break structure remains the same.

Myth 3: There is lots of new content to study

The Business Environment domain has grown from 8% to 26% of the exam, but this is not entirely new content. The increase includes topics like managing risks, managing issues and managing change that were previously part of the Process domain. The information has been rearranged rather than replaced.

If you are preparing for the PMP exam, the fundamentals you have been studying still apply. The exam has evolved but it has not been reinvented. Go for it!

– David McLachlan

You can see what people are saying about David McLachlan here: REVIEWS

Navigate to Free Project Management and Leadership Articles through the links on the right (or at the bottom if on Mobile) 

PMI PMP 35 PDUs CourseThe Ultimate PMP Project Management Prep Course (35 PDUs)
Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP 28 PDUs)The Complete PMI-ACP Course: (28 PDUs) 
PgMP Program Management CourseLearn Program Management – the PgMP Prep Course
Full PMP Exams to Pass on the First TryFour Full PMP Practice Exams (180 Qs each) to pass your PMP on the First Try!
Scrum Master Course PSMScrum Master Course (PSM)
Product Owner Course PSPOProduct Owner Course (PSPO)
Business Analyst CourseBusiness Analyst Course

Also available are my Project Management Templates – they’re a great way to save 100s of hours when you’re first starting out:

50 Project Management Templates Gantt Chart Risk Matrix and more Excel50+ Project Management Templates in Excel and PowerPoint (Gantt Chart, Risk Matrix and more!)
Project Management Plan TemplatesPre-made Project Management Plan Templates: Save 100 HOURS!

 

Five Free Videos to Pass Your PMP Exam on the First Try

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Hundreds of thousands of people have used these five free videos to pass the PMP exam on their first try. They come up repeatedly in congratulations posts and resource lists shared by people who have already made it through. Here they are in one place.

1. 150 PMBOK 7 Questions and Answers

This video works through the PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition from start to finish using scenario-based questions in the same format you will encounter on the exam. Each question typically has two answers that both appear plausible, which mirrors the real exam experience closely. With more than a million views, the comments section is filled almost entirely with people sharing that they used it to pass.

2. PMP Fast Track

This one is built from more than a thousand PMI practice questions and distils a set of shortcuts you can default to when answering exam questions. Think of it as a cheat sheet for decision-making under pressure. If you are stuck on a question during the exam, this video gives you a reliable method for working through it. It consistently appears in the resources people credit when they share their results.

3. PMP Cheat Sheet

This video covers the exam content outline across the three domains: project management process, people and business environment. It runs for under 20 minutes and is designed to show you exactly what the exam tests and whether you have any gaps in your knowledge. It is one of the most efficient ways to check your readiness before sitting the exam.

4. 200 Agile Questions and Answers

This returns to the scenario-based question format with a focus on agile content, which makes up a significant portion of the current PMP exam. The questions follow the same style as the real exam and give you targeted practice in the agile domain.

5. 100 PMBOK 6 Questions and Answers

The PMBOK Sixth Edition is now known as the Process Groups Practice Guide and it remains highly relevant to the PMP exam. The core project management process has not changed significantly across editions. You will still be tested on initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing a project or phase, and on managing scope, schedule and cost throughout. This video has been viewed more than a million times and the comments reflect how consistently it helps people pass.

If you finish all five videos and don’t want to lose study momentum, here are two bonus videos:

Bonus 1: Six Mistakes to Avoid on the PMP Exam

Bonus 2: 110 Drag and Drop Questions (Perfect Study Review)

63 project Management Tools for your PMP Exam

If you make it through all seven, you are doing more than most people ever will. Keep going, I know you will pass your PMP!

– David McLachlan

You can see what people are saying about David McLachlan here: REVIEWS

Navigate to Free Project Management and Leadership Articles through the links on the right (or at the bottom if on Mobile) 

PMI PMP 35 PDUs CourseThe Ultimate PMP Project Management Prep Course (35 PDUs)
Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP 21 PDUs)The Complete PMI-ACP Course: (28 PDUs) 
50 Project Management Templates Gantt Chart Risk Matrix and more Excel50+ Project Management Templates in Excel and PowerPoint (Gantt Chart, Risk Matrix and more!)
Project Management Plan TemplatesPre-made Project Management Plan Template: Save 100 HOURS!

 

Pass Your Exam With These 3 Powerful Psychology Tricks

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Click the video above to view

Unlock Your Exam Success: 3 Powerful Psychology Tricks (Plus 2 Bonus Tips!)

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to pass their exams effortlessly, even with minimal studying, while others struggle despite knowing all the material? The secret lies in psychology. Let’s dive into three powerful psychology tricks, inspired by Tony Robbins, to help you pass any exam. Plus, I’ll share two bonus tips that can make a huge difference in your success.

The 3 S’s for Exam Success

1. Strategy: Knowing What to Do

It may not seem like a psychology tip, but strategy is foundational. Whether you’re studying for an exam, losing weight, or pursuing a new job, the “what to do” is readily available. You can search online, take courses, and gather information. Having a clear plan influences your mindset and actions, setting the stage for success.

For your exam, I recommend taking Practice Exams – as many as possible – and reviewing where you went wrong. This way you will know when you are ready, or when you need to study more.

2. Story: The Narrative You Tell Yourself

What do you say to yourself when no one else is around?

Positive Story: “I’m great at taking tests. I stay calm, and time flies by.”

Negative Story: “I’m terrible at tests. I get nervous and always fail, even when I know the material.”

The story you believe becomes your reality, because your brain starts collecting evidence to support your narrative. A positive story boosts your confidence and encourages consistent effort, while a negative one sabotages your progress. Start telling yourself empowering stories and repeat affirmations like, “I’m capable of passing this exam.” Over time, your mindset will shift, and your actions will follow.

3. State: Your Energy and Emotional State

Your emotional state can make or break your performance. Are you pumped up and ready to conquer your exam? Or are you drained and doubting yourself?

One quick way to change your state is through physiology. Stand tall, smile, and even try a “power pose” for 30 seconds — this can boost confidence and energy. Your physical state directly influences your mental state, so use this to your advantage.

Bonus Tips for Exam Mastery

4. Massive Action Plan: Daily Habits and Practice

Success isn’t just about mindset — it requires action. Every student I’ve helped pass their exams developed a daily study habit. They took practice exams, measured their progress, and made studying a consistent routine. A structured plan, combined with the right psychology, creates unstoppable momentum.

5. Net Time (No Extra Time): Study Anytime, Anywhere

Struggling to find time? Use “Net Time” to study during moments that would otherwise go to waste. Listen to recordings during your commute, review flashcards on your lunch break, or watch videos while exercising. By doubling up activities, you reclaim valuable hours and stay on track.

You Can Do It

Combining these psychology tools with consistent action will transform your exam preparation. Remember, you are capable of success. I believe in you — now it’s time for you to believe in yourself.

Go crush that exam!

David McLachlan on LinkedIn

See more PMP articles: 

You can see what people are saying about David McLachlan here: REVIEWS

Navigate to Free Project Management and Leadership Articles through the links on the right (or at the bottom if on Mobile) 

PMI PMP 35 PDUs CourseThe Ultimate PMP Project Management Prep Course (35 PDUs)
Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP 21 PDUs)The Complete PMI-ACP Course: (28 PDUs) 
50 Project Management Templates Gantt Chart Risk Matrix and more Excel50+ Project Management Templates in Excel and PowerPoint (Gantt Chart, Risk Matrix and more!)
Project Management Plan TemplatesPre-made Project Management Plan Template: Save 100 HOURS!

 

PMP Exam Questions – Practice Session | 15

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– See all the PMP Exam Questions – 

PMP Exam Question Practice 15PMP Exam Question Session 15

In this series we will walk through five PMP Practice Exam Questions each day – a great way to set up your morning as you prepare to pass the PMP Exam. It is also useful for the CAPM exam, as the content is very similar.

We will also figure them out together, and you’ll see the thought process behind solving these PMP exam questions.

I hope you enjoy!

 

Question 1

You are working through various options in your project and need to help stimulate your group towards innovation and ideas. Which of the following is a type of group creativity technique?

A)  Monte Carlo Analysis
B)  Regression analysis
C)  Brainstorming
D)  Root cause analysis

Question 2

You are working as a project manager, at the stage where you need to validate the scope and products you have created with the appropriate people. What is the output called that is produced by a project and approved by the end-user or customer?

A)  Accepted Products
B)  Accepted Deliverables
C)  Accepted Results
D)  Accepted Data

Question 3

You are working on your Project Management Plan and will need the opinion of an individual or a group who has a wide range of knowledge and experience in that specific field. What is this called?

A)  Expert Judgment
B)  Expert Findings
C)  Expert Comment
D)  Expert Decision

Question 4

You are developing a new product and decide to add three extra features that the customer did not ask for, to make the product extra special. You feel as though it will work better this way. What is this called?

A)  Scope Creep
B)  Customer first
C)  Verified Deliverables
D)  Gold Plating

Question 5

A project management plan is a formal approved document that defines how the project is planned, executed, monitored and controlled. Who is responsible for creating and updating the project management plan?

A)  The Program Manager
B)  The Project Manager
C)  The Project Sponsor
D)  The Project Team

– See all the PMP Exam Questions – 

PMP Exam Questions – Practice Session | 13

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– See all the PMP Exam Questions – 

PMP Exam Question Practice 13PMP Exam Question Session 13

In this series we will walk through five PMP Practice Exam Questions each day – a great way to set up your morning as you prepare to pass the PMP Exam. It is also useful for the CAPM exam, as the content is very similar.

We will also figure them out together, and you’ll see the thought process behind solving these PMP exam questions.

I hope you enjoy!

 

Question 1

You have started to notice the impact that team motivation has on your project results. If you are giving your team love, affection, acceptance, friendship, you are using their:

A)  Legal Needs
B)  Social Needs
C)  Wealth Needs
D)  Organisational Needs

Question 2

You are working on a project where a strict and powerful union for the employees ensures that no employee can work more than 37 hours a week. This is an example of:

A)  Project permissions
B)  Project regulations
C)  Project constraints
D)  Project laws

Question 3

You are working on an Agile project and have been asked to create a document that lists team principles, agreements, and guidelines about the acceptable behaviour by team members. What are you working on?

A)  The Team Guideline
B)  The Project Management Plan
C)  The Project Charter
D)  The Team Charter

Question 4

You are managing a project team and need to ensure your team members are doing what is needed to get the job done. What is a project document you will use that helps you know the effectiveness of the team?

A)  Team Performance Assessments
B)  Team Progress Assessments
C)  Team Presentation Assessments
D)  Team Achievement Assessments

Question 5

A project manager will spend up to 90% of their time communicating, and your interpersonal skills will directly or indirectly impact the outcome of your project. Which of the following is a type of interpersonal skill?

A)  Selling
B)  Converting
C)  Team building
D)  Physical skills

– See all the PMP Exam Questions – 

PMP Exam Questions – Practice Session | 12

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– See all the PMP Exam Questions – 

PMP Exam Question Practice 12PMP Exam Question Session 12

In this series we will walk through five PMP Practice Exam Questions each day – a great way to set up your morning as you prepare to pass the PMP Exam. It is also useful for the CAPM exam, as the content is very similar.

We will also figure them out together, and you’ll see the thought process behind solving these PMP exam questions.

I hope you enjoy!

 

Question 1

You have been asked to prepare a document to gain the project sponsor’s sign off to access their function’s resources, that details the project goal and business case, high-level scope and requirements, high level dates and milestones, a high-level budget, and initial risk analysis. What are you creating?

A)  Project Management Plan
B)  Project Charter
C)  Risk Management Plan
D)  Lessons Learned

Question 2

You are working with the quality assurance manager of your project, where they are using a fishbone diagram to perform a cause and effect analysis for a problem you are working on to solve. What else is a fishbone diagram called?

A)  Ishikawa Diagram
B)  Value Stream Map
C)  Pareto Diagram
D)  Control Chart

Question 3

You are working in the quality assurance and testing phase of your project, where the test manager makes use of many different ways to assess project quality control. Who has the most responsibility for project quality control?

A)  The vendor
B)  The functional manager
C)  The project manager
D)  The project sponsor

Question 4

Your quality assurance manager on your project is using a technique in order to validate the scope and gain sign off on the deliverables. What is it called when they check the quality of the product against the quality requirements?

A)  Checking
B)  Assessment
C)  Evaluation
D)  Inspection

Question 5

You have noticed your project team starting to drift off, miss deadlines and make quality defects, and decide to learn a skill that will help bring the team together again. What will you research for information on how people, teams, and organizational units function in a project?

A)  Organizational Process Assets
B)  Organizational Theory
C)  Organizational Charts
D)  Organizational Structure

– See all the PMP Exam Questions – 

PMP Exam Questions – Practice Session | 10

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– See all the PMP Exam Questions – 

PMP Exam PracticePMP Exam Question Session 10

In this series we will walk through five PMP Practice Exam Questions each day – a great way to set up your morning as you prepare to pass the PMP Exam. It is also useful for the CAPM exam, as the content is very similar.

We will also figure them out together, and you’ll see the thought process behind solving these PMP exam questions.

I hope you enjoy!

 

Question 1

You are working as a Project Manager and one of the stakeholders of the project raises a problem with the product requirements, stating they are not correct. Which document will you use to note this for further discussion and resolution?

A)  Change Request
B)  Benefits Management Plan
C)  Issue Log
D)  Requirements Traceability Matrix

Question 2

You are working on a project in the financial sector, and the project sponsor asks you for a written document that outlines the intention of the project with set terms and conditions so she can accept. What is she referring to?

A)  Collaterals
B)  Indemnitees
C)  Settlements
D)  Agreements

Question 3

You as a project manager are listing the things that must be done to close out the project. What should you do in regards to the contracts for your third party suppliers?

A)  Issue a formal written notice of the project completion to the contractors
B)  Put a legal notice in the newspapers indicating that all invoices must be submitted
C)  Request final inspection reports for all vendor-supplied materials
D)  Issue letters of recommendation for the project team

Question 4 

One of your stakeholders needs to make a proposal for modification to the scope, policies, procedures, plans, or processes of the project, after a formal review of the issue. What will they use?

A)  Rectification Requests
B)  Change Requests
C)  Adjust Requests
D)  Amend Requests

Question 5

What is the term used for any product, service or results to be achieved to complete a process, phase or project?

A)  Milestone
B)  Result
C)  Deliverable
D)  Delivery

– See all the PMP Exam Questions –