TOPIC: How to balance study time for different PMP exam question types?

Hey everyone, I’m just starting my PMP exam prep and could really use some advice. I’ve noticed there are scenario-based, formula-based, and knowledge-based questions in practice tests, but I’m not sure how to split my study time between them. Does anyone have a recommendation that helped them tackle different question types effectively? Any suggestions or resources would be awesome. Thanks in advance!

Great question! Although the exam features various types of PMP exam questions, the key is to first build a solid foundation in project management concepts and skills. Once you understand the why and how behind these processes, you’ll naturally become more adept at answering any question type you encounter.

Rather than focusing on the different question formats, focus on mastering the core concepts and practicing regularly with lots of varied questions. Scenario-based questions will test your ability to apply knowledge in a realistic context, while knowledge-based questions will confirm you’ve got the facts down. (Though there are now fewer of these on the exam.

And that's even more true for formula-based questions: they are now less about calculations and more about interpretation. After all... Our PM software does the calculations for us - but what do you do with the results?? For example, you might see something like, “If CPI is 1.2, what does that tell you, and what actions should you take?” instead of being asked to perform the actual calculation.

Bottom line: Get the fundamentals down and practice all question types, but don’t get bogged down in memorizing every formula. It’s more important to recognize what the numbers mean and how to use them in making decisions. Keep practicing, and you’ll get a feel for which areas need a bit more attention. Good luck with your studies!

Not sure if I'm 100% qualified to answer, but what works for me now is focusing on studying the material then I prioritize answering some situational questions first. I've read from a lot of passers that's really the majority of the exam's content so I'm trying to beef up on that aspect. I have been focusing less on formula questions tho, I read there's not much in the actual exam (and I'm not a big equations person myself, to be honest). Let me know if you have any ideas you're trying out. Would love to mix up my studying too.

I agree with what others have posted. When broadly allocating exam preparation time, I would focus on three key areas: studying, answering practice questions, and reviewing specific topics based on the results of the practice questions. I would spend time getting familiar with the question formats, so they don't come as a surprise. A well-structured set of practice questions naturally exposes you to different question types. Expect the majority of the questions to be situational/scenario-based.

Adding to the other comments here.
Once you master the core concepts - start doing practice tests.
Once you do that, you will start to notice trends in your own performance - do you get a bit unsure in situational questions? Are you very quick with calculation based questions?
Accordingly, you will start to recognize the areas of your strength and can focus on areas you are not too confident or where you tend to make mistakes.
Analyzing your own test performance is the best way to tackle this.