PMI PMP Exam App Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

The project manager calculates the Cost Performance Index (CPI) for a new infrastructure project and finds that the result is 1.15. What does this tell the project manager?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The project is operating at 115 percent budget efficiency and is under budget. Answer: The project is operating at 115 percent budget efficiency and is under budget The Cost Performance Index (CPI) is a measure of cost efficiency expressed as the ratio of earned value to actual cost. The formula to calculate CPI is: $$CPI = \frac{EV}{AC}$$ Interpretations: CPI > 1 means the project is under budget CPI = 1 means the project is on budget CPI < 1 means the project is over budget A CPI of 1.15 indicates that for every dollar spent, the project is earning $1.15 worth of value, thus it is under budget.

Question 2

You are in charge of a construction project aimed at building a public park. The initial budget is $800,000. Currently, you've spent $650,000, though according to your project plan, you should have spent $700,000 by now. The schedule shows that the project is on time. Calculate the CV and explain what it signifies for this project.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

$50,000 - the project's CV is positive and under planned cost. Answer: $50,000 - the project's CV is positive and under planned cost CV (Cost Variance) = EV (Earned Value) - AC (Actual Cost) $50,000 = $700,000 - $650,000 Since the CV is a positive figure, it means that the project is performing under the planned cost. The planned cost for activities thus far is $700,000, but only $650,000 has been spent to complete them, leaving a cost variance of $50,000.

Question 3

A manager in an office setting prioritizes creating a safe and supportive environment, encouraging team members to innovate and develop professionally. Which leadership style does this best represent?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Servant leader. Answer: Servant leader The servant leadership style focuses on the growth and well-being of teams and communities. It emphasizes creating a supportive environment and prioritizing the needs and development of team members. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate through vision and idealized influence. Charismatic leaders are known for their ability to inspire and energize teams through enthusiasm and confidence. Laissez-faire leaders take a hands-off approach, allowing team members to make decisions independently.

Question 4

The project manager announced that the team's holiday bonuses might be withheld if they do not meet their project deadlines. Which type of project manager power is being utilized?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Punitive or coercive. Answer: Punitive or coercive Punitive or coercive power is demonstrated when a project manager uses the potential for penalties to influence team behavior, such as withholding bonuses for unmet deadlines. Expert power is derived from knowledge or expertise. Reward-oriented power involves offering incentives. Positional power is based on the project manager's role or authority within the organization.

Question 5

You are leading a construction project where new project management software is being implemented. This transition is expected to streamline processes but requires the adjustment of team roles and responsibilities. What is your NEXT step as the project manager to facilitate this transition?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Facilitate a team discussion to align on the objectives of the new software. The correct answer is to facilitate a team discussion to align on the objectives of the new software. A successful transition involves creating a shared purpose and engaging the team collectively, rather than prioritizing isolated training or external oversight. While external consultants or increased monitoring may provide support, aligning the team on common objectives ensures commitment and a unified approach to integrating new technologies.

Question 6

A construction company is progressing well with various project phases. However, the painting phase has been consistently causing project delays. Analyze the timeline to determine which factor most contributes to delaying the project completion. Phase Weeks to Complete Current Delay Foundation 2 1 Framing 3 0 Painting 4 3 Finishing 2 0

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Bottleneck. Answer: Bottleneck. The painting phase is the bottleneck in this scenario, as its completion time and associated delay significantly impede the project timeline.

Question 7

The project manager organizes a series of cross-departmental workshops designed to foster collaboration among employees from various departments to develop a new product prototype. At which stage of the Tuckman ladder is the team most likely located during these workshops?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Norming. In the Norming stage, team members begin to understand each other's roles and collaborate effectively, as depicted by the cross-departmental workshops. The Adjourning stage involves finalizing a project, while the Forming stage is the initial team setup. The Storming stage is characterized by conflicts as the team starts working through its approach.

Question 8

During a project review session, Carlos pays close attention to his client's feedback. He asks clarifying questions and repeats some points back to the client to ensure his understanding is correct. What communication skill is Carlos demonstrating?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Active listening. Answer: Active listening Active listening involves not only hearing what the stakeholder says but also confirming understanding through questions and feedback. This approach enhances effective communication and clarity within project management.

Question 9

You are working as a project coordinator and find yourself receiving directions from both the project manager and the marketing manager. This has caused some confusion about prioritizing tasks, resulting in project delays. Which organizational structure is most likely causing these conflicting directions?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Matrix - balanced. A matrix - balanced structure allows employees to receive instructions from both project and functional managers, reflecting the situation where the project coordinator is confused by directions from both the project manager and the marketing manager. In a functional organization, there is a clear hierarchy and the project coordinator would only receive directions from the project manager. A weak matrix resembles a functional organization with the project manager having less authority. In a strong matrix, the project manager has more authority, reducing conflicts arising from dual reporting lines.

Question 10

Amy is a project manager for a software development team and has observed a decline in productivity due to missed project deadlines. During sprint planning sessions, several team members seem distracted and disengaged. What is the best course of action for Amy to take?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Coach the team on the importance and objectives of sprint planning sessions. Answer: Coach the team on the importance and objectives of sprint planning sessions This option involves teaching team members about the vital role of sprint planning in managing project timelines and productivity. Effective sprint planning helps align the team with project goals, ensuring each member knows their responsibilities and deadlines.

PMI PMP Exam App Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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