26 Aug Tips #24 :: Exam Techniques -3
(Multiple choice-Multi Option questions)
The PMP® Exam as everyone now is aware of, changed in January 2021. The current exam pattern is a major shift from the traditional one. Following tips will be really useful in the current examination pattern
Till 31-Dec-2020, the examination had 200 questions, and all of them were multiple options – a single choice type of questions. The options usually would be very close to each other. In fact, in some cases, multiple options could be correct. You had to choose the best one to get credit for the question. PMI® has introduced different types of questions in the PMP® exam now.
Let us see how these new types of questions can impact your exam performance and what you can do about them.
Multiple Choice Questions
The questions under this category will have multiple correct answers. Usually, the question will tell you how many correct answers are there. You get credit for the question ONLY if you select ALL the options that are correct.
Let us take one example here: In the question below, you have to choose 2 options out of the four, and you will get credit for the same only if you select both the correct options
Example
You are working on a project as a project manager. You just realized today that activity on the critical path, which is scheduled to begin after 3 to weeks from today, may get delayed by a week. What out of the following should you do? [Please select 2 options from the four given below]
- Identify schedule delay risk
- Outsource the activity to bring the schedule back on track
- Fast track this activity
- Analyze why that activity is getting delayed
Read the question carefully. It does not say why the activity may get delayed. Is it because resources are not available? Is it because the customer has not given in clarity about the activity? Is it because a previous activity is getting delayed? We do not know. We do not know the nature of that activity.
Since we do not know why it is getting delayed, we are not in a position to respond to the risk by either crashing or fast-tracking. So, we need to eliminate options that refer to Crashing or Fast Tracking (Option B and C). That leaves us with options A and D. Unless you select both these options, you will not get marks for the question.
Tip:
The above example clearly explains how the elimination technique works well in reaching all the correct options. If you have time on your hands, you may validate your answer for correctness.
In the above example, that activity in question MAY get delayed, indicating that risk needs to be identified. Also, if you know what causes the delay, you will be able to take action. Options A and D are correct answers
Please remember that the elimination technique is a lifesaver here.
No Comments