APM-001 Sample Questions & Answers
Planning work with breakdown structures, schedules, and budgets takes up the largest share, alongside the basics of project management and setting goals, team and quality management during execution, and performance monitoring through closure.
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Real questions from the Associate in Project Management practice test — answers and explanations included. Showing 10 of 20 free samples.
- Question 1Beginner
Project Management Fundamentals · Project Management Basics
Which project management document formally authorizes the existence of a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities?
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Correct answer: D
The Project Charter is the key document created during the Initiating Process Group. Its primary functions are to formally authorize the project's existence and to grant the project manager the authority needed to lead the project and utilize organizational resources.
- Question 2Intermediate
Project Planning · Scheduling
A project manager is using the Three-Point Estimating technique to determine the duration of a critical activity. The estimates from the team are: Optimistic (O) = 10 days, Pessimistic (P) = 22 days, and Most Likely (M) = 13 days. Using the triangular distribution formula, what is the estimated duration for this activity?
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Correct answer: A
The formula for triangular distribution is E = (O + M + P) / 3.
Plugging in the values: E = (10 + 13 + 22) / 3 = 45 / 3 = 15 days. - Question 3Beginner
Project Execution · Team Management
During the execution of a construction project, a project manager observes that the team members are in constant disagreement over roles and responsibilities, leading to a drop in productivity. According to Tuckman's ladder of team development, which stage is the team MOST LIKELY in?
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Correct answer: B
The Storming stage is characterized by conflict and competition as individual personalities and work styles emerge. Team members may challenge the authority of the project manager and disagree on how the team should function. This matches the described scenario of constant disagreement and jockeying for position.
- Question 4Beginner
Project Monitoring, Control, and Closure · Project Closure
A project manager is facilitating a lessons learned session as part of the project closure process. What is the primary purpose of this activity?
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Correct answer: B
The primary goal of a lessons learned session is to contribute to the organization's knowledge base. By documenting what went well, what went poorly, and why, the organization can avoid repeating mistakes and replicate successes on future projects. It is a forward-looking process focused on continuous improvement, not on assigning blame.
- Question 5IntermediateSelect 2
Project Execution · Communication Management
A project manager is developing a communications management plan for a project with stakeholders across multiple countries and time zones. Which of the following components are essential to include in this plan? (Select TWO)
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Correct answers: B, D
- Question 6Beginner
Project Management Fundamentals · Project Management Basics
Scope creep is best described as:
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Correct answer: C
Scope creep refers to adding features and functionality (project scope) without going through the formal change control process. These small, unmanaged changes can accumulate and lead to project delays and budget overruns.
- Question 7Intermediate
Project Monitoring, Control, and Closure · Schedule and Budget Compression
A project manager is trying to shorten the project schedule. The manager decides to have the development and testing phases, which were originally planned to be sequential, run in parallel. This is an example of which schedule compression technique?
flowchart TD subgraph Original Schedule A[Development] --> B[Testing] end subgraph Compressed Schedule C(Development) --> D((End)) E(Testing) --> D endShow answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Fast tracking is a schedule compression technique where activities or phases normally done in sequence are performed in parallel for at least a portion of their duration. This approach often increases risk, as shown in the diagram where testing begins before development is fully complete.
- Question 8Advanced
Project Monitoring, Control, and Closure · Performance Monitoring
During a project status meeting, a stakeholder asks the project manager for the Estimate at Completion (EAC). The project's Budget at Completion (BAC) is $500,000. The current Cost Performance Index (CPI) is 0.8. Assuming the current cost performance is expected to continue for the remainder of the project, what is the EAC?
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Correct answer: C
When current cost performance (CPI) is expected to continue, the formula for Estimate at Completion (EAC) is BAC / CPI.
EAC = $500,000 / 0.8 = $625,000. This indicates the project is forecast to be significantly over budget. - Question 9Intermediate
Project Execution · Quality Management
Which quality management tool is used to identify the vital few sources that are responsible for causing most of a problem's effects?
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Correct answer: D
A Pareto Chart is a type of bar chart used to show the frequency of defects, as well as their cumulative impact. It operates on the Pareto principle, often called the 80/20 rule, which states that roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. This helps the team focus on the 'vital few' causes that will have the greatest impact on quality.
- Question 10Intermediate
Project Management Fundamentals · Project Goals and Objectives
Case Study:
A non-profit organization, 'Global Aid Foundation', is launching a project to build a new community well in a remote village. The project manager, who is new to the organization, has been provided with a project charter and a high-level budget. The project involves coordinating international volunteers, procuring drilling equipment, and working with local community leaders. The success of the project is highly dependent on the support and participation of the village residents.
The project charter lists the project sponsor (the foundation's director) and the primary donor as key stakeholders. However, the project manager suspects there are many other individuals and groups whose interests could positively or negatively impact the project's success. The project manager needs to develop a comprehensive plan to manage these stakeholders effectively, but first, they must be identified.
Without a clear understanding of all stakeholders, the project manager risks miscommunication, lack of buy-in from the local community, and potential conflicts that could jeopardize the entire project. The project manager's first priority is to create a complete picture of the stakeholder landscape.
What is the MOST effective technique for the project manager to use first to identify all relevant stakeholders for this project?
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Correct answer: B
This is the most effective and comprehensive approach. Brainstorming with the team can uncover internal stakeholders, while interviewing known key stakeholders (especially local leaders) is crucial for identifying external groups, their interests, and their potential influence. This combination ensures a much more complete stakeholder register.
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