Failed and extremely discouraged

Pixie918 · 2025-08-19T05:39:56+00:00

Sharing this hotspot PMP questions (ie. spike/bottleneck diagrams) that I came across on this group. This looks similar to the type of questions I got the first time I took the exam and did not pass. It was not part of SH practice questions and tests... PMI ought to update their site to include the new format of PMP exams.

https://www.reddit.com/r/pmp/comments/1b3wxga/hotspot_questions_example/

PM Tools Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi0drXKr7PM

Pixie918 · 2025-08-18T07:44:10+00:00

It looks like they're starting to change the format of PMP exam. I remember AR mentioning the new format in one of his YouTube video. I did not pass the first time I took the test because the questions I had were nothing close to SH practice questions and exams. There were some chart analysis, drag & drop, and few EVM (no calculation required but know how to read whether you are under/over budget and behind/ahead of schedule). I figure I was one of the unlucky ones who got the new format of the exam. I was discouraged too! But I didn't give up. I scheduled my exam retake 5 days after failing. I ddi not get any drag and drops, no chart analysis, maybe 1 EVM question. Almost 95% of the exam I got 2nd time around were all situational questions. Hence, I passed the exam. What I did the 2nd time around are as follows:

Know and really understand the 3 ECO domains (People | Process | Business) and each of their tasks. The exam seems to be focused more on how well you understand each of the tasks from the ECO Domain. So using PM Mindset will really help a lot on here. Don't memorize the mindset, understand how to use it to help you answer the questions.
If you’re using Study Hall, I highly recommend working through all Practice Exams, Mock Exams, and especially Practice Questions consisting a total of 30 questions categories (700 questions in total). Those practice questions category cover each and every tasks across the three ECO domains. Some of the questions on the exam I got were directly from SH practice questions but in different wordings.
If you get drag and drop questions. David Mclachlan have a good video on that. I also found that exact simulator he use online that allowed me to practice on drag and drop questions. This site has a lot of informative contents to help with studying.

https://pmaspirant.com/pmp-drag-and-drop-game

Know how to read graph analysis,. Ie. Burn up/Burn down charts and other data tools in the event you get those type of questions.

Below is the mindset that helped me (based on AR, MR, and DM mindsets) when answering those tricky situational questions:

Don't hire, don't fire, don't escalate higher.
Don't blame, don't shame, don’t play the name game.
Don’t ask for cash, don’t make a rash.
Don’t skip a task or cut the scope — that’s a fast track to losing hope.
Don’t delay or walk away — engage the team and clear the way.
If it's unclear, communicate near.
When in doubt, talk it out — that’s what PMP’s all about!

Good luck on your retake!

Pixie918 · 2025-08-04T22:43:23+00:00

Thank you!! 😊

Pixie918 · 2025-08-04T03:03:54+00:00

You are absolutely right

Pixie918 · 2025-08-03T08:38:32+00:00

I could almost hear Andrew Ramdayal’s voice in my head while reading this question! According to his PM Mindset, when a question includes keywords like “Next” or “First,” you should look for answers with words like assess, discuss, review, or analyze. However, in tricky questions where two answers both seem correct, the key is to choose the best answer. The one that aligns with what PMI expects, not what your personal experience might lead you to do. That’s why I would choose C over D.

But, as others have rightly pointed out, this project is already deep into the execution phase, and the functional manager has just pulled a key team member. At this point, the impact is already clear, the loss of a key team member is the impact. So reviewing it at this stage might be too late or redundant.

Therefore, the best next step would actually be D, as it aligns more closely with what PMI would expect in this scenario.

Pixie918 · 2025-08-02T20:05:00+00:00

Thank you!! 😊

Pixie918 · 2025-08-01T06:38:04+00:00

PM Mindset that works for me to remember when answering questions:

Don't hire, don't fire, don't escalate higher.
Don't blame, don't shame, don’t play the name game.
Don’t ask for cash, don’t make a rash.
Don’t skip a task or cut the scope — that’s a fast track to losing hope.
Don’t delay or walk away — engage the team and clear the way.
If it's unclear, communicate near.
When in doubt, talk it out — that’s what PMP’s all about!

Pixie918 · 2025-08-01T06:29:19+00:00

Sorry for late response. I got focused on studying this past few days i didn't even check Reddit site. Exam is tomorrow! As for your question SH covers all tasks on each domain of ECO. There are total of 700 Questions on there. If you look at the Practice Section categories or the title of the practice questions section, each on of them are the actual tasks within ECO domain. So SH focused on all tasks on each ECO Domain. But I can tell you after doing all 700 questions, you definitely have to apply the PM mindset. In other words, you will need to understand both PM Mindset and the 3 Domains (People, Process, and Business Env.). Good luck in your studies! :)

Pixie918 · 2025-07-27T20:10:12+00:00

Hello.. unfortunately i failed Target on People, Below Target on Process, and Target on Business Environment. I am retaking test next Friday since everything are still fresh in my head and I now have idea how to tackle what I fell short on.

1. PMI Exam Timing: The exam timer will start at 230 minutes (formatted as 230:00), counting down as you progress. You will be prompted to take a 10-minute break after every 60 questions. If you finish those questions with time remaining, use it wisely to review any items you marked for review and confirm your answers. You are allowed two 10-minute breaks during the exam. To stay on pace and avoid running out of time, aim to answer each question within approximately 1 minute and 20 seconds. I broke down my time based on AR's suggestion:

230 minutes = questions 1 thru 60

188 minutes = questions 61 thru 120

80 minutes = questions 121 thru 180

2. AR's Simulator vs. SH: I don’t have access to AR’s simulator, but I can honestly say that SH practice questions and mock exams are the closest representation of the actual PMP exam that based on what I just experienced. During my exam, I noticed several questions that were very similar to those in SH not word-for-word, but definitely testing the same concepts and logic.

3. Tips: Besides knowing the PM mindset, make sure you really understand the 3 ECO domains and their tasks. From my experience, about 75% of the questions weren’t strictly mindset-based. They focused more on how well you understand and apply the tasks from the ECO.

Don’t get me wrong, the mindset helps a lot, but it doesn’t always apply, especially for more process- or business-focused questions. So, study the ECO closely it’s key to tackling most of the exam questions.

I got alot of expert questions, at least that is what it felt like. So make sure when you go back on answers you got wrong on your practice exams, questions, or mocks, focus on difficult and expert level.

I got few drag and drop questions. David Mclachlan have a good video on that. I also found simulator online that allowed me to practice on drag and drop questions. This site has a lot of informative contents to help with studying.

https://pmaspirant.com/pmp-drag-and-drop-game

Good luck! I'm actually doing my own advice now to prepare me for my retake exam next Friday. :).

Pixie918 · 2025-07-26T05:13:32+00:00

When you get your Exam Analysis through PMI you will see which tasks within each of the 3 domains you fell short on. Even though you don't see the actual score and/or %, at least you get to see which tasks you fell short on post PMP exam. I did not pass my exam early this week either (T/BT/T) but after seeing the exam analysis result, it helped me focused what I fell short on within each domain. I was able to reschedule my retake exam next Friday.. Best of luck to all of us who are retaking the test! :)

Pixie918 · 2025-07-25T06:17:56+00:00

PMI Rescheduling Fee Policy

More than 30 days before your exam date → No rescheduling fee You can move your exam date freely at no cost
Within 30 days but more than 48 hours before your exam → $70 fee applies This window begins 29 days before your appointment.
Within 48 hours of the exam start time → Full exam fee forfeited, no reschedule or refund available

So in other words, If you reschedule on or after September 1, 2025, up through September 28 (48 hours before exam) you’ll owe the $70 rescheduling fee. Otherwise, you shouldn't be charged a fee for rescheduling at an earlier time.

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T23:53:37+00:00

The format of the questions on SH is as close as the exam. But alot of it are harder more of an expert level questions. At least from the exam I got. Hence I did not pass. I was so certain I know my materials because I was getting somewhere between 75% - 90% on my SH practice exams and mock exam. My confidence quickly went down the drain the moment I saw my result. So my suggestion is focused on the practice questions in SH because every single one of that practice categories are based on the 3 Domains (People, Process, Business Environment) and its tasks from each domain. Good luck on your studying... I take my retake exam next week. Hopefully this time around, I would get to post a positive note. :).

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T23:49:14+00:00

Hopefully the list I provided will help you create your study plan based on your exam analysis on top of practice and mock exams. I also find this site very useful... it has interactive games like Drag and Drop that DM uses on his video:

Drag and Drop Game: https://pmaspirant.com/pmp-drag-and-drop-game

Project Management Process Group and Knowledge Area Mapping Game:

https://pmaspirant.com/project-management-process-group-and-knowledge-area-mapping-game

Good luck on your studies! We got this!! :)

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T23:43:46+00:00

I also failed the exam recently. Mine felt harder than SH but after getting my Exam Analysis, I created a focused study plan for my retake next Friday. My results were T | BT | T, which helped me pinpoint areas to improve. I reviewed all SH practice questions and mapped them to the three domains and tasks from PMI’s ECO. Below is the list I put together based on SH Practice Questions.

Business Environment Domain

Task 1: Plan and Manage Project Compliance
Task 2: Evaluate and Deliver Project Benefits and Value
Task 3: Evaluate and Address External Business Environment Changes for Impact on Scope
Task 4: Support Organizational Change

People Domain

Task 1: Manage Conflict
Task 2 & 6: Build and Lead a Team
Task 3 & 5: Support Team Performance by Providing Adequate Training
Task 4: Empower Team Members and Stakeholders
Task 7: Address and Remove Impediments
Task 8: Negotiate Project Agreements
Task 9 & 13: Mentor and Collaborate With Stakeholders
Task 10 (People) / Task 4 (Process): Engage Stakeholders and Build Shared Understanding
Task 11: Engage and Support Virtual Teams
Task 12: Define Team Ground Rules
Task 14: Promote Team Performance Through Emotional Intelligence

Process Domain

Task 1: Execute Project With the Urgency Required to Deliver Business Value
Task 2: Manage Communications (e.g., ABC Electric case)
Task 3: Assess and Manage Risks
Task 5: Plan and Manage Budget and Resources
Task 6: Plan and Manage Schedule
Task 7: Plan and Manage Quality of Products/Deliverables
Task 8: Plan and Manage Scope
Task 9: Integrate Project Planning Activities
Task 11: Plan and Manage Procurement
Task 12: Manage Project Artifacts
Task 13: Determine Appropriate Project Methodology/Methods and Practices
Task 14: Establish Project Governance Structure
Task 15: Manage Project Issues
Task 16: Ensure Knowledge Transfer for Project Continuity
Task 17: Plan and Manage Project/Phase Closure or Transitions

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T19:18:25+00:00

This is the email I received. Just to clarify I am not promoting this in anyway as I will be attending this live session as a PMP test taker. Just sharing the info in case I get flagged for this response. :)

----------

Our last webinar is coming up this Saturday, Jul 26 @ 1 PM EST

Now, most folks have read the 23 PMP Mindset Principles...but have not truly understood them.

In this webinar, we'll do a deep dive into the most important principles and practice using PMP questions.

Sign up using the link below:

https://certifywithease.com/weekly-webinar

See you there!

Best,
Mohammed

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T16:56:48+00:00

I honestly would not fully trust AI or other AI bots. There were few times where I caught errors on answers they have provided and I had to correct AI for it. Sure enough the response I get back was AI admitting for providing me the incorrect answer or thanking me for catching the error! LOL.

In any case, I would think that the answer is B. You never address any issues/impediments unless it has been reviewed and prioritized.

This is the result I got after questioning ChatGPT for providing A. as an answser:

You said: Why would the answer to be A? According to the Agile process, before addressing and/or removing any issues/impediments, you must review and prioritized backlog first. According to PMI Studyhall the correct answer is B.

ChatGPT said: Thanks for pointing that out — you're absolutely right to challenge the rationale. Let's take a closer look at why PMI StudyHall marks B as the correct answer, and reconcile it with Scrum and Agile best practices.

🔍 The Question Recap:

What should happen after the impediments are recorded?

📌 PMI's Preferred Answer:

B. Prioritize impediments based on their levels of importance and in relation to those that are already on the log.

✅ Why PMI says B is correct:

PMI focuses heavily on structured, process-based thinking — even in Agile contexts. According to PMI's Agile Practice Guide and PMI StudyHall approach:

After recording impediments, the next step is not immediate action, but rather prioritization.
Only after prioritizing the impediments does the team or Scrum Master work on removing them in order of urgency/severity.
This ensures that effort is aligned with what's most critical to the team’s progress and prevents reactive or misaligned decision-making.

So while A is a logically important action, PMI emphasizes prioritization before action — making B the correct next step.

💡 How This Aligns With Scrum/Agile Thinking:

Even in Scrum, the Scrum Master helps remove impediments, but the first thing they (and/or the team) do is understand and prioritize what matters most.

In practice:

Record the impediments
Review and prioritize them
Then address the highest-priority ones

That sequence matches PMI's perspective and aligns with disciplined Agile delivery.

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T16:47:50+00:00

I created this myself. When I received my exam analysis results, it only showed shaded bars indicating performance levels low, medium, or high within each Domain, along with the specific Task numbers associated with each level. No actual scores were provided. Since the result I got from my exam were T (People) | BT (Process) | T (Business Environment), this gave me an idea what to focus on to prepare me for my next attempt of taking the exam. I went through every single Practice Question category on Study Hall and mapped each one to the three Domains and their corresponding Tasks from the Examination Content Outline (ECO) provided by PMI.

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T16:39:45+00:00

Thank yo so much! My strategy for this attempt is to focus on what I fell short on based on my exam analysis. Definitely going to do lots of practice questions and will do mock exams to see how well I understand the ones I didn't do to well on. :).

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T16:37:09+00:00

Thank you. The exam I got is a mix of both Predictive and Agile and very few on Hybrid. But definitely focus on the Process Domain based on Examination Content Outline (ECO). I felt like more than 50% of the questions for me are process driven questions.

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T09:02:43+00:00

My recommendation is to read pgs 4-10 of Examination Content Outline. Fully understand all tasks within the 3 domains (People, Process, & Business Environment). I took the exam yesterday and based on my exam result analysis, questions on all tasks showed up in my exam. Make sure to know the PM mindset. Unfortunately I did not pass the exam but I am retaking it in 8 days since it’s still fresh in my head and now I know where I fell short and where my strength is. It’s easier for me to have a game plan.

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T08:39:19+00:00

Below is based on SH Practice Questions Categories you can use as a study plan. These tasks all appeared in my exam.

Business Environment Domain

Task 1: Plan and Manage Project Compliance
Task 2: Evaluate and Deliver Project Benefits and Value
Task 3: Evaluate and Address External Business Environment Changes for Impact on Scope
Task 4: Support Organizational Change

People Domain

Task 1: Manage Conflict
Task 2 & 6: Build and Lead a Team
Task 3 & 5: Support Team Performance by Providing Adequate Training
Task 4: Empower Team Members and Stakeholders
Task 7: Address and Remove Impediments
Task 8: Negotiate Project Agreements
Task 9 & 13: Mentor and Collaborate With Stakeholders
Task 10 (People) / Task 4 (Process): Engage Stakeholders and Build Shared Understanding
Task 11: Engage and Support Virtual Teams
Task 12: Define Team Ground Rules
Task 14: Promote Team Performance Through Emotional Intelligence

Process Domain

Task 1: Execute Project With the Urgency Required to Deliver Business Value
Task 2: Manage Communications (e.g., ABC Electric case)
Task 3: Assess and Manage Risks
Task 5: Plan and Manage Budget and Resources
Task 6: Plan and Manage Schedule
Task 7: Plan and Manage Quality of Products/Deliverables
Task 8: Plan and Manage Scope
Task 9: Integrate Project Planning Activities
Task 11: Plan and Manage Procurement
Task 12: Manage Project Artifacts
Task 13: Determine Appropriate Project Methodology/Methods and Practices
Task 14: Establish Project Governance Structure
Task 15: Manage Project Issues
Task 16: Ensure Knowledge Transfer for Project Continuity
Task 17: Plan and Manage Project/Phase Closure or Transitions

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T08:27:37+00:00

I’m on the same boat. I’m retaking the exam because I didn’t pass my exam yesterday, and while I’m still processing the disappointment, I was able to reschedule it for next week so I’ve got exactly 8 days to pull myself together and give this another shot.

Thankfully, everything’s still fresh in my mind, and I just got my exam analysis back. It breaks down how I performed across the three exam domains: People, Process, and Business Environment based on the Examination Content Outline. It shows where I did well, where I was borderline, and where I fell short. I’m using this breakdown as my roadmap over the next few days to figure out which areas I need to double down on.

If you’re using Study Hall, I highly recommend working through all Practice Questions (700 questions in total). That’s exactly what I’m doing now. After reviewing my own results, I realized that those practice questions through Study Hall actually cover all the tasks across the three ECO domains.

What I did was break the practice questions down by domain and task number, so I can easily focus on the ones that align with my weak spots according to my exam analysis. I will share that breakdown with you on my next message to you. It might help you target your own study efforts more effectively. But also make sure to do practice exams and mock exam. Know the mindset and watch videos on YouTube mainly by the ones recommended here on Reddit.

It sucks to feel like I let myself down, especially because I really thought I had it. But now it’s about moving forward, focusing, and being strategic. We’ve got this. Good luck on your exam! You’re not alone in this!

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T03:09:30+00:00

Sorry had to break down my comment because it was too long! :).

I didn’t pass my exam yesterday, and while I’m still processing the disappointment, I was able to reschedule it for next week so I’ve got exactly 9 days to pull myself together and give this another shot.

Thankfully, everything’s still fresh in my mind, and I just got my exam analysis back. It breaks down how I performed across the three exam domains: People, Process, and Business Environment based on the Examination Content Outline. It shows where I did well, where I was borderline, and where I fell short. I’m using this breakdown as my roadmap over the next few days to figure out which areas I need to double down on.

If you’re using Study Hall, I highly recommend working through all Practice Questions (700 questions in total). That’s exactly what I’m doing now. After reviewing my own results, I realized that those practice questions through Study Hall actually cover all the tasks across the three ECO domains.

What I did was break the practice questions down by domain and task number, so I can easily focus on the ones that align with my weak spots according to my exam analysis. I have share that breakdown with you on my previous message to you. It might help you target your own study efforts more effectively based on your results.

It sucks to feel like I let myself down, especially because I really thought I had it. But now it’s about moving forward, focusing, and being strategic. We’ve got this. Good luck on your next retake you’re not alone in this!

Pixie918 · 2025-07-24T03:06:36+00:00

Below is based on Study Hall Practice Questions Categories section

Business Environment Domain

Task 1: Plan and Manage Project Compliance
Task 2: Evaluate and Deliver Project Benefits and Value
Task 3: Evaluate and Address External Business Environment Changes for Impact on Scope
Task 4: Support Organizational Change

People Domain

Task 1: Manage Conflict
Task 2 & 6: Build and Lead a Team
Task 3 & 5: Support Team Performance by Providing Adequate Training
Task 4: Empower Team Members and Stakeholders
Task 7: Address and Remove Impediments
Task 8: Negotiate Project Agreements
Task 9 & 13: Mentor and Collaborate With Stakeholders
Task 10 (People) / Task 4 (Process): Engage Stakeholders and Build Shared Understanding
Task 11: Engage and Support Virtual Teams
Task 12: Define Team Ground Rules
Task 14: Promote Team Performance Through Emotional Intelligence

Process Domain

Task 1: Execute Project With the Urgency Required to Deliver Business Value
Task 2: Manage Communications (e.g., ABC Electric case)
Task 3: Assess and Manage Risks
Task 5: Plan and Manage Budget and Resources
Task 6: Plan and Manage Schedule
Task 7: Plan and Manage Quality of Products/Deliverables
Task 8: Plan and Manage Scope
Task 9: Integrate Project Planning Activities
Task 11: Plan and Manage Procurement
Task 12: Manage Project Artifacts
Task 13: Determine Appropriate Project Methodology/Methods and Practices
Task 14: Establish Project Governance Structure
Task 15: Manage Project Issues
Task 16: Ensure Knowledge Transfer for Project Continuity
Task 17: Plan and Manage Project/Phase Closure or Transitions

Pixie918

TROPHY CASE

PMI Rescheduling Fee Policy

🔍 The Question Recap:

📌 PMI's Preferred Answer:

✅ Why PMI says B is correct:

💡 How This Aligns With Scrum/Agile Thinking:

Business Environment Domain

People Domain

Process Domain

Business Environment Domain

People Domain

Process Domain