xiv Introduction

These scores are established based on a psychometric analysis as PMI uses sub-
ject matter experts throughout the world to establish a point in which it feels a
candidate for the exam should be able to pass a question and establishes a level
of difficulty for each question. We do not know the algorithm PMI uses to estab-
lish the proficiency levels. Our practice exam, therefore, scores each question
equally, which means you will learn the number of questions you answer cor-
rectly in each of the five process groups. Obviously, your goal is to be Proficient,
and our goal is that this book can assist you in your quest to attain the Proficient
level.
To use the study guide effectively, work on one section at a time. It does not
matter which one you choose first. Start by reading the study areas. They provide
useful background on the content of the PMP exam and identify the emphasis
placed on various topics. Familiarize yourself with the major topics listed. Then
answer the 40 practice questions, recording your answers on the sheet provided.
Finally, compare your answers with those in the answer key. The rationales
provided should clarify any misconceptions you may have had, and the process
group or domain designations will give you an understanding of the types of
questions you might see on the exam that relate to those process groups. We
have expanded in this tenth edition the rationales for the correct answer to assist
you in understanding why the answer is correct and provided more details to
help in greater understanding on the topic. For further study and clarification,
you may want to consult the bibliographic reference.
After you have finished answering the questions that follow each section, it is
time to take the completely rewritten and original, 200-question practice test that
has the number of questions by domain or process group in the ECO. Note your
answers on the sheet provided, compare your answers to the answer key, and
use the Study Matrix in the Appendix to determine what areas you need to study
further.
We also have this test on-line. To access it, please contact pmptest10@ittoday.
info. The on-line test lasts four hours and has a clock that ticks down and shows
you how much time you have left in the four hours for the exam. At the end,
you will see your score by domain and also through a proprietary algorithm we
have prepared that shows based on our questions whether you were Proficient,
Moderately Proficient, or Below Proficient in a domain.
It is our recommendation that you take this four-hour on-line test first to see
your areas of strength and areas of improvement after you feel you have mas-
tered the material and are ready to take the PMP. Then, try it again. You then
have a benchmark and can see if you do need further study.
To make the most of this book, use it regularly. Take and retake the practice
test in the book. Photocopy the answer sheet in order to have a clean one each
time you retake the test. Our suggestion is to score at least 80% of the questions
in our practice test and on-line test correctly before you take the PMP exam.
You may want to convene a study group to compare your answers with those
of your colleagues. This method of study is a powerful one. You will learn more