14 4 Time Management During the Exam
14.4 Time Management During the Exam Explained
Effective time management during the PMP exam is crucial for ensuring that you can answer all questions within the allotted time. Here, we will delve into four key concepts of Time Management During the Exam: Time Allocation, Question Prioritization, Pacing, and Review Strategy.
1. Time Allocation
Time Allocation involves dividing the total exam time evenly among the sections or question types. The PMP exam consists of 200 questions to be completed in 4 hours (240 minutes). This means you should aim to spend approximately 1.2 minutes per question.
Example: If you have 20 questions in a section, allocate 24 minutes (20 questions x 1.2 minutes) to complete that section. This ensures that you do not spend too much time on any single question and can manage your time effectively throughout the exam.
2. Question Prioritization
Question Prioritization involves identifying and tackling the easiest and most straightforward questions first. This helps in building confidence and ensures that you secure points from questions you are certain about. Save the more challenging questions for later.
Example: As you read through the questions, mark the ones you find easy to answer and start with those. This approach allows you to quickly accumulate points and reduces the pressure of time as you move to more difficult questions.
3. Pacing
Pacing involves maintaining a steady and consistent speed throughout the exam. Avoid rushing through questions or spending too much time on any single question. Stick to your time allocation plan and adjust your pace as needed.
Example: If you find yourself spending more than 1.2 minutes on a question, make a note to revisit it later and move on to the next question. This ensures that you do not get stuck and can cover all questions within the allotted time.
4. Review Strategy
Review Strategy involves setting aside time at the end of the exam to review your answers. Allocate a specific amount of time for this purpose, typically 10-15 minutes, to ensure that you have enough time to double-check your responses and make any necessary corrections.
Example: After completing all questions, use the remaining time to review your answers. Focus on the questions you marked for review and ensure that you have not missed any critical details. This final review can help you catch any mistakes and improve your overall score.