9 Strategies to Answer Correctly the PMP(r), Exam Questions

Many PMP(r), aspirants, read and watched study material and felt comfortable with it. They don’t know the correct answer when they get to the test questions.
You are not the only one feeling this way.
PMI (Project Management Institute), has a unique way of writing exam questions. It is important to practice as many questions as possible before you take the actual exam.
Watch out for patterns when you practice questions. You will notice consistency in the way questions are phrased. Observe patterns in situational questions.
If you are unable to answer a practice question correctly, you should look at your study materials again and make sure you don’t make the same mistake again.
This article will discuss 9 strategies you can use to improve your test scores.
1. First, come up with an answer
You don’t have to look at all the options, so read the question first.
Once you have the answer, take a look at the four options and see if it is one of them.
This technique has the advantage that you won’t let the wrong answer cloud your mind.
2. First, read the answer
This technique is great for when you have a long-winded situational question.
First, read the answer.
Next, read the last sentence.
Next, read the entire question.
This works because sometimes, you are given too much information in the question. You can identify what you need to look for by reading the last sentence first.
3. Eliminate
If you aren’t sure what the right answer to your question is, use elimination to get it.
Take a look at the four choices, then drop the ones you don’t believe are correct and choose from the remaining answers. If you are still unsure of the answer, mark it for review and return to it at the end if possible.
Do not get too focused on one question, or you might not be able to complete the exam in time.
4. Skip
You can also skip PMP(r), if you don’t know the answer.
Although it may sound counterintuitive, this technique works. Sometimes the answer to the question you skipped is given in the scenario of another question.
If you are unsure about the answer to a question you can skip it and mark it for review. You can then return to it after you have read all of the questions on your exam.
5. Be wary about absolutes
Be wary of words like “always”, “none”, or “never”. Think back to the projects you have managed. When did you do things all the time or not at all? Projects are dynamic, so you have to be flexible to your specific environment. Sometimes, exceptions are made.
6. Avoid unfamiliar terms
It’s likely that the term you see on your exam is a new term from the PMBOK(r). You probably won’t know the correct answer to a term you haven’t seen before.
7. Start with your first impression
The first impression is often right. If you are unsure, stick with your first impression. Only change your answer if absolutely certain.
8. First, calculate the answer
If the question is a formula question you should list all variables and input them into the appropriate formula. Then check to see if your answer is one of the many choices.
Tip: At the beginning of your exam, you are given two sheets paper. A brain dump can be done in the first 5-10 minutes of exam time. All formulas can be included in your brain dump. All you have to do when you come across a calculation question or formula is to simply enter the values in the scenario. All of the formulas are limited to basic addition, subtraction and multiplication. A windows-based calculator will be provided for your exam.
Here’s the link to the complete Formula Guide, which contains all the formulas that you will need.
9. Guess!
When you are a