PMP EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
(SAMPLE SET) AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES
Domain: People (Team Development & Conflict Resolution)
1. A project team member from a culture that values hierarchy and deference
to authority is consistently silent in meetings but provides excellent work
privately. The project manager notices the team member has valuable insights
that could benefit the team. What is the BEST approach for the project
manager to take?
A) Continue to encourage the team member to speak up in meetings until
they feel comfortable.
B) Assign the team member to a task that does not require collaboration.
C) Schedule a private oneonone meeting to solicit their ideas and discuss how
they can be shared with the team.
D) Escalate the issue to the team member's functional manager.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This is a cultural and individual sensitivity issue. A private meeting
respects the team member's cultural norms while still allowing them to
contribute. Forcing them to speak in public (A) may cause discomfort, and
,removing them from collaboration (B) is not a solution. Escalating (D) is an
overreaction and could damage trust.
2. Two senior team members are in a heated disagreement over the technical
approach to a critical project deliverable. The project is already behind
schedule. What should the project manager do FIRST?
A) Choose the approach that is faster to meet the schedule.
B) Ask both team members to compromise and find a middle ground.
C) Facilitate a meeting where both parties can present their arguments based
on data and project objectives.
D) Escalate the issue to the project sponsor for a final decision.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The project manager's role is to facilitate resolution. The best first
step is to create a collaborative environment where the conflict can be
resolved based on facts and project goals, not just opinions. This is a key
aspect of the "People" domain.
3. A project manager is leading a virtual team spread across three different
time zones. The team is struggling with communication and feels
disconnected. What is the MOST effective strategy to improve team cohesion
and communication?
A) Schedule a daily standup meeting at a time that is convenient for the
project manager.
, B) Implement a team charter that defines communication protocols, meeting
times, and collaboration tools.
C) Send a weekly status report via email to keep everyone informed.
D) Purchase collaboration software and require all team members to use it.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A team charter is a foundational document that establishes ground
rules for behavior and communication. It sets clear expectations and helps
build a shared understanding of how the team will work together, which is
crucial for virtual teams.
4. A project manager notices that a team member is consistently
underperforming and missing deadlines. What is the BEST first step for the
project manager to take?
A) Immediately document the performance issues and start the process to
remove the team member from the project.
B) Have a private, empathetic conversation to understand the root cause of
the underperformance.
C) Reassign the team member's tasks to other team members to ensure the
project stays on track.
D) Inform the team member's functional manager about the performance
issues.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The first step in managing performance issues is to understand the
underlying cause. It could be a lack of clarity, personal issues, or a skill gap. A
(SAMPLE SET) AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES
Domain: People (Team Development & Conflict Resolution)
1. A project team member from a culture that values hierarchy and deference
to authority is consistently silent in meetings but provides excellent work
privately. The project manager notices the team member has valuable insights
that could benefit the team. What is the BEST approach for the project
manager to take?
A) Continue to encourage the team member to speak up in meetings until
they feel comfortable.
B) Assign the team member to a task that does not require collaboration.
C) Schedule a private oneonone meeting to solicit their ideas and discuss how
they can be shared with the team.
D) Escalate the issue to the team member's functional manager.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This is a cultural and individual sensitivity issue. A private meeting
respects the team member's cultural norms while still allowing them to
contribute. Forcing them to speak in public (A) may cause discomfort, and
,removing them from collaboration (B) is not a solution. Escalating (D) is an
overreaction and could damage trust.
2. Two senior team members are in a heated disagreement over the technical
approach to a critical project deliverable. The project is already behind
schedule. What should the project manager do FIRST?
A) Choose the approach that is faster to meet the schedule.
B) Ask both team members to compromise and find a middle ground.
C) Facilitate a meeting where both parties can present their arguments based
on data and project objectives.
D) Escalate the issue to the project sponsor for a final decision.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The project manager's role is to facilitate resolution. The best first
step is to create a collaborative environment where the conflict can be
resolved based on facts and project goals, not just opinions. This is a key
aspect of the "People" domain.
3. A project manager is leading a virtual team spread across three different
time zones. The team is struggling with communication and feels
disconnected. What is the MOST effective strategy to improve team cohesion
and communication?
A) Schedule a daily standup meeting at a time that is convenient for the
project manager.
, B) Implement a team charter that defines communication protocols, meeting
times, and collaboration tools.
C) Send a weekly status report via email to keep everyone informed.
D) Purchase collaboration software and require all team members to use it.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A team charter is a foundational document that establishes ground
rules for behavior and communication. It sets clear expectations and helps
build a shared understanding of how the team will work together, which is
crucial for virtual teams.
4. A project manager notices that a team member is consistently
underperforming and missing deadlines. What is the BEST first step for the
project manager to take?
A) Immediately document the performance issues and start the process to
remove the team member from the project.
B) Have a private, empathetic conversation to understand the root cause of
the underperformance.
C) Reassign the team member's tasks to other team members to ensure the
project stays on track.
D) Inform the team member's functional manager about the performance
issues.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The first step in managing performance issues is to understand the
underlying cause. It could be a lack of clarity, personal issues, or a skill gap. A
