Let me start by asking you a question. How much do you know about the passing score on the PMP exam? So far, we have heard rumors and unconfirmed information about what the passing score is. This is the third article in the series of articles on the PMP Exam Passing Score. In this article, I'm going to share the best kept secret of the PMP exam. In fact, as I was compiling the data for this post, I was surprised looking at the results myself. I'm really excited to share this information with you today. I guarantee that you are going to love this post. Are you curious to know more? Of course you are. So let's get to the point now.
If you have read the previous two articles of this series, you understand that 61% is not the passing score for the PMP exam. You also know that starting Jan 2008, PMI moved to a qualitative scoring system. It means that they no longer provide a numeric score for the exam, and rather give you a "proficiency level" (Proficient, Moderately Proficient or Below Proficient) for each domain. Therefore, many PMP aspirants want to know the proficiency levels that equate to a "pass" result on the PMP exam.
Disclaimer: Please use the information in this post at your own discretion. I claim no responsibility of the accuracy of the data or the interpretation of it.
In order to find the answer, I started collecting the qualitative passing scores from several successful and unsuccessful candidates through various sources. I narrowed the results down to unique scores. The resulting data brought out some very interesting and important details about the PMP exam passing score. Click on the image below to see a set of 23 unique exam results.
Before I delve further, let me put forth some basic facts.
Total Question on the exam = 200
Scored Questions = 175
Pre-test Questions = 25
Table 1 provides the exam results of successful candidates. Table 2 provides the results of unsuccessful candidates. Table 3 shows the domain-wise distribution of 175 questions on the exam.
After analyzing the results, following are my interpretations:
- Overall score matters. You can have any combination of Proficient (P), Moderately Proficient (MP) and Below Proficient (BP) scores across the 6 domains, and still pass (or fail) the exam. What matters is the overall score. If your overall score is above a certain percentage (which may vary for each exam), you will pass the exam. Refer to the results in Table 1 (Pass). You'll find various combinations of P, MP and BP scores there.
- You can be BP in one, two or more domains and still pass the exam (though I've not seen anyone pass the exam with three BP scores). The overall score, as mentioned in point 1, matters. Refer to columns 14-17 in Table 1 for confirmation.
- If you score MP in all domains, you'll pass. Refer to column 15 in Table 1.
- If you score MP in five domains and BP in one, you may still pass. For example, if you score on the higher end of MP in those five domains, and barely slip below BP level on one domain, you may still achieve the overall passing score, and hence pass. Refer to columns 16 and 17 in Table 1.
- In contrast to the above point, even if you score P in one or two domains, you may fail. For example, if you score P in 2 low-weightage domains (like Closing and Professional Responsibility) and score well poorly in a high-weightage domain (like Executing), you may slip below the overall passing score, and hence fail. Refer to column 2 in Table 2.
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Good article thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteSo focus should be put on being P in high weightage domains.
One question : are the scores between the 3 P, MP and BP grades published ?
Greetings from Brussels
Hi Anon,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your feedback.
I don't think I understood your question correctly. Are you asking whether there's a % equivalent to the qualitative score like:
BP - X% and below
MP - Between X and Y%
P - Above Y%
If this is what you want to know, then the answer is 'no'.
But, I do have some information where you could convert your qualitative scores into quantitative scores using a model developed by Dr. PDG. I'll be posting an article on that model very soon.
Thanks.
Sorry about my confusing question. Let me rephrase it : per domain, above which % are your graded (P); at which % are your graded (MP) ? that was my question :-)
ReplyDeleteWhen I prepared for the exam, with only little time available, I did focus on the high-priority process groups (Ex-M&C-Pl) because that's how you collect most of the points, and the knowledge areas are far more structured than in Initiating and Closing, or in Professional Ethics. I ended up scoring P in the big three, MP in Closing and Ethics, and BP in Initiating--and passed. So, my study strategy (full-time job, toddler, family sick with flu, self sick with flu, etc.) has paid off. Can only recommend. For that purpose, Kim Heldman's book worked really well.
ReplyDelete@ Anon,
ReplyDeleteYes, that's what I responded to in my previous comment. That percentage is not known, but I'll share some info on Dr. PDG's model, that will give you some "close enough" numbers.
Thanks.
Hello Charlotte,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Regards.
I recently observed : 3 cases identical ranking- BP in Planning and MP in all the other 5 processes- all 3 took the exam in Feb- March period. Two out of 3 (including me in the 2) passed but one could not make it. The unlucky one may be in the same range as us but could be at the lower end of the range bracket. We do not know the cutoff or range bracket. PMP aspirants should focus on doing the best and not worry about this ranking and cut-off.
ReplyDeleteChandra
The test centers nearby are all full for the date I want (May 10th). My plan will be to continue to check the website to get the location and date I want. In the meantime, do I schedule my exam at a nearby center for a later date, or schedule an exam at an exam center father away on May 10th?
ReplyDelete- Joan
I agree with Charlotte's comment about focusing diligently on (and understanding thoroughly)the main three Performance Domains as those have the highest percentages of questions on the exam. My passing was MP, P, P, P, MP, BP - with my three strongest scores in the main Performance Domains, followed by the next lowest scores and the final lowest scores in each remaining Performance Domain respectively.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do believe PMP aspirants should be well rounded in all aspects of Project Management, when it comes to a exams, I am all for knowing exactly what you are dealing with. Understanding the facts and structure of an examination and what will be expected, I believe, can only make one more successful in passing.
I passed the exam with 2 BP's in closing and social resp, and P in only 1, Executing and MP in all others. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteHello Anon,
ReplyDeleteCongrats for passing your exam and sharing your result.
It makes sense to me. The 2 domains where you got BP are low weightage domains. So, your overall score did not suffer much.
BR.
A friend has passed the exam with 2 BP (closing and monitoring) and the rest with MP.
ReplyDeleteI want to know, can I see the exam dates in chicago area before starting/completing my PMP certificate? Are want to see if there is any opening in the area in Dec or Jan. Please answer if you know. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI have passed with 2 BPs (Executing and M&C) and all other were MP.
ReplyDeleteHello Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. Great to hear that you passed.
You may have scored toward the high end of MP band and barely slipped into BP in 2 domains.
Thanks for sharing your result. Good luck.
Best regards.