PjM Exam Overview
The Project Management division tests scheduling, budgeting, team management, consultant coordination, and quality control. It has approximately 75 questions and a 3 hour 20 minute time limit.
What to Study First
- CPM Scheduling - Critical path method, float calculations, fast-tracking vs. crashing. Practice with network diagrams until you can calculate float in your sleep.
- Earned Value Analysis - CPI, SPI, EAC formulas. These appear on almost every PjM exam.
- Project Budgeting - Types of estimates (order of magnitude, schematic, detailed), contingency, and value engineering.
- Quality Management - QA vs. QC, quality planning, continuous improvement.
- Consultant Coordination - Architect's responsibilities, subconsultant management, coordination procedures.
The Math Questions
PjM has more calculation-based questions than most other divisions. You need to be comfortable with:
- CPM calculations: Forward pass, backward pass, total float, free float
- Earned Value: CPI = EV/AC, SPI = EV/PV, EAC = BAC/CPI
- Percentage complete calculations: Budget vs. actual vs. earned
Use the on-screen calculator provided at the testing center. Practice with it beforehand - the interface can be clunky if you're not used to it.
See the ARE formulas cheat sheet
Time Management
Same 2.5 minutes per question as PcM. The CPM and earned value questions take longer than concept questions, so budget extra time for calculations and less time for straightforward definition questions.
Key Distinctions to Know
- Fast-tracking (overlapping phases) vs. crashing (adding resources to shorten duration)
- Total float (can delay without affecting project end) vs. free float (can delay without affecting successor)
- QA (process-focused, preventive) vs. QC (product-focused, detective)
- Mediation (non-binding, collaborative) vs. arbitration (binding, adversarial) vs. litigation (court-based)
Study Resources
- PjM Flashcards - 400 cards covering scheduling, budgeting, and coordination
- PjM Mini Exams - 30 timed practice exams
- PjM Common Mistakes
- Scheduling Techniques Deep Dive
- Cost Estimation Deep Dive
- PjM Exam Day Walkthrough
- PjM Glossary
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