PMI CAPM Free Practice Questions — Page 1

Correct Answer: B. Procurement strategy

The procurement strategy is the document that defines the project delivery method, contract type, and the phases of the procurement process after the make-or-buy analysis has been completed. According to the PMBOK® Guide, the procurement strategy is an output of the Plan Procurement Management process and outlines how the project team will acquire goods and services from outside the organization. It includes decisions about the delivery method (e.g., design-build, design-bid-build, PPP), the contract payment type (e.g., fixed-price, cost-reimbursable, time and material), and the procurement phases. The make-or-buy analysis feeds directly into the procurement strategy, as its results determine whether external procurement is needed and, if so, how it should be structured. The Procurement SOW (Option A) is incorrect because it describes the scope of work to be performed by the vendor, not the delivery method. Terms of reference (Option C) are typically used in consulting or service contexts to describe objectives and scope, not the overarching delivery approach. A change request (Option D) is a formal proposal to modify any aspect of the project and is unrelated to defining delivery methods. Understanding the distinction between these documents is critical for the CAPM exam, as questions often test whether candidates can correctly match outputs to their respective processes.

Correct Answer: B. Stakeholder satisfaction should be identified immediately and managed as a project objective.

According to the PMBOK® Guide, stakeholder identification should begin as early as possible in the project lifecycle, ideally during the Initiating Process Group, and continue throughout the entire project. The Identify Stakeholders process is one of the first processes performed, resulting in the Stakeholder Register, which captures key information about each stakeholder's interests, involvement, and potential impact on the project. Stakeholder satisfaction is explicitly recognized as a project objective that must be actively managed, not treated as secondary or optional. Option A is incorrect because limiting stakeholder engagement to only the execution phase violates the PMBOK® principle that stakeholder identification and engagement is a continuous process across all project phases. Option C is incorrect because the PMBOK® Guide treats stakeholder management as equally important as scope, schedule, cost, and quality — it is never a secondary priority. Option D is incorrect because while stakeholder satisfaction is critical, it does not override project objectives; both must be balanced and managed together, as project success depends on delivering both agreed objectives and meeting stakeholder expectations. The Plan Stakeholder Engagement process further reinforces that managing stakeholder needs is a structured, ongoing effort integrated into project planning. Early and continuous stakeholder engagement reduces risks, improves communication, and significantly increases the likelihood of project success.

Correct Answer: A. Hybrid methodologies

The PMBOK® Guide identifies hybrid methodologies — combining predictive (waterfall) and adaptive (agile) approaches — as a key emerging trend in Project Integration Management. This reflects the evolving nature of project management where no single approach fits all projects. Option B (risk register updates) is a standard project management tool, not an emerging trend. Option C (outsourced resources) is a procurement practice, not an integration trend. Option D (lessons learned) is a traditional knowledge management practice, not an emerging or evolving one. Recognizing hybrid approaches as an integration trend is a common CAPM exam topic.

Correct Answer: B. Estimate at completion (EAC)

The EAC represents the expected total cost of completing all project work, making it the correct metric to determine how much money is needed to finish a project. It is calculated using various formulas depending on project conditions (e.g., EAC = AC + ETC). Option A (EVM) is a broader performance measurement framework, not a specific completion forecast. Option C (EVA) is essentially the analytical technique within EVM, not a specific cost forecast figure. Option D (BAC) represents the original approved budget, not the forecasted cost to complete, which may differ due to variances encountered during execution.

Correct Answer: C. Project charter, project management plan, and project documents

According to the PMBOK® Guide, the Plan Communications Management process requires the project charter, project management plan, and project documents (including the stakeholder register) as its primary inputs. These documents provide essential information about project scope, stakeholder needs, and organizational context needed to design an effective communications plan. Option A is incorrect as work performance reports and change requests are outputs/inputs of monitoring processes, not planning. Option B is incorrect because work performance data belongs to executing and monitoring processes, not communications planning. Option D is incorrect as the team management plan and work performance data are not inputs to this specific planning process.