[Members] PMP Test Passing Score Change Q&A

[Michael Davis]

Interesting information from PMI
Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential examination: questions answered.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the new PMP credential examination, including the change in the passing score, are available on the Component Leadership Online Community. Here are two of many questions and answers you will find online.

Q.  What percentage of people passed when the passing score was 81 percent and what percentage now pass at 61 percent?

A.  Over the past six years, first time exam takers had a passing rate of 80 percent. The new exam was anticipated to have a similar passing rate as estimated by the volunteer team who recommended the passing score be set at 81 percent or 141 questions correct out of the 175 scorable questions.

However, in the field, the new exam found a significantly lower passing success than that anticipated by the volunteer group of PMPs, and qualified candidates were not passing the exam. Based on data we have collected thus far on the new exam, we anticipate having a first time pass rate in the low 70s, using the revised passing score of 106 questions correct out of 175 scorable questions. This is well within certification industry standards and is actually a more difficult exam to pass at a 61 percent passing score than the previous exam at a 69 percent passing score.

Q. Does the adjustment in the passing score allow more candidates to achieve a PMP credential?

A. Actually no, the passing score is a gauge of test difficulty - the number of candidates actually receiving the PMP credential with the new exam has been reduced. Previously, 80 percent of candidates earned the credential, now the passing or success rate will be in the low 70s.

Thanks

Michael C. Davis, PMP
MCDLink, Inc. - President
http://www.mcdlink.com
501-412-3538 or 501-470-3MCD(623)
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