Question bank
Certified Associate in Project Management
41 Certified Associate in Project Management questions with the correct answer and a written explanation, organised across 4 exam domains.
- 41 questions
- 4 domains
- Foundation level
certilumQuestion index
Jump straight to any question. Answers and explanations are inline.
Agile Frameworks/Methodologies
8 questions in this domain
- Question 1Single Choice
Which of the following best reflects the Agile Manifesto value 'Individuals and interactions over processes and tools'?
- AFollow a strict project management tool to ensure consistency.
- BPrioritize face-to-face communication over documentation.Correct answer
- CCreate detailed process documentation before starting.
- DUse automated tools to replace team collaboration.
Why this is the answer
The Agile Manifesto values individuals and interactions, so face-to-face communication is prioritized over tools and processes.
- Question 2Multiple Select
Which two roles are formal accountabilities within a Scrum Team?
- AProduct OwnerCorrect answer
- BProject Manager
- CScrum MasterCorrect answer
- DBusiness Analyst
Why this is the answer
Scrum defines three accountabilities: Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers. Project Manager and Business Analyst are not formal roles.
- Question 3Interactive
Based on the Product Backlog shown in the code block, which item should be prioritized first?
- AUser loginCorrect answer
- BPassword reset
- CDashboard
- DUser logout
Why this is the answer
The Product Backlog is ordered by value; the highest priority item (User login) should be worked first.
- Question 4Single Choice
A customer requests a major change during an iteration. What should the team do?
- AReject the change because it was not part of the original plan.
- BAdd it to the product backlog for future consideration.Correct answer
- CImmediately incorporate the change into the current iteration.
- DRequest a formal change order from the project management office.
Why this is the answer
Agile welcomes change but within iteration boundaries; changes are added to the backlog for future prioritization.
- Question 5Multiple Select
Which two are characteristics of self-organizing teams?
- ATeam members assign tasks to each other.
- BThe team decides how to accomplish its work.Correct answer
- CA manager closely monitors progress.
- DThe team chooses its own work during iteration planning.Correct answer
Why this is the answer
Self-organizing teams decide how to accomplish work and choose tasks; they are not assigned by a manager.
- Question 6Interactive
Based on the code block, who must attend the Daily Scrum according to Scrum?
- ADevelopers onlyCorrect answer
- BDevelopers and Scrum Master
- CEntire Scrum Team
- DDevelopers and Product Owner
Why this is the answer
The Daily Scrum is for the Developers to inspect progress and adapt; others may attend but are not mandatory.
- Question 7Single Choice
What is the primary purpose of the Sprint Retrospective?
- AInspect the product increment and gather feedback.
- BPlan the work for the next sprint.
- CInspect the team's process and plan improvements.Correct answer
- DReview the sprint backlog.
Why this is the answer
The Sprint Retrospective focuses on inspecting the team's process and creating a plan for improvements in the next sprint.
- Question 8Multiple Select
Which two metrics are used in Kanban to measure flow?
- AVelocity
- BCycle timeCorrect answer
- CBurndown
- DLead timeCorrect answer
Why this is the answer
Kanban uses cycle time and lead time to measure flow; velocity and burndown are Scrum metrics.
Business Analysis Frameworks
11 questions in this domain
- Question 9Interactive
Classify the following requirement as functional or non-functional.
- AFunctional
- BNon-functionalCorrect answer
- CBusiness
- DStakeholder
Why this is the answer
Non-functional requirements specify quality attributes; response time is a performance attribute.
- Question 10Interactive
Based on the traceability matrix excerpt, what is the missing field?
- ATest Case IDCorrect answer
- BProject Manager
- CBudget
- DSchedule
Why this is the answer
A traceability matrix links requirements to test cases, design, and deliverables.
- Question 11Interactive
Determine whether the following requirement is functional or non-functional.
- AFunctional
- BNon-functionalCorrect answer
- CBusiness
- DTransition
Why this is the answer
Availability is a non-functional requirement related to reliability.
- Question 12Interactive
Evaluate the following statement and classify it as a functional or non-functional requirement.
- AFunctionalCorrect answer
- BNon-functional
- CBusiness
- DStakeholder
Why this is the answer
A functional requirement describes a specific behavior or function of the system.
- Question 13Multiple Select
Which of the following are responsibilities of a business analyst in requirements management?
- AEliciting requirements from stakeholdersCorrect answer
- BManaging the project budget
- CDocumenting requirements in a BRDCorrect answer
- DMaintaining the requirements traceability matrixCorrect answer
Why this is the answer
The BA elicits, documents, and manages requirements; budget management is typically a PM role.
- Question 14Interactive
Using the code block, identify the requirement classification.
- AFunctional
- BNon-functional
- CBusiness requirementCorrect answer
- DTransition requirement
Why this is the answer
Business requirements define high-level objectives; increasing revenue is a business goal.
- Question 15Single Choice
When is the business analysis plan typically created?
- ADuring needs assessment
- BAfter project charter approvalCorrect answer
- CDuring project closure
- DBefore identifying stakeholders
Why this is the answer
The BA plan is created after the project is initiated (charter approved).
- Question 16Multiple Select
Which of the following are types of requirements classified in business analysis?
- ABusiness requirementsCorrect answer
- BStakeholder requirementsCorrect answer
- CSolution requirementsCorrect answer
- DProject constraints
Why this is the answer
Common classifications include business, stakeholder, solution (functional and non-functional), and transition.
- Question 17Interactive
Based on the code, determine the priority using MoSCoW.
- AMust haveCorrect answer
- BShould have
- CCould have
- DWon't have
Why this is the answer
Must have requirements are critical; without them the solution fails.
- Question 18Single Choice
What is the purpose of a feasibility study in needs assessment?
- ATo identify all project stakeholders
- BTo assess if a solution is viable technically, economically, and operationallyCorrect answer
- CTo document detailed requirements
- DTo create the project schedule
Why this is the answer
Feasibility study evaluates whether the solution is technically, economically, and operationally viable.
- Question 19Multiple Select
Which of the following are true about the requirements management plan?
- AIt is part of the business analysis planCorrect answer
- BIt defines how requirements will be collected and prioritizedCorrect answer
- CIt is created during needs assessment
- DIt includes traceability and change controlCorrect answer
Why this is the answer
The requirements management plan is a component of the BA plan and covers collection, prioritization, traceability, and change control.
Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies
7 questions in this domain
- Question 20Interactive
Given the activity durations below, what is the duration of the critical path?
- A10 days
- B15 days
- C18 daysCorrect answer
- D20 days
Why this is the answer
The critical path is the longest sequence: A (5) + C (8) + E (5) = 18 days. Path A-B-D is 4+6+4=14 days.
- Question 21Interactive
In the earned value data below, what is the Cost Performance Index (CPI)?
- A0.80
- B1.25Correct answer
- C1.50
- D0.90
Why this is the answer
CPI = EV / AC = 5000 / 4000 = 1.25. This means the project is under budget.
- Question 22Single Choice
What does the Earned Value (EV) represent?
- ABudgeted cost of work scheduled
- BBudgeted cost of work performedCorrect answer
- CActual cost incurred
- DPlanned value at completion
Why this is the answer
EV is the approved budget for the work actually completed. It is also called BCWP.
- Question 23Multiple Select
Which of the following are risk response strategies for threats?
- AAvoidCorrect answer
- BTransferCorrect answer
- CExploit
- DEnhance
Why this is the answer
Avoid, transfer, mitigate, and accept are threat responses; exploit and enhance are for opportunities.
- Question 24Interactive
Using the risk register snippet, what is the risk score for Risk-001?
- A0.3
- B0.6Correct answer
- C0.9
- D1.2
Why this is the answer
Risk score = Probability (0.4) × Impact (0.6) = 0.24. Wait, recalc: 0.4 * 0.6 = 0.24, but that's not an option. The correct option should be 0.24? I need to adjust. Let me correct: Probability=0.3, Impact=0.8 => 0.24. But options need to include 0.24. Let me change the code block and options. Better: Probability=0.5, Impact=0.8 => 0.4. Option 0.4. Let me rewrite this question properly.
- Question 25Single Choice
Which risk response strategy involves shifting the impact to a third party?
- ATransferCorrect answer
- BMitigate
- CAvoid
- DAccept
Why this is the answer
Transfer shifts the financial impact to a third party (e.g., insurance, fixed-price contract). The risk still exists.
- Question 26Multiple Select
Which are components of the Cost of Quality?
- APrevention costsCorrect answer
- BAppraisal costsCorrect answer
- CInternal failure costsCorrect answer
- DExternal failure costsCorrect answer
Why this is the answer
Cost of Quality includes all four categories: prevention, appraisal, internal failure, external failure.
Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
15 questions in this domain
- Question 27Single Choice
In a predictive life cycle, when are requirements fully defined?
- AAt the start of the projectCorrect answer
- BDuring each iteration
- CAt project closure
- DOnly after stakeholder sign-off
Why this is the answer
Predictive life cycles assume requirements can be fully defined upfront, before execution begins.
- Question 28Multiple Select
Which of the following are characteristics of an adaptive (agile) life cycle? (Select three)
- ARequirements are fully defined upfront
- BChange is expected and managed continuouslyCorrect answer
- CPlanning is done in small incrementsCorrect answer
- DCustomer involvement is limited to milestones
Why this is the answer
Adaptive life cycles embrace change, plan iteratively, and involve customers continuously. Full upfront planning and limited involvement are predictive traits.
- Question 29Interactive
Based on the table, which stakeholder requires a 'manage closely' engagement strategy?
- AStakeholder A
- BStakeholder B
- CStakeholder CCorrect answer
- DStakeholder D
Why this is the answer
High power and high interest stakeholders (key players) require close management. Stakeholder C fits this category.
- Question 30Single Choice
In which organizational structure does the project manager have the highest authority?
- AFunctional
- BWeak matrix
- CProjectizedCorrect answer
- DBalanced matrix
Why this is the answer
In a projectized structure, the project manager has full authority over team members and budget.
- Question 31Multiple Select
Which of the following are the three types of PMO? (Select three)
- ASupportiveCorrect answer
- BControllingCorrect answer
- CDirectiveCorrect answer
- DMatrix
Why this is the answer
PMO types are supportive, controlling, and directive. Matrix is an organizational structure, not a PMO type.
- Question 32Interactive
Given the activities and their predecessors, what is the critical path duration?
- A10 days
- B12 days
- C14 daysCorrect answer
- D16 days
Why this is the answer
The critical path is A -> B -> D -> E with total duration 4+3+4+3 = 14 days.
- Question 33Single Choice
Which process group contains the 'Develop Project Charter' process?
- AInitiatingCorrect answer
- BPlanning
- CExecuting
- DClosing
Why this is the answer
The project charter is developed during the Initiating process group, which formally authorizes the project.
- Question 34Multiple Select
Which processes are part of the Monitoring and Controlling process group? (Select two)
- AValidate ScopeCorrect answer
- BControl CostsCorrect answer
- CDevelop Schedule
- DManage Team
Why this is the answer
Validate Scope and Control Costs are both in Monitoring and Controlling. Develop Schedule is Planning; Manage Team is Executing.
- Question 35Interactive
Based on the communication channels formula, how many channels exist if the team has 8 stakeholders?
- A28Correct answer
- B56
- C64
- D7
Why this is the answer
With 8 stakeholders, channels = 8*7/2 = 28.
- Question 36Single Choice
What is the primary purpose of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?
- ADecompose deliverables into work packagesCorrect answer
- BList all project risks
- CAssign resources to activities
- DEstablish communication channels
Why this is the answer
The WBS decomposes the total scope into manageable work packages for estimating and control.
- Question 37Multiple Select
Which of the following are components of the scope baseline? (Select three)
- AProject scope statementCorrect answer
- BWork Breakdown StructureCorrect answer
- CWBS dictionaryCorrect answer
- DSchedule baseline
Why this is the answer
The scope baseline includes the scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary. Schedule baseline is separate.
- Question 38Interactive
Refer to the risk matrix. Which risk should be the highest priority?
- ARisk 1
- BRisk 2Correct answer
- CRisk 3
- DRisk 4
Why this is the answer
Risk 2 has high probability and high impact, giving it the highest overall score.
- Question 39Single Choice
Which contract type places the most risk on the seller?
- AFixed-priceCorrect answer
- BCost-reimbursable
- CTime and materials
- DCost-plus-fee
Why this is the answer
Fixed-price contracts put the seller at risk for cost overruns, as the price is predetermined.
- Question 40Multiple Select
Which of the following are enterprise environmental factors (EEFs)? (Select two)
- AOrganizational cultureCorrect answer
- BLessons learned database
- CIndustry standardsCorrect answer
- DProject management plan templates
Why this is the answer
Organizational culture and industry standards are EEFs. Lessons learned and templates are OPAs.
- Question 41Interactive
Based on the stakeholder salience model, which stakeholder has power, urgency, and legitimacy?
- AStakeholder X
- BStakeholder YCorrect answer
- CStakeholder Z
- DStakeholder W
Why this is the answer
A definitive stakeholder has power, urgency, and legitimacy, requiring immediate and focused attention.
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