100+ Free GAQM PPM Practice Questions

Pass your GAQM Professional in Project Management (PPM) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

Not publicly disclosed Pass Rate

100+ Questions

100% Free

1 / 100

Question 1

Score: 0/0

A project has a Budget at Completion (BAC) of $200,000, Earned Value (EV) of $80,000, and Actual Cost (AC) of $100,000. What is the Cost Performance Index (CPI)?

0.80

1.25

1.20

0.50

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: GAQM PPM Exam

150 Qs / 2 hours

Exam Format

GAQM PPM page

70% (105/150)

Passing Score

GAQM PPM

$220-$340

Voucher / Premium

GAQM pricing

5 years

Certificate Validity

Renew via re-exam or E-Course CEUs

2+ years

Recommended Experience

GAQM (managing project teams)

AI-proctored

Delivery

GAQM (online, anytime/anywhere)

The GAQM PPM exam is a 2-hour, 150-question multiple-choice exam delivered AI-proctored online. Candidates must score 70% (105 of 150 correct) to pass. The mandatory prerequisite is completion of the GAQM PPM E-Course; 2+ years of project management experience is recommended. Voucher costs $220 USD; Premium package (E-Course + voucher) costs $340 USD. Certificates are valid for 5 years and renewed via re-exam or completion of the PPM E-Course CEUs.

Sample GAQM PPM Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your GAQM PPM exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A project has a Budget at Completion (BAC) of $200,000, Earned Value (EV) of $80,000, and Actual Cost (AC) of $100,000. What is the Cost Performance Index (CPI)?

A.0.80

B.1.25

C.1.20

D.0.50

Explanation: CPI = EV / AC = 80,000 / 100,000 = 0.80. A CPI below 1.0 means the project is over budget — for every $1.00 spent, the project earned only $0.80 of value. The other values would imply an under-budget project (1.20, 1.25) or are not meaningful interpretations of the formula.

2For the same project (BAC $200,000, EV $80,000, AC $100,000, Planned Value $90,000), what is the Schedule Performance Index (SPI)?

A.0.89

B.1.13

C.0.80

D.1.25

Explanation: SPI = EV / PV = 80,000 / 90,000 = 0.889 (~0.89). An SPI below 1.0 indicates the project is behind schedule — only 89 cents of planned work was completed for every $1.00 of work scheduled.

3Using the typical Estimate at Completion (EAC) formula EAC = BAC / CPI, what is EAC for a project with BAC = $500,000 and CPI = 0.80?

A.$625,000

B.$400,000

C.$500,000

D.$550,000

Explanation: EAC = BAC / CPI = 500,000 / 0.80 = $625,000. This 'typical' EAC assumes current cost variance trends will continue for the remainder of the project — appropriate when no atypical conditions exist.

4A project has BAC = $400,000, AC = $150,000, and EV = $120,000. Management believes the cost overrun was a one-time event and future work will perform as planned. Which EAC formula and result is correct?

A.EAC = AC + (BAC − EV) = $430,000

B.EAC = BAC / CPI = $500,000

C.EAC = AC + ((BAC − EV)/(CPI × SPI))

D.EAC = BAC − EV = $280,000

Explanation: When the cost variance is atypical (one-time) and future work will follow the original plan, EAC = AC + (BAC − EV) = 150,000 + (400,000 − 120,000) = $430,000. This adds the budgeted cost of remaining work to actual costs already incurred.

5A project has BAC = $1,000,000, EV = $400,000, AC = $500,000, PV = $450,000. Both cost and schedule trends are expected to continue. Which EAC formula applies and what is the result (rounded)?

A.EAC = AC + ((BAC − EV) / (CPI × SPI)) ≈ $1,344,000

B.EAC = BAC / CPI = $1,250,000

C.EAC = AC + (BAC − EV) = $1,100,000

D.EAC = BAC − EV = $600,000

Explanation: When both cost and schedule trends will continue, use EAC = AC + ((BAC − EV) / (CPI × SPI)). CPI = 400/500 = 0.80; SPI = 400/450 ≈ 0.889. EAC = 500,000 + (600,000 / (0.80 × 0.889)) = 500,000 + (600,000 / 0.711) ≈ 500,000 + 843,750 ≈ $1,343,750.

6Variance at Completion (VAC) is calculated as:

A.BAC − EAC

B.EAC − BAC

C.BAC − AC

D.EV − AC

Explanation: VAC = BAC − EAC. A positive VAC means the project is forecast to finish under budget; a negative VAC means it will overrun. VAC summarizes total expected cost variance at the end of the project.

7A project has BAC = $300,000, EV = $90,000, and AC = $120,000. Management mandates that the project finish at the original BAC. What is the To-Complete Performance Index (TCPI) needed to meet BAC?

A.1.17

B.0.83

C.1.00

D.0.75

Explanation: TCPI based on BAC = (BAC − EV) / (BAC − AC) = (300,000 − 90,000) / (300,000 − 120,000) = 210,000 / 180,000 = 1.167 (~1.17). The remaining work must be performed at 117% efficiency to recover the cost overrun and finish at BAC.

8For the same project (BAC = $300,000, EV = $90,000, AC = $120,000), management now accepts a revised EAC of $400,000. What is TCPI based on EAC?

A.0.75

B.1.17

C.1.50

D.1.33

Explanation: TCPI based on EAC = (BAC − EV) / (EAC − AC) = (300,000 − 90,000) / (400,000 − 120,000) = 210,000 / 280,000 = 0.75. With the revised EAC, the team can perform at 75% of planned efficiency for remaining work and still meet the new forecast.

9A project shows CV = −$10,000 and SV = +$5,000. What does this indicate?

A.Over budget but ahead of schedule

B.Under budget but behind schedule

C.Over budget and behind schedule

D.Under budget and ahead of schedule

Explanation: CV = EV − AC; a negative CV (−$10,000) means costs exceed value earned (over budget). SV = EV − PV; a positive SV (+$5,000) means more value was earned than planned (ahead of schedule). The two variances often diverge in real projects.

10On a project with BAC = $250,000, after Month 4: PV = $100,000, EV = $80,000, AC = $90,000. What is the % complete and % spent?

A.32% complete, 36% spent

B.40% complete, 36% spent

C.32% complete, 40% spent

D.36% complete, 32% spent

Explanation: % complete = EV / BAC = 80,000 / 250,000 = 32%. % spent = AC / BAC = 90,000 / 250,000 = 36%. The project has earned 32% of its value but consumed 36% of the budget — a cost overrun trend.

About the GAQM PPM Exam

The Professional in Project Management (PPM) credential is GAQM's intermediate project management certification, sitting between the entry-level GAQM Associate in Project Management (APM) and the advanced GAQM Certified Project Director (CPD). The exam tests deeper applications of all APM topics plus quantitative areas: full Earned Value Management calculations (CPI, SPI, EAC formulas, TCPI), Critical Path Method (forward/backward pass, total/free float, schedule compression), quantitative risk analysis (EMV, decision trees, Monte Carlo, sensitivity analysis), procurement contract types and risk allocation (FFP, FPIF, FPEPA, T&M, CPFF, CPIF, CPAF), stakeholder engagement (power/interest grid, salience model), and 2026 hybrid delivery topics (Scrum events, Kanban WIP limits, MoSCoW, hybrid lifecycles).

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours (120 minutes)

Passing Score

70% (105 of 150 correct)

Exam Fee

$220 (voucher) / $340 (E-Course + voucher) (GAQM (AI-proctored, online, anytime/anywhere))

GAQM PPM Exam Content Outline

~15%

Earned Value Management (EVM)

Planned Value (PV / BCWS), Earned Value (EV / BCWP), Actual Cost (AC), Cost Performance Index CPI = EV/AC, Schedule Performance Index SPI = EV/PV, Cost Variance, Schedule Variance, Variance at Completion VAC = BAC - EAC, EAC formulas (typical = BAC/CPI; atypical = AC + (BAC-EV); cost+schedule = AC + ((BAC-EV)/(CPI*SPI))), TCPI based on BAC and EAC, % complete vs % spent

~15%

Schedule Management & Critical Path Method

Forward and backward pass, Early Start, Early Finish, Late Start, Late Finish, total float (LS-ES), free float, critical path identification, lead and lag relationships, schedule compression — crashing (add resources, raise cost) vs fast tracking (parallelize, raise risk), PERT three-point estimating ((O+4M+P)/6), critical chain method with project/feeding/resource buffers, resource leveling vs smoothing, milestones, Gantt charts, rolling wave planning

~15%

Risk Management — Qualitative & Quantitative

Risk register, probability-impact matrix, Expected Monetary Value (EMV = probability x impact), decision tree analysis, Monte Carlo simulation (S-curve outputs), sensitivity analysis with tornado diagrams, contingency reserve (in baseline, PM-controlled, known-unknowns) vs management reserve (outside baseline, unknown-unknowns), secondary and residual risks, threat responses (avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept), opportunity responses (exploit, share, enhance, accept)

~10%

Procurement & Contracts

Contract types and risk allocation: FFP (max seller risk), FPIF with share ratio and Point of Total Assumption math, FPEPA for multi-year/commodity exposure, T&M hybrid with not-to-exceed, CPFF (max buyer risk, fixed fee), CPIF with share-ratio incentives, CPAF subjective evaluation. Make-or-buy analysis, privity of contract, force majeure, liquidated damages, RFP/RFQ/IFB

~10%

Stakeholder Management & Communications

Stakeholder register, power/interest grid (manage closely, keep satisfied, keep informed, monitor), salience model (power/legitimacy/urgency), engagement assessment matrix (current vs desired engagement levels), communication channels formula n(n-1)/2, push vs pull vs interactive communication, communication noise, project sponsor role

~15%

Scope, Cost & Quality

WBS as deliverable-oriented hierarchy, 100% rule, scope statement (deliverables, acceptance criteria, exclusions, constraints, assumptions), scope creep vs change control, estimate accuracy ranges (ROM -25/+75%, Budget -10/+25%, Definitive -5/+10%), analogous, parametric, bottom-up, three-point estimating, NPV, IRR, BCR, payback period, sunk cost fallacy, cost of quality (conformance: prevention/appraisal; nonconformance: internal/external failure), Pareto, control charts, Rule of Seven

~10%

Team Leadership & Hybrid Delivery

Tuckman stages (forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning), Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership (S1 directing - S4 delegating), Maslow hierarchy of needs, Herzberg two-factor (hygiene vs motivators), Thomas-Kilmann conflict modes, RACI matrix (one Accountable per activity), Scrum roles and events (Daily Scrum 15 min, Sprint Planning, Review, Retrospective), Kanban WIP limits, MoSCoW prioritization, Definition of Done, hybrid lifecycles, velocity (team-internal, not for cross-team comparison)

~10%

Integration, Governance & Closing

Project charter (formally authorizes project, names PM), project management plan, integrated change control via Change Control Board, configuration management (identification, control, status accounting, verification & audit), project governance (decision rights, accountability, oversight), PMO types — supportive (templates), controlling (compliance), directive (delivers projects) — lessons learned register, formal acceptance, project closure activities

How to Pass the GAQM PPM Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% (105 of 150 correct)
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 2 hours (120 minutes)
Exam fee: $220 (voucher) / $340 (E-Course + voucher)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

GAQM PPM Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize all three EAC formulas — typical (BAC/CPI), atypical (AC + (BAC-EV)), and cost+schedule (AC + ((BAC-EV)/(CPI*SPI))) — and know which scenario triggers each

2Practice TCPI calculations both based on BAC ((BAC-EV)/(BAC-AC)) and based on EAC ((BAC-EV)/(EAC-AC)) — they appear in 2-3 PPM exam questions

3Build a comparison table for the 7 contract types (FFP, FPIF, FPEPA, T&M, CPFF, CPIF, CPAF) — who bears cost risk, when to use, fee structure

4Run sample FPIF and CPIF problems with target cost, target fee, share ratio, ceiling/PTA — the math repeats with different numbers

5Memorize the communication channels formula n(n-1)/2 and practice with team sizes 5, 8, 10, 12 — this is a guaranteed easy question

6Know Tuckman stages cold (forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning) and which leadership style fits each — Situational Leadership maps directly

7Learn the three PMO types (supportive, controlling, directive) and the difference between project governance and project management

8Drill the difference between qualitative risk analysis (P-I matrix, scoring, ranking) and quantitative (EMV, decision tree, Monte Carlo, sensitivity/tornado)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GAQM PPM exam format and passing score?

The PPM exam is 150 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 2 hours. The passing score is 70% — 105 of 150 questions correct. The exam is AI-proctored online and can be taken anytime/anywhere within the voucher's 8-month validity window.

Do I need experience to take the GAQM PPM exam?

GAQM strongly recommends at least 2 years of experience managing project teams (project managers, program managers, HR/business managers, entrepreneurs) before taking PPM. The only mandatory prerequisite is completion of the GAQM PPM E-Course. The experience guidance reflects PPM's intermediate level — sitting between APM (entry) and CPD (advanced).

How long is the GAQM PPM certificate valid and how do I renew?

The PPM certificate is valid for 5 years. To renew on or before expiration, candidates either retake the PPM exam OR complete the GAQM PPM E-Course to accrue the required continuing education units (CEUs). Failure to renew by the expiration date means the credential is no longer current.

How much does the GAQM PPM exam cost in 2026?

GAQM offers three packages: $100 USD for the E-Course alone (no exam), $220 USD for an exam voucher only (if you have already completed the E-Course), and $340 USD for the Premium package which includes both the E-Course and the exam voucher. The Premium package is the most common path for first-time candidates.

What math should I master for the GAQM PPM exam?

PPM is significantly more quantitative than APM. Memorize: CPI = EV/AC, SPI = EV/PV, all three EAC formulas, TCPI = (BAC-EV)/(BAC-AC) and TCPI = (BAC-EV)/(EAC-AC), VAC = BAC - EAC, communication channels n(n-1)/2, PERT three-point (O+4M+P)/6 and standard deviation (P-O)/6, EMV = probability x impact, and FPIF/CPIF share-ratio calculations. Expect 15-25 calculation questions.

How does GAQM PPM compare to PMI's PMP?

PMP requires 35 hours of PM education plus 36-60 months of leading projects (depending on degree) and is 180 questions in 230 minutes — globally recognized as the gold-standard professional credential. GAQM PPM is intermediate-level, 150 questions in 120 minutes at 70% passing, with mandatory E-Course but no audited experience requirement. Many candidates use PPM as a stepping stone to PMP or to validate PM skills when audited PMI experience is not yet available.

Where should I focus study time for the highest-weighted topics?

Focus on EVM (math-heavy, 15-25% of questions), CPM and schedule (forward/backward pass, float, compression), quantitative risk (EMV, decision trees, Monte Carlo, tornado), contract types and risk allocation (FFP through CPAF), and hybrid delivery (Scrum events, Kanban WIP, MoSCoW, Definition of Done). The 2026 PPM increasingly tests hybrid PM, reflecting industry adoption.