APM Project Management Qualification — Mock Examination

SYNTHETIC practice paper assembled from public corpus questions (seed 42). 2.5 hours · 40 questions · 90 marks · two parts of 20 questions, optional break up to 30 minutes.

Not an APM product and not a past paper. This paper was generated by assembling publicly available PMQ sample/practice questions (official APM sample papers, provider material, candidate/trainer content) selected by a corpus-derived priority model. Every question shows its original source and provenance rating. Answers are keys from the source where supplied, otherwise analyst-inferred — APM publishes no official answer key.
Instructions (modelled on the official format): answer all 40 questions. Part 1: 20 questions, 1h15m. Break (optional): up to 30 minutes. Part 2: 20 questions, 1h15m. Part 1 is locked once submitted. Questions are worth 1, 2 or 5 marks — spend about 1 minute per mark, and protect time for the 5-mark long-response questions (10 of them = 50 of the 90 marks).

Part 1

Question 1 (2 marks)

You are a project manager overseeing the implementation of a new software system for your organisation. During the project, you need to establish the ZOPA (the Zone of Possible Agreement) prior to the renegotiation of a key element of the contract with the design company. What does ZOPA (the Zone of Possible Agreement) mean, and what would it be regarding the below values? Software supplier's price: £1m-£1.4m. Project software budget: £900,000-£1.2m.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: procurement

Question 2 (1 mark)

In order to implement effective governance for projects, organisations have to consider a number of areas. One of these areas is policies. Select the correct statement from the below list.
  1. A policy is a deliberate system of principles to guide decisions and achieve desired outcomes.
  2. Policies form a set of rules for the organisation to follow.
  3. Policies are a set of steps taken to achieve a desired outcome.
  4. Policies are an established way of doing something.

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: governance

Question 3 (2 marks)

What are two elements of information that a quality plan may include to ensure a project's success criteria are met?

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: quality

Question 4 (1 mark)

Why is producing an integrated project management plan (PMP) important in a linear project life cycle?
  1. It simplifies the schedule by mapping out each phase of the project life cycle.
  2. It maintains focus on the schedule and budget throughout the project life cycle.
  3. It allows a baseline to be established from which the project can be managed and controlled.
  4. It ensures that the project manager is in complete control of the project deliverables.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: integrated_planning

Question 5 (1 mark)

You have started a new role as a project manager. How would you evaluate and prioritise your new project's objectives and requirements in order to deliver the optimal solution?
  1. I will prioritise objectives and requirements based on their ease of implementation. This will help us get quick wins.
  2. I will prioritise based on historical data from similar projects. What worked in the past should work here too.
  3. I will check requirements are SMART and prioritise them into must-haves, should-haves, could-haves and won't-haves.
  4. All objectives and requirements are important, so I will prioritise them equally to ensure a balanced approach.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: requirements; solutions_dev

Question 6 (1 mark)

A project review reveals that activities need to be re-planned. Which of the following would not contribute to the need to re-plan?
  1. Identification of new risks.
  2. The governance structure.
  3. Application of lessons learned from previous phases.
  4. Approved changes to the project scope.

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: reviews

Question 7 (5 marks)

There are five steps in the benefits management process: Identification, Definition, Planning, Tracking, Realisation. Explain the purpose of each of the five steps.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: benefits

Question 8 (1 mark)

Regarding project assurance, which two statements are true? 1. Assurance is not needed if an organisation has specialist risk managers. 2. Assurance is unnecessary in low-cost projects. 3. Assurance ensures day-to-day project activities are carried out effectively. 4. Assurance gives stakeholders confidence that the project will deliver its aims. 5. Assurance should be carried out at multiple points through the project life cycle. 6. Assurance is always conducted by someone external to the organisation. Select the correct combination of two statements:
  1. 1 and 3.
  2. 2 and 6.
  3. 4 and 5.
  4. 1 and 6.

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: assurance

Question 9 (5 marks)

You have been appointed as the project manager for a large-scale construction project to build a new office complex for a multinational corporation. The project involves multiple stakeholders, intricate timelines and a diverse range of resources. Resource management plays a crucial role in the successful completion of this project. Explain three reasons why it is important to identify and schedule the required resources. (3 marks) Explain how using a responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) can support resource management. (2 marks)

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: resources

Question 10 (1 mark)

Which element of the PESTLE framework would you primarily examine to assess the potential impact of new government regulations on a business case?
  1. Political.
  2. Legal.
  3. Sociological.
  4. Economic.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: business_case

Question 11 (2 marks)

In order for a project team to be as effective as possible, it's important that the team has (a). If a team has (b), they will feel more confident to be innovative and creative when developing solutions.
  1. 1. regular face-to-face meetings 2. a shared sense of accountability 3. close oversight by their manager 4. responsibility for their own time
  2. 1. a hierarchical structure 2. clear rewards 3. a focus on their own roles 4. open and honest communication

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: teams; leadership

Question 12 (5 marks)

You have taken on a new project in your organisation and have successfully recruited your team. Some of the team members are internal transfers, others are new to the company; however, none of the members have ever worked together in the past. What are four stages of team development in Tuckman's model of team development? (4 marks) How is this model relevant to you in the above scenario? (1 mark)

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: teams; leadership

Question 13 (5 marks)

What is the project manager's responsibility in the following project areas? Business case. Governance. Decision making. Communication. Finances.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: governance; business_case; budget_cost; stakeholders

Question 14 (1 mark)

You are managing a project to develop a new payroll system for your organisation. During the build, test and deployment phases, the project team gained a lot of useful expertise on the new system and how it operates. Which of the following is a crucial activity to plan as part of the project's transition phase?
  1. Sharing the details of your system's future costs with suppliers.
  2. Adjusting the scope of your current project schedule.
  3. Sharing knowledge of how the system operates with the business users.
  4. Deciding the development approach for your next system development project.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: transition

Question 15 (2 marks)

State two review points during a project where it would be appropriate to report on financial performance.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: reviews; budget_cost

Question 16 (2 marks)

You are managing a project to implement a new financial management system. During testing, the software crashes unexpectedly under specific user conditions. The testing team chooses not to log this bug as an issue. What two impacts could choosing not to log this as an issue have on the project?

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: risk_issue; quality

Question 17 (2 marks)

Continuing professional development (CPD) is the primary responsibility of the (a) to ensure competency gaps are identified, training plans are developed and the achievement of learning is recorded. The CPD cycle can support this activity - the steps include reflection on practice, planning, action and (b).
  1. 1. portfolio manager 2. employer 3. employee 4. project sponsor
  2. 1. evaluation 2. implementation 3. return on investment 4. consultation

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: ethics_compliance

Question 18 (1 mark)

Which quality control techniques are used to determine project success?
  1. Auditing processes, standardising processes, observing the project manager.
  2. Testing of outputs, re-planning, surveying stakeholders.
  3. Inspection of outputs, generating questions, testing designs.
  4. Inspection of outputs, surveying stakeholders, testing outputs.

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: quality

Question 19 (1 mark)

You are managing a project to build a new software application. During a project review, stakeholders are concerned that the baseline project plan does not consider how uncertainty is managed across the project. Which three parts of integrated planning would help address this concern? 1. Risk identification 2. Stakeholder engagement 3. Risk analysis 4. Contingency planning 5. Economic analysis 6. Resource optimisation. Select the correct combination of three parts:
  1. 1, 2 and 5.
  2. 1, 3 and 4.
  3. 2, 3 and 6.
  4. 2, 4 and 5.

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: integrated_planning; risk_issue

Question 20 (5 marks)

You are managing a project team that includes some team members who are fairly new to project management. Explain three reasons why a coaching and mentoring style of leadership is essential for leading a team with less experienced members. (3 marks) Explain two benefits that the role of emotional intelligence has in effectively implementing a coaching and mentoring approach within the team. (2 marks)

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: leadership; teams

Part 2

Question 21 (1 mark)

The team you manage has recently moved to hybrid working to cut costs and encourage a better work-life balance for team members. This has led to more flexible working, and the general feedback on the new arrangement is positive; however, it has been difficult for some team members to adapt to the new way of working. Which one of the following changes to your leadership approach would be effective in helping your team adapt to the new hybrid model?
  1. Implement daily check-in meetings to manage performance. This will ensure the manager has complete oversight of their team.
  2. Encourage the team to work remotely as much as possible. This will increase savings and reduce the need for hybrid meetings which can be harder to run.
  3. Make the best use of the time in meetings by setting a standard agenda and making sure it's followed closely.
  4. Give the team freedom to manage their own time, but schedule regular in-person meetings to build rapport and check in on team wellbeing.

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: leadership; teams

Question 22 (1 mark)

Which two of the following are benefits of delivering projects within a matrix organisational structure? 1. The ability to run projects alongside business-as-usual functions. 2. There is no conflict or ambiguity over reporting requirements. 3. It is easier to manage complex stakeholder requirements. 4. Projects can be delivered within a larger programme or portfolio. 5. Team members are more closely managed to ensure demands are met. 6. The ability to effectively share knowledge across business areas. Select the correct combination of two statements:
  1. 1 and 2.
  2. 3 and 4.
  3. 2 and 4.
  4. 1 and 6.

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: governance

Question 23 (1 mark)

Which two of the following statements are correct in relation to monitoring and reporting sustainability measures in a project? 1. Sustainability monitoring and reporting are only required in projects where there is a known environmental impact. 2. Economic factors are not relevant to sustainability monitoring and reporting. 3. Monitoring and reporting of sustainability will only be completed on transfer to business-as-usual. 4. Sustainability monitoring and reporting can cover social and administrative concerns. 5. Anyone on the project team can influence sustainability monitoring and reporting processes. 6. Sustainability monitoring and reporting is the responsibility of the supply chain, not the project team. Select the correct combination of two statements:
  1. 1 and 2.
  2. 4 and 5.
  3. 2 and 4.
  4. 3 and 6.

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: sustainability

Question 24 (1 mark)

A project manager is offered an expensive gift by a supplier to secure a contract. Which principle applies?
  1. (per Parallel blog example; options not fully reproduced in source)

Source: SRC_0013 · provenance C · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: ethics_compliance; procurement

Question 25 (1 mark)

You are appointed as a project manager on an international project working across various industries, and multiple countries, cultures and backgrounds. You are keen to create a positive working environment for all. Which one of the following statements is true when considering diversity and inclusion within this project?
  1. It is more effective to ensure that people work within their countries and cultures, to avoid conflict and disagreements.
  2. Biases are acceptable because it is human nature to favour people and things which are 'different from' us, rather than 'like us'.
  3. Unconscious biases are biases that individuals know they have and need to conceal.
  4. Academic evidence supports the view that different experiences, perspectives and backgrounds positively impact performance.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: diversity_inclusion

Question 26 (1 mark)

What is the definition of sustainability in a project context?
  1. Involves both individual and organisational responsibility to ensure that project outputs are sustainable throughout their life cycles.
  2. Involves organisational responsibility to ensure that project outputs are sustainable throughout their life cycles.
  3. Involves both organisational and individual responsibility to ensure that project outputs are sustainable during the adoption and benefits realisation of the extended project life cycle.
  4. Involves project responsibility to ensure that project outputs are sustainable throughout the transition phase of the project life cycle.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: sustainability

Question 27 (2 marks)

You are leading your team through a time of uncertainty in your organisation. The project is in handover and closure phase with most of the team in a quiet phase, working on their own development. In this situation, it would be most appropriate for you as a leader to provide (a). You decide to take the opportunity to further develop your emotional intelligence as a leader, knowing that, as well as being empathetic, it's important to also (b).
  1. 1. close supervision 2. training according to project need 3. mentoring and support 4. clear goals and objectives
  2. 1. hide your emotions 2. trust your emotions 3. share your emotions 4. regulate your emotions

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: leadership; teams

Question 28 (2 marks)

You are the project manager of a large IT development project. There are high levels of uncertainty concerning the final deliverables. (a) would be most appropriate for this project. The use of this life cycle will help to (b).
  1. 1. A hybrid 2. An evolutionary 3. An iterative 4. A linear
  2. 1. decide if the project is viable 2. strengthen the business case 3. avoid changes to deliverables 4. clearly identify priorities

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: life_cycles

Question 29 (1 mark)

You are managing a project with a strict completion date that cannot change. Which of the following resource management techniques would be most suitable?
  1. Resource smoothing.
  2. Resource levelling.
  3. Project scheduling.
  4. Resource allocation.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: resources

Question 30 (5 marks)

Answer the questions posed below: What are three ways in which stakeholder analysis can support the creation of the communication plan? (3 marks) What are two potential consequences of neglecting stakeholder analysis? (2 marks)

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: stakeholders

Question 31 (1 mark)

You are a project manager tasked with producing a responsibility assignment matrix (RACI) for your new project. You decide to set up a workshop with your project team to complete the RACI. Which of the statements below would support this task?
  1. The project manager informs the project team at the workshop which tasks are assigned.
  2. The work breakdown structure (WBS) will be used on its own to clarify the roles against each task.
  3. The organisational breakdown structure (OBS) will be used with the work breakdown structure (WBS) to clarify the roles against each task.
  4. The project manager should ensure every project task is documented as part of the RACI.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: resources; governance

Question 32 (5 marks)

You are the project manager for a major infrastructure project to upgrade sea defences, protecting a small, busy coastal town. The surrounding area has a rich range of wildlife habitats, supporting populations of several rare plants and animals, and the community is very active in protecting these areas. What are two sustainability principles that you should consider as part of this project? (2 marks) What three potential impacts could there be if sustainability is not considered on this project? (3 marks)

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: sustainability; risk_issue

Question 33 (1 mark)

You are the project manager of a project that's currently in the definition phase. After your first meeting, the project sponsor has asked to see the integrated project management plan. In this scenario, which of the following best describes the importance of an integrated project management plan?
  1. It helps new team members understand the project during their onboarding.
  2. It provides a baseline to measure the project's success before the project is closed.
  3. It ensures the project's testing strategy will meet the expected level of quality.
  4. It helps set expectations between the project manager and project sponsor.

Source: SRC_0060 · provenance E · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: integrated_planning

Question 34 (2 marks)

Embracing diverse thinking in teams is crucial for generating innovative solutions because it encourages (a). To further support a positive working environment, it is important that the project team members (b).
  1. 1. open communication 2. technical expertise 3. risk management 4. conflict resolution
  2. 1. avoid disagreeing with each other 2. understand and welcome difference 3. often meet in person 4. avoid escalating concerns

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: diversity_inclusion; teams

Question 35 (5 marks)

A marketing project launches a campaign to promote a new line of fitness trackers. The primary project goals are to: increase brand awareness; generate short-term sales revenue. This is not aligned to the company's organisation objectives, which are to: enhance customer loyalty and build relationships over time; expand market share in a specific demographic. Explain two disadvantages that the project's misalignment to the organisation's objectives may cause. (4 marks) Give one way in which this could be resolved. (1 mark)

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: governance; business_case

Question 36 (2 marks)

What are two typical causes of conflict within the deployment phase of a project?

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: conflict

Question 37 (5 marks)

You are managing a project to build a new block of apartments in a large city. You are in the design phase of the project and have completed a PESTLE analysis of your project environment. From this analysis, you identify potential supply chain disruption as a key event within your external environment. Based on the information in the question, describe two reasons why you may conduct regular re-estimations of the project's schedule and costs. (2 marks) Describe three benefits the project team will gain by completing these regular re-estimations. (3 marks)

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: schedule; budget_cost; risk_issue

Question 38 (1 mark)

Which combination of the structures listed below would assist in defining the scope of a project? 1. product breakdown structure 2. project breakdown structure 3. work breakdown structure 4. resource breakdown structure 5. cost breakdown structure 6. communication breakdown structure. Select the correct combination of three options:
  1. 1, 3 and 5.
  2. 2, 3 and 6.
  3. 2, 4 and 5.
  4. 1, 4 and 6.

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: requirements; schedule

Question 39 (1 mark)

You are the project manager for the construction of a new office building, and you are tasked with creating a budget that includes design, materials, labour, technology and infrastructure. The project involves a diverse multidisciplinary team, and the success of the project relies heavily on effective budget management, where there is very little flexibility. Which one of the following statements is correct when concerned with managing the budget and providing status evidence for stakeholders?
  1. Categorise all costs, outlining the cost type of the various elements of the construction process, allowing for a more efficient analysis.
  2. Categorise all costs as fixed to simplify budget tracking and evidence. The finance team will be able to determine any variances for stakeholder updates.
  3. Categorise all costs, wait until the project closes and adjust the budget reports based on project progress. This will clearly show the over- or underspend.
  4. Categorise all material and staff costs as indirect costs to streamline budget calculations. This will allow for easier stakeholder reporting.

Source: SRC_0001 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: budget_cost

Question 40 (5 marks)

You are managing a project in a linear life cycle. A change request has been raised. Explain the importance of change control in a linear life cycle. (4 marks) Following a detailed evaluation, state the three possible recommendations arising from a change request. (1 mark)

Source: SRC_0002 · provenance A · version current_2024_plus · syllabus: change_control; life_cycles