What the January 2021 outline states about sitting the exam, and what we would do with it. Confirm the current format on PMI’s own Exam Updates page in the week you book [PMP-F35] — the outline is being replaced [PMP-F15].
230 minutes of examination time for the center-based exam [PMP-F11], stated as one pooled total across all sections rather than a per-section allowance [PMP-F20].
Two 10-minute breaks [PMP-F18] — the first after you complete and review questions 1–60, the second after question 120. Once a break starts you cannot return to the previous section’s questions [PMP-F18].
A tutorial and a survey, both optional, at 5 to 15 minutes [PMP-F30], outside the 230 [PMP-F25]. The source states you resume after each break with the time still left [PMP-F31]; it does not say in so many words whether the breaks draw on the allowance.
Our guidance, not PMI’s. Budget well past 230 minutes at the test center — the exam clock, up to 20 minutes of breaks, the tutorial and survey, plus check-in. Book the ride home late rather than early. Because the document does not settle whether the breaks come out of the allowance, plan as though they might.
The exam ran to 180 questions, five of them unscored pretest items, leaving 175 scored [PMP-F10]. The document states every question — scored or not — was placed at random [PMP-F10].
Our guidance. Position tells you nothing about which five do not count, so answer every question as though it does. Nothing in the source describes a penalty for a wrong answer over a blank one, so leave nothing blank. Review each section before you stand up for a break — that door does not reopen [PMP-F18].
Three attempts are allowed inside the one-year eligibility period [PMP-F12]. A retake while the period still runs is offered at a substantially reduced price [PMP-F22].
If the period expires, the source states only that a fresh application is required [PMP-F13] — it names no waiting period there. Three attempts used without passing bars you from reapplying for twelve months from your last exam date [PMP-F12].
Our guidance. The attempt limit costs more than the fee does. Do not spend a third attempt you are not ready for to save money on a retake — the twelve-month bar is the expensive outcome.
Work the exam-shape lesson for the evidence behind every number here, and put your review dates on a spaced schedule.