Based on our experience in helping people to prepare for the PgMP^®* Exam, we know that you will have questions, such as “What topics are covered on the exam?” and “What are the questions like?” Not surprisingly, some of the most sought-after study aids are practice tests, which are helpful in two ways. (1) taking practice tests increases your knowledge of the kinds of questions, phrases, terminology, and sentence construction that you will encounter on the real exam; and (2) taking practice tests provides an opportunity for highly concentrated study by exposing you to a breadth of program management content generally not found in a single reference source.

We developed this specialty publication with one simple goal in mind—that is, to help you study for and pass the PgMP^® certification exam. Because the Project Management Institute (PMI^®) does not sell past exams for prospective certification purposes, the best option is to develop practice test questions that are as representative as possible. And that is exactly what we have done.

This guide contains study hints, a list of exam topics, and multiple-choice questions for each of the five domains covered in the PgMP^® exam, according to the Program Management Professional (PgMP^®) Examination Content Outline (April 2011). We have prepared 20 practice questions in each of these five domains. For the Program Life Cycle domain, we have prepared 20 questions for each of the five phases in the life cycle. We have also included two 170-question representative practice tests.

As we have done in our other PgMP^® Exam Practice Test & Study Guide books, we have included a plainly written rationale for each correct answer along with a supporting reference list. References are provided at the end of this study guide for the five domains covered in the exam: Strategic Program Management, Program Life Cycle, Benefits Management, Stakeholder Management, and Governance.

Some of the questions are scenario based, as are some on the PgMP^® exam. While some are definition questions, they are worded such that you apply the concepts to your work as a program manager.

For those who speak English as a second language (ESL), our experience in presenting program and project management courses around the world has shown that most of our ESL clients understand English well enough to pass the PgMP^® exam as long as they know the content. Nevertheless, in an effort to avoid adding to your frustration before taking the exam, we have painstakingly reviewed each question and answer in the practice tests to ensure that we did not use words, terms, or phrases that could be confusing to people who are not fluent in English. Although the language issue may concern you, and rightfully so, the only difference between you and those who speak English as their first language is the amount of time it takes to complete the exam. If you can grasp the content expressed in this publication, then we believe that a few colloquialisms or ambiguous terms on the real exam ultimately will not determine whether you pass or fail. Your subject matter knowledge will do that.

Earning the PgMP^® certification is a prestigious accomplishment, but studying for it should not be difficult if you use the tools available.

Good luck on the exam!

Dr. Ginger Levin, PMP, PgMP

Lighthouse Point, Florida

J. LeRoy Ward, PMP, PgMP

New York, New York

*“PgMP” is a certification mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc., which is registered in the United States and other nations. “PMI” is a service trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc., which is registered in the United States and other nations.