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PMP Exam Cheat Sheet 2026
Every concept, formula, and framework you need — in one printable reference. Made for students who want to stick this on their study wall.
🎯2026 ECO Domains
People33%
Leadership · teams · stakeholders · conflict · negotiation
Process41%
Predictive & agile delivery · schedule · budget · risk · quality
Business Environment26%
Strategy · benefits · governance · AI in PM · sustainability · ESG
⚠ Biz Env tripled from 8% → 26% — biggest ECO change
👥Team Development (Tuckman)
FormingPolite, dependent on leader, roles unclear
StormingConflict, power struggles, productivity dips
NormingCohesion builds, processes agreed, trust grows
PerformingHigh productivity, self-directed, PM steps back
AdjourningProject ends, team disbands, celebrate success
⚡Types of Power
ExpertReferentFormal / LegitimateRewardCoercive / PenaltyInformationalPersuasive
✓ Expert & Referent = best for PM. Coercive = use last resort.
🤝Conflict Resolution (Best → Worst)
1
Collaborate / Problem Solve
Win-Win. Address root cause. Best approach.
2
Compromise / Reconcile
Both parties give something. Temporary.
3
Accommodate / Smooth
Emphasise agreement, downplay differences.
4
Avoid / Withdraw
Delay or retreat. Does not solve root cause.
5
Force / Direct
Win-Lose. Use only in urgent/safety situations.
📡Communication
Channels = n(n−1) ÷ 2
n = number of stakeholders
5 people → 10 channels · 10 people → 45 channels
Stakeholder Engagement Levels
UnawareResistantNeutralSupportiveLeading
Map current (C) vs desired (D) in engagement matrix. Move all toward Supportive+.
📋PMBOK 8 — 12 Principles
1Be a diligent, respectful, and caring steward
2Create a collaborative project team environment
3Effectively engage with stakeholders
4Focus on value
5Recognize, evaluate, and respond to system interactions
6Demonstrate leadership behaviors
7Tailor based on context
8Build quality into processes and deliverables
9Navigate complexity
10Optimize risk responses
11Embrace adaptability and resiliency
12Enable change to achieve the envisioned future state
🏗️PMBOK 8 — 8 Performance Domains
1
Stakeholders
Engagement, communication, managing expectations
2
Team
Leadership, culture, performance, accountability
3
Development Approach & Life Cycle
Predictive, agile or hybrid selection
4
Planning
Scope, schedule, budget, resource planning
5
Project Work
Execution, procurement, governance
6
Delivery
Scope delivery, requirements, quality
7
Measurement
KPIs, forecasting, EVM, dashboards
8
Uncertainty
Risk management, ambiguity, complexity
⚠️Risk Response Strategies
🔴 Threats
Avoid: Eliminate the risk entirely
Transfer: Shift impact (insurance, contract)
Mitigate: Reduce probability / impact
Accept: Active (contingency) or Passive
Escalate: Beyond PM authority
🟢 Opportunities
Exploit: Ensure opportunity occurs
Share: Partner to capture benefit
Enhance: Increase probability / impact
Accept: Take advantage if it happens
Escalate: Beyond PM authority
📄Contract Types — Risk Allocation
FFP (Firm Fixed Price)Risk: Seller
Scope well-defined. Safest for buyer.
FPIF (Fixed Price Incentive Fee)Risk: Shared
Incentives for beating cost/schedule targets.
T&M (Time & Material)Risk: Buyer
Hourly rate + materials. Use for small/unclear work.
CPFF / CPIF / CPAFRisk: Buyer (max)
Cost Reimbursable. R&D, unclear scope, high risk.
📐Earned Value Formulas
Core Values
EV% Done × BACEarned Value
PV% Planned × BACPlanned Value
ACActual cost spentActual Cost
BACBudget at Completion
Variances (positive = good ✓)
CVEV − AC>0 = under budget
SVEV − PV>0 = ahead of schedule
VACBAC − EAC>0 = finish under budget
Performance Indices (>1 = good ✓)
CPIEV ÷ AC>1 = under budget
SPIEV ÷ PV>1 = ahead of schedule
TCPI(BAC−EV)÷(BAC−AC)Efficiency to complete
Forecasting
EACBAC ÷ CPIMost common
EACAC + (BAC−EV)Typical remaining work
EACAC + [(BAC−EV)÷(CPI×SPI)]Complex
ETCEAC − ACCost remaining
🔄Agile Ceremonies
🗓
Sprint Planning
Define goal, select items, estimate tasks. Start of each sprint.
☀️
Daily Standup
15 min: What I did · What I will do · Blockers
🎯
Sprint Review
Demo working product to stakeholders, get feedback. End of sprint.
🔁
Retrospective
What went well? What to improve? Action items for next sprint.
📝
Backlog Refinement
Estimate, clarify, re-prioritise items (ongoing, ~10% of time).
🧠Exam Strategy Tips
💡 Read ALL options before choosing
Eliminate clearly wrong answers first. Two options often sound right — pick the most proactive/value-focused one.
🤝 People conflict → Collaborate first
Always try to solve at root cause. Only force/escalate when safety or project is at serious risk.
📣 When in doubt, communicate
Most scenario questions reward proactive stakeholder communication over doing nothing or escalating immediately.
📈 Choose value delivery over process
PMBOK 8 is principles-based. Pick the answer that delivers the most business value, not strict adherence to process.
🔄 Hybrid situations — think context
If team is experienced & scope is unclear → agile. Scope is fixed & regulated → predictive. Otherwise → hybrid.
👑Leadership Styles
Servant: Removes obstacles, serves the team. Preferred in agile.
Transformational: Inspires through vision. Drives change and innovation.
Transactional: Rewards & penalties. Clear expectations. Works in stable environments.
Situational: Adapts style to team maturity and situation.
Laissez-faire: Hands-off. Only works with highly skilled, motivated teams.
Authentic: Leads through genuine values, self-aware, builds trust.
📝Key Terms — Quick Reference
Agile
SprintVelocityBurndownUser StoryAcceptance CriteriaDef. of DoneKanbanWIP LimitCycle TimeLead TimeEpicThemeMVPProduct OwnerScrum Master
Predictive / General
WBSBaselineFloat/SlackCritical PathRACIRisk RegisterChange ControlEMVMonte CarloPareto (80/20)IshikawaControl ChartLessons Learned
PMBOK 7 → 8 Key Changes
❌ Process groups removed as primary framework
✅ 12 Principles replace rigid process groups
✅ 8 Performance Domains replace Knowledge Areas
✅ Tailoring is now a core expectation
✅ Value delivery > process compliance
✅ 12 Principles replace rigid process groups
✅ 8 Performance Domains replace Knowledge Areas
✅ Tailoring is now a core expectation
✅ Value delivery > process compliance
PMP Guide is not affiliated with PMI. “PMP” and “PMBOK” are registered trademarks of PMI. Aligned with the 2026 ECO & PMBOK 8th Edition. · Practice with free mock tests →