Agile Project Management (AgilePM) Sample Exam Paper

Certification in Agile Project Management has become increasingly important for professionals in this field. Recognised certifications like APMG’s Agile Project Management (AgilePM) Certification provide a structured framework for people to validate their knowledge and skills in Agile practices and principles. They demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of Agile methodologies, making certified practitioners more valuable assets to organisations.

Using our official sample exam, ensures you are using a reliable and up to date resource in your examination preparation.

Agile Project Management (AgilePM) offers two distinct qualification levels: Foundation and Practitioner, each serving a specific purpose. The Foundation qualification assesses candidates' knowledge and comprehension of AgilePM's fundamental principles, ensuring they can identify and distinguish its key components. This qualification acts as a prerequisite for the Practitioner level.

Targeted at both practising project professionals and Agile team members, a successful Foundation candidate should grasp the underpinning philosophy and principles of AgilePM, understand Agile project lifecycles, recognise Agile products and their purposes, comprehend Agile techniques and their advantages and limitations, and be familiar with the roles and responsibilities within Agile projects.

The Practitioner qualification, on the other hand, evaluates whether candidates possess the knowledge and understanding of AgilePM to apply and customise it effectively in real-world scenarios. To be eligible for this level, candidates must hold either an AgilePM Foundation certificate.

Like the Foundation qualification, it is aimed at practising project professionals and Agile team members. Successful Practitioner candidates should demonstrate their ability to apply the AgilePM philosophy and principles in project situations, configure Agile project lifecycles accordingly, produce and assess Agile project products, apply various Agile techniques, identify appropriate techniques for specific scenarios, understand Agile project control mechanisms, outline testing and measurement in Agile projects, and manage requirements in an Agile context.

The AgilePM framework has recently been updated to version 3. Accredited training aligned to AgilePM v3 is currently being rolled out to our global network of Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs). For details of the latest training providers offering AgilePM3 check our AgilePM3 News Page.

When enquiring about AgilePM training, please check with providers which version of AgilePM training will be aligned with.

For more information on the updates, head to our special AgilePM version 3 page.

The AgilePM v3 Reference Book is now available to purchase via the APMG Store.

The AgilePM Foundation exam comprises of 50 multiple-choice questions per paper, and candidates need to secure 30 marks (60%) out of the available 50 to pass. The exam is closed-book and candidates are allowed 40 minutes to complete it.

On the other hand, the AgilePM Practitioner exam is an objective examination featuring four questions, each worth 15 points, requiring a total of 30 out of 60 points (50%) to pass. This exam allows open-book access, but candidates are limited to using only the official AgilePM Handbook. A longer duration of 2 hours is allowed, providing candidates with the opportunity to apply their Agile knowledge to complex scenarios.

These practice questions offer a glimpse into the type of topics and concepts you'll encounter in the AgilePM Foundation exam, helping you assess your skills and determine your readiness to take the exam.

1. What role is responsible for authorizing and monitoring work to be completed and for taking corrective action within a stage?

a) Project Manager

b) Project Support

c) Project Assurance

d) Team Manager

2. Identify the missing words in the following sentence.

A purpose of the Managing a Stage Boundary process is to provide the Project Board with sufficient information so that it can approve the [ ? ] for the next stage.

a) Work Packages

b) Exception Report

c) Stage Plan

d) Project Brief

3. Which of the following demonstrates an Agile leadership approach?

a) Maintaining a focus on delivery by restricting time spent thinking creatively

b) Quickly and efficiently validating all decisions made by members of the project team

c) Inspiring passion and drive for personal and professional development

d) Focusing on the system and tools available when considering the best way to lead

The sample questions are from the official sample exam. Once you have selected an answer for each question above, you can view the correct responses defined below.

Below are the answers to the above questions with a short explanation where appropriate. You can use these answers to assess your current knowledge, familiarise yourself with the concepts, improve your performance and prepare for the real project management exam. Wrong answers provide an opportunity to progress and evaluate mistakes.

1. What role is responsible for authorizing and monitoring work to be completed and for taking corrective action within a stage?

a) Correct. The Project Manager is responsible for controlling the day-to-day activities of the stage. Ref 15.3

b) Incorrect. Project Support provides administrative support to the Project Manager, but is not responsible for authorizing the work. Ref 5.3.2.8

c) Incorrect. Project Assurance reviews the activities of the stage, but is not responsible for authorizing the work. Ref 5.3.2.3

d) Incorrect. The Team Manager agrees work with the Project Manager to be delivered as part of a Work Package Ref 5.3.2.7

2. Identify the missing words in the following sentence.

A purpose of the Managing a Stage Boundary process is to provide the Project Board with sufficient information so that it can approve the [ ? ] for the next stage.

a) Incorrect. Work Packages are approved by the Project Manager during the Controlling a Stage process. Ref 15.4.1

b) Incorrect. An Exception Report may trigger the Managing a Stage Boundary process if an Exception Plan is required. Ref 15.4.7

c) Correct. A purpose of the Managing a Stage Boundary process is to provide sufficient information to the Project Board, so that it can review the success of the current stage and approve the next Stage Plan. Ref 17.1

d) Incorrect. The Project Brief is approved by the Project Board following the Starting up a Project process, and before the Initiating a Project process. Ref 13.4.1

3. Iterative Development and how it adds quality throughout an Agile project

a) Incorrect: Agility in leadership requires the leader to adapt their leadership style to

the situation in which they are leading, recognizing that under certain

circumstances, it may be more appropriate to be directive and under other

circumstances that it may be more appropriate to be empowering.

b) Incorrect: While there may be a sensible default for these, it is not safe to assume

that such a default will always apply or will always be valid throughout the project's

duration. Agility in leadership requires the leader to adapt their leadership style to

the situation in which they are leading, recognizing that under certain

circumstances, it may be more appropriate to be directive and under other

circumstances that it may be more appropriate to be empowering.

c) Correct: Regardless of circumstance, leadership agility is characterized by a desire

of the leader to understand and grow their own competencies and capabilities as a

leader while encouraging the same understanding and growth in those they lead.

d) Incorrect: By valuing individuals and interactions over processes and tools, an agile

leader will focus first on the human dynamic when considering the best way to lead.

Unlike the Foundation exam, this exam is scenario-based and each exam includes 3 questions. You will need to answer questions based on practical scenarios, for example a fictional project and how it uses time boxes could be described. This official sample exam provides detailed examples of both the scenarios and questions you will face during this examination.

Embarking on the path of continuous learning and professional development is not just a commitment to yourself but also an investment in your business needs. Taking your project management qualification seriously can open doors to new opportunities, increased communication, and enhanced leadership abilities.

To help you along this rewarding journey, we've compiled a list of study tips.

• Register for an agile project management training course with an approved trainer.
• Create a study schedule to manage your time effectively.
• Use the official Agile PM study guide and textbook
• Use mock exams and sample questions to gauge your readiness.
• Join online forums or discussion groups to connect with fellow aspirants and seek advice.
• Review case studies and real-world project examples to apply theory to practice.
• Seek guidance from an experienced project manager or mentors in your network.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices through blogs, podcasts, and webinars.

Often, a lack of motivation can make studying challenging. Book your training course or exam via our online portal to give yourself a firm deadline and help make studying a top priority.

Melanie Franklin, Chief Examiner and Agile Change Agent, shares valuable insights for successful APMG Foundation and Practitioner exam preparation. Gain clarity on the distinction between Foundation and Practitioner questions, discover effective revision techniques, and master the art of tackling exam questions with Melanie's expert guidance.

Taking regular practice tests is an invaluable tool on your journey to becoming a better project manager. By consistently testing your knowledge and honing your skills, you not only enhance your chances of success but also build confidence and familiarity with the material.

For project managers who want to take Agile approaches to the next level and is serious about attaining project management certifications, practice questions are hugely beneficially for being thoroughly prepared for the upcoming exam. APMG also offers a free practice exam simulator and provide a list of accredited training providers for people looking to join the Agile Project Management (AgilePM) course.

When it comes to preparing for Agile exams, APMG has all the support and resources you need. Get in touch today to start taking your Agile qualifications seriously.