Brain Dump Reference Card — PMP Cheat Sheet

📊 EVM Formulas

Metric	Formula	Meaning
SV	`EV − PV`	− = behind sched
CV	`EV − AC`	− = over budget
SPI	`EV / PV`	<1 = behind sched
CPI	`EV / AC`	<1 = over budget
EAC (typ)	`BAC / CPI`	Default on exam
EAC (atyp)	`AC + (BAC−EV)`	One-time variance
EAC (both)	`AC + (BAC−EV)/(CPI×SPI)`	Both factors
ETC	`EAC − AC`	Cost to finish
VAC	`BAC − EAC`	− = over at end
TCPI	`(BAC−EV) / (BAC−AC)`	>1 = must improve

EV is always first in variances and numerator in indices. P = schedule, C = cost.

📝 Other Key Formulas

Formula	Equation
Comm Channels	`n(n−1) / 2`
PERT	`(O + 4M + P) / 6`
Std Dev (σ)	`(P − O) / 6`
PTA (FPIF)	`((CP−TP)/BSR) + TC`

PERT: O=optimistic, M=most likely, P=pessimistic. PTA only for FPIF contracts.

🤝 Conflict Resolution (PMI Order)

1. Collaborate/Problem Solve — Win-win ⭐ PMI's #1
2. Compromise — Each gives up something
3. Smooth/Accommodate — Emphasize agreement
4. Force/Direct — Emergency only
5. Withdraw/Avoid — Temporary retreat

⚠️ Risk Response Strategies

Threats (−)	Opportunities (+)
Avoid	Exploit
Transfer	Share
Mitigate	Enhance
Accept (both) · Escalate (both)

👥 Tuckman's Stages

Forming → Polite, uncertain (PM: Direct)
Storming → Conflict, power struggles (PM: Coach)
Norming → Trust, cohesion (PM: Support)
Performing → High productivity (PM: Delegate)
Adjourning → Closure (PM: Celebrate)

📝 Contract Types (Buyer Risk → Seller Risk)

CPPC — Cost + % of cost (worst for buyer)
CPFF — Cost + fixed fee
CPIF — Cost + incentive fee
T&M — Time & materials (shared)
FPIF — Fixed price + incentive (PTA applies)
FFP — Firm fixed price (worst for seller)

📋 Change Control Process

1. Change identified
2. Assess impact (scope, schedule, cost, risk)
3. Submit change request
4. CCB reviews (approve/reject/defer)
5. Update plans & baselines if approved
6. Communicate decision

NEVER make the change immediately. ALWAYS assess first.

🧠 PMI Mindset Quick Rules

Servant leadership > authority
Assess before acting (always)
Follow the process (always)
Never gold plate
Ethics first (honesty, responsibility, respect, fairness)
Engage stakeholders early & continuously
Charter = PM's authority
Facilitate > Direct

🧭 12 PMBOK 7 Principles

People (4)	Approach (4)	Outcome (4)
1. Stewardship	5. Systems Thinking	4. Value
2. Team	7. Tailoring	8. Quality
3. Stakeholders	9. Complexity	10. Risk
6. Leadership	11. Adaptability	12. Change

⏱ Exam Timing Reference

Detail	Value	Detail	Value
Questions	180 (175 scored)	Time per Q	~76 seconds
Total time	230 minutes	Break 1	After Q60 (10 min)
Domains	People 42% · Process 50% · Biz 8%	Break 2	After Q120 (10 min)

Read the LAST sentence first. Eliminate 2 wrong answers. Flag & move on if > 2 min. Take BOTH breaks. Don't change answers unless certain you misread.