What PMP content should be on flashcards?
PMP flashcards should focus on EVM formulas (EV, CV, SV, CPI, SPI, EAC, ETC, VAC), the five project management process groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing), PERT three-point estimate formula, communication channels formula, risk response strategies with examples, and the difference between predictive and agile approaches. Process group sequences and formula derivations are the highest-value cards because they appear in scenario questions requiring precise application.
The PMP exam's shift toward scenario-based questions has reduced but not eliminated the need for formula and process memorization. While the majority of PMP questions test judgment, roughly 15-20 questions per exam require applying specific formulas or recognizing specific process outputs and inputs. These questions are entirely answerable if you have the relevant content on flashcards.
PMP Flashcard Categories
Category 1: EVM Formulas (Highest Priority)
Create one card for each formula with both the formula and an interpretation:
Essential EVM cards:
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| EV formula | BAC x % Complete |
| CV formula | EV - AC (positive = under budget) |
| SV formula | EV - PV (positive = ahead of schedule) |
| CPI formula | EV / AC (>1 = under budget) |
| SPI formula | EV / PV (>1 = ahead of schedule) |
| EAC (typical performance) | BAC / CPI |
| EAC (budget from here) | AC + (BAC - EV) |
| ETC formula | EAC - AC |
| VAC formula | BAC - EAC |
| TCPI formula | (BAC - EV) / (BAC - AC) |
Memory aid card: "For CV and SV, always start with EV. CV = EV - AC. SV = EV - PV."
Interpretation card: "CPI = 0.8 means: you are getting $0.80 of value for every $1.00 spent."
Category 2: Schedule and Duration Formulas
PERT formulas:
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| PERT estimate formula | (O + 4ML + P) / 6 |
| PERT standard deviation | (P - O) / 6 |
| Triangular estimate | (O + ML + P) / 3 |
| 68% confidence range | PERT estimate ± 1 SD |
| 95% confidence range | PERT estimate ± 2 SD |
| 99.7% confidence range | PERT estimate ± 3 SD |
Communication channels:
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| Communication channels formula | n(n-1) / 2 |
| 10 stakeholders = how many channels? | 45 |
| 20 stakeholders = how many channels? | 190 |
| Going from 5 to 10 stakeholders = new channels? | 45 - 10 = 35 new channels |
Category 3: Process Groups and Knowledge Areas
The PMBOK Guide 6th Edition (still relevant for process-level understanding) defines 49 processes organized into 5 process groups and 10 knowledge areas.
Process group sequence (1 card per group):
- Initiating: define project, identify stakeholders
- Planning: define scope, create WBS, schedule, budget, risk plan
- Executing: produce deliverables, manage team, procure resources
- Monitoring and Controlling: compare actuals to plan, take corrective action
- Closing: formally accept deliverables, close contracts, archive documents
Key process outputs to memorize:
- Project Charter → Initiating → formally authorizes the project
- WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) → Planning → hierarchical decomposition of project scope
- Risk Register → Planning → document for tracking identified risks
- Lessons Learned Register → Updated throughout; formally completed in Closing
Category 4: Risk Management
Risk response strategies (two-sided comparison cards):
| Risk Type | Response Strategies |
|---|---|
| Negative risk (threat) | Avoid, Transfer, Mitigate, Accept |
| Positive risk (opportunity) | Exploit, Share, Enhance, Accept |
EMV formula card: "EMV = Probability x Impact. Used in decision tree analysis and risk contingency calculation."
Category 5: Agile Concepts
Scrum ceremonies (ordered): Sprint Planning → Daily Scrum → Sprint Review → Sprint Retrospective
Scrum artifacts:
- Product Backlog: ordered list of all desired product work items
- Sprint Backlog: subset of product backlog committed for current sprint
- Increment: working product delivered at sprint end
Agile vs. predictive comparison cards:
- "Project with well-defined requirements, low uncertainty → Predictive (waterfall)"
- "Project with emerging requirements, high uncertainty → Agile"
- "Project mixing both → Hybrid"
PMP Anki Deck Structure
Organize PMP cards into separate sub-decks for each knowledge area:
PMP Master Deck
├── Formulas (EVM, PERT, communication channels)
├── Process Groups (sequences and key outputs)
├── Risk Management
├── Agile Concepts
├── Stakeholder Management
└── Quality and Communications
This structure allows domain-specific review sessions when practice exams reveal specific gaps.
Using Flashcards Alongside PMI's Exam Content Outline
PMI publishes the Examination Content Outline (ECO) which defines the three exam domains and their task lists. Map your flashcard deck to the ECO to ensure coverage:
Domain 1: People (42%) -- Mostly judgment-based, fewer formula cards. Focus on leadership styles, conflict resolution approaches, and team development stages.
Domain 2: Process (50%) -- Most formula cards live here. EVM, PERT, and risk formulas all fall under process domain.
Domain 3: Business Environment (8%) -- Compliance, governance, and strategic alignment. A small number of definition cards for key terms.
"My PMP Anki deck had 280 cards: 45 for formulas, 85 for process groups and outputs, 60 for agile concepts, and 90 for terminology. I could write every EVM formula from memory in 90 seconds before the exam. The formula questions took me under 2 minutes each." -- PMP candidate
Frequently Asked Questions
Do PMP flashcards need to cover every PMBOK process? The current PMP exam tests situational judgment more than PMBOK process memorization. You do not need to memorize all 49 processes from PMBOK 6. Focus flashcards on: EVM formulas, process group sequences, key process outputs (charter, WBS, risk register), and agile ceremony definitions. These areas have the highest ROI for flashcard investment relative to PMP exam performance.
Should I use PMP flashcards for both PMBOK and ECO content? Yes. The PMP exam blends PMI methodology (partially reflected in PMBOK) with the broader Examination Content Outline tasks. Your flashcard deck should cover EVM and process formulas from PMBOK-aligned content and agile/hybrid concepts from the current ECO. Both components appear on the exam.
Where can I find pre-made PMP Anki decks? AnkiWeb has several PMP decks. Search "PMP exam" or "Project Management Professional." The quality varies; prioritize decks updated after 2021 (the current exam format) and verify EVM formula accuracy against a trusted source like Griffiths and Dionisio's PMI-authorized study guide.
References
- Project Management Institute. (2021). PMP Examination Content Outline. PMI. https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp/earn-the-pmp/pmp-exam-preparation
- Griffiths, M., and Dionisio, C. S. (2021). PMI-Authorized PMP Exam Prep. Project Management Institute.
- Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) -- Sixth Edition. PMI.
- Heldman, K. (2021). PMP Project Management Professional Exam Cram. Pearson IT Certification.
- AnkiWeb. (2024). PMP shared Anki decks. https://ankiweb.net/shared/decks/
- PM PrepCast. (2024). PMP flashcards and study materials. https://www.pm-prepcast.com/