PMP Process Domain — Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes PMP candidates make on Process domain questions about EVM, risk, scheduling, and change management.

Common Process Domain Mistakes

1. Getting EVM Formulas Backward

The most common calculation errors:

  • Confusing CV (EV - AC) with SV (EV - PV)
  • Using AC / EV instead of EV / AC for CPI
  • Forgetting that EV always comes first in subtraction formulas
  • Using the wrong EAC formula — BAC / CPI is the most common on the exam

2. Implementing Changes Without Change Control

Even if the sponsor or customer directly asks for a change, the correct answer is always to follow the change control process. This means:

  • Document the change request
  • Assess the impact on scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk
  • Submit to the CCB for review
  • Only implement after approval

3. Confusing Risk Strategies

  • Avoid vs. Mitigate — Avoid eliminates the risk entirely; Mitigate reduces probability or impact
  • Transfer vs. Mitigate — Transfer shifts the financial impact (e.g., insurance); the risk still exists
  • Using threat strategies for opportunities (or vice versa)
  • Forgetting "Escalate" as a valid strategy for risks outside project authority

4. Mixing Up Fast Tracking and Crashing

  • Fast tracking = Doing activities in parallel that were planned sequentially → Increases RISK
  • Crashing = Adding resources to shorten duration → Increases COST
  • Both only work on critical path activities

5. Confusing Quality and Grade

Low quality is always a problem. Low grade is not. A simple software tool can be low grade (fewer features) but high quality (works perfectly for what it does).

6. Treating Agile and Predictive as Interchangeable

Key differences to remember:

  • Agile embraces change; predictive controls change
  • Agile delivers incrementally; predictive delivers at the end
  • Product Owner owns the backlog in Scrum; the PM manages the project management plan in predictive
  • Retrospectives (agile) vs. lessons learned (predictive) — similar purpose, different timing

7. Ignoring the Procurement Contract Type

The contract type determines who bears the risk:

  • Fixed Price — Risk is on the seller (buyer's scope must be clear)
  • Cost Reimbursable — Risk is on the buyer (scope can be unclear)
  • Choosing the wrong type for the described scenario is a common trap

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