The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam permits the use of a simple, on-screen calculator. This functionality provides candidates with a tool to perform basic calculations necessary for questions involving earned value management, critical path method, and other mathematical project management concepts. An example would be calculating the expected monetary value of a project risk.
Access to a calculator during the exam reduces the cognitive load on candidates, allowing them to focus on applying project management knowledge and problem-solving skills rather than complex manual calculations. This contributes to a fairer assessment of true project management competency. Historically, PMP exams may have relied more heavily on manual computation. The shift toward providing a calculator reflects an emphasis on practical application within a realistic project management environment.
