PGM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PGM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which approach is most effective for problem-solving in Program Strategy? → Systematic analysis followed by evidence-based decision making
2. A program manager is reporting financial status to the governance board and the program's SPI is 0.92 and CPI is 1.05. What does this combination indicate? → The program is behind schedule but under budget
3. A program manager discovers that two major stakeholders have conflicting expectations about program deliverables. What is the recommended approach? → Facilitate a joint meeting to negotiate and align expectations
4. What is the primary goal of stakeholder identification in program management? → To determine who has interest or influence over the program
5. What is the primary purpose of standardized procedures in Resource Management? → To ensure consistency, safety, and quality across all practitioners
6. During a program status meeting, a stakeholder consistently interrupts presenters. How should the program manager respond? → Privately address the behavior with the stakeholder and establish meeting norms
7. A program manager is asked to accelerate delivery of a key benefit to meet an urgent business need. What should the manager evaluate FIRST? → The interdependencies and constraints affecting the components that produce that benefit
8. What is the purpose of establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a program? → To measure the program’s success and progress toward its goals
9. A program manager wants to determine if a process change resulted in a statistically significant improvement. Which approach is most rigorous? → Use hypothesis testing to compare pre- and post-change performance data
10. Which statistical tool is most commonly used to identify which defects or problems account for the majority of negative program outcomes? → Pareto chart
11. What is the most important foundational concept in Governance and Reporting? → Understanding core principles and their practical application in Governance and Reporting
12. A program's Cost Performance Index (CPI) is 0.85. What does this indicate? → The program is getting $0.85 of value for every $1.00 spent
13. What does the 'To-Complete Performance Index' (TCPI) measure in program financial management? → The cost efficiency required for the remaining work to meet the budget at completion
14. During program execution, which document should be updated when a new risk is identified that could affect multiple component projects? → The program risk register, with impacts noted across all relevant component projects
15. What quality metrics are most important in Risk Management? → Measurable outcomes, process compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction
16. What is the primary purpose of defining long-term goals in strategic planning? → To ensure that program outcomes align with the organization’s vision
17. Which tool is most commonly used to assess stakeholder power and interest levels? → Power/interest grid
18. A component project finishes early and its team has capacity. How should the program manager use this situation? → Assess whether the capacity can accelerate other components or address program-level risks
19. Which approach is most effective for problem-solving in Resource Management? → Systematic analysis followed by evidence-based decision making
20. What is the primary purpose of a RACI matrix in program communication? → To clarify roles and accountability for decisions and deliverables
21. What is the primary purpose of a stakeholder register in program management? → Document stakeholder identification, assessment, and engagement strategies
22. Which of the following is an example of an 'intermediate benefit' in program management? → Improved employee skill levels achieved during program execution
23. Which approach is most effective for problem-solving in Risk Management? → Systematic analysis followed by evidence-based decision making
24. During program execution, a component project manager reports that a risk has materialized into an issue. What should the program manager do FIRST? → Update the program risk register and assess cross-project impact
25. What is the primary purpose of standardized procedures in Risk Management? → To ensure consistency, safety, and quality across all practitioners
26. What is the significance of documentation in Program Strategy? → It provides a record for accountability, quality assurance, and legal compliance
27. What role does continuing education play in Program Strategy? → Keeping practitioners current with evolving best practices and new developments
28. A program manager receives contradictory direction from two equally senior stakeholders. What is the BEST course of action? → Escalate the conflict to a common authority and document the competing directives
29. How should a Program Manager handle resource allocation for a program? → By prioritizing resources based on project requirements and program goals
30. Under the Standard for Program Management, who typically holds ultimate authority over the program's management reserve? → The program sponsor or governance board