You can see it againUnder pressure people bring back shapes and positions long after the wording has gone.
Picture superiority · Shepard 1967, Standing 1973
PMIPMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
The PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) certification validates your expertise in developing, maintaining, and analyzing project schedules. It is designed for scheduling specialists who create and manage schedules that keep projects on track. Earning the PMI-SP demonstrates your ability to apply advanced scheduling techniques and tools to deliver successful projects.
Exam formatMultiple-choice, multiple-response, and fill-in-the-blank
Duration230 minutes
DeliveryPMI
Free questions550
Content last reviewed 30 July 2026 · Up to date
The certification
What PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) proves, and what it asks of you
What this certification covers, who it is written for, and what the exam itself looks like on the day.
5domains
23objectives
140concepts
US $555exam fee
What it is
What this certification is
What it validates, who it is written for, and the experience it assumes.
About this certification
The PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) certification recognizes professionals who have mastered the discipline of project scheduling. It validates your ability to create and maintain schedules that are realistic, achievable, and aligned with project objectives. The certification covers the full spectrum of scheduling, from defining activities and sequencing them to estimating durations and controlling the schedule.
Earning the PMI-SP demonstrates your commitment to the scheduling profession and your ability to apply best practices in schedule development, monitoring, and control. It is a globally recognized credential that can enhance your credibility and career opportunities in project management.
Who it’s for
The PMI-SP certification is for project scheduling professionals who are responsible for developing, maintaining, and analyzing project schedules. This includes roles such as project schedulers, planning engineers, and project controls specialists. Candidates typically have significant experience in project scheduling and are looking to formalize their expertise with a globally recognized credential.
Recommended experience
A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree, or global equivalent) with 5,000 hours of project scheduling experience, or a four-year degree with 3,500 hours of project scheduling experience. In both cases, 30 hours of formal project scheduling education is required. Experience in developing and maintaining project schedules; Experience in using scheduling software and tools; Knowledge of scheduling best practices and methodologies
The syllabus
What you’ll learn
Every domain and objective PMI measures, with the weight they carry on the exam.
The official PMI exam outline · checked 30 July 2026 · See the source
Schedule Strategy
- Task 1 Establish project schedule configuration management policies and procedures incorporating best practices, regulations, governing standards and organization policies, and procedures to ensure accessibility, storage, retrieval, maintenance, change control, and baseline schedule control.
- Task 2 Develop schedule approach, based on the unique characteristics of the project, including enterprise environmental factors and organizational process assets, in order to define schedule requirements.
- Task 3 Establish scheduling policies and procedures regarding methodology, selection of a scheduling tool, scheduling parameters, performance thresholds, activity granularity, presentation format, earned value management (EVM) implementation, analysis techniques, and approval requirements by using resources such as organizational process assets and project documents in order to develop the schedule management plan and standardize operational procedures.
- Task 4 Develop the scheduling-related components for project management plans (for example, integration, scope, cost, quality, resources, communication, risk, and procurement management), through review of contract requirements, in order to integrate scheduling activities into the overall project management process.
- Task 5 Provide information about project scheduling objectives and goals, the role of the scheduler, and scheduling procedures to project team members to facilitate effective participation in the project.
Schedule Planning and Development
- Develop Schedule Model
- Analyze Schedule
- Establish Baseline
Schedule Monitoring and Controlling
- Task 1 Collect activity status at defined intervals from activity owners via reports, meetings, inspections, or other standard procedures in order to update and review the project progress.
- Task 2 Collect resource information and updates via reports, timesheets, meetings, inspections, or other standard procedures in order to report on resource utilization and availability.
- Task 3 Perform schedule analysis and audit, on in-house and subcontractor schedules, using industry standards, guidelines and best practices in order to identify and report project schedule, status, changes, impacts or issues.
- Task 4 Identify alternative project execution options, using tools and techniques such as what-if scenario analyses, in order to optimize the schedule.
- Task 5 Incorporate approved risk mitigation activities into the schedule, by utilizing defined change control processes, in order to establish a new performance measurement baseline (PMB).
- Task 6 Update the schedule model and document schedule baseline changes, received through formal change-control processes, in order to maintain an accurate schedule and facilitate forensic schedule analysis, if required.
Schedule Closeout
- Task 1 Obtain final acceptance of the contractual schedule components, by working with sponsor and/or customer, in order to facilitate project closeout.
- Task 2 Evaluate final schedule performance against baseline schedule, scheduling approach and the implementation, using standard scheduling tools and techniques, including solicitation of feedback from stakeholders, in order to identify lessons learned and develop best practices.
- Task 3 Update the organizational process assets, through documentation of identified lessons learned and best practices, in order to improve business processes.
- Task 4 Distribute final schedule reports, including earned value management (EVM) calculations and variance analysis, to stakeholders in order to facilitate project closeout.
- Task 5 Archive schedule files (for example, final schedule model, schedule management plan, periodic status reports, schedule change log), as per defined procedures in order to satisfy contractual requirements and prepare for potential forensic schedule analysis.
Stakeholder Communications Management
- Task 1 Develop and foster relationships with project stakeholders, consistent with the communication management plan, in order to enhance support for the project schedule.
- Task 2 Generate and maintain visibility of project schedule, by working with the project manager and/or stakeholders, in order to maintain stakeholder support.
- Task 3 Provide senior management and other stakeholders with verbal and written schedule status updates and impact on schedule of corrective actions, as defined by the communication management plan, in order to maintain stakeholder awareness.
- Task 4 Communicate schedule issues that could impact delivery of project scope or adherence to the schedule management plan, in order to elevate awareness to relevant stakeholders.
On the day
The exam itself
Everything PMI publishes about sitting it, and nothing we inferred.
Prerequisites
A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree, or global equivalent) OR a four-year degree (bachelor's degree or global equivalent).
CertificationPMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
Exam formatMultiple-choice, multiple-response, and fill-in-the-blank
Duration230 minutes
Questions170 questions
DeliveryPMI
LanguagesEnglish
PricingUS $555
Certification levelProfessional
After you pass
Where this credential goes next
The path PMI lays out, how the credential is kept, and where to book.
Step-by-step path to PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
PrerequisiteA secondary degree (high school diploma, associate's degree, or global equivalent) OR a four-year degree (bachelor's degree or global equivalent).
Credential earnedPMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Professional level certification Renewal and maintenance
PMI-SP certification holders must earn 30 Professional Development Units (PDUs) in the scheduling subject area every three years to maintain the certification. Stay current with the latest technologies and maintain your certification.
Learn more about renewal requirements Lifecycle status
This certification is currently active and available. PMI maintains this certification to validate current skills and industry relevance.
Exam status: ActiveMaintained by PMI
Exam registration
Register for the exam through PMI, PMI’s authorized testing partner.
Schedule your examVisit the official PMI certification page for exam policies and requirements.
View the official pageYour coach
And when you are serious, your coach Pip takes over
Your coach in the app reads what you have answered with the book closed and tells you one thing to do tonight. It will not count an answer you gave with the page open, and it will tell you when you are not ready.
See how the coach worksBefore you book
Questions people ask
How does the PMI-SP relate to the PMP certification?
The PMI-SP is a specialized certification focused on scheduling, while the PMP is a general project management certification. They are separate credentials, and you do not need one to earn the other.
Is there a hands-on or lab component in the PMI-SP exam?
No, the PMI-SP exam is a computer-based test consisting of multiple-choice, multiple-response, and fill-in-the-blank questions. There is no hands-on lab component.
What is the retake policy for the PMI-SP exam?
If you fail the PMI-SP exam, you can retake it after a 30-day waiting period. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each attempt requires a new exam fee.
What job roles does the PMI-SP certification map to?
The PMI-SP is designed for professionals in roles such as project scheduler, planning engineer, project controls specialist, and other positions focused on schedule development and management.
Can I recertify by passing a different PMI exam?
No, the PMI-SP certification must be maintained by earning PDUs in the scheduling subject area. Passing another PMI exam does not automatically renew the PMI-SP.
Are there any regional differences in the PMI-SP exam delivery?
The PMI-SP exam is available globally through PMI's online proctoring and test center network. Availability may vary by region, and some locations may have limited test center options.
Information freshness · Content last reviewed on 2026-07-30 Up to date
Practice free questions 550 questions, free, no account needed.
The curriculum
The whole exam, mapped and written
Every domain, every objective, and every concept PMI measures — each one written out.
5domains
23objectives
140concepts
119free pages
The domains, and what sits inside them
Every objective below is a page you can open and practise now, without an account.
The official PMI exam outline · checked 30 July 2026 · See the source
1Schedule Strategy131 questions
Task 1 Establish project schedule configuration management policies and procedures incorporating best practices, regulations, governing standards and organization policies, and procedures to ensure accessibility, storage, retrieval, maintenance, change control, and baseline schedule control.9 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Task 2 Develop schedule approach, based on the unique characteristics of the project, including enterprise environmental factors and organizational process assets, in order to define schedule requirements.5 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Task 3 Establish scheduling policies and procedures regarding methodology, selection of a scheduling tool, scheduling parameters, performance thresholds, activity granularity, presentation format, earned value management (EVM) implementation, analysis techniques, and approval requirements by using resources such as organizational process assets and project documents in order to develop the schedule management plan and standardize operational procedures.13 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →Task 4 Develop the scheduling-related components for project management plans (for example, integration, scope, cost, quality, resources, communication, risk, and procurement management), through review of contract requirements, in order to integrate scheduling activities into the overall project management process.3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Task 5 Provide information about project scheduling objectives and goals, the role of the scheduler, and scheduling procedures to project team members to facilitate effective participation in the project.5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
2Schedule Planning and Development87 questions
3Schedule Monitoring and Controlling135 questions
Task 1 Collect activity status at defined intervals from activity owners via reports, meetings, inspections, or other standard procedures in order to update and review the project progress.5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Task 2 Collect resource information and updates via reports, timesheets, meetings, inspections, or other standard procedures in order to report on resource utilization and availability.5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Task 3 Perform schedule analysis and audit, on in-house and subcontractor schedules, using industry standards, guidelines and best practices in order to identify and report project schedule, status, changes, impacts or issues.12 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →Task 4 Identify alternative project execution options, using tools and techniques such as what-if scenario analyses, in order to optimize the schedule.4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Task 5 Incorporate approved risk mitigation activities into the schedule, by utilizing defined change control processes, in order to establish a new performance measurement baseline (PMB).5 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Task 6 Update the schedule model and document schedule baseline changes, received through formal change-control processes, in order to maintain an accurate schedule and facilitate forensic schedule analysis, if required.4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →
4Schedule Closeout94 questions
Task 1 Obtain final acceptance of the contractual schedule components, by working with sponsor and/or customer, in order to facilitate project closeout.4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Task 2 Evaluate final schedule performance against baseline schedule, scheduling approach and the implementation, using standard scheduling tools and techniques, including solicitation of feedback from stakeholders, in order to identify lessons learned and develop best practices.6 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Task 3 Update the organizational process assets, through documentation of identified lessons learned and best practices, in order to improve business processes.4 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →Task 4 Distribute final schedule reports, including earned value management (EVM) calculations and variance analysis, to stakeholders in order to facilitate project closeout.5 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →Task 5 Archive schedule files (for example, final schedule model, schedule management plan, periodic status reports, schedule change log), as per defined procedures in order to satisfy contractual requirements and prepare for potential forensic schedule analysis.4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
5Stakeholder Communications Management103 questions
Task 1 Develop and foster relationships with project stakeholders, consistent with the communication management plan, in order to enhance support for the project schedule.8 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →Task 2 Generate and maintain visibility of project schedule, by working with the project manager and/or stakeholders, in order to maintain stakeholder support.8 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →Task 3 Provide senior management and other stakeholders with verbal and written schedule status updates and impact on schedule of corrective actions, as defined by the communication management plan, in order to maintain stakeholder awareness.4 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →Task 4 Communicate schedule issues that could impact delivery of project scope or adherence to the schedule management plan, in order to elevate awareness to relevant stakeholders.4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
Not a table of contents
Every line on this map already opens
In front of every objective the practice pages are already there, free and without an account. This is one objective, opened.
Task 1 Establish project schedule configuration management policies and procedures incorporating best practices, regulations, governing standards and organization policies, and procedures to ensure accessibility, storage, retrieval, maintenance, change control, and baseline schedule control.6 pagesOpen →
Free in front of it
30 questions on this objective, five to a page. Every range above is a real page, open now, with no account.
Reading the map is not the same as knowing the ground
The curriculum tells you what is on the exam. Proving you know it is a different job — and it is the one the closed-book run does.
Free questions
550 questions. No account, no card.
The whole bank is open. 5 questions to a page, every answer explained, and a discussion thread on each one.
550questions
119pages
23objectives
Freealways
Start anywhereTask 1 Establish project schedule configuration management policies and procedures incorporating best practices, regulations, governing standards and organization policies, and procedures to ensure accessibility, storage, retrieval, maintenance, change control, and baseline schedule control. 30 questions · 6 pages
Browse by domain
Every objective, and every page range, is a link — so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
1Schedule Strategy131 questions
2Schedule Planning and Development87 questions
3Schedule Monitoring and Controlling135 questions
4Schedule Closeout94 questions
5Stakeholder Communications Management103 questions
What a practice page gives you
1Five to a page
Short enough to finish, long enough to matter.
2Every answer explained
Not only which one is right — why the others are wrong.
3A discussion on each
Ask, answer, and vote. Every question has its own thread.
A question, and the idea behind it
Every question comes from a concept
These are not trivia. Each one is written against a concept in the book, so when you get one wrong there is somewhere to go and find out why.
The visual book
See it once. Carry it into the exam.
The pages shown here come from our AI-900 book — an example of how each concept is written in plain language and, where the idea needs one, drawn as a full page you can take in at a glance.
140concepts
550free questions
Why a picture, and not another paragraph
Three reasons, and each one is a real finding rather than a slogan.
You can see it againThe whole idea at onceWhere it starts, what happens in the middle, what comes out, and the mistake to avoid.
Multimedia principle · MayerThe look-alikes sit togetherThe pairs the exam tests are drawn side by side, so the difference is seen, not told.
Dual coding · PaivioWhat one page is made of
You are never asked to read a poster here — only to see how one is built. After that, every other page is legible at a glance.
1A numbered strip on top
The idea as a sequence, followed with a finger before a word is read.
2Panels for the parts
What it is, how the machine learns it, when it is the right tool.
3The trap, framed
The distinction the exam tests, given its own box instead of buried in prose.
4One line at the bottom
The sentence to carry into the exam room.
Open book, on purpose
Answer it with the picture beside you
This is the part that teaches. The illustration and the written explanation stay where they are while you work, so a scenario stops being a memory test and becomes something you can simply look at.
It teaches · it does not count
A smartphone uses AI to unlock when the owner looks at the camera. Which AI capability is being used?
AImage classification
BFacial recognition
COptical character recognition
DObject detection
Look at the five steps. Detect finds a face, align straightens it, encode turns it into numbers, search compares it with a stored face, and decide answers one question: is this the same person? Classification would only say “a face”. Detection would only draw a box. Neither decides whose.
Then the page shuts, and it starts counting
The same questions come back with the book closed — that run is the one that counts. After it, your coach picks one thing for tonight, sized to the time you have, and brings pages back before you lose them.
Testing effect · Roediger & Karpicke 2006 · spacing effect · Cepeda et al. 2006
Official resources
Straight from PMI
Where the exam is defined, scheduled and scored.
1official link
140concepts mapped
The source
PMI’s own pages
We link to them rather than repeat them, so nothing here goes stale behind them.
Checked against the source
Every objective on the official PMI outline already has questions here
We build from the official skills outline, not from a summary of it — 23 objectives, 140 concepts written under them, and free questions against every one. When PMI changes the outline, this page changes with it.
23objectives on the outline→140concepts written→550free questions
An official page tells you what will be asked. It cannot tell you what you will get right.
That is the only question worth answering the night before, and no link answers it. You answer it by taking the questions with the book closed, and seeing what comes back.