• PMI released a planned revision of the PMP Exam on 30 September 2005. For the new exam PMI adopted a passing point of 81 percent (141 correct questions out of 175), an increase from the previous passing score of 69 percent (137 correct questions out of 200).
  
• Since the examination was introduced, more than 800 candidates have taken it. (A member of the PMI certifications department told me in a phone conversation this afternoon that PMI deemed the passing rate among these candidates too low.)
  
• PMI initiated a second review that indicated that the passing score should be adjusted to 61 percent (106 correct questions). PMI revised the passing score for the exam accordingly.
  
• PMI then applied the new passing score to all examinations taken since 30 September 2005 by candidates who sat for the new exam.
  
• If you have applied and paid for a retest, you will receive a refund for the re-examination fee in December. 

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From: PMI Certification [mailtomibroadcast@pmi.org]
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Subject: Important information regarding your PMP Examination score

Making Project Management Indispensable for Business Results.^®

Project Management Institute

Global Operations Center

Four Campus Boulevard, Newtown Square, PA 19073-3299 USA

Tel: +1-610-356-4600, Fax: +1-610-356-4647
E-mail: customercare@pmi.org, Internet: www.pmi.org

30 November, 2005

Dear  [name withheld by request],

Re: Important information regarding your PMP ^® Examination score

PMI is dedicated to offering a globally recognized, quality-based credentialing program for Project Management Professionals. In 2004, PMI initiated a planned revision of the PMP Exam according to the processes set out in PMI’s quality assurance manual, which PMI maintains as part of its ISO 9001 certification in Quality Management Systems. Since the new exam was released on 30 September 2005, more than 800 candidates have taken it.

Before offering the new examination, PMI assembled a group of volunteers to help establish the passing score. Using a method known as the “Modified Angoff Technique” (a proven exam development method), a group of global PMPs in the summer of 2005 assessed each test question and independently evaluated the questions to determine their difficulty level. Their responses were then sent to PMI’s psychometric (exam development) experts and averaged. From that information, PMI’s psychometricians recommended that PMI adopt a passing point of 81 percent (141 correct questions).

After the examination was introduced, PMI monitored candidate performance to verify the validity of the passing score. In addition to its analysis of the actual test results from over 800 candidates, PMI sought review by an additional volunteer team. After performing a statistical analysis of the additional data, PMI and its independent psychometricians were able to make conclusions about the performance of questions as well as candidate performance. This second review, initiated by PMI as part of standard exam development procedure, indicated that the passing score should be adjusted. Accordingly, PMI revised the passing score for the exam to 61 percent (106 correct questions). PMI then applied the new passing score to all examinations taken since 30 September 2005 by candidates who sat for the new exam.

PMI is pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed the PMP examination and have been awarded the PMP credential .

While we are sensitive to candidates’ concerns about such a change in the passing score, these considerations must be weighted in context of the overall purpose of the exam: to provide a consistent global standard that all practitioners must meet to ensure the credential is awarded to qualified individuals.

Your PMP credential packet will be mailed from PMI’s Global Operations Center in Newtown Square, Pa., and your name will be added to the PMP online registry within 8 weeks. The actual receipt of your packet will depend on your location relative to PMI. If you have applied and paid for a retest, you will receive a refund for the re-examination fee. Refunds will be processed in December. If you do not receive your refund by 30 December 2005, please e-mail examquestions@pmi.org .

Best regards,

Denny Smith, PhD
Manager, PMI Certification Program