PMP Exam Prep with Scott Payne

The PMP Exam Isn’t Trying to Trick You… It’s Trying to Help You See This

If you need help simplifying PMP concepts in a way that really makes sense, reach out and I’ll teach you and create a plan that works for you: 757-759-5282.

So many students tell me: “Scott, the PMP exam is trying to trick me.” The scenarios feel unrealistic, the answers all look half-right, and it seems like PMI is playing games.

But here’s the truth: the exam isn’t trying to trick you. It’s trying to help you see the bigger picture.

In this episode, I’ll show you how to flip your perspective and finally understand what the exam is doing. We’ll cover:

  • Why PMP questions feel “tricky” and what they’re really testing

  • The shift from task-level thinking to system-level leadership

  • Common situations where students feel trapped (risks, stakeholders, change requests) and the bigger-picture lessons inside them

  • How to stop arguing with the scenario and start asking: “What is PMI really testing here?”

  • Practical mindset hacks to slow down, zoom out, and pick the best answer, not just the “okay” one

📌 Key takeaway: The PMP exam isn’t a trap — it’s training your lens. Every question is an invitation to see like a project leader, not just a task doer.

👉 Want Scott to help you practice these mindset shifts and build a plan that gets you to the finish line? Call or text 757-759-5282.