The Monitoring and Controlling the Project domain is one of five performance domains covered on the PMP (project management professional) certification exam. Of the 200 questions on the PMP exam, the Monitoring and Controlling the Project domain accounts for 25%. Six tasks are associated with this domain, as well as 12 knowledge and skill topics.
The six tasks associated with Monitoring and Controlling the Project appear in the following table:
| Task 1 | Measure project performance using appropriate tools and techniques, in order to identify and quantify any variances, perform approved corrective actions, and communicate with relevant stakeholders. |
| Task 2 | Manage changes to the project scope, schedule, and costs by updating the project plan and communicating approved changes to the team, in order to ensure that revised project goals are met. |
| Task 3 | Ensure that project deliverables conform to the quality standards established in the quality management plan by using appropriate tools and techniques (for example, testing, inspection, control charts), in order to satisfy customer requirements. |
| Task 4 | Update the risk register and risk response plan by identifying any new risks, assessing old risks, and determining and implementing appropriate response strategies, in order to manage the effects of risks on the project. |
| Task 5 | Assess corrective actions on the issue register and determine next steps for unresolved issues by using appropriate tools and techniques, in order to minimize the effect on project schedule, cost, and resources. |
| Task 6 | Communicate project status to stakeholders for their feedback, in order to ensure that the project aligns with business needs. |
The 12 knowledge and skills topics are
Skills used in performance measurement and tracking techniques: for example, earned value (EV), critical path method (CPM), and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
Knowledge of project control limits: for example, thresholds and tolerance
Knowledge of project performance metrics: for example, efforts, costs and milestones
Skills in cost analysis techniques
Skills in variance and trend analysis techniques
Skills in project plan management techniques
Skills in change management techniques
Knowledge and skills associated with integrated change control processes
Skills in risk-identification and analysis techniques
Skills in risk-response techniques
Skills in problem-solving techniques, such as root cause analysis
Knowledge of reporting procedures