Quick Look: Application Style Questions

Let's take a quick look at the application style of question you may see on your CBAP® or CCBA™ exam. While the majority of the questions folks seem to be facing fall into knowledge and comprehension questions (see my previous post), application questions may show up as well. question types. I think it is important to be able to recognize the type of question you are being asked so you can arrive at the correct answer to that question.

Application questions raise the bar a bit more by asking you to use information to solve problems. These questions take your knowledge and comprehension, combine them and ask you to do something with the result. Here is an example of an application question:

Transition requirements are typically prepared after which requirements document is completed?
    A. Solution requirements
    B. Stakeholder requirements
    C. System requirements
    D. Business requirements

The correct answer is A. This is a “use the information” problem asking you about the logical sequence for developing the types or classes of requirements on a project. Be sure to answer using the BABOK® Guide classification scheme and a generic life cycle versus answering from your organization’s scheme and life cycle models unless they are exactly the same. Once the solution requirements are defined for your project, the transition requirements for that solution can begin to be built.

Well, that's it for our quick look at application questions. Beware that many questions and answers on your exam may not be "word for word" from the BABOK® Guide , so it is important that you be able to understand and relate what you know versus just memorizing things.

Susan