PMP Conflict Management Practice Questions

“Manage conflicts” is a People task on the PMP exam. Practice original scenarios that ask what to do first, which approach fits and how to handle broken ground rules, with an explanation for every option.

Take the full timed PMP mock exam

180 questions in the July 2026 format: a case-study section first, then two sections of independent questions, on one 240-minute clock, with a score by domain and an explanation for every option.

Or try the free conflict drill
  • 24 original conflict questions, every option explained
  • People domain (33% of the exam)
  • ECO tasks: I-2 Manage conflicts
Free sample · Question 1 of 3People · Conflict

The project manager is using a problem-solving approach to resolve a dispute between design and manufacturing over a component tolerance. What should be done first?

Choose the best answer

What our conflict questions cover

  • Identifying the source of a conflict: schedules, priorities, resources, technical opinions, procedures, cost or personalities
  • The five approaches: collaborate/problem solve, compromise/reconcile, smooth/accommodate, force/direct and withdraw/avoid
  • Analyzing context before acting, and choosing when each approach fits
  • Ground rules: setting them with the team and dealing with violations
  • Conflict with and between external stakeholders and vendors
Line drawing of two armchairs facing each other across a small round table with two coffee cups and a notepad

This list is our own summary of the tasks, written for practice. PMI publishes the full task statements and enablers in the PMP Examination Content Outline.

Drill conflict, then sit the full exam

Take the full timed PMP mock exam

180 questions in the July 2026 format: a case-study section first, then two sections of independent questions, on one 240-minute clock, with a score by domain and an explanation for every option.

Or try the free conflict drill

Ideas the questions test most

  1. Collaborating (problem solving) addresses the underlying cause and looks for a solution that satisfies both sides; it is usually the best long-term approach when there is time and the relationship matters.
  2. Compromising gives each side part of what it wants, so neither is fully satisfied. Smoothing stresses agreement and plays down differences. Forcing pushes one view at the expense of others and fits emergencies. Withdrawing postpones the issue.
  3. The first step in most conflict scenarios is to talk to the people involved, privately where needed, and understand the cause, before escalating.
  4. Conflict is managed best early, in private and by the people involved; the project manager facilitates and escalates only when the parties cannot resolve it.

Start the free conflict drill · People domain drill · Full 180-question mock exam

Common questions

What is the best conflict resolution technique for the PMP exam?

Collaborating, also called problem solving, is usually the best answer when there is time, because it addresses the root cause and both sides commit to the outcome. Other approaches fit specific situations: forcing in an emergency or for a non-negotiable rule, withdrawing to let tempers cool, compromising when both sides have equal power.

Should the project manager escalate a team conflict?

Usually not first. The expected first steps are to understand the conflict, meet the people involved and help them resolve it, using the team’s ground rules. Escalation follows only when the parties cannot resolve it or a policy is at stake.

Take the full timed PMP mock exam

180 questions in the July 2026 format: a case-study section first, then two sections of independent questions, on one 240-minute clock, with a score by domain and an explanation for every option.

Or try the free conflict drill

More PMP topics

Domains, tasks, question types and format: PMI: Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content Outline, July 2026 PMP Certification Exam Update · PMI: PMP certification page (exam format, domains and breaks), checked November 2026.

PMP®, PMI® and PMBOK® are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. Game Assessment Prep is an independent practice site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or an Authorized Training Partner of the Project Management Institute (PMI). Every question is original; none is taken from PMI materials, the PMP exam or another prep provider.