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Series XXI-B · Practice Set 1

NISM Series XXI-B: Portfolio Managers Certification — Practice Set 1 Practice Questions

Original starter practice set for NISM Series XXI-B: Portfolio Managers Certification. Every question below shows the correct answer and a full explanation, so you can read through this set as a study page or attempt it as a timed mock test.

Attempt this set as a timed mock

Prefer an exam-like experience? Start this set as a shuffled, timed mock test with instant scoring, negative marking, and a full review screen.

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Practice questions

All 35 questions in Practice Set 1

Read each question, think through your answer, then expand it to check the correct option and explanation.

Exam Strategy

Q1. Which habit is most useful while preparing for Series XXI-B Portfolio Managers?

  1. A. Memorising only answer keys
  2. B. Practising topics and reviewing explanations
  3. C. Skipping regulatory concepts
  4. D. Attempting only one mock test
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Practising topics and reviewing explanations

Mock tests are most useful when they reveal weak topics and explanations are reviewed after every attempt.
Exam Strategy

Q2. A candidate is unsure about a question with negative marking. What is the best first step?

  1. A. Guess immediately
  2. B. Eliminate clearly wrong options first
  3. C. Leave all difficult questions unanswered
  4. D. Change every answer at the end
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Eliminate clearly wrong options first

Eliminating wrong options improves decision quality, especially where incorrect answers carry a penalty.
Exam Strategy

Q3. Why should practice questions be topic-tagged?

  1. A. To make the test look longer
  2. B. To identify strengths and weak areas
  3. C. To replace the official workbook
  4. D. To avoid reading explanations
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. To identify strengths and weak areas

Topic tagging helps learners plan revision after the mock test.
Exam Strategy

Q4. What does a good mock-test explanation usually include?

  1. A. Only the option letter
  2. B. The reason the correct option is right
  3. C. A random market tip
  4. D. A copied official question
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. The reason the correct option is right

Explanations should teach the underlying concept, not only reveal the option.
Portfolio strategy

Q5. In Portfolio strategy, which approach is usually preferred?

  1. A. Follow the documented process and maintain records
  2. B. Ignore client/investor documentation
  3. C. Rely only on verbal confirmation
  4. D. Skip suitability or risk checks
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Follow the documented process and maintain records

Portfolio strategy questions often test process discipline, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
Portfolio strategy

Q6. A question from Portfolio strategy is asking for the primary purpose of a control. What should you look for?

  1. A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency
  2. B. The option with the longest wording
  3. C. The option that sounds most aggressive
  4. D. The option unrelated to investors
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency

Most controls in market certification exams are designed to protect investors, reduce operational risk, or improve transparency.
Portfolio strategy

Q7. When revising Portfolio strategy, what is the best way to use mock results?

  1. A. Review only correct answers
  2. B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept
  3. C. Delete difficult topics
  4. D. Attempt the same answers without review
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept

The value of a mock test comes from converting mistakes into focused revision.
Portfolio strategy

Q8. A scenario question under Portfolio strategy includes several facts. What should you identify first?

  1. A. The role, rule, or risk being tested
  2. B. The longest sentence
  3. C. The first number shown
  4. D. The least technical option
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The role, rule, or risk being tested

Scenario questions become easier when the tested role, rule, or risk is identified before choosing an option.
Risk management

Q9. In Risk management, which approach is usually preferred?

  1. A. Follow the documented process and maintain records
  2. B. Ignore client/investor documentation
  3. C. Rely only on verbal confirmation
  4. D. Skip suitability or risk checks
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Follow the documented process and maintain records

Risk management questions often test process discipline, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
Risk management

Q10. A question from Risk management is asking for the primary purpose of a control. What should you look for?

  1. A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency
  2. B. The option with the longest wording
  3. C. The option that sounds most aggressive
  4. D. The option unrelated to investors
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency

Most controls in market certification exams are designed to protect investors, reduce operational risk, or improve transparency.
Risk management

Q11. When revising Risk management, what is the best way to use mock results?

  1. A. Review only correct answers
  2. B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept
  3. C. Delete difficult topics
  4. D. Attempt the same answers without review
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept

The value of a mock test comes from converting mistakes into focused revision.
Risk management

Q12. A scenario question under Risk management includes several facts. What should you identify first?

  1. A. The role, rule, or risk being tested
  2. B. The longest sentence
  3. C. The first number shown
  4. D. The least technical option
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The role, rule, or risk being tested

Scenario questions become easier when the tested role, rule, or risk is identified before choosing an option.
Client mandates

Q13. In Client mandates, which approach is usually preferred?

  1. A. Follow the documented process and maintain records
  2. B. Ignore client/investor documentation
  3. C. Rely only on verbal confirmation
  4. D. Skip suitability or risk checks
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Follow the documented process and maintain records

Client mandates questions often test process discipline, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
Client mandates

Q14. A question from Client mandates is asking for the primary purpose of a control. What should you look for?

  1. A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency
  2. B. The option with the longest wording
  3. C. The option that sounds most aggressive
  4. D. The option unrelated to investors
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency

Most controls in market certification exams are designed to protect investors, reduce operational risk, or improve transparency.
Client mandates

Q15. When revising Client mandates, what is the best way to use mock results?

  1. A. Review only correct answers
  2. B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept
  3. C. Delete difficult topics
  4. D. Attempt the same answers without review
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept

The value of a mock test comes from converting mistakes into focused revision.
Client mandates

Q16. A scenario question under Client mandates includes several facts. What should you identify first?

  1. A. The role, rule, or risk being tested
  2. B. The longest sentence
  3. C. The first number shown
  4. D. The least technical option
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The role, rule, or risk being tested

Scenario questions become easier when the tested role, rule, or risk is identified before choosing an option.
Performance attribution

Q17. In Performance attribution, which approach is usually preferred?

  1. A. Follow the documented process and maintain records
  2. B. Ignore client/investor documentation
  3. C. Rely only on verbal confirmation
  4. D. Skip suitability or risk checks
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Follow the documented process and maintain records

Performance attribution questions often test process discipline, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
Performance attribution

Q18. A question from Performance attribution is asking for the primary purpose of a control. What should you look for?

  1. A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency
  2. B. The option with the longest wording
  3. C. The option that sounds most aggressive
  4. D. The option unrelated to investors
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency

Most controls in market certification exams are designed to protect investors, reduce operational risk, or improve transparency.
Performance attribution

Q19. When revising Performance attribution, what is the best way to use mock results?

  1. A. Review only correct answers
  2. B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept
  3. C. Delete difficult topics
  4. D. Attempt the same answers without review
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept

The value of a mock test comes from converting mistakes into focused revision.
Performance attribution

Q20. A scenario question under Performance attribution includes several facts. What should you identify first?

  1. A. The role, rule, or risk being tested
  2. B. The longest sentence
  3. C. The first number shown
  4. D. The least technical option
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The role, rule, or risk being tested

Scenario questions become easier when the tested role, rule, or risk is identified before choosing an option.
Compliance

Q21. In Compliance, which approach is usually preferred?

  1. A. Follow the documented process and maintain records
  2. B. Ignore client/investor documentation
  3. C. Rely only on verbal confirmation
  4. D. Skip suitability or risk checks
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Follow the documented process and maintain records

Compliance questions often test process discipline, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
Compliance

Q22. A question from Compliance is asking for the primary purpose of a control. What should you look for?

  1. A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency
  2. B. The option with the longest wording
  3. C. The option that sounds most aggressive
  4. D. The option unrelated to investors
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency

Most controls in market certification exams are designed to protect investors, reduce operational risk, or improve transparency.
Compliance

Q23. When revising Compliance, what is the best way to use mock results?

  1. A. Review only correct answers
  2. B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept
  3. C. Delete difficult topics
  4. D. Attempt the same answers without review
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept

The value of a mock test comes from converting mistakes into focused revision.
Compliance

Q24. A scenario question under Compliance includes several facts. What should you identify first?

  1. A. The role, rule, or risk being tested
  2. B. The longest sentence
  3. C. The first number shown
  4. D. The least technical option
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The role, rule, or risk being tested

Scenario questions become easier when the tested role, rule, or risk is identified before choosing an option.
Portfolio strategy

Q25. In Series XXI-B Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Portfolio strategy. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Client mandates

Q26. In Series XXI-B Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Client mandates. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Compliance

Q27. In Series XXI-B Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Compliance. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Risk management

Q28. In Series XXI-B Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Risk management. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Performance attribution

Q29. In Series XXI-B Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Performance attribution. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Portfolio strategy

Q30. In Series XXI-B Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Portfolio strategy. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Client mandates

Q31. In Series XXI-B Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Client mandates. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Compliance

Q32. In Series XXI-B Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Compliance. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Risk management

Q33. In Series XXI-B Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Risk management. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Performance attribution

Q34. In Series XXI-B Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Performance attribution. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Portfolio strategy

Q35. In Series XXI-B Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Portfolio strategy. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.

How to use this set

Work through the questions in order without expanding the answers first, exactly as you would in the real Series XXI-B exam. Once you have picked an option, expand the answer to confirm whether you were right and read the explanation, even for questions you answered correctly, since the reasoning behind each option is where most of the learning happens.

If you get a question wrong, note the topic tag above the question and revisit that topic in the Series XXI-B exam page before your next attempt. When you are ready for exam-condition practice, use the timed mock test above; it shuffles these questions, applies the negative marking rule, and gives you a scored review at the end.