Certification Insider

If you are preparing for the PMP or CAPM exam, then you need to have a study plan. As an experienced project manager you know the value of a project plan. So practice what you preach as you prepare for the exam. Be a planner, and apply good project management best practices in the process.

An example of a study plan for the PMP Certification is as follows:

•  Go through your studies and training in no more than 2-4 months. Set a schedule, and stick to it. Review the appropriate section of the PMBOK Guide with every topic in the training.
•  Purchase a PMP exam prep course and include it into your plan. Print out study aids that are part of the particular training module, especially if these cover topics that you find difficult. After finishing the course, take simulated exams.
•  Find out what your strengths and weaknesses are. This will make you a little sharper and alert for information as you continue the training. You can take another full PMP or CAPM exam simulation every 1-2 weeks, and adjust your study plan based on results.
•  In the last month leading to the exam, use a PMP Exam Simulator to identify your trouble areas by using flashcards and other training materials. Aim for 80-90% scores during your simulated tests as you get close to the actual exam. This will give you confidence that you are ready to pass, and if the scores are lower, will give you more impetus to work harder.
•  Read books, online materials, free templates, listen to podcasts, and any other materials that fit your learning style to see things from different angles and approaches.

The key really is to practice good project management and you will succeed. Increase your chances of project management exam success with a plan.

Practice makes perfect, so test your PMP knowledge right now with the following 15 free PMP Exam sample questions in an online exam:

http://free.pm-exam-simulator.com/index.php/sechsgratis

This exam is just one of a series of 8 exams. To sign up for all our free exams please visit http://www.free-pm-exam-questions.com/
 

The following PMP® exam sample question is taken from the Free PMP Exam Simulator (The answer is at the very bottom):

You are currently managing the development of a security system. This project involves the use of some brand new, state-of-the-art technology, which has not yet been adequately tested. You are currently decomposing your project work packages into activities. You are facing problems decomposing the 'Test the System' work package into the final activities required to complete the work package. Detailed testing plans and activities cannot be determined until the system is at least 50% developed and more details become available. The 'System Development' work package will take at least a couple of months to complete. What is the best way to resolve this problem?

A) Obtain expert judgment on the system testing work package and decompose it now before executing the system development work package    
B) Decompose the system development work package now and decompose the system testing work package later  
C) Break down the project into multiple phases so that the system testing work package goes into the second project phase. This will allow you to plan for the second phase after the end of the first phase    
D) Consult your Project Management Plan to determine what to do in this situation

 Hint: You should use Rolling Wave Planning.

All our questions are updated to the latest PMBOK® Guide standard. Stop by at http://free.pm-exam-simulator.com and try the PMP Exam Simulator free for 3 days. We also offer 110 free questions at http://www.free-pm-exam-questions.com. We are a PMI Registered Education Provider.

Answer and Explanation:

The Correct answer is B. "You cannot obtain expert judgment about the issue, because (as the scenario hints) this expert judgment for the state-of-the-art technology is not available. Breaking up the project scope into multiple phases just for the sake of obtaining an escape route for project planning is never a good idea. Projects are divided into multiple phases to obtain more control over the project and the deliverables, not to solve one minor issue of decomposing your WBS. Also, as you are currently planning your project, your project management plan is unfinished; it can't help you at this point in time. The only valid approach is that you should use Rolling Wave Planning and decompose the system development work package now and then decompose the system testing work package later, when more project information becomes available."

The Short Guide to Becoming a PMP by Cornelius Fichtner, PMP, is now available for download.

For project managers who are preparing to take the challenging PMP exam, here's a little help to get you started. The Short Guide to Becoming a PMP is a FREE e-book designed to help you prepare for and pass the exam with flying colors.

Written by noted PMP, Cornelius Fichtner, the e-book is based on Mr. Fichtner's own PMP-exam experience, both as a student and instructor. So learn from his real-world perspective as he passes on his knowledge and expertise to you. He shares simple steps that will help you with the following:
 

•   Assess your eligibility
   
•   Fill out the PMP application
   
•   Create a PMP Study Plan
   
•   Acquire essential study materials
   
•   Develop techniques for studying
   
•   Answer sample test questions
   
•   Prepare for the examination day
   

The e-book is absolutely free. Get your copy now and pave the road for your PMP certification! Click here!

This week's featured lessons learned comes to us courtesy of Gaurav Bansal.

In this lesson learned Gaurav Bansal shared with us his experiences and the preparations he did to passed the PMP exam:

Studied for 11 weeks and it was my first attempt.

•   I started with PM Prepcast Video sessions (since I couldn't follow PMBOK initially)
•   I prepared the PMBOK Process-chart well. It helped me to connect various processes.
•   I took 2 more Full-Length tests and was able to score more than 75% in both. This gave me confidence and continued to fill in my knowledge-gaps. At times, it was very tiring and I used to get exhausted. But I did not leave it and I was hell-bent to clear the exam...

To read more on his complete experience, please follow this link: https://www.project-management-prepcast.com/index.php/kunena/11-les...