The Big Time

I passed the PMP exam on January 28, 2016 from the first attempt with Proficiency in the Process Groups and would like to share with you my PMP Adventure as it might be helpful for others who are preparing to sit for the exam. 

How did I study ? 

1- Study Time: 2 - 4 hours daily (6 Days a week) for 3 Months. 
2- References: PMBOK 5th Edition and Rita's Prep Exam 8th Edition Updated.
3- Solved 600 Simulation Questions and identified my gaps.
4- Skimmed through both references again to cover my gaps.
5- Solved 600 more Simulation questions. 

How was the Exam ? 

I can only discuss the exam generally without going into details or specifics as it is against the Code of Ethics: 

1- The Exam was much harder than I anticipated - All were situational questions with major concentration on Risk, Stakeholders Management and Project Charter. 

2- No mathematical questions except 1 that require analysis. 

3- No straight forward questions at all. 

4- I finished the exam in 3 Hrs 45 Min and I was reasonably fast between reading, analyzing and answering.

What is my advise ? 

Study very well, do not memorize anything at all but make sure you understand every single aspect properly and how to do it in real life. If you are experienced, you should rely 60% on your studying and 40% on your expertise in applying those skills in real life and the EXAM. 

What is my Point of View ? 

After I went through the exam experience and having solved a lot of situational questions earlier as part of my study methodology, I can assure you that PMI did change the exam somehow compared to what I've heard about the exam earlier from my colleagues.

I personally, as one of the candidates who sat for the hard version of the exam, find that it is a positive thing that PMI made the exam much harder so that it can maintain the value of this certification and only people who really deserve it and have the required skill level can earn it. I believe this is a plus for everyone who is certified as when you mention you are PMP certified, people will react "Oh Wow, Great" which makes you feel proud and feel the value of this certification which is much better than people saying : "Oh everyone can get it, it is easy".

Special Thanks:

I would like to thank you all of you in this community because it played a major role in preparing me for the exam in many ways with special Thanks to: 

Ahmed Fouad

Suhail Iqbal

Venkatram Vasi M

Markus Klein

For their continuous support, assistance and encouragement. 

I am glad that I have finally earned my certification, glad to be part of this community and I wish all the best of luck to all future candidates.

Always Remember: Such Adventures are definitely worth going for ! 

 

Being someone who is currently studying to sit for the PMP Exam soon, I would like to share my humble experience, from my personal point of view, in terms of what was the best way I found effective to study for the exam:

• What: Read the PMBOK 5th Edition in details - Why: It will reinforce your knowledge about the standard. 
• What: Answer the PMChallenge "1000 Questions" - Why: It will help you memorize and reinforce your understanding of the Standard. (It does not give you the real feel of the exam).
• What: Study PMP Exam Prep Books (Example: Rita Malcahy 8th Edition Updated) Why: It will help you understand the standard even better and relate to it with practical examples. 
• What: Solve Simulation Exams(Not the Free Ones) - Why: It will give you a feel of the exam atmosphere, tricks and gives you a level of confidence whether you are Good to Go or not.
• What: Experience - Why: If you are an experienced professional then you probably have done all of this on different levels. 

Many could add more to the above mentioned or have different points of view - I just thought of sharing what I've learned through my colleagues here in this community(Special Thanks to Markus Klein & Stephane Parent)  and from preparing for the exam myself as I thought it might help guide others through their PMP Exam preparation. 

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year 2016 !

Always Remember: Study for your own Knowledge, not only because you are going to sit for an Exam !