This week trying to study has been a bit of a mess since getting off on call last week and I am still trying to figure out the best route to go. There's so much information you almost have no clue where to start.
I figure this will keep me on track from beginning to end.
Tools I have to study are my coursework videos, writing notes, hammering down on chapters 4-13 in the PMBOK based on the exam outline, writing out the ITTOs for each process on index cards, and somewhere fit in terms/vocabulary study.
I am going to only workout 2 nights a week to give myself more time to study when I come home from work which is typically around 9 PM. Of course weekends will be utilized as well.
My issue is dividing all of this in an effective manner to retain the information I am learning. I've also seen some Youtube videos where some suggest to start by reading section 2 of the PMBOK guide which will give you further understanding for when you start to read chapters 4-13 of section 1.
So much information, tips, and things you need to know it gets confusing where to begin.
From what I gather the CAPM is mainly built on understanding the concepts between the 10 knowledge areas, the 5 process groups, and how each ITTO is used, why it is used, when etc... I also have seen that terms or the vocabulary is extremely important to know as that can also make or break a pass or failing grade.
Bottom line is I don't have hours upon hours to study during the week. Sometimes I get out of work later than 8 PM and occasionally I work on call where I am available 24/7 to respond.
I am looking to effectively utilize 1-2 hours per night during the week and anywhere between 1-4 hours total throughout the weekend between Saturday and Sunday.
So things I must consider in using:
- Videos from my course to complete and get the credits in timely manner
- Writing notes between videos/PMBOK
- Learning terms or vocabulary from the glossary section of the PMBOK
- Learning chapters 4-13 of the 10 knowledge areas
- Learning inside and out each steps ITTO like it's my first language engraved in me
Am I missing anything? I almost feel like I should study for the CAPM as if it is for the PMP and just be as complete as possible.
Another area that places a bit of stress is the suggestion to learn this within about 2 months to take the exam. How long should one realistically take to get this down and be able to pass the exam? I don't wish to take months that's for sure, but all this information in 2 months or less sounds overwhelming at the least.
Hope I made sense with this and looking forward to some feedback. Saving Changes...
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Dinah YoungProject Manager / Software Asset Manager| Prince William CountySpringfield, Va, United States
First thing is to take the pressure off yourself. Relax. You can do it.
Approach this task as a project manager. You are already setting your schedule. Now give yourself your own due date. Do not worry about how others have done it. This is your project and you will do it your way.
If it takes you 4-6 months until you feel prepared, so be it. I actually took 7 months from the beginning of my quest until I passed my PMP.
You know how you best learn. For example, I learn by writing, so taking notes was important for me. Some people are more visual and they create what are called Mind Maps.
You may fail throughout the project. You are studying a certain way, but you do not feel you are retaining the information. That is OK. Re-evaluate and try a new method. I was using some study materials for my RMP and I just felt like I was not getting enough. So I went out and found a different book which was so much clearer for me.
Divide and conquer. Go through each process. Understand them and then move on. I went through Rita's book chapter by chapter with a study buddy. We discussed what we learned weekly. Then I took a boot camp class. Then I did lots and lots of practice exams. That is what worked for me. Others will tell you they read the PMBOK 3 times, etc.
Worry less about retention initially. You may not think you are retaining the information, but then you will surprise yourself. After you go through everything once, go back through it and identify those concepts that your brain is slow to learn.
And definitely study as if you are studying for the PMP. It will benefit you in the end.
Good luck! And remember to relax and take a deep breath occasionally. Saving Changes...
Dinah YoungProject Manager / Software Asset Manager| Prince William CountySpringfield, Va, United States
The strategy which worked for me back when I did my PMP in 2000 (when there were NO self-study guides!) was to read one chapter of the PMBOK Guide or a complementary reference book each night and then answer questions related to it the next day. That allowed me to spend no more than one hour per day but also got me ready in a fairly short amount of time to write the exam.
Fast forward 18 years and a similar strategy using a self-study guide and practice exam questions might work well...
Dinah - I love your approach and thank you for the short pep talk. The link you provided I was looking in to prior to posting and found some good tips as well. I actually created a project charter to plan out my studies and have created a schedule along with some milestone predictions. I feel a bit better and less overwhelmed. As long as I am consistent everyday and stick to my tools, I should be OK. I am also using the study shcedule example from the course which although it is within a 4-6 week period, I plan to use to divide each lecture section and monitor my progress. The PMBOK guide will be my reference for reviewing what was discussed in the module and I have an app on PMP ITTOS (this provides flashcards and an ITTO game where you drag and drop each process in to the category of each knowledge area). I have another app the gives CAPM practice quiz questions.
All will come together in time and I know the information will start to stick.
Thanks again. Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
Just push yourself and once you’ve started moving in the right direction, it’s easier to keep up the momentum, making it more likely that you’ll finish the task. Good luck and all the best. Saving Changes...
Also, take into account how you learn. Are you a visual learner? Do you excel at remembering scenarios?
I've learning disabilities, so I learn best from lecture and visual examples. I keep books at hand only for reference.
The trainer I had the best results from is Joseph Phillips. He is the author of 'CAPM/PMP Project management Certification All-In-One Exam Guide' Currently it's in the 4th edition - in step with the 6th edition of the PMBOK.
He also has a series of lectures available online which really helped me to grasp the material and wrap my head around the concepts.
Just FYI.
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1 reply by Michael Brian
May 15, 2018 5:54 PM
Michael Brian
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He's actually my instructor and I'm taking his CAPM exam prep course. I am also a visual learner and although I like to read - I don't enjoy studying from books. When it comes to study format and books, I skim through the material, highlight either areas that are in bold or points that stick out and then when ready to do some focused reading, I pay most attention to that.
What I like about his course is how short each lecture is. I'm able to hold more focus for a longer period of time. Sometimes when looking at a video lecture, your eyes start to feel tired and you get a bit of monkey brain.
I find the videos to be helpful, but also realize that it will take me watching each section a few times to grasp the information. I also tend to write down certain slide information he uses as a tool for review key areas or points.
According to him, his course and the reference of the PMBOK is all you really need with the accentuation of creating flash cards using the terms as a secret key to ensuring a better chance of passing the CAPM.
I've enabled myself to trust his advice along with utilizing his example study schedule breakdown to consider. So for now, I am in his week 1 example utilizing sections 1-7 of the course. The main info I noticed starts from sections 4-7 so for this week I will be reviewing each.
Also, take into account how you learn. Are you a visual learner? Do you excel at remembering scenarios?
I've learning disabilities, so I learn best from lecture and visual examples. I keep books at hand only for reference.
The trainer I had the best results from is Joseph Phillips. He is the author of 'CAPM/PMP Project management Certification All-In-One Exam Guide' Currently it's in the 4th edition - in step with the 6th edition of the PMBOK.
He also has a series of lectures available online which really helped me to grasp the material and wrap my head around the concepts.
Just FYI.
He's actually my instructor and I'm taking his CAPM exam prep course. I am also a visual learner and although I like to read - I don't enjoy studying from books. When it comes to study format and books, I skim through the material, highlight either areas that are in bold or points that stick out and then when ready to do some focused reading, I pay most attention to that.
What I like about his course is how short each lecture is. I'm able to hold more focus for a longer period of time. Sometimes when looking at a video lecture, your eyes start to feel tired and you get a bit of monkey brain.
I find the videos to be helpful, but also realize that it will take me watching each section a few times to grasp the information. I also tend to write down certain slide information he uses as a tool for review key areas or points.
According to him, his course and the reference of the PMBOK is all you really need with the accentuation of creating flash cards using the terms as a secret key to ensuring a better chance of passing the CAPM.
I've enabled myself to trust his advice along with utilizing his example study schedule breakdown to consider. So for now, I am in his week 1 example utilizing sections 1-7 of the course. The main info I noticed starts from sections 4-7 so for this week I will be reviewing each.
Finding my groove per say. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
I broke my studies into small, manageable chunks. With 'travel size' guides for daily commute (notes, flashcard, reading), 2-3 chunks each evening, and multiple 2-3 chunks each weekend day.
Take breaks throughout to keep energized and focused. Saving Changes...
