So I've only been studying for about a good 2 weeks now and already am seeing some pitfalls peeking out at me. I decided to sit down and really put together a study schedule with a weekly checklist.
After completing the first 2 chapters in the PMBOK quizzes from the Udemy course (passing), I quickly noticed by using some flashcard questions with the app Brainscape that I am not only slacking on my terms, but how important they are in understanding certain questions. I thought I was doing pretty well since I passed the section quiz, but see I have some more work to do.
Needing to get more structured, I came up with this. Hopefully it will keep me goal or task oriented for the specific day and make a big difference by the end of the week.
Example of how each week will look (following the exam outline provided by PMI)
Week # - [ Noted which section I am working on based on exam outline ]
[ task check box points below ]
Day 1 - Read PMBOK (this will include setting the ground work with highlighter or key areas to focus on)
Day 2 - Read PMBOK (finish chapter or go back and make notations etc.)
Day 3 - Video course lectures + flashcards
Day 4 - 6 repeat the above as in day 3
Day 7 - Section quiz + assignment completion from course
*Also on day 1 I plan on taking the section quiz just to see what I may or may not naturally understand. It will also expose me to the types of questions for the section material and I can compare to the exam outline for the CAPM.
I am hopeful this will put me on the right path to really dig my heels in deeper and have a steady grip on this. I'm glad I caught myself early and haven't gone forward too far.
Sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the best groove that works for you. Goal is to understand each section on a weekly basis. I'll have to monitor and control my schedule based on the results of comprehension on a weekly basis. Some risk may include spending more time on certain areas if needed. Saving Changes...
Stephanie HaasePropulsion Production Manager| United States Air ForceWichita Falls, Tx, United States
May 27, 2018 12:24 PM
Replying to Stephanie Haase
...
oye, im with you. i have 2 days of studying left. memorizing the flow, inputs and outputs plus the equations. big day this wednesday. keep studying.
drill drill drill, i memorized a lot. I can write down more than just the 49 processes and equations, throw interpersonal techniques in there and floats and the sigmas. I got a lot of x theory in my quizzes. Know risk better than you know yourself. Im worried about tomorrow. Hope I pass!!! light study tonight, sleep in tomorrow, test at noon. feels like im going to keel over lol. strict rules inside the test facility. they look for any signs of cheating and recording devices. what am i getting myself into!! i cant even wear a hair clip!
...
1 reply by Michael Brian
May 29, 2018 7:39 PM
Michael Brian
...
You'll do just fine!
Just look straight and stay focused. Envision everything as if you were home reviewing. You know your stuff!
drill drill drill, i memorized a lot. I can write down more than just the 49 processes and equations, throw interpersonal techniques in there and floats and the sigmas. I got a lot of x theory in my quizzes. Know risk better than you know yourself. Im worried about tomorrow. Hope I pass!!! light study tonight, sleep in tomorrow, test at noon. feels like im going to keel over lol. strict rules inside the test facility. they look for any signs of cheating and recording devices. what am i getting myself into!! i cant even wear a hair clip!
You'll do just fine!
Just look straight and stay focused. Envision everything as if you were home reviewing. You know your stuff! Saving Changes...
Stephanie HaasePropulsion Production Manager| United States Air ForceWichita Falls, Tx, United States
May 27, 2018 12:24 PM
Replying to Stephanie Haase
...
oye, im with you. i have 2 days of studying left. memorizing the flow, inputs and outputs plus the equations. big day this wednesday. keep studying.
I failed study harder
...
1 reply by Michael Brian
May 31, 2018 8:20 AM
Michael Brian
...
Sorry to hear that Stephanie. Did your results tell you which sections you did not do well at or did you notice in particular which related topics have you difficulty?
I wouldn’t let this stop you and maybe change up your method of study. Instead of memorizing so much information and drilling it into your head, try to understand the flow of concepts. I know earlier you mentioned how much you memorized, but while taking all of that information in - do you understand the concepts of how everything integrates within each other?
Project manager is a flow. I like to think of it as if project work is the ocean or similar body of water. It can come in all sizes, it’s unpredictable, and the knowledge areas blend with the process groups like the contents you may find on the ocean floor. Sometimes other processes will come along like boats might do throughout the season and you’ll have to continue adapting yourself to those needs.
Some things should be memorized, such as terms and formulas and the 49 processes in how they flow, not through knowledge areas or process groups. Meaning don’t just study from the chart. There’s a YouTube video I found to be gold regarding this. Look up New PMBOK flow chart Ricardo Vargas. It’s nearly an hour long but you can also download the flow chart he shows. This has helped me tremendously understand how these processes integrate between knowledge areas within the process groups. Reading them from the PMBOK didn’t make much sense to me other than seeing it and thinking ok, I need to memorize this.. just by looking at his chart and watching the video twice, I’ve managed to memorize majority in about 3 days without much time spent on it.
The above is just an example. I know much of the early advice I’ve received here is not to memorize, to comprehend above all, study the material, take a bunch of tests over and over and then go after the exam.
You can do it!! Focus on your weaker areas, brush up on your strengths, maybe change your approach and go after that exam again!!
From my exam experience - I had many situational based questions combining knowledge areas. There might be just a few handful questions on input, output, tools and techniques instead of memorizing them, having a thought process when a project manager should use them will be helpful for the exam. There might be questions using cost formula and communication channels and network diagrams. In addition to PMBOK you could plan to read another book like Rita Mulcahy or Andy Crowe and practice their exam questions. Saving Changes...
Sorry to hear that Stephanie. Did your results tell you which sections you did not do well at or did you notice in particular which related topics have you difficulty?
I wouldn’t let this stop you and maybe change up your method of study. Instead of memorizing so much information and drilling it into your head, try to understand the flow of concepts. I know earlier you mentioned how much you memorized, but while taking all of that information in - do you understand the concepts of how everything integrates within each other?
Project manager is a flow. I like to think of it as if project work is the ocean or similar body of water. It can come in all sizes, it’s unpredictable, and the knowledge areas blend with the process groups like the contents you may find on the ocean floor. Sometimes other processes will come along like boats might do throughout the season and you’ll have to continue adapting yourself to those needs.
Some things should be memorized, such as terms and formulas and the 49 processes in how they flow, not through knowledge areas or process groups. Meaning don’t just study from the chart. There’s a YouTube video I found to be gold regarding this. Look up New PMBOK flow chart Ricardo Vargas. It’s nearly an hour long but you can also download the flow chart he shows. This has helped me tremendously understand how these processes integrate between knowledge areas within the process groups. Reading them from the PMBOK didn’t make much sense to me other than seeing it and thinking ok, I need to memorize this.. just by looking at his chart and watching the video twice, I’ve managed to memorize majority in about 3 days without much time spent on it.
The above is just an example. I know much of the early advice I’ve received here is not to memorize, to comprehend above all, study the material, take a bunch of tests over and over and then go after the exam.
You can do it!! Focus on your weaker areas, brush up on your strengths, maybe change your approach and go after that exam again!! Saving Changes...
Stephanie HaasePropulsion Production Manager| United States Air ForceWichita Falls, Tx, United States
May 27, 2018 12:24 PM
Replying to Stephanie Haase
...
oye, im with you. i have 2 days of studying left. memorizing the flow, inputs and outputs plus the equations. big day this wednesday. keep studying.
I failed by less than 10 questions, the test is no joke. Hard to pass on the first attempt. I will pass the second attempt.
...
2 replies by Drew Craig and Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
May 31, 2018 6:14 PM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
...
Good luck Stephanie, you can do it.
May 31, 2018 6:20 PM
Drew Craig
...
The exam is a kicker. Don't worry about it. Consider it a dress rehearsal. Now there is nothing to catch you off-guard, you know exactly what to expect. Don't let the failed attempt play mind games with you. Stay optimistic and focused.
WOW. I sort of had that impression so far from studying that the technical knowledge needs to be known inside and out. I know it's going to take me some time with consistent effort which is why I have NOT set a test date yet.
Once I feel confident, that is when I will set a date, but I do have a scheduled time frame in mind in which I would like to be ready. I'm determined to pass on my first attempt. If I happen to fail, than I will accept it and do what I need to in order to pass on the 2nd try. Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
Good luck with the studies and all the very best.
It sounds like a good plan. Saving Changes...
I failed by less than 10 questions, the test is no joke. Hard to pass on the first attempt. I will pass the second attempt.
Good luck Stephanie, you can do it. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
May 31, 2018 1:07 PM
Replying to Stephanie Haase
...
I failed by less than 10 questions, the test is no joke. Hard to pass on the first attempt. I will pass the second attempt.
The exam is a kicker. Don't worry about it. Consider it a dress rehearsal. Now there is nothing to catch you off-guard, you know exactly what to expect. Don't let the failed attempt play mind games with you. Stay optimistic and focused. Saving Changes...
Community Champion
