I am a project manager with 5+ years of experience and I am scheduled to take the Project Management Academy PMP book camp in early January. My plan was to read Rita's PMP Exam Prep prior to taking the class as a base, but already on the 3rd chapter I am feeling instantly overwhelmed by the terminology and memorization that may be necessary to pass the exam. A lot of the terms/vocabulary are new to me, and with limited time (I plan to take the exam in late February) I'm hoping someone with a similar experience might be able to offer advice on the best way to prepare. I am currently thinking taking the class cold might be a beneficial first step to pinpoint specific areas of study, but, again, any advice would be extremely helpful and appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time. Saving Changes...
I've taught a lot of candidates who are in your situation. They've found taking the boot camp at the start of their learning journey to be helpful as they are guided through what is important to know and what is not and can help to build a learning plan.
Hopefully the boot camp you've signed up for provides access to a number of practice exams which you can take after the boot camp itself is over. That is one of the benefits of products such as the Velociteach system which provides a few months of access to such resources after taking the course.
Kiron
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1 reply by anonymous
Dec 23, 2019 11:12 AM
anonymous
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Thanks so much for your response here, Kiron. The class I am attending does provide access to practice exams, and I may also look into purchasing additional materials if they might be valuable (if you recommend Velociteach, it is something I will certainly look into). I really appreciate your time in writing, and if there are any additional study tips you might think of sharing, I would love to hear more from you. Have a wonderful winter holiday.
Saving Changes...
Hanh VuPrincipal Project Manager| solo.ioChurchville, Md, United States
I was in your shoes. I tried to pre-study before the bootcamp, but it just got to be too much. I didn't get good progress studying myself. A good 1 week long bootcamp from a reputable provider was a great kick start for my studying process. I took the boot camp at the beginning of July one year, I spent the following 3 weeks studying every moment of my days that could be spared. Took 2 mock exams. Then took the real test on 1st of August and pass with flying colors.
It's doable. It took a lot of focus for 1 month. But as far as time investment goes, that was the best way to go in my opinion, as oppose to dragging it out for months on end.
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1 reply by anonymous
Dec 23, 2019 11:19 AM
anonymous
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I can't express how much better your note makes me feel! Thanks so much for your time in writing--I plan on definitely putting the time in to study for the examination, but the book without any pre-background or anyone to talk to about it (I do not personally know anyone who is PMP certified) made me extremely nervous. I feel like I can enjoy the winter holiday this year now thanks to you! I really appreciate your time, and if there are any tips/strategies/etc. that you might think of sharing, I would welcome hearing more from you. Have a wonderful holiday.
I've taught a lot of candidates who are in your situation. They've found taking the boot camp at the start of their learning journey to be helpful as they are guided through what is important to know and what is not and can help to build a learning plan.
Hopefully the boot camp you've signed up for provides access to a number of practice exams which you can take after the boot camp itself is over. That is one of the benefits of products such as the Velociteach system which provides a few months of access to such resources after taking the course.
Kiron
Thanks so much for your response here, Kiron. The class I am attending does provide access to practice exams, and I may also look into purchasing additional materials if they might be valuable (if you recommend Velociteach, it is something I will certainly look into). I really appreciate your time in writing, and if there are any additional study tips you might think of sharing, I would love to hear more from you. Have a wonderful winter holiday. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Dec 22, 2019 10:11 PM
Replying to Hanh Vu
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I was in your shoes. I tried to pre-study before the bootcamp, but it just got to be too much. I didn't get good progress studying myself. A good 1 week long bootcamp from a reputable provider was a great kick start for my studying process. I took the boot camp at the beginning of July one year, I spent the following 3 weeks studying every moment of my days that could be spared. Took 2 mock exams. Then took the real test on 1st of August and pass with flying colors.
It's doable. It took a lot of focus for 1 month. But as far as time investment goes, that was the best way to go in my opinion, as oppose to dragging it out for months on end.
I can't express how much better your note makes me feel! Thanks so much for your time in writing--I plan on definitely putting the time in to study for the examination, but the book without any pre-background or anyone to talk to about it (I do not personally know anyone who is PMP certified) made me extremely nervous. I feel like I can enjoy the winter holiday this year now thanks to you! I really appreciate your time, and if there are any tips/strategies/etc. that you might think of sharing, I would welcome hearing more from you. Have a wonderful holiday.
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1 reply by Hanh Vu
Dec 23, 2019 2:38 PM
Hanh Vu
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I took the bootcamp from ProjectManagement Academy (i'm not sure if you have one of them near by). But they provide a wealth of studying materials, tutoring sessions, and 3 mock exams. I did most of my studying on their materials, using the PMBOK only for reference. I didn't read the PMBOK cover to cover. I might have made it through chapter 6 before giving up.
Essentially, the boot camp and first mock exam gave me an idea of where I need to focus my study. I made a schedule based on the available time and followed at schedule, adjusted where needed. Sort of treated it like tiny project.
I did type up my personal study guide for my fellow bootcamp students. Happy to share with you if you'd send me a private message.
Good luck. Happy holiday!
Saving Changes...
LORI WILSONRETIRED - Technical Project Manager| RETIRED - LifePoint HealthClarkston, Wa, United States
It is very common to feel overwhelmed by all the terms and memorization, but you've got this. I felt exactly the same way. Remember to take care of yourself (sleep, water, exercise, etc.) as you study and prepare for the exam. The exam is hard, I will admit, but you will do well. Boot camp is definitely a great plan. After you pass the exam, please let us know so we can celebrate with you!
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1 reply by anonymous
Dec 24, 2019 12:56 PM
anonymous
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Thanks so much for your kind words and excellent advice, Lori--I appreciate your time in writing. I will certainly keep you posted! Have an excellent holiday.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I agree with Kiron and Lori.
We all felt the same way at some point but trust me, when you get into it, and if project management is your passion, you will start enjoying it. It is the first read that could get overwhelming but once you're over this, things begin to become smoother. You are on the right track, Rita's book is a great one to study from besides the PMBOK.
Good Luck.
RK
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1 reply by anonymous
Dec 24, 2019 12:58 PM
anonymous
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Thanks so much for writing, Rami. I will continue to review the materials I have in tandem with the boot camp class--I am sure things will click with repeated readings. Have an excellent holiday!
Saving Changes...
Hanh VuPrincipal Project Manager| solo.ioChurchville, Md, United States
Dec 23, 2019 11:19 AM
Replying to anonymous
...
I can't express how much better your note makes me feel! Thanks so much for your time in writing--I plan on definitely putting the time in to study for the examination, but the book without any pre-background or anyone to talk to about it (I do not personally know anyone who is PMP certified) made me extremely nervous. I feel like I can enjoy the winter holiday this year now thanks to you! I really appreciate your time, and if there are any tips/strategies/etc. that you might think of sharing, I would welcome hearing more from you. Have a wonderful holiday.
I took the bootcamp from ProjectManagement Academy (i'm not sure if you have one of them near by). But they provide a wealth of studying materials, tutoring sessions, and 3 mock exams. I did most of my studying on their materials, using the PMBOK only for reference. I didn't read the PMBOK cover to cover. I might have made it through chapter 6 before giving up.
Essentially, the boot camp and first mock exam gave me an idea of where I need to focus my study. I made a schedule based on the available time and followed at schedule, adjusted where needed. Sort of treated it like tiny project.
I did type up my personal study guide for my fellow bootcamp students. Happy to share with you if you'd send me a private message.
Good luck. Happy holiday! Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Dec 23, 2019 12:21 PM
Replying to LORI WILSON
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It is very common to feel overwhelmed by all the terms and memorization, but you've got this. I felt exactly the same way. Remember to take care of yourself (sleep, water, exercise, etc.) as you study and prepare for the exam. The exam is hard, I will admit, but you will do well. Boot camp is definitely a great plan. After you pass the exam, please let us know so we can celebrate with you!
Thanks so much for your kind words and excellent advice, Lori--I appreciate your time in writing. I will certainly keep you posted! Have an excellent holiday. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Dec 23, 2019 12:35 PM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
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I agree with Kiron and Lori.
We all felt the same way at some point but trust me, when you get into it, and if project management is your passion, you will start enjoying it. It is the first read that could get overwhelming but once you're over this, things begin to become smoother. You are on the right track, Rita's book is a great one to study from besides the PMBOK.
Good Luck.
RK
Thanks so much for writing, Rami. I will continue to review the materials I have in tandem with the boot camp class--I am sure things will click with repeated readings. Have an excellent holiday!
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