How to deal with the overwhelming amount of information you have to know/remember for the PMP exam?
Amanda WilliamsProject Manager II| CHG HealthcareDeerfield Beach, Fl, United States
I've begun my PMP journey, and I'm looking at 5 process groups, 10 knowledge areas, 49 processes, over 150 terms, 20-ish formulas, 7 charts, hundreds of ITTOs, and a million other "little things" to remember.
I'm finding myself overwhelmed by the pure volume of information, and I'm extremely lost and confused. Does anyone have any advice on HOW to study?
I'm taking Joseph Phillip's class now, I go to PMTraining bootcamp in June, I've bought the PMBOK, Rita's PMP book, and Andy Crowe's quick guide. There is SO MUCH information and a lot of the terms are extremely similar and have next to no differences that I see, which is making it more difficult to understand.
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
My suggestion is to read what you can and try to understand it, rather than memorize it. When you've read as much as you can, start using at least one exam simulator - more if you can swing it - to test your knowledge. As you verify your answers, you will want to go back to your material to understand the correct answers.
Don't try to memorize processes and ITTOs, you only need to be able to figure out why they fit together. Saving Changes...
- Start first with a foundation course/source (Joseph Phillips is a good one but you can choose whatever suits your learning style).
- Then use any one Exam Prep book to build on that foundation to understand the application of the concepts (Rita's or Andy's book are again good sources). I don't recommend reading or using too many sources. Stick to the one that you feel easy to understand.
- Use PMBOK as a reference guide.
- Start by taking the chapter end practice questions to identify your knowledge gaps. This will give you more confidence as you move forward with your study and you will start to get clarity on what you already know and where you need to work on.
- Once you feel confident, use an exam simulator to get a feel of the real exam. Keep it towards the last few weeks when you feel ready.
Don't worry too much about the ITTOs in the beginning, they will slowly start to make sense to you as you understand how each of those 49 processes fit together.
There is no single study strategy that would fit all, so would you have to build one based on your learning style and pace.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
-- Mohit Saving Changes...
Amber WhitmireProject Controller| BLHI InternationalVian, Ok, United States
Amanda thank you for posting this. I am right there with you. I just started studying this week and feel like nothing is sinking in. I remember a few years ago when I studied for my PMI-SP I felt the same way. I know if I keep reading, regardless of how repetitive it will eventually set in. I am still trying to find another book versus the PMBOK. That is a difficult read.
...
1 reply by Amanda Williams
May 01, 2020 3:10 PM
Amanda Williams
...
There's just so much to know and learn. It's overwhelming.
The key is to focus on the critical few ITTO's which drive the processes rather than the trivial many. There are also a number of rules of thumb which can help you absorb the foundational information.
However, as the majority of the exam questions require you to apply your knowledge as opposed to rote memorization, as
Stéphane has said, focus on understanding the purpose and connections between the processes.
Good luck! Saving Changes...
Amanda WilliamsProject Manager II| CHG HealthcareDeerfield Beach, Fl, United States
Thank you all so much for the replies! I feel like I've been plugging away at this for almost a month and don't feel like I understand it any better than I did 4 weeks ago. Some chapters are harder to understand than others (I'm really bad at math and the "Project Cost Management" chapter is causing me some anxiety).
Repetition is key and flash cards are helping. I think once I take the PMTraining bootcamp, that will help as well organize everything in my brain a little better. Right now my brain isn't making sense of any of it.
...
1 reply by Kiron Bondale
May 01, 2020 3:13 PM
Kiron Bondale
...
You will definitely be better aware of what needs to go into your learning plan after a prep course as a well designed, well delivered prep course will help you focus on what is key to passing the exam.
Saving Changes...
Amanda WilliamsProject Manager II| CHG HealthcareDeerfield Beach, Fl, United States
Apr 30, 2020 2:49 PM
Replying to Amber Whitmire
...
Amanda thank you for posting this. I am right there with you. I just started studying this week and feel like nothing is sinking in. I remember a few years ago when I studied for my PMI-SP I felt the same way. I know if I keep reading, regardless of how repetitive it will eventually set in. I am still trying to find another book versus the PMBOK. That is a difficult read.
There's just so much to know and learn. It's overwhelming. Saving Changes...
Thank you all so much for the replies! I feel like I've been plugging away at this for almost a month and don't feel like I understand it any better than I did 4 weeks ago. Some chapters are harder to understand than others (I'm really bad at math and the "Project Cost Management" chapter is causing me some anxiety).
Repetition is key and flash cards are helping. I think once I take the PMTraining bootcamp, that will help as well organize everything in my brain a little better. Right now my brain isn't making sense of any of it.
You will definitely be better aware of what needs to go into your learning plan after a prep course as a well designed, well delivered prep course will help you focus on what is key to passing the exam. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Preparing and clearing the PMP definitely requires incorporating test-taking techniques. As well as test-taking techniques, apply study techniques used in the past that you've had success with.
With that, study in batches. You're learning is a step by step journey. What I had found successful was frequent, short, concentrated bursts. Aslo, as you prepare ahead of your class, you'll find that you will be well positioned to absorb new techniques provided in the class.
Set yourself up a learning plan and focus on what is right in front of you. I'm sure you'll do great! GL! Saving Changes...
Jeffrey LeeSnr. Technical Professional| Halliburton Energy ServicesAberdeen, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
wow, I am so excited to have stumbled upon this post. I too am starting my PMP journey. Thanks all for sharing your tips and techniques. Saving Changes...
Bipin SavantAsst. Vice President| VALAD InfotechMumbai, Maharashtra, India
Hi Amanda , just stick to the PMBOK guide and clarify any concepts using the RITA guide additionally, no need to memorise all the ITTOs understand the logic, also do your mock exams only after you are confident enough. Do connect up for any doubts, ATB
