I had completed my PMP training in July 2018. However due to changes in career and personal priorities could not appear for the PMP exam. During the lockdown started reading again; was able to clear my PMP today with Above Targets in 3.
The approach I took is as follows -
1) Reading - Rita Mulcahy 2 times, PMBOK - 2 times, Headfirst PMP - 1. Earmarking atleast 3 to 4 hours almost daily. Created notes, flashcards.
a) Key tip - Do not try to memorize ITTOs or EVM Formulae. Understand the logic and flow.
b) Online content - Refresh your knowledge using recorded videos that are available on PMI and Youtube. There is a PMI online training course as well that we can access once we get membership. It will help.
2) Mock exam / questions - Did over 2500+ questions; There are a lot of trial free online available mock tests
3) Application – Easy to update, consider about last 3 years PM experience.
4) On Exam day - Logged in 30 mins before to do all the check in process.
5) Tip for exam -
a) Time Management - I found the countdown timer a bit distracting having a watch for easier time tracking, targeting 50 questions for 60 mins.
b) Get comfortable using the whiteboard, windows equivalent would be MS Paint. Also familiarize using the system calculator. There is no calculators, scribble note or pen allowed.
c) No eatables / gum is allowed I had kept a bottle of water only.
d) After about 90 questions systems allows you to review your answers, then take 10 mins break. However, you will not be able to go back and review the earlier answers. In the 10 min break make use to freshen up, stretch and have a snickers / chocolate bar.
e) Use the Review flags for tricky questions - I used them for the calculation and network diagram related questions.
f) To keep focus and fight fatigue taking deep breaths may help.
g) Ensure good internet connection and power backup in case of power outage.
6) On completing the exam wait for successful completion message, then login back to OnVue and you will have your score card available.
Wish all the PMP aspirants all the best. Saving Changes...
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Aftab HussainEngineering Coordinator| Waterloo Engineering General Contracting LLCAl Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Thanks Somashekar!
Im sure a lot of us will be grateful. I did my exam in the assigned testing center (Prometric?) in 2019 which now seems like it was a different age altogether.
I too did a lot of mock exams. However, I found the questions to be a lot more...descriptive(?) than the more technical mock questions. For example, a mock question would perhaps just ask "You're manager is asking you to send for client approval as soon as you finish the task...is he right?"...while the actual question would lay out a pretty detailed scenario and provide multiple (ostensibly feasible) possible actions.
Time Management is KEY. Is way too easy to get lost in a chain of thought and before you know it 5 mins have gone by.
One thing that was critical for me, but may not be for others, visit the washroom before!
Congrats on your PMP. The journey begins... Saving Changes...
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