I just completed the 1st attempt of passing the PMP exam. It was a really hard and long exam, requiring not only time management skills, but also plenty of stamina. Results were positive in the first section of 60 questions (people) and decreased to 2nd section (process) and 3rd section (business). Studying resources are official PMI Standards documentation, but also the PMI hall and others. My idea is to go for the 2nd attempt prior to Christmas as info is still fresh. Appreciate your inputs, suggestion and even some coaching. Thanks a lot. Saving Changes...
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Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Here comes what I used and give me results to earn my 3 PMI credentials and I teached to lot of people that always pass the exam. But just my strategy.
1-doing tons of exam questions. 3-4 times the amount of the exam. when you get 80%-90% of good results then you are ready. Take into account: PMP exam questions are situational questions.
2-do not try to memorize the PMBOK. Try to understand it. The key is taking into account the Exam Content Outline document. It will guide you about the type of questions you will find.
3-day before the exam and the day of the exam do nothing related to the exam except going to take the exam.
4-during the exam, in the first pass, do not take time in a question if you have doubts. mark it for review and going forward.
5-when you end to answer all the questions my recommendation is not going to review the answers. Saving Changes...
I'd echo Sergio's good advice and add - make sure you are using good quality practice exams. In general, if the practice exam is free, it is likely not high quality.
I also don't believe that the batches of 60 questions are broken out by the three domains, especially because the domains are not evenly distributed (42% people, 50% process, 8% business).
The questions are randomly picked and ordered from the large pool of exam questions which PMI has.
Finally, make sure you use the exam analysis report (available from your MyPMI dashboard) to identify the specific tasks within each domain where you had challenges and focus your efforts there.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Sergio and Kiron offer great advice. Of course, the best advice will come from you: having taken the exam, you now know exactly how things unfold and the areas you struggled with.
One final thought, many people found it difficult to do the exam online. You may find it easier to take the exam at a test center. Saving Changes...
In addition to the advice above another test taking strategy is to analyze (reverse engineer) the questions. Ask yourself what specifically are the questions trying to test, and which answers are most directly related.
Many of the questions have multiple correct answers but some are more correct than others. There may be answers which are a subset of other answers meaning one is more complete. There may be answers which are actions you would take, but not directly related to the intent of the question.
Even if you are not absolutely certain as to which answer is correct, by ruling out some incorrect or less correct answers, you greatly increase your odds if you have to guess. Saving Changes...
I recommend Rita Mulcahy's certification prep, it's a good option to acquire PM Knowledge at your own pace, and is updated to the latest exam. Visit this link:
https://rmcls.com/about/rita-mulcahy Saving Changes...
Vijay SuryavanshiProject Manager - Engineering| RECARO Aircraft SeatingPlantation, Fl, United States
Sergio's tips are good. In addition I watched a lot of YouTube videos and took small practice tests (quizzes) and exams before passing it. It is important to introspect and know what you get wrong and why you got it wrong. Rather than over look mistakes and repeat it.
Also, I suggest Andrew Ramdayals simulator ( 2 exams) for final preparation. ( Last two weeks). Helps you handle situational questions and spot wrong answer choices, the obvious ones. Saving Changes...
Thank you very much for the tips. I fully considered all of them. I earned my certification in January 2023; however, I forgot to share my appreciation for your time and consideration. Sorry and Thank you! Saving Changes...
