Charles BellGuard UnitFredericksburg, Va, United States
Good morning,
I am looking for some advice. I have been studying for the PMP for close to a year, but none of my study practices have been successful, and I am struggling to determine what I need to study to close the gap between what I know and what I need to know for the test. I have looked at sites like study.com; I can access Percipio and Coursera. I have passed my boot camp and have had study assistance, but nothing seems to help me. I take practice exams and don't do well, causing me to think I am studying the wrong thing.
My question: is there a site or group that can help me understand what I am lacking and what I need to study that does not cost 1K or more? I have already done my boot camp and study prep so I do not want to pay more. I am sure I am getting into my own head but I take the test in March and need to develop a better study plan because everything I have done up to this point is not working.
At this point, you are likely best off just taking as many (good quality) practice exams as you can and use the results from those to help you focus on which specific topics you need to spend more time studying.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Charles, I agree with Kiron's input. I highly recommend you do as many simulation practice exams as possible.
PM PrepCast is an excellent resource for simulations exams, their questions are high quality and somehow mimic the real exam and you will learn a lot from the feedback provided for each answer and the simulator is at a very affordable price. Good Luck! Saving Changes...
Markus KopkoAI Enabler for Project & Program Mgmt | Founder PMotion.ai / The PM
AI Coach| PMotion.aiHamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Dear Charles,
I completely get where you're coming from with the PMP prep struggles. It's like you've tried everything in the book, but it's just not clicking, right? Let's brainstorm some ideas to shake up your study routine without you having to shell out a ton more money.
First things first, it's super important to figure out where the gaps are. When you're doing those practice exams and they're not going so great, try to zero in on the specific areas or types of questions that trip you up. It’s like being a detective in your own study case.
Now, about resources that won’t cost an arm and a leg: Have you dived into the online world of free PMP stuff? Places like the PMI website, Project Management.com, and even Reddit can be goldmines for study tips and resources. And don’t forget YouTube – there are some really good channels out there run by folks who break down PMP topics into manageable chunks.
Study groups are another thing to think about. Sometimes just talking things out with others in the same boat can help things click. You could find groups on LinkedIn or through local PMI chapters. It’s like having your own little PMP support community.
Then there’s the way you’re looking at those practice exams. Instead of just seeing them as a score, really dig into each question. Why did you miss it? Why is the right answer right? It’s a bit of a deep dive, but it can reveal a lot about how you’re thinking and where you need to focus.
How about your study schedule? Maybe it needs a bit more structure. Like, dedicate certain days to specific areas of the PMBOK Guide and really stick to it. Consistency can make a huge difference.
And remember, it's totally okay to take a break sometimes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stepping back for a day or two might just help clear your head.
Lastly, don’t let the stress get to you too much. Confidence is a big part of the battle. You’ve been at this for a year, so you’ve definitely got the dedication. Sometimes it’s just about trusting yourself and staying positive.
What do you think? Do any of these ideas sound like they might help shake things up in your study routine? The PMP exam is a tough nut to crack, but you’ve got what it takes. Keep at it, and don’t lose sight of that end goal.
BR,
markus
Saving Changes...
Charles BellGuard UnitFredericksburg, Va, United States
Thank you all for your help. I am grateful for the time you have taken to respond to my question. I will take the advice and take a test this weekend to determine where I am short. I am diving into the online, but sometimes, there is so much that keeping track of it all is hard. I am paying for the PMI study hall and using that to watch the videos on the topics I could be doing better. I set up a schedule for my study plan and am sticking to it.
Is the PIMBOK something I should use to study? I have been told not to use it as my study guide and have spent little time reading it cover to cover. Is this a mistake?
Thank you again, everyone.
Chuck
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1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Jan 04, 2024 9:54 PM
Rami Kaibni
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Charles, whoever gave you that advise, I don't believe it is a sound one. While the PMBOK is one of several resources, yet, it is an important resource to study from. Here is what I suggest you do:
1) Read through the Exam Content Outline (ECO), PMBOK 6th Edition (Including the Agile Extension as lots of questions are Agile / Hybrid based) and then read the PMBOK 7th edition (it is a small book).
2) Go through Rita Mulchay’s Exam Prep book, I think its 11th edition now, but double check. This is one of the best resources for exam preparation.
3) After you are done, purchase the Simulator Package through PM Prep Cast and practice as much as you can. This is a great simulator and resource for questions that mimic the real exam.
4) If you want a course to fulfill your 35 Hours then check Joseph Phillips on Udemy. He is a PMI ATP and great instructor or check out PMI's self-paced course in the PMI Store.
Hope this helps - Let me know if you have further questions - Good Luck!
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Jan 04, 2024 8:00 PM
Replying to Charles Bell
...
Thank you all for your help. I am grateful for the time you have taken to respond to my question. I will take the advice and take a test this weekend to determine where I am short. I am diving into the online, but sometimes, there is so much that keeping track of it all is hard. I am paying for the PMI study hall and using that to watch the videos on the topics I could be doing better. I set up a schedule for my study plan and am sticking to it.
Is the PIMBOK something I should use to study? I have been told not to use it as my study guide and have spent little time reading it cover to cover. Is this a mistake?
Thank you again, everyone.
Chuck
Charles, whoever gave you that advise, I don't believe it is a sound one. While the PMBOK is one of several resources, yet, it is an important resource to study from. Here is what I suggest you do:
1) Read through the Exam Content Outline (ECO), PMBOK 6th Edition (Including the Agile Extension as lots of questions are Agile / Hybrid based) and then read the PMBOK 7th edition (it is a small book).
2) Go through Rita Mulchay’s Exam Prep book, I think its 11th edition now, but double check. This is one of the best resources for exam preparation.
3) After you are done, purchase the Simulator Package through PM Prep Cast and practice as much as you can. This is a great simulator and resource for questions that mimic the real exam.
4) If you want a course to fulfill your 35 Hours then check Joseph Phillips on Udemy. He is a PMI ATP and great instructor or check out PMI's self-paced course in the PMI Store.
Hope this helps - Let me know if you have further questions - Good Luck! Saving Changes...
Charles BellGuard UnitFredericksburg, Va, United States
I wish I would have asked this question months ago! Thank you for that, I just ordered her book so I am glad to see you recommend it. I am going to take all the advice and get this thing done.
Thank you, I am grateful for all the time everyone has taken to help me through this.
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1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Jan 05, 2024 9:24 AM
Rami Kaibni
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You’re welcome, Charles. Good Luck with your exam!
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Jan 05, 2024 8:54 AM
Replying to Charles Bell
...
I wish I would have asked this question months ago! Thank you for that, I just ordered her book so I am glad to see you recommend it. I am going to take all the advice and get this thing done.
Thank you, I am grateful for all the time everyone has taken to help me through this.
You’re welcome, Charles. Good Luck with your exam! 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...
Charles BellRegional Chief and leadership Instructor | Web Business Solutions/Marine Corps UniversityFredericksburg, United States
Good morning,
I wanted to update the group and say
I PASSED!
Thank you for taking the time to respond to me. Your recommendations were spot on. Knowing the right thing to study and the best thing to focus on can be challenging, so having direction was the most important thing I needed. The recommendations not only got me through the test, but they also made me feel more confident about the subject overall.
This group and your responses proved that this is the community I want to be a part of.
Thank you again!
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1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Apr 24, 2024 1:39 PM
Rami Kaibni
...
Great news, Charles. Congratulations for this outstanding achievement - Glad we were able to help!
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Apr 24, 2024 1:37 PM
Replying to Charles Bell
...
Good morning,
I wanted to update the group and say
I PASSED!
Thank you for taking the time to respond to me. Your recommendations were spot on. Knowing the right thing to study and the best thing to focus on can be challenging, so having direction was the most important thing I needed. The recommendations not only got me through the test, but they also made me feel more confident about the subject overall.
This group and your responses proved that this is the community I want to be a part of.
Thank you again!
Great news, Charles. Congratulations for this outstanding achievement - Glad we were able to help! Saving Changes...