Going to appear for the PMP certification exam soon. Suggestions on prep?
Rajan ShahProject Management| InfosysLangley, BC, Canada
Hi All,
I'm soon going to appear for the PMP certification exam. I want suggestions from people who have recently appeared for the exam.
I've recently (2 days ago) completed the 35 hours online training from UDEMY (Andrew Ramdayal).
Filled the application form. Waiting for it to get approved, so that I come to know about the next steps.
I've heard from the people that following preparation would be required:
1. Read PMBOK 7th edition
2. Read PMP exam preparation book by Rita Mulcahy
3. Read Agile practice guide
4. Learn by heart the EMV, EVM, PERT, communication channels, etc. formulae. Let me know if I've missed any formulae?
5. Practice questions from simulations (any suggestions?). Are there any free simulators available? or do we have to pay a hefty amount for that too?
Hi Rajan,
i completed my exam this week.
For my preparation i used the books you already mentioned.
I liked PMI Study Hall for Practicing questions, there are Mini Exams and full length exams available. It provides a good impression on how questions are formulated, they are very close to the exam.
I also liked the YouTube videos of David McLachlan. He will answer questions on Agile, Processes and PMBOK and explain how to find the correct answer by using the PMI mindset.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Rajan, for PMP preparation, here’s what I recommend candidates do:
1) Start by reviewing the ECO (Examination Content Outline) and the PMBOK Guide, 7th Edition. After that, go through the Process Groups Practice Guide to understand the updated framework.
2) Next, work through Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep (I believe it’s currently the 11th edition, but double-check to be sure). This is widely regarded as one of the best resources for exam preparation.
3) Once you’ve completed the reading, purchase the Simulator Package from PM PrepCast. It’s an excellent, affordable resource that offers practice exams somehow aligned with the real test. The more you practice, the more your confidence will grow. I strongly recommend avoiding free resources unless they’re well-vetted, as some can be misleading.
4) If you're looking for a course to fulfill your 35 contact hours, I suggest Joseph Phillips' course on Udemy. He’s a PMI ATP and an excellent instructor. Alternatively, you can check out PMI’s self-paced course available in their store.
I hope this helps! Best of luck with your preparation!
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1 reply by Rajan Shah
Feb 28, 2025 1:07 AM
Rajan Shah
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Thank you!!
Saving Changes...
Rajan ShahProject Management| InfosysLangley, BC, Canada
Feb 27, 2025 11:12 AM
Replying to Christian Winkler
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Hi Rajan,
i completed my exam this week.
For my preparation i used the books you already mentioned.
I liked PMI Study Hall for Practicing questions, there are Mini Exams and full length exams available. It provides a good impression on how questions are formulated, they are very close to the exam.
I also liked the YouTube videos of David McLachlan. He will answer questions on Agile, Processes and PMBOK and explain how to find the correct answer by using the PMI mindset.
Wish you the best for your exam preparation!
Christian
Thank you!! Saving Changes...
Rajan ShahProject Management| InfosysLangley, BC, Canada
Feb 27, 2025 12:56 PM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
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Rajan, for PMP preparation, here’s what I recommend candidates do:
1) Start by reviewing the ECO (Examination Content Outline) and the PMBOK Guide, 7th Edition. After that, go through the Process Groups Practice Guide to understand the updated framework.
2) Next, work through Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep (I believe it’s currently the 11th edition, but double-check to be sure). This is widely regarded as one of the best resources for exam preparation.
3) Once you’ve completed the reading, purchase the Simulator Package from PM PrepCast. It’s an excellent, affordable resource that offers practice exams somehow aligned with the real test. The more you practice, the more your confidence will grow. I strongly recommend avoiding free resources unless they’re well-vetted, as some can be misleading.
4) If you're looking for a course to fulfill your 35 contact hours, I suggest Joseph Phillips' course on Udemy. He’s a PMI ATP and an excellent instructor. Alternatively, you can check out PMI’s self-paced course available in their store.
I hope this helps! Best of luck with your preparation!
Rajan Shah Your prep plan looks solid! Focus on practice tests—they help the most. Try free mocks on ExamTopics or paid ones like PrepCast. Memorize key formulas but also understand concepts. Rita’s book is great for real-world scenarios. Stay consistent, and you’ll ace it!
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2 replies by Rajan Shah and Tuhina Imam
Feb 28, 2025 9:50 PM
Rajan Shah
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Thank you!!
Apr 08, 2025 5:18 PM
Tuhina Imam
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Hi Pavan,
I am trying to get some guidance on preparing for the exam as well. Is there a link to the free mocks on ExamTopics? How can I access that?
Thank you
Saving Changes...
Rajan ShahProject Management| InfosysLangley, BC, Canada
Feb 28, 2025 10:06 AM
Replying to Pavan Maddi
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Rajan Shah Your prep plan looks solid! Focus on practice tests—they help the most. Try free mocks on ExamTopics or paid ones like PrepCast. Memorize key formulas but also understand concepts. Rita’s book is great for real-world scenarios. Stay consistent, and you’ll ace it!
Hi Rajan Shah ,
Thanks for bringing this topic. It's really helpful for me and other aspiring Project Managers as well.
I also have completed my 35 hours of training via Knowledge Hut Upgrad in Dec'24 and planning to appear for PMP exam at the earliest possible.
Your list seems to be quite interesting and solid. Along with the above list,
I am currently going through the videos of David McLachlan, his video on 110 Drag and Drop questions is really interesting its covering Predictive, Adaptive and Hybrid format questions.
All the best for your preparation.
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1 reply by Rajan Shah
Mar 11, 2025 2:12 PM
Rajan Shah
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Thank you for the information about the drag and drop questions from David McLachlan. I would go through it too.
Saving Changes...
Rajan ShahProject Management| InfosysLangley, BC, Canada
Mar 08, 2025 2:26 PM
Replying to Kiran Babu Chintha
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Hi Rajan Shah ,
Thanks for bringing this topic. It's really helpful for me and other aspiring Project Managers as well.
I also have completed my 35 hours of training via Knowledge Hut Upgrad in Dec'24 and planning to appear for PMP exam at the earliest possible.
Your list seems to be quite interesting and solid. Along with the above list,
I am currently going through the videos of David McLachlan, his video on 110 Drag and Drop questions is really interesting its covering Predictive, Adaptive and Hybrid format questions.
All the best for your preparation.
Thank you for the information about the drag and drop questions from David McLachlan. I would go through it too. Saving Changes...
Rajan ShahProject Management| InfosysLangley, BC, Canada
I just appeared for the exam. Completed it 1.5 hours ago. Passed. Thank you everyone for your valuable inputs. They really helped. Saving Changes...
Tuhina ImamHealth Care Professional| Vancouver, CanadaBritish Columbia, Canada
Hi Rajan,
Where can I get the book by Rita? Did you buy it from amazon? Or is there an online pdf version?
Also, is David McLachlan's videos available on youtube?
I just completed my 35 hours but need some guidance on how to prepare more for the exam.
Thank you! Saving Changes...
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