I recently took my first shot at the PMP exam in Jan 25 (self-study, mostly using Andrew Ramdal’s prep course and YouTube videos) and didn’t pass. Looking back, I think I lost focus after stretching out my study timeline too much, and I also ran into some technical issues with the at-home exam setup.
Now I’m preparing for a retake and want to change my approach—specifically, I’m considering a classroom-based prep course to stay engaged and accountable. I work full-time as IT Business Relationship Manager for a municipal government in Vancouver, BC, and with my family dynamics, I can really only focus deeply on studying outside work on a bi-weekly basis.
For those who’ve taken either, would you recommend the “bootcamp” style or spreading it out over a month? How did you balance work, family and study, and did the course format make a difference in your exam readiness?
Would appreciate any advice—especially if you’ve taken either of these courses! Thanks in advance :)
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Dani, sorry to hear the first attempt didn’t go as planned, but it’s great to see how reflective and motivated you are to go for it again, that's the right mindset.
Given what you mentioned about losing focus over a long study timeline, I’d personally lean toward the bootcamp-style approach. A more intensive format can really help maintain momentum and focus especially if your availability is limited to bi-weekly sessions. Stretching it out over 4–7 weeks might feel more manageable, but it also risks losing continuity, especially when juggling full-time work and family life.
I’m based in Vancouver as well and familiar with both BCIT and UBC Sauder programs. They’re both solid programs, but in my honest opinion, they’re more geared toward general project management learning rather than PMP exam targeting. Since this is your second attempt, I think you might get better value from resources that focus specifically on passing the exam. You can also check out SFU’s offerings, but they follow a similar generalist format.
Since this is your second attempt, I suggest focusing heavily on practice, especially simulation exams. Here's what I personally recommend (alongside the PMBOK Guide and Agile Practice Guide):
1) Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep Book (currently the 11th edition, but please verify). It's one of the most effective resources for understanding key concepts deeply and bridging any knowledge gaps.
2) PM PrepCast Simulator Package – This is an excellent set of mock exams that will help you prepare well. Practice with it as much as you can. Alternatively, PMI’s Study Hall question bank is also an option, but I’ve found PrepCast to be more effective overall.
3) If you’re looking for a quick refresher, Joseph Phillips’ PMP courses on Udemy are well-structured, clear, and very affordable. They’re great for reinforcing your understanding of key topics.
You’ve already done a lot of groundwork with Andrew Ramdayal’s course. Now it’s all about tightening your focus and getting in the reps with realistic questions.
As for managing work, family and study, here’s what I’ve seen work well for others in similar situations:
1) Time-blocking: Treat your study sessions like non-negotiable appointments. Even if it’s just one focused session per weekend, make it protected time.
2) Set micro-goals: Break your study plan into small, achievable chunks tied to your available time like reviewing one domain or completing one simulator quiz per session.
3) Family alignment: If possible, communicate your exam goal with your family and let them know when you’ll need uninterrupted time. That little bit of support can make a big difference.
You’re on the right track so stay consistent, and don’t hesitate to lean on the community for support. Good luck on your PMP journey!
Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
Jun 20, 2025 3:48 PM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
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Dani, sorry to hear the first attempt didn’t go as planned, but it’s great to see how reflective and motivated you are to go for it again, that's the right mindset.
Given what you mentioned about losing focus over a long study timeline, I’d personally lean toward the bootcamp-style approach. A more intensive format can really help maintain momentum and focus especially if your availability is limited to bi-weekly sessions. Stretching it out over 4–7 weeks might feel more manageable, but it also risks losing continuity, especially when juggling full-time work and family life.
I’m based in Vancouver as well and familiar with both BCIT and UBC Sauder programs. They’re both solid programs, but in my honest opinion, they’re more geared toward general project management learning rather than PMP exam targeting. Since this is your second attempt, I think you might get better value from resources that focus specifically on passing the exam. You can also check out SFU’s offerings, but they follow a similar generalist format.
Since this is your second attempt, I suggest focusing heavily on practice, especially simulation exams. Here's what I personally recommend (alongside the PMBOK Guide and Agile Practice Guide):
1) Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep Book (currently the 11th edition, but please verify). It's one of the most effective resources for understanding key concepts deeply and bridging any knowledge gaps.
2) PM PrepCast Simulator Package – This is an excellent set of mock exams that will help you prepare well. Practice with it as much as you can. Alternatively, PMI’s Study Hall question bank is also an option, but I’ve found PrepCast to be more effective overall.
3) If you’re looking for a quick refresher, Joseph Phillips’ PMP courses on Udemy are well-structured, clear, and very affordable. They’re great for reinforcing your understanding of key topics.
You’ve already done a lot of groundwork with Andrew Ramdayal’s course. Now it’s all about tightening your focus and getting in the reps with realistic questions.
As for managing work, family and study, here’s what I’ve seen work well for others in similar situations:
1) Time-blocking: Treat your study sessions like non-negotiable appointments. Even if it’s just one focused session per weekend, make it protected time.
2) Set micro-goals: Break your study plan into small, achievable chunks tied to your available time like reviewing one domain or completing one simulator quiz per session.
3) Family alignment: If possible, communicate your exam goal with your family and let them know when you’ll need uninterrupted time. That little bit of support can make a big difference.
You’re on the right track so stay consistent, and don’t hesitate to lean on the community for support. Good luck on your PMP journey!
Thank you very much Rami and Golam! Next time I comment here, I hope to give you the good news =)
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1 reply by Melvin Noche
Jul 09, 2025 10:45 PM
Melvin Noche
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Hi Dani, thanks for sharing your experience so openly—it's incredibly relatable and shows real grit.
I also found that stretching the timeline too far can work against you, especially when juggling work and family. Between your options, the 1-week BCIT intensive could be a better fit given your bi-weekly availability and the need for focused momentum. But I’d add this: no matter which format you choose, how you practice matters more than how long you study.
Since this is your second attempt, I'd encourage you to shift focus toward high-quality simulations and mindset training. I used a tool called PM Mindset Builder (pmmindset.pro)—it's a scenario-based PMP simulator that helped me practice thinking the way PMI expects. That mental shift made a huge difference for test day confidence.
Also seconding Rami's suggestions—Rita’s book and PrepCast are both excellent. For structure and accountability, even just one study buddy or weekly check-in can help massively. You’ve got this, Dani. Rooting for your success on the retake! Looking forward to your update soon 🙌
Saving Changes...
Melvin NocheFunctional Manager| GoogleSunnyvale, Ca, United States
Jul 04, 2025 4:42 PM
Replying to Daniele Aoyama
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Thank you very much Rami and Golam! Next time I comment here, I hope to give you the good news =)
Hi Dani, thanks for sharing your experience so openly—it's incredibly relatable and shows real grit.
I also found that stretching the timeline too far can work against you, especially when juggling work and family. Between your options, the 1-week BCIT intensive could be a better fit given your bi-weekly availability and the need for focused momentum. But I’d add this: no matter which format you choose, how you practice matters more than how long you study.
Since this is your second attempt, I'd encourage you to shift focus toward high-quality simulations and mindset training. I used a tool called PM Mindset Builder (pmmindset.pro)—it's a scenario-based PMP simulator that helped me practice thinking the way PMI expects. That mental shift made a huge difference for test day confidence.
Also seconding Rami's suggestions—Rita’s book and PrepCast are both excellent. For structure and accountability, even just one study buddy or weekly check-in can help massively. You’ve got this, Dani. Rooting for your success on the retake! Looking forward to your update soon 🙌
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