Over the past year, I’ve poured my heart into preparing for the PMI-RMP exam. Sleepless nights, endless practice questions, countless mentorship conversations, and hours of study became part of my routine. I gave it everything I could.
After my third attempt, I didn’t pass—but this time, it was by a very narrow margin with of one domain needing improvement. That moment hit me harder than I expected. I questioned whether all the effort was worth it. But after stepping back and reflecting, I’ve realized that failure—even one that comes so close to success—is still part of the journey.
Each attempt has built my resilience, strengthened my understanding of risk management, and taught me more about perseverance than any book could.
I’m not giving up. I’m preparing to tackle the exam again next year—with fresh energy, deeper focus, and the continued support of mentors and friends who believe in me even when I struggle to believe in myself.
To anyone struggling silently after a near miss: I see you. Please keep going.
I’d love to hear from you: How did you bounce back from failure? What helped you close that final gap? Let’s normalize setbacks and keep failing forward.
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Akin Fadare Failing by a narrow margin often hurts more than failing by a lot — because what’s missing is no longer raw knowledge, but often strategic focus, fine-tuning, and exam intelligence.
Some professionals who passed the PMI-RMP on their first attempt have shared an interesting pattern: success often came not from knowing more, but from understanding better — especially how the exam frames scenarios, applies risk logic, and tests judgment under pressure.
What made the difference wasn’t necessarily additional study, but a shift in approach: less theory-heavy revision, more exam-focused simulation and pattern recognition.
Not knowledge acquisition, but performance alignment.
This post is a remarkable demonstration of growth mindset in practice.
It reframes failure not as a flaw, but as refinement in progress — and offers encouragement to many who may be struggling in silence.
That’s leadership by example.
Keep going.
You’re not far — and you’re certainly not alone.
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1 reply by Akin Fadare
Jul 16, 2025 4:12 PM
Akin Fadare
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Luis Branco Thank you for this thoughtful perspective—it resonates deeply. Failing by a narrow margin indeed feels like standing at the edge of success, where the missing piece isn’t more information but sharper focus and strategic execution. Your point about shifting from knowledge acquisition to performance alignment really hits home; that’s exactly where I’m redirecting my efforts now.
I appreciate your reminder that refinement, not perfection, is the goal—and that leadership can simply mean being honest about the struggle. Grateful for your encouragement. I’ll keep pushing forward.
Akin Fadare Failing by a narrow margin often hurts more than failing by a lot — because what’s missing is no longer raw knowledge, but often strategic focus, fine-tuning, and exam intelligence.
Some professionals who passed the PMI-RMP on their first attempt have shared an interesting pattern: success often came not from knowing more, but from understanding better — especially how the exam frames scenarios, applies risk logic, and tests judgment under pressure.
What made the difference wasn’t necessarily additional study, but a shift in approach: less theory-heavy revision, more exam-focused simulation and pattern recognition.
Not knowledge acquisition, but performance alignment.
This post is a remarkable demonstration of growth mindset in practice.
It reframes failure not as a flaw, but as refinement in progress — and offers encouragement to many who may be struggling in silence.
That’s leadership by example.
Keep going.
You’re not far — and you’re certainly not alone.
Luis Branco Thank you for this thoughtful perspective—it resonates deeply. Failing by a narrow margin indeed feels like standing at the edge of success, where the missing piece isn’t more information but sharper focus and strategic execution. Your point about shifting from knowledge acquisition to performance alignment really hits home; that’s exactly where I’m redirecting my efforts now.
I appreciate your reminder that refinement, not perfection, is the goal—and that leadership can simply mean being honest about the struggle. Grateful for your encouragement. I’ll keep pushing forward.
Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
It has no sense getting this certification at least you find that, in the market you are working, it will give you better opportunities to find a better job. Just to mention, I was part of the group that created the content for PMI´s related standards. Do not wasted your time and effort. Saving Changes...
Luis mentioned Mindset - this is critical for PMI exams. I haven't taken the RMP exam, but I've passed a few others and found a common pattern, despite the years in between some of the exams. There are often two obviously wrong answers, one that reflects how you might have done it or seen others do it where you work, and then the PMI answer. The latter two are where it gets tricky.
Practice applying the material at work. Make opportunities to reflect on relevant circumstances - what is your first response to the situation, and what does the training materials recommend. Understanding and being able to correctly apply the concepts (and knowing when to intentionally do something different) is more important than the certification, but the certification can have value, too. Best of luck! Saving Changes...
I completely agree on the inputs regarding test taking strategy. I had not taken a formal exam in a very long time, and I bombed a couple back in college when I got really nervous and couldn't think clearly. Preparing for the PmP, I found that studying exam prep and taking was very beneficial.
A big piece of that is time management, such as making a quick read-through before answering anything more than the most obvious questions until you have a feel for the whole exam. Don't let an early but hard question make you nervous about passing.
The other big part is dissecting the questions as to reverse-engineer what specific concept the person who write it was trying to test, and which of the potentially correct answers is better based on key phrasing.
If you're pretty close to passing, the little things can easily make the difference. Good luck! Saving Changes...
@Akin Fadare Your honesty and resilience are truly inspiring. It takes real courage to keep going after a setback, especially one so close to the finish line. Every attempt has clearly made you stronger, and your journey reflects the true spirit of professional growth. You’ve already achieved something powerful by owning the process and sharing it so openly. Cheering you on for your next try—you’ve got this! 💪
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1 reply by Akin Fadare
Aug 24, 2025 1:30 PM
Akin Fadare
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Thank you for the word of encouragement Syed Ashir Riaz. I do sincerely appreciate it.
Head of Cloud Software & Services| Ericsson EMEAVictoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Akin Fadare , this speaks to more of resilience and focus. I have many PMI certifications but not all of them have been passed at the first attempt. My certification badges that people admire today have behind it, several moments of struggle and sacrifice but at the end it has given me many wins across, beyond, and above my "expectations". In addition, the knowledge I gained through my certification journey (still in progress) has transformed my career trajectory and personal growth.
Another experience is on project outcome: I have led one failed project in the past and have also had opportunity of recovering 4 troubled intercontinental projects within the last 8 years. This has improved my diverse experience and perspective view of failed projects.
Focus, Resilience, and Continuous improvement get me going so far throughout the journey.
Regarding your PMI-RMP exam, let us have a further discussion on ensuring success at the next attempt.
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1 reply by Akin Fadare
Aug 24, 2025 1:34 PM
Akin Fadare
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Thank you for sharing this with me. I really appreciate your openness about the journey behind your certifications and projects—it’s encouraging to hear the reality behind the badges and the lessons that come from both wins and setbacks. Your experience with recovering troubled projects especially stands out; it shows exactly the resilience and perspective I want to build into my own practice. You have a very rich portfolio. Keep it up! I’d be glad to continue the discussion on my PMI-RMP exam. I will definitely reach out some months before the exam. Thanks for offering to help. Also, learning from your approach to focus, resilience, and continuous improvement would be really valuable as I prepare for the next attempt. Talk to you soon!
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