It depends on your project management knowledge and experience. I recommend starting with technical concepts—either by refreshing your memory or studying them if you're new to the field. Once you have a solid foundation, move on to the PMBOK Guide. From there, take mock exams, carefully analyze both the questions and answers, and repeat this cycle until you feel confident. Saving Changes...
Just to confirm, when you say 'newbee' do you mean:
- No formal project management training/education?
- Little to no formal project management experience?
As a starting point, check out the PMP requirements. If you're not sure if you meet one or more areas, there's no penalty for starting the application to see how close you are. You won't be able to submit it before the information in your application matches the requirements, and I believe the application expires after a year, but if you're just comparing how close you are to being qualified it shouldn't be a big deal to do it again later, AND it gives you an idea of the experience information PMI is looking for.
From there, do you know how you best learn and retain knowledge? Books, audio, podcasts, video, flash cards, courses, practice exams... There are a lot of options out there. PMI Study Hall, Andrew Ramdayal's Udemy course (watch for the sales), David McLachlan's YouTube content... Me personally, I'd probably fall asleep if I tried to read the PMBOK Guide cover to cover, but I know people who've done it.
Creating my own flash cards and quick reference guides has been the most helpful for me - not just in reviewing the material, but the process of determining what to include and writing it down helped the material sink in. But that's me. I've friends that would be bored to tears doing that.
One other thought - a lot of people have success with PMP boot camps. If you go that path, just keep in mind that the focus of the boot camps is to prepare for the exam, not how to become a better project manager. Depending upon how much project management studying and training you've gone through beforehand, you might not learn anything new about project management during a boot camp. My personal recommendation is that you don't rely on just the boot camp for your project management education. Additional formal PM training or self study on project management fundamentals will be helpful.
DISCLAIMER: I don't know anything about where you work, so use your own judgment with the following advice.
With regard to experience, if you're not already managing projects at work, let your boss know you're interested in project management. Seek out opportunities to develop your leadership skills. If your company has project managers, find out if there is a mentoring or cross-training program. You may get opportunities to start with small, team level projects and then grow into larger, cross-functional projects as you prove yourself. If the opportunities don't exist at your current place of employment, you need to consider whether to stay or move to a new employer where the opportunities exist. Keep in mind that it is easier to change companies in a job you're experienced in than it is to change companies AND job role at the same time.
The next area to consider is networking. Networking here can be helpful. Building your network on LinkedIn can also be helpful. If you have the opportunity, networking in person can be more effective. Some of the best job opportunities I've come across have been while volunteering with my local PMI chapter. It's a good way for people to get to know you and see how you work.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Iftikhar, here is what I suggest you do:
1) Go through the PMBOK Guide, ECO and the Process Groups Guide.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) If you’re looking for a course to full fill the educational hours, Joseph Phillips’ PMP courses on Udemy are well-structured, clear, and very affordable. They’re great for reinforcing your understanding of key topics.
Hi Iftikhar,
I suggest to start with reading the material, do not rush, start adopting a PM's mindset by trying to explain what you see on your daily routine in a PM's point of view. Follow more than one PM coach/trainer. Answer as many multiple choice questions as possible. When you score over 85% consistenly on your mocks, then you will realize you are ready. Saving Changes...
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