Having passed my PMP exam in 2000 and having taught PMP courses over a number of the years since, it has been interesting to see the evolution of the exam as well as how candidates' perceptions of it have changed.
For those who have passed the exam this year (2025), it'd be great if you could share:
1. Did you take it online or in person and why did you choose one over the other?
2. What was the biggest surprise about the actual exam or difference from what you were expecting?
3. If you had to do it all over again (and hopefully you never will!), what would you have done different? Saving Changes...
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Gillian MacQuarrieEnvironmental Scientist- Controlled Environment| BayerSt. Louis, United States
I took the exam in April 2025 and passed.
1. I took the exam in person at a Pierson Testing Center. I chose this route as it was the best way to pass with minimal distractions. The formal setting was better for me. I wanted minimal distractions and didn't want the risk of violating any of the rules when taking it online.
2. Biggest surprise: probably the format, with the ability to tag questions and highlight specific answers. I was aware that this was an option, but I hadn't seen the tools in action. I utilized these during the exam and felt that they were helpful tools.
3. I think this was a good process for me. I utilized the app 'PMP Prep' as well as 'PMI Study Hall'. I should have started using the SH app earlier. I was having difficulty distinguishing between the two apps. The questions in the two apps were very similar. I liked the randomness of the PMP Prep questions, organized into the three buckets: People, Business, Process, and then appreciated the structure of the PMI SH app layout with well-defined sections. I was able to spread out the work and find time to study while leading a busy life.
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3 replies by Abolfazl Yousefi Darestani, Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong, and Rami Kaibni
Aug 27, 2025 5:16 PM
Rami Kaibni
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Great feedback, Gillian and congrats on earning your PMP.
Quick Question: You mentioned the SH App, and PMP Prep. Are both of those apps through PMI?
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Aug 27, 2025 3:35 PM
Replying to Gillian MacQuarrie
...
I took the exam in April 2025 and passed.
1. I took the exam in person at a Pierson Testing Center. I chose this route as it was the best way to pass with minimal distractions. The formal setting was better for me. I wanted minimal distractions and didn't want the risk of violating any of the rules when taking it online.
2. Biggest surprise: probably the format, with the ability to tag questions and highlight specific answers. I was aware that this was an option, but I hadn't seen the tools in action. I utilized these during the exam and felt that they were helpful tools.
3. I think this was a good process for me. I utilized the app 'PMP Prep' as well as 'PMI Study Hall'. I should have started using the SH app earlier. I was having difficulty distinguishing between the two apps. The questions in the two apps were very similar. I liked the randomness of the PMP Prep questions, organized into the three buckets: People, Business, Process, and then appreciated the structure of the PMI SH app layout with well-defined sections. I was able to spread out the work and find time to study while leading a busy life.
Great feedback, Gillian and congrats on earning your PMP.
Quick Question: You mentioned the SH App, and PMP Prep. Are both of those apps through PMI?
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1 reply by Gillian MacQuarrie
Sep 05, 2025 11:50 AM
Gillian MacQuarrie
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Hi Rami- the PMP Prep App is not part of PMI. It's a third-party app. The questions were very similar to the exam, with some identical.
The app's question/answer explanations were really helpful and that's where I learned a lot. I took the time to read when I got it wrong and when I get it right, I also read the summary. It saved my incorrect answers so I could go back to focus on those. It was reasonably priced and I could purchase it by week or month, minimizing my costs.
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace CorpsYaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Aug 27, 2025 3:35 PM
Replying to Gillian MacQuarrie
...
I took the exam in April 2025 and passed.
1. I took the exam in person at a Pierson Testing Center. I chose this route as it was the best way to pass with minimal distractions. The formal setting was better for me. I wanted minimal distractions and didn't want the risk of violating any of the rules when taking it online.
2. Biggest surprise: probably the format, with the ability to tag questions and highlight specific answers. I was aware that this was an option, but I hadn't seen the tools in action. I utilized these during the exam and felt that they were helpful tools.
3. I think this was a good process for me. I utilized the app 'PMP Prep' as well as 'PMI Study Hall'. I should have started using the SH app earlier. I was having difficulty distinguishing between the two apps. The questions in the two apps were very similar. I liked the randomness of the PMP Prep questions, organized into the three buckets: People, Business, Process, and then appreciated the structure of the PMI SH app layout with well-defined sections. I was able to spread out the work and find time to study while leading a busy life.
I took the exam in April 2025 and passed.
1. I took the exam in person at a Pierson Testing Center. I chose this route as it was the best way to pass with minimal distractions. The formal setting was better for me. I wanted minimal distractions and didn't want the risk of violating any of the rules when taking it online.
2. Biggest surprise: probably the format, with the ability to tag questions and highlight specific answers. I was aware that this was an option, but I hadn't seen the tools in action. I utilized these during the exam and felt that they were helpful tools.
3. I think this was a good process for me. I utilized the app 'PMP Prep' as well as 'PMI Study Hall'. I should have started using the SH app earlier. I was having difficulty distinguishing between the two apps. The questions in the two apps were very similar. I liked the randomness of the PMP Prep questions, organized into the three buckets: People, Business, Process, and then appreciated the structure of the PMI SH app layout with well-defined sections. I was able to spread out the work and find time to study while leading a busy life.
Nice question!
I am curious to read the answers. Saving Changes...
Gillian MacQuarrieEnvironmental Scientist- Controlled Environment| BayerSt. Louis, United States
Aug 27, 2025 5:16 PM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
...
Great feedback, Gillian and congrats on earning your PMP.
Quick Question: You mentioned the SH App, and PMP Prep. Are both of those apps through PMI?
Hi Rami- the PMP Prep App is not part of PMI. It's a third-party app. The questions were very similar to the exam, with some identical.
The app's question/answer explanations were really helpful and that's where I learned a lot. I took the time to read when I got it wrong and when I get it right, I also read the summary. It saved my incorrect answers so I could go back to focus on those. It was reasonably priced and I could purchase it by week or month, minimizing my costs. Saving Changes...
Thanks Gillian for sharing your recent PMP journey!
Any other new PMPs who are willing to share their stories by responding to the questions from my original post?
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1 reply by Haidar Ekhuraidh
Sep 09, 2025 10:45 PM
Haidar Ekhuraidh
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I never imagined I would be writing post like this, but I am reaching out to share my experience and to kindly ask for your advice and support, as this issue has deeply impacted my career and well-being.
I attempted the PMP® exam twice:
1. First attempt (online): I followed every PMI rule and procedure carefully. The session went smoothly, but days later I was shocked to receive an email stating that my result had been cancelled due to “irregularities,” with no further explanation.
2. Second attempt (at a Pearson VUE test center): Wanting to ensure everything was perfect, I scheduled the exam at a trusted test center. I strictly complied with all instructions, completed the exam, and was issued a printed report at the end showing Pass – Above Target in all domains. I was filled with relief and pride. But a few days later, I once again received an email from PMI cancelling my result, again citing “irregularities.”
I cannot describe how devastating this has been. I studied for months, invested financially, and fully respected the rules. To pass the exam, only to have the result cancelled twice, has left me frustrated, helpless, and uncertain about what to do next.
I have already submitted appeals and contacted PMI through multiple channels, but so far I have not received a clear resolution.
I am kindly asking this community:
• Has anyone faced a similar situation and found a way forward?
Thanks Gillian for sharing your recent PMP journey!
Any other new PMPs who are willing to share their stories by responding to the questions from my original post?
I never imagined I would be writing post like this, but I am reaching out to share my experience and to kindly ask for your advice and support, as this issue has deeply impacted my career and well-being.
I attempted the PMP® exam twice:
1. First attempt (online): I followed every PMI rule and procedure carefully. The session went smoothly, but days later I was shocked to receive an email stating that my result had been cancelled due to “irregularities,” with no further explanation.
2. Second attempt (at a Pearson VUE test center): Wanting to ensure everything was perfect, I scheduled the exam at a trusted test center. I strictly complied with all instructions, completed the exam, and was issued a printed report at the end showing Pass – Above Target in all domains. I was filled with relief and pride. But a few days later, I once again received an email from PMI cancelling my result, again citing “irregularities.”
I cannot describe how devastating this has been. I studied for months, invested financially, and fully respected the rules. To pass the exam, only to have the result cancelled twice, has left me frustrated, helpless, and uncertain about what to do next.
I have already submitted appeals and contacted PMI through multiple channels, but so far I have not received a clear resolution.
I am kindly asking this community:
• Has anyone faced a similar situation and found a way forward?
I have taken the exam in July 2025. My gretest surprise was that there was only one formula related question and no questions from the EVM. There was a balanced questionnaire from Predictive and Agile and most were scenario based questions. Saving Changes...
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