Advice Needed!

Agile Organizational Project Management Risk Management

Akin Fadare

Community Champion

Ontario, Canada

A year ago, I did not pass the PMI-RMP exam on my third attempt, with risk identification as the only area needing improvement. All other sections were above target. As I prepare for my fourth attempt, I would appreciate your advice on the most effective strategy to succeed. Thank you.

I currently have the PMBOK, Rita Mulcahy’s guide, study notes, and recommended practice questions from Udemy, with recent risk management experience with R&D projects.

PS: You can also inbox me if you are unable to share publicly. Thank you!

Posted: Jun 11, 2026 1:43 PM

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Pavan Maddi

Community Champion

Buona Vista, Singapore

Three attempts already show resilience. Since Risk Identification is the only gap, focus on scenario based questions and building risk registers from real projects. Review why answers were wrong, not just why others were right. Your next attempt may be closer than you think.

Posted: Jun 11, 2026 8:14 PM

Rami Kaibni

Community Champion

Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada

Akin, practice is king. Try to practice as much as you possibly can. Read the rationale behind both the correct and wrong answers as this is where you will learn most.

There are lots of exams on Udemy but not sure which is best. I will leave that for other to advise on.

Good Luck!

Posted: Jun 11, 2026 8:25 PM

Qomasha Aljabor Planning Specialist| Qatar Tourism Doha, Qatar

First, the fact that every other domain is above target tells you something important: this is a precision problem, not a knowledge problem. You don't need to study more (( you need to study differently in this one area.))
A few things that tend to make the difference specifically for risk identification:
1. Stop thinking in categories, start thinking in (scenarios.)
Most candidates memorize risk types (technical, external, organizational…). The exam tests whether you can recognize a risk embedded in a project narrative. Practice reading case scenarios and asking: "What is being described here, a risk, an issue, an assumption, or a constraint?" That distinction trips up many candidates.

2. Use the Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) actively.
When practicing, don't just answer questions — after each wrong answer, map it to an RBS category. You'll start to see which types of risks you consistently miss, and that pattern is more valuable than raw question volume.

3. Leverage your R&D experience deliberately.
You have real risk management experience , that's an asset most candidates don't have. Before each practice session, spend 5 minutes recalling a real risk identification moment from your projects. It primes your brain to think contextually rather than academically.

4. Focus on the sources of risk, not just the risks themselves.
The PMI-RMP exam often tests whether you understand why a risk exists, not just what it is. Assumptions, dependencies, and stakeholder behaviors are common risk sources that get overlooked.

You're clearly close. One targeted month on identification alone should be more than enough.

Wishing you the best on your fourth and final attempt. 😊

Posted: Jun 11, 2026 10:08 PM

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