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!
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.
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1 reply by Akin Fadare
Jun 12, 2026 1:55 AM
Akin Fadare
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Pavan MaddiThank you for your feedback. I will focus more on the Risk Identification section.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew 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!
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1 reply by Akin Fadare
Jun 12, 2026 2:01 AM
Akin Fadare
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Yes, I believe that practice is important. The more you practice, the better your chances of success. Thank you for sending in your work.Rami Kaibni
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. 😊
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1 reply by Akin Fadare
Jun 12, 2026 2:04 AM
Akin Fadare
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Thank you, Qomasha Aljabor. That makes sense. I want to really focus and learn deeply. I’m even thinking about setting aside three weeks just for studying. Thanks!
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.
Pavan MaddiThank you for your feedback. I will focus more on the Risk Identification section.
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!
Yes, I believe that practice is important. The more you practice, the better your chances of success. Thank you for sending in your work.Rami Kaibni Saving Changes...
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. 😊
Thank you, Qomasha Aljabor. That makes sense. I want to really focus and learn deeply. I’m even thinking about setting aside three weeks just for studying. Thanks! Saving Changes...
Pavan MaddiThank you for your feedback. I will focus more on the Risk Identification section.
Wish you all the best 👍 Saving Changes...
Faisal Ahmed RonyFounder & Chief Editor| Total InfoHubDhaka, Bangladesh
Three attempts show incredible determination, Akin. You've already mastered the other domains, so you just need that final push in Risk Identification. Focus on analyzing scenario-based questions and understanding why a specific risk is triggered in a given context. Sending you positive vibes for your upcoming exam! Saving Changes...
Let me come at this from a different angle. If you've tried three times and have not attained it, this might be a good time to take a step back and re-assess WHY you are pursuing this credential as opposed to a more generally applicable and higher visibility RM one such as the CRM designation.
I don't want to dissuade you from continuing to try, but you should always look at the cost/benefit of doing so, and ignore the sunk costs to date.
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