Calling all certified PMPs! 👀

Johanna, one thing I wish more candidates understood before taking the PMP is that preparation becomes much more useful when you stop studying only for the correct answer and start studying the reasoning behind it.

Study Hall can be particularly valuable for that.
After each scenario, I would ask not only “Why is this answer correct?” but also: What is actually happening here? What information matters? Who has the authority to decide? What should be understood before acting? And what would have to change for another answer to become appropriate?

I would also be careful with the idea of learning a fixed “PMI mindset.” Principles and patterns help, but contextual judgment matters.
The same action is not appropriate simply because the scenario contains familiar keywords.

And I think your observation about strategy and consulting points to something important.
I would describe it less as becoming a consultant and more as being expected to understand the wider business and organizational context in which projects create or protect value.

So my main tip would be: use practice questions to practice judgment, not just answers. Good luck with your preparation!

Johanna, make sure you used multiple resources in your studies. Besides the PMBOK, I recommend Rita Mulcahy's exam prep book, and for simulation practice exams, PM PrepCast.

Just so you're aware, don't expect the exam questions to be similar to the practice exams.

As Luis mentioned, make sure you understand the reasoning behind all of the answers, not only the correct ones.

Good Luck!

Johanna, I used PMI Study Hall and it was a great resource to learn the reasoning behind the answer. As mentioned by others here, having an deep understanding as opposed to memorization is crucial. That said, what helped me was actually having discussions with certified PMPs before the exam to understand how these concepts are put into practice across different disciplines. The amazing thing about the PMP certification is that it's not just a "Check the Box" certification. The principles are actually beneficial in "real world" practical applications. Best wishes and good luck!

Thanks for posting your question, Johanna! I am also studying for the PMP exam and all the tips above are very helpful.
Thanks, everyone!