Rebecca BraglioCommunity Engagement Specialist II| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, Pa, United States
Have you taken the exam? Passed? Failed? Failed and then passed?
Help out a fellow project manager and post your tip on studying for and taking the exam. Here are some we''ve gathered from members so far:
J.l Laroche: Try not to try to absorb all the PMBOK content by heart, focus on the main stream of processes and knowledge, the tools and the results and you will be fine don''t worry. remember to get first through all questions, answering the evident ones and flagging the others and then get back to the flagged ones, and think of it, even if you''re unsure of the answer, always, always pick one, if you''re wrong you will not loose points and you have 1 on 4 chances to get it good...
M. Hartsough: When reviewing those questions you flagged, don''t start second-guessing yourself. IMO, in all probability your initial answer was correct. Don''t change your original answers unless you definitely found a better one. Remember to answer from the "PMI Perspective". The PMI Perspective isn''t necessarily how you or your organization manages projects.
F. McCaskell: take a break every 50 questions - no matter if you don''t think you need it. This will prevent you from being burned out at the end.
C.Tong: don''t think the exam is easy or you won''t prepare yourself well Saving Changes...
michael samPM mid-level| Ingram MicroTemecula, Ca, United States
Took the exam yesterday 8/14 for second time in 6 months and failed again.
Test results had slight improvements.
I did a PMP Boot camp online,
I took numerous free online simulators scoring high 80s. But I feel these questions are not contented like the exam not even close even my boot camp simulator was way off from how the exam presents questions
I did Rita’s both 5th & 6th edition that includes all exercises in chapters & Tests my first pass thru the exams I was scoring in the 80s.
I studied the PM bok both 5th & 6th edition, I would say I was spending 1 hr. per night reading or just going thru the PM bok, however I was getting distracted chasing other items like Crosby principals and other trivia that have no use for this exam.
The exam took me 3 hours maybe I am going to fast, my confidence is shaken, I am PM at a major company so I understand this test is not how a pm actually does business however I need the PMP, my plan going forward go back thru the boot camp, study no try & memorize the PM Bok & pay for an exam simulator. I would like to try again September if I fail I am done for the year which is ok I will find another certification & then redo it again however I want to pass. I did 30 years in the military by far this is the toughest test I have ever taken. Any advice would be appreciated, my email is [email protected]
...
4 replies by Navin Nathani, Rami Kaibni, Tamer Zeyad Sadiq, and Waseem Anwar Rehmani
Aug 16, 2018 1:50 AM
Rami Kaibni
...
Michael, sorry to hear that.
My advise to you is not to use free simulation exams, always use reliable resources. It is worth spending a few bucks on simulation exams like RMC or PM Prep Cast.
Good Luck with your third attempt.
Aug 16, 2018 2:41 AM
Tamer Zeyad Sadiq
...
Sorry to hear that but don't give up!!! It happens to everyone!!
Read PMP tips from PMI website and understand PMP handbook and exam outline. Then, read PMBOK very well cover to cover in many times and understand ITTO's and definition and read rita book for understanding. After that, practice thousands questions from PMSTUDY, PMPRECAST & Udemy and understand your mistakes and your score should be not less than 80%. Finally, relax and get ready again!!!
Tamer
Aug 16, 2018 9:05 AM
Waseem Anwar Rehmani
...
Dear Michael,
I am really sorry to hear about your ordeal. Well I just want to say that follow a cycle of memorization and understanding.
There are certain things that you should know cold before sitting in the exam , like your ITTOs there is no short cut to this . Then you understand how a PM should behave in a particular situation basing on the PMI principle and teachings.
Real life experience does matter but tailor it as per PMI guidelines.
Best of luck
Aug 21, 2018 3:39 AM
Navin Nathani
...
Couldnt agree more Michael. I am working with a major MNC in Program management space for the last 10 years. I gave my first test on 5th edition (before 6th edition came out) and failed with flying colors :) . I am too planning to give it this year. Thanks everyone for pouring your thoughts and ideas on how can we crack it this time.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Aug 15, 2018 10:37 PM
Replying to michael sam
...
Took the exam yesterday 8/14 for second time in 6 months and failed again.
Test results had slight improvements.
I did a PMP Boot camp online,
I took numerous free online simulators scoring high 80s. But I feel these questions are not contented like the exam not even close even my boot camp simulator was way off from how the exam presents questions
I did Rita’s both 5th & 6th edition that includes all exercises in chapters & Tests my first pass thru the exams I was scoring in the 80s.
I studied the PM bok both 5th & 6th edition, I would say I was spending 1 hr. per night reading or just going thru the PM bok, however I was getting distracted chasing other items like Crosby principals and other trivia that have no use for this exam.
The exam took me 3 hours maybe I am going to fast, my confidence is shaken, I am PM at a major company so I understand this test is not how a pm actually does business however I need the PMP, my plan going forward go back thru the boot camp, study no try & memorize the PM Bok & pay for an exam simulator. I would like to try again September if I fail I am done for the year which is ok I will find another certification & then redo it again however I want to pass. I did 30 years in the military by far this is the toughest test I have ever taken. Any advice would be appreciated, my email is [email protected]
Michael, sorry to hear that.
My advise to you is not to use free simulation exams, always use reliable resources. It is worth spending a few bucks on simulation exams like RMC or PM Prep Cast.
Good Luck with your third attempt. Saving Changes...
Tamer Zeyad SadiqAssistant Cost Manager| Turner & TownsendRiyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia
Aug 15, 2018 10:37 PM
Replying to michael sam
...
Took the exam yesterday 8/14 for second time in 6 months and failed again.
Test results had slight improvements.
I did a PMP Boot camp online,
I took numerous free online simulators scoring high 80s. But I feel these questions are not contented like the exam not even close even my boot camp simulator was way off from how the exam presents questions
I did Rita’s both 5th & 6th edition that includes all exercises in chapters & Tests my first pass thru the exams I was scoring in the 80s.
I studied the PM bok both 5th & 6th edition, I would say I was spending 1 hr. per night reading or just going thru the PM bok, however I was getting distracted chasing other items like Crosby principals and other trivia that have no use for this exam.
The exam took me 3 hours maybe I am going to fast, my confidence is shaken, I am PM at a major company so I understand this test is not how a pm actually does business however I need the PMP, my plan going forward go back thru the boot camp, study no try & memorize the PM Bok & pay for an exam simulator. I would like to try again September if I fail I am done for the year which is ok I will find another certification & then redo it again however I want to pass. I did 30 years in the military by far this is the toughest test I have ever taken. Any advice would be appreciated, my email is [email protected]
Sorry to hear that but don't give up!!! It happens to everyone!!
Read PMP tips from PMI website and understand PMP handbook and exam outline. Then, read PMBOK very well cover to cover in many times and understand ITTO's and definition and read rita book for understanding. After that, practice thousands questions from PMSTUDY, PMPRECAST & Udemy and understand your mistakes and your score should be not less than 80%. Finally, relax and get ready again!!!
Tamer Saving Changes...
Vyom BharadwajSenior Manager| Vodafone GroupPune, Maharashtra, India
I would like to summarize few points,whichever I could remember now.
**The very first thing which I have experienced is that the exam test your in-depth knowledge of the subject. You are put into situations via questions to place yourself ,think and act like PM all through the exam. So you need to first start cultivating that habit of thinking on the lines of PMBOK and live and breathe it all during your preparation**
1- Plan well, every exam or test has a "gameplan". So you need to first chalk out your "gameplan" by writing it out. And yes writing will help you because then you can reflect and check during your preparation where exactly you are standing.Remember :Everyone has a unique game plan which suits him or her , so its a not a fit-all-recipe-to-success.
2- Your game plan might include the number of hours you need to devote each day , on weekends and you need to commit to it.
3- Use good resources for your preparation (PMBOK, RITA are sufficient enough to crack the exam).
4- Do not overindulge in practicing from free resources. Try to use paid simulation exams and that too include in your "gameplan" that how many of those simulation exams you need to appear before the exam date. Saving Changes...
RAJESH K LProject Manager, PMP| Bharat Electronics, Bengaluru, IndiaBengaluru, Karnataka, India
Took the exam yesterday 8/14 for second time in 6 months and failed again.
Test results had slight improvements.
I did a PMP Boot camp online,
I took numerous free online simulators scoring high 80s. But I feel these questions are not contented like the exam not even close even my boot camp simulator was way off from how the exam presents questions
I did Rita’s both 5th & 6th edition that includes all exercises in chapters & Tests my first pass thru the exams I was scoring in the 80s.
I studied the PM bok both 5th & 6th edition, I would say I was spending 1 hr. per night reading or just going thru the PM bok, however I was getting distracted chasing other items like Crosby principals and other trivia that have no use for this exam.
The exam took me 3 hours maybe I am going to fast, my confidence is shaken, I am PM at a major company so I understand this test is not how a pm actually does business however I need the PMP, my plan going forward go back thru the boot camp, study no try & memorize the PM Bok & pay for an exam simulator. I would like to try again September if I fail I am done for the year which is ok I will find another certification & then redo it again however I want to pass. I did 30 years in the military by far this is the toughest test I have ever taken. Any advice would be appreciated, my email is [email protected]
Dear Michael,
I am really sorry to hear about your ordeal. Well I just want to say that follow a cycle of memorization and understanding.
There are certain things that you should know cold before sitting in the exam , like your ITTOs there is no short cut to this . Then you understand how a PM should behave in a particular situation basing on the PMI principle and teachings.
Real life experience does matter but tailor it as per PMI guidelines.
Best of luck Saving Changes...
Took the exam yesterday 8/14 for second time in 6 months and failed again.
Test results had slight improvements.
I did a PMP Boot camp online,
I took numerous free online simulators scoring high 80s. But I feel these questions are not contented like the exam not even close even my boot camp simulator was way off from how the exam presents questions
I did Rita’s both 5th & 6th edition that includes all exercises in chapters & Tests my first pass thru the exams I was scoring in the 80s.
I studied the PM bok both 5th & 6th edition, I would say I was spending 1 hr. per night reading or just going thru the PM bok, however I was getting distracted chasing other items like Crosby principals and other trivia that have no use for this exam.
The exam took me 3 hours maybe I am going to fast, my confidence is shaken, I am PM at a major company so I understand this test is not how a pm actually does business however I need the PMP, my plan going forward go back thru the boot camp, study no try & memorize the PM Bok & pay for an exam simulator. I would like to try again September if I fail I am done for the year which is ok I will find another certification & then redo it again however I want to pass. I did 30 years in the military by far this is the toughest test I have ever taken. Any advice would be appreciated, my email is [email protected]
Couldnt agree more Michael. I am working with a major MNC in Program management space for the last 10 years. I gave my first test on 5th edition (before 6th edition came out) and failed with flying colors :) . I am too planning to give it this year. Thanks everyone for pouring your thoughts and ideas on how can we crack it this time. Saving Changes...
Pier Luigi CalabriaProject Manager| INFORM Institut für Operations Research und Management GmbH, Aachen, GermanyAachen, Germany
Stay relaxed during the exam, read carefully, temporarily skip the questions that request you more time to think.
Train yourself to keep high concentration for 4 hours, beforehand.
Of course you need to study the PMBOK and also some good books that will support you to pass the exam (i.e. Rita Mulcahy's). Saving Changes...
Community Champion
