George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
One of the most common questions asked by students, a very useful tactic is the Brain Dump, agree on this?
But not handling well or fail to prepare for the brain dump could cause us stress, even before the test begins.
Give us your input on the questions they posts:
• What is PMP Exam brain dump?
• What formulas do I include in it? What's the typical content?
• How much content to I include? How many pages?
• What If I don't want to use a brain dump?
• How to prepare? Do I need to practice?
• Can I take a pre-prepared Dump with me?
• How much time to I have to fill out the Brain Dump prior to the test?
• Do I just print out some brain dump from I site and memorize that dump?
What we are looking for with this post are just recommendations, we know that "it depends" on each one, but giving a useful advise won't hurt anyone. Saving Changes...
Hey guys,for those taken the exams already how do you know the failed questions so that you do not repeat the same mistakes again.I believe the way this exams is administered is not proper.
I don't think you know the exact failed questions, just the general area (Initiating, Executing, etc.) Saving Changes...
I am a proponent of the 1 page brain dump for the exam. Your brain dump should be tailored to what you need.
It should trigger what you already "know" but struggle to "recall". Some helpful categories: the knowledge areas, specific formulas, and other less frequent topics.
It is not a replacement for "here's the answer". Rather it should help you recall what you already know... hence its called a brain dump and not a cheat sheet. Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Jun 16, 2016 9:29 AM
Replying to JANEPHER MWARO
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Hey guys,for those taken the exams already how do you know the failed questions so that you do not repeat the same mistakes again.I believe the way this exams is administered is not proper.
Janepher - That's they way it is, no one likes it but... :) Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
It think we all agree that Brain Dump is useful, in one way or the other. We just have to know what, when and how to used it... so...
Give us your input on the questions they posts:
• What is PMP Exam brain dump?
• What formulas do I include in it? What's the typical content?
• How much content to I include? How many pages?
• What If I don't want to use a brain dump?
• How to prepare? Do I need to practice?
• Can I take a pre-prepared Dump with me?
• How much time to I have to fill out the Brain Dump prior to the test?
• Do I just print out some brain dump from I site and memorize that dump? Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
NK ShrivastavaAI Strategy & Transformation Consultant| RefineMCary, NC, United States
Other than formulas, I think you put everything that you can forget easily such as types of contracts, qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, estimation accuracy levels etc. Though it may look very similar but everyone will have their unique brain dump based on what they can or can't remember.
Bottom line - everyone should have a brain dump, is it very useful in the exam and it is highly recommended.
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1 reply by George Lewis
Jun 18, 2016 6:31 AM
George Lewis
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NK, I agree with you!!!
Saving Changes...
Karthik TSenior Engineering Manager| NikeBangalore, Karnataka, India
Brain dump might helpful for formulae, definitions etc., you can save your time in exam.
To me it was very dangerous. I tried couple of times but never succeeded in brain dump.
In my experience, exam is more of situational questions for which one should try to understand the concept rather than brain dump. Even for EVM formula if you understand the definitions of each terms, you don't need to brain dump. Further more, some questions expect you to derive formula and start calculations based on the situation.
If you are able to brain dump then do it, it can save much time. All the best.
Regards,
Karthik Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Jun 17, 2016 4:29 PM
Replying to NK Shrivastava
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Other than formulas, I think you put everything that you can forget easily such as types of contracts, qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, estimation accuracy levels etc. Though it may look very similar but everyone will have their unique brain dump based on what they can or can't remember.
Bottom line - everyone should have a brain dump, is it very useful in the exam and it is highly recommended.
NK, I agree with you!!! Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Jun 15, 2016 1:23 PM
Replying to Madeline Harris
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I think I had up to 15 minutes for the brain dump, and was handed 5 sheets of blank paper, and more was available upon request. I did not use the full 15 minutes and was able to start the exam once I signaled I was ready. The brain dump was recommended by our instructor, and I am glad that I followed his advice. No matter how prepared you are, the exam is stressful. I "dumped" all the formulas even though I had them memorized. It was far easier to look at the formulas all listed once the questions started than it would have been to think up the formulas when getting to the actual questions.
And, as Jenny said, no taking any prepared materials into the exam.
Yes, more paper is available, but you must return your used sheets. Not ideal, as you may refer to a past question's notes and of course you lose your dump.
You are given a stapled booklet of 3 sheets (6 pages front/back). You are not allowed to seperate the pages. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
You have a free 15 minutes prior to the start of the exam. Take advantage of it. Personally, I find it an obvious use of time to dump down the formulas at the very least. Why make it harder on yourself remembering and keeping straight in your head. It doesn't mean you can't, just focus on what is required. Plus, it is a good time to write out or even draw anything that helps you maintain thought.
Personally, I had my formulas and a quick mindmap. As eluded too, that does not suggest I wasn't prepared in any way. Quite the opposite actually. I don't get why some feel that having a brain dump equates to lack of preperation. Saving Changes...
