PMP Certifications Exam - Experiences

My standard piece of advice for anyone taking the PMP exam is "There is no room for common sense." What I mean by it is that while we are encouraged to solve issues at the lowest level, PMI wants to hear the best and closest response to the perfect world response where the sponsor is engaged at the minute detail and is always available for immediate responses. When PMs work their projects, they don't go straight to the sponsor for questions or concerns. They are vetted at lower levels to get risks and concerns discussed first and most times, the sponsor's representative will be able to respond for the sponsor.

I've received the PMP, PgMP, PfMP, and PMI-SP, and my key piece of advice is to read the question and then ask yourself "where am I in the process?" The answer to this question can give you perspective that will lead you to the correct answer!

Fully agree with Heidi. Prepare yourself to "fly with a helicopter" and every approx. 2 minutes you do touch down in a different scenario where you need to apply the PMBOK framework correctly from the PMI perspective. Always think in LARGE project environments.
If you are well prepared (PMBOK + Rita's book + Test simulations) there will be no shock at all.
Most importantly, prior to the exam start in the test room and in a half-way-through break drink enough water.

Time is the enemy, so don't spend too much time on a question or second guessing yourself. If you have done the appropriate level of study, you should be ok. Read the last sentence first as the answer is often apparent.

Actually it was exactly to what I've practiced for. I used a certified PMP exam simulator that was able to generate lots of questions (almost more than 200 per area). Contentious practice makes it better.

Each questions in the real exam was designed in a way that you'll be able to answer it within 30 to 45 sec. If you spend more than that range then your reading it wrong, trust me it happened to me.

Regards,