Ramesh GomatamE2E Lead Project Manager| Bank Of AmericaFrisco, Tx, United States
I just passed my PMP exam yesterday. That's a big relief. I did not think it was tough overall except for few questions. I completed the exam in 3 hr 35 min with 25 remaining minutes I used to revisit some of the marked questions. I scored 4 out of 5 sections with Above average grade except for Closing. I guess the structure I used paid off. Overall the exam experience was really good and I am happy for it.
This is what I did.
1. First I attend the class which gave a good exposure to what is expected out of the certification in terms of which areas you need to concentrate more on, and how to think about the questions plus how much time and effort is required. That class gave a good overview of the exam strategy (whether to read the entire question or not as some questions are really the last line in the question paragraph and rest of the details in the question is nothing but noise). I would suggest to do that first as it also covers your 35 credit to even apply for PMP.
2. I submitted the application last year Nov 12 (that is correct.I postponed multiple times as i was switching jobs and had to travel for work). 1 more day left for the app to expire but I passed. I would suggest no one to do this. Take your time and read and once ready submit the application.
3. I read PMBOK chapters analyzing each of the ITTO's and how the outputs are connected to the inputs. I did more of mind mapping of the ITTO's and prepared using the old style of pencil and paper to write down the ITTOs and how outputs flows into inputs. I did this exercise everytime I refreshed the chapter.
4. Step 3 for me was important so as to understand how the things flow.
5. For important chapters like Cost/Schedule/Quality/HR/Procruement i did use Rita's book as there are many exercise questions that are key u need to know to pass the test. I did most but not all keeping in mind what things are the weekness for me.
6. My bible was PMBOK and Rita for some chapters (70% PMBOK, 30% RITA). I did not read or study Rita's process chart as it was so confusing and never bothered to do that.
7. I cannot emphasize this enough. Do a lot of online tests..there is an ocean of sites that has sample questions, but be aware of some sights as the answers might not be the correct ones. I also used the prep schools online site to do some timed tests.
I did not do the entire test in 1 sitting as I was doing things adhoc but I guess it worked for me. But this might be different for some who needs to do the test in 1 sitting.
Whatever works for you I would suggest doing lots of questions and really understand what was wrong with your reasoning if you got the question incorrect and understand why the correct choice is the correct one.
Good luck with the preparation and God Speed. Saving Changes...
There are numerous threads on this question on projectmanagement.com. However, here is a quick list of what you need to do as per my experience:
1. Read PMBOK thoroughly and understand the terms, dont memorize
2. I followed Rita's PMP Exam Prep Book, it gives you good understanding of terms.
3. Get some PM fastrack software to get a feel of scenario based questions you will be encountering in exam, they are usually tricky. I followed Rita's fastrack.
4. There are few formulas which you should remember and practice.
5. I recommend 250- 350 hrs study.
6. If you can manage it before 6ht edition take into effect, get to study now.
Good Luck
good steps Najam. One thing I would add here that after reading and practicing on RITA,last few days should be PMBOK.The test papers comes from this book, so understand it well.Reading RITA helped me to understand PMBOK much better and easier. Saving Changes...
Hossam HosniSenior Hydrographic Surveyor| Gulf Dredging and General Contracting CoAlexandria, Egypt
Good luck , Saving Changes...
Markus KopkoAI Enabler for Project & Program Mgmt | Founder PMotion.ai / The PM
AI Coach| PMotion.aiHamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Hello -
i can offer you a "short" guide with reflects the 5 essential Steps on ho to become a PMP.
I can also offer you a very detailed guidance program, but more on that at the end of this posting ;):
Getting PMP® Certified in 5 Steps:
PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® is the most important industry-recognized certification for project managers.
You can find PMPs leading projects in nearly every country and, unlike other certifications that focus on a particular geography or domain, the PMP® is truly global. As a PMP, you can work in virtually any industry, with any methodology, and in any location.
The PMP can also provide a significant advantage when it comes to salary and earning potential. Among survey respondents to PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey, (https://goo.gl/1KDfHb ) those with a PMP certification garner a higher salary (20% higher on average) than those without a PMP certification.*
Employers benefit as well. When more than one-third of their project managers are PMP-certified, organizations complete more of their projects on time, on budget and meeting original goals. (Pulse of the Profession® study, PMI, 2015.) (https://goo.gl/bpPSLr )
The PMP signifies that you speak and understand the global language of project management and connects you to a community of professionals, organizations, and experts worldwide. Become a PMP and become a project hero.
• PMP® Requirements - general (“The Complete Guide To “How To Get PMP Certification”)
? http://goo.gl/umrz68
• PMP® Requirements – 35 contact hours (The Complete Guide to PMP 35 Contact Hours of Project Management Education )
? http://goo.gl/dTL5i2
Step 2: Get started with your PMP® certification preparation. Make a plan! Read the PMBOK Guide, a good PMP prep book (in companion) and use other recommended resources:
STEP 2.1: Make a plan
• Create Your PMP Study Plan - The Complete Guide
? http://goo.gl/fqKm7B
This article shows you how to create your very own study plan based on lessons learned by thousands of students!
• Enroll in our “Project Manager’s PMP Exam prep guidance”-program!
As an alternative to create your own study plan, why not using ours! We have created a guidance program which will guide you through the complete preparation process in a structured and professional way! And the best – it is completely for FREE! No cost and no risk to you. You can start and cancel at any time. You may have a look here:
Let me be your PMP guide program – totally FREE!:
? https://goo.gl/pPDzms
STEP 2.2: Get the PMBoK Guide PLUS a good prep book (at least one) and work through them thoroughly
• PMBoK Guide 5th Edition itself (? http://goo.gl/hgevNQ )
As a PMI member, you will have access to a digital and personalized version of the actual PMBoK Guide version. Otherwise, you need to buy a paper-based version.
• PMBOK Knowledge Areas for Project Management Guide 5th Edition - Process Groups and Processes - The Complete Guide
? http://goo.gl/I2Eusc
Here are some additional article regarding this topic:
STEP 2.3: Choose additional prep material and resources based on your personal learning preferences and behaviors
There are tons of resources available out there. Don’t get confused and mislead about it. Think about your personal learning preferences and choose the material that fits them. Do not choose too many resources and get overwhelmed! Sometimes more is less.
For some guidance on this topic please refer to the following article:
The 12 Most Popular PMP Study Materials for your PMP Exam Preparation
http://goo.gl/x22lDd
Step 3: Took a PMP® preparation course (live or online) and get you’re required 35 contact hours of PM training.
You should already read about it here (refer to step 1 of this 5 step guide):
• PMP® Requirements – 35 contact hours (The Complete Guide to PMP 35 Contact Hours of Project Management Education )
? http://goo.gl/dTL5i2 Next question you have to answer yourself: “Should I go to a live class/boot camp or is it better to use an online course for self-learning (or something in between …)?!
Once again, this depends on your very own learning preferences and behaviors. Some of us do need a teacher in front of us and others prefer to learn completely on their own.
Here are some articles with helpful information and guidance regarding this topic:
Five Reasons to Attend a PMP Exam Boot Camp to Pass the PMP Exam
If you consider going for an online course then we would highly recommend the “PM PrepCast” by the well-known Cornelius Fichtner:
Prep Cast:
? http://goo.gl/KUPFBG
Step 4: Finalize your preparation: Utilize a professional online Exam simulator. Analyze and enhance your results. Use flashcards and study tables, review your notes from class and take lots of practice exams.
• Practice, practice, practice – cause practice is the key!
We can’t underline that more! And we would recommend NOT ONLY doing as much sample questions as you can, cause practice is the key!
Furthermore, you should go for really SIMULATING the exam.
It is not an easy job to do 200 (more or less difficult) Questions in a time frame of 4 Hours.
Those 4 Hours could get really long and/or you could run out of time in case you will hang on to long to one very difficult/complex question for instance.
So, you should train your time management for the exam also.
You can do so with those tons of free sample question available on the internet, but in our experience, a professional tool which provides you exactly the exam circumstances is much better for this.
Yes, it may take a little invest, but from our point of view and our experience, this is priceless.
We would like to recommend you the exam simulator by Cornelius Fichtner, which provides you ? 1.800 high-quality PMP questions and which gives you ? high flexibility in how to train your questions up to max. ? 9 fully loaded and timed exam simulations, each with ? 200 individual questions.
You may have a look here: ? http://goo.gl/9jh79N You may earn an exclusive 20% (!!!) discount on this one by using the code MARKUSQ417 while checking out!
To get an idea of what you can expect, please use ?the free/trial version to try out: ? http://goo.gl/SorPfD And again there are some other options available out there which are also good to use for this:
Pmaspire Exam Simulator:
For a more detailed guidance program which works like your own study plan please read further:
All those tips and even more PLUS a structured study guide PLUS additional checklists (like an “Exam Day Countdown” for instance …) PLUS Expert advice PLUS a great community of PMP aspirants … this all you can get by enrolling in our completely FREE “Project Manager’s Exam Prep Guidance” –Program:
You've received a lot of good advice, so far. One more thing I would do is launch the online application and go through how you are expected to record your experience. Don't worry about the application timing out, right now. You're just doing this to understand the requirements, not to actually start filling it out. Saving Changes...
Anicet AdjahossouFunctional Manager| United NationsDenver, Co, United States
Nov 11, 2017 8:03 AM
Replying to Drew Craig
...
^ Additionally set a path for yourself toward the goal. Considering your external influencers; spouse, family, work, etc., determine [realistically] what can be done daily and weekly to progress toward the finish line - content, study time, study style...
In conjunction with that, prepare and submit your PMP application. Get this step out of the way prior to going headstrong into your studies. You don't want to get derailed by the difficulties in preparing the application or the possibility of non-approval. Also, be prepared for the potential of an audit. Nothing to worry about if you have prepared with integrity. We'd suggest notifying your references to inform them prior just in case.
Good luck!
Hello Andrew,
What would you mean by: "be prepared for the potential of an audit"?
Thank you for a bit more clarification.
Anicet Saving Changes...
Douglas SanderPM Consultant| Omni Consulting Solutions, LLCRio Rancho, Nm, United States
Rita's Exam Book. Read it, take all the practice tests, then reread the book and then retake the practice tests. Try and get 80% or above on all tests. Saving Changes...
First you should have done some project management in either engineer, lead or manager capacity. This is very key to clearing exam. Books from PMBOK and by Rita Mulcahy will support and enhance your PM skills and help you clear exams. Perform some online exams before you go to real PMP exam. Be honest to yourself!! that's it... Saving Changes...
I can’t emphasize enough the use of Rita's PMP Exam Prep Book!
Great study aid and way to really understand the material and best to apply it.
I echo James!
Rita's book and/or CD paired with the PMBOK with lots of practice questions! Saving Changes...
Mansoor MustafaSenior PM| Government DepartmentRawalpindi Punjab, Pakistan
Study PMBOK and rita book and try to solve questions at end of each knowledge area and once you get some mastery then try some online simulator for test yourself Saving Changes...
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