I would like to know how some of you attacked studying the PMBOK whether for the PMP or the CAPM.
As I am taking a course which includes mainly video, it has suggested that chapters 4-13 will be on the CAPM exam. I will be utilizing section talks from the video lecture along with self study directly from the guidebook.
It's been awhile since I have had to study in such a matter, so curious as to what is effective to prepare me to be able to take this exam within the next few months.
Michael ButlerProgram Manager | AdvocateHealthWheaton, Il, United States
I approached this a little differently. I knew that I would be sitting for the PMP exam in 3 months and taking a 3 day accelerated course the week before my exam. I requested that vendor of the course send me their training materiel (A book) prior to the course.
I started studying by reading the PMBOK, taking notes, then reading the corresponding vendor book followed by taking on line tests per chapter.
This approach very well for me, I learned the rules of project management from the PMBOK then solidified my learning through a third party perspective.
I found that when I attended the class I was very well versed in the PMBOK and could translate based on the vendors teachings (Along with my experience).
I passed the PMP exam my first time studying this way. Saving Changes...
I was looking to pick up Rita Mulchahy's CAPM Exam Prep 3rd edition. I seen a lot of good reviews including some who used it as their primary source and passed on the first attempt.
Seems like a great book to have.
This may be the way I go while using the PMBOK as a more reference to seek additional info or further explanations on things. So far I am enjoying the course lecture videos and the practice quizzes at the end of each section look to reflect CAPM. Lots of situational questions which I like.
From what I've learned on here with responses, I gather the best way to learn PM is through concept understanding of processes and information within your role. Learning the process and applying through concepts is what will be the best method and seems that it's the natural method taught from what I see with the material. Gives a much better feel then memorization and tedious teachings through boring repetition.
I believe if I can get the concepts down through situational or hypothetical questioning, I will do just fine. It will also help the knowledge portion of skills come more natural.
I would like to apply some of these hypothetical situations to my current position. I work in logistics as a freight forwarder. How can I practice some of these ways of thinking more consciously through my work? Has anyone here participated in an projects involving logistics or freight forwarding to an extent? Saving Changes...
Robbin FuquaProject Manager IMontgomery, Al, United States
I just passed the CAPM (3 weeks ago) and I took as many practice tests as I could. In addition to the tests, I learned the knowledge areas and process groups chart. Another PM told me about a game that I purchased from the app store (ITTO Game) to learn the ITTOs, which helped me tremendously. There are many questions on the CAPM that focus on the inputs, tools/techniques and outputs. Good luck as you study for your exam.
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3 replies by Faisal Adnan Siddiqui, Michael Brian, and Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
I read the PMBoK initially and I would agree that it is a very nice reference book, but as stated above, it was not written to prepare for the exams.
I was fortunate enough to have a colleague that passed the exam a couple months before I started studying and was given excellent advice. She provided me with the prep course that helped her get over the hump of putting the pieces together to grasp a better understanding of the reference book. With the course, they provided me with videos, exam book created by the CEO, question bank, ITTOs book and etc. With all that, I was able to get a better picture of what PMI is looking for when approaching their exams.
After I felt well prepared for my exam, I went to youtube and searched for ways to address PMI situational base questions. For instance, what are common sense rules to address the questions. I was able to find a few videos that helped me gain the holistic view that I needed to sit for the exam with confidence.
I hope this help. If you have any questions, let me know.
I just passed the CAPM (3 weeks ago) and I took as many practice tests as I could. In addition to the tests, I learned the knowledge areas and process groups chart. Another PM told me about a game that I purchased from the app store (ITTO Game) to learn the ITTOs, which helped me tremendously. There are many questions on the CAPM that focus on the inputs, tools/techniques and outputs. Good luck as you study for your exam.
Congrats on passing!!
I will definitely look in to the app. Thank you! Saving Changes...
Robbin FuquaProject Manager IMontgomery, Al, United States
Thank you. The app is definitely helpful. Saving Changes...
I just passed the CAPM (3 weeks ago) and I took as many practice tests as I could. In addition to the tests, I learned the knowledge areas and process groups chart. Another PM told me about a game that I purchased from the app store (ITTO Game) to learn the ITTOs, which helped me tremendously. There are many questions on the CAPM that focus on the inputs, tools/techniques and outputs. Good luck as you study for your exam.
Well done Robbin. Saving Changes...
Tamer Zeyad SadiqAssistant Cost Manager| Turner & TownsendRiyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia
Saving Changes...
Tamer Zeyad SadiqAssistant Cost Manager| Turner & TownsendRiyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia
I absolutely agree with my colleges!!!! PMBOK is a basic book for project management. You should read more than time. Its very important then you should also read Rita book to understand the concepts. After that, you should solve a lot thousands questions to understand PMP exam like : PMSTUDY, PRCAST & in Udemy applications!!! Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
There are also some groups dedicated to PMP/CAPM learning on LinkedIN, e.g. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2356441 They provide tips and resources. Saving Changes...
