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.
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 Robbin
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1 reply by Robbin Fuqua
Apr 30, 2018 8:15 AM
Robbin Fuqua
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Thanks Faisal
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Robbin FuquaProject Manager IMontgomery, Al, United States
So I purchased and started the CAPM Exam prep seminar for version 6. Glad I was not very far in the version 5 and already I noticed some of the changes.
With that said, I guess I have no choice but to purchase the PMBOK 6th edition. I've seen many poor reviews - mainly about hard to read due to the watermark and so on. Many people were upset and disappointed with PMI for this.
Who here has the PMBOK 6th edition? Is it really that bad?
Also - what additional books can I buy to study? I already have Rita's third edition arriving tomorrow based on the CAPM exam. I assume none of the info relates to verision 6 - should I return it or keep it and use it?
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1 reply by Lavaughn Selvon
May 02, 2018 4:06 PM
Lavaughn Selvon
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Sigh...I would've wanted a hardcopy to write up also but I've read the reviews about the watermarks also.
Be sure to obtain and read the PMBOK Guide and in my opinion, you will have enough resources covered, in addition to what I just mentioned above and what you mentioned you have.
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Martijn ZegersAgile Project Manager| Looking for new assignment's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
There is a lot of common sense that comes down to understanding the PMI flow. Don't try to memorize, as there will be some trick questions in the exam that will test your insights.
Doing the prep exam helps a lot, especially if you analyse the wrong answers
Michael, I have purchased PMBOK 6th edition.
Yes, the paper looks a bit thinner. But for me, the readability was not a problem. Probably because I usually prefer pdf version:) Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Read it twice, taking notes the second time around and creating a booklet of notes I could further write on and take with me for my commute and use during breaks at work. I used other sources like flash cards, etc., but the question is specific to the PMBOK. Saving Changes...
Remember that the PMBOK Guide was NOT written to help folks pass an exam so as Sante & Rami have suggested, you might want to use a different primary reference (e.g. a self-study book or a prep course) and then use the Guide as a reference.
Of course, if you are an insomniac, the PMBOK Guide might be just the cure you are looking for!
Kiron
"if you are an insomniac, the PMBOK Guide might be just the cure you are looking for!"
This totally cracked me up. I started reading 6th edition yesterday but keen interest is a hell of a thing to keep you awake. Saving Changes...
Michael Brian, I didn't get which you're studying for, CAPM or PMP. The focus on both exams is quite different.
Do not forget there is the PMChallenge resource here also.
Michael Brian, I didn't get which you're studying for, CAPM or PMP. The focus on both exams is quite different.
Do not forget there is the PMChallenge resource here also.
I am studying for CAPM.
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1 reply by Lavaughn Selvon
May 02, 2018 3:56 PM
Lavaughn Selvon
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Great. So here's what worked for me. Besides reading PMBOK Guide about twice (had a hardcopy and it's totally written up with notes), and doing classroom and online course, I also did the following: 1. You see that Table 1-4. Project Management Process Group and Knowledge Area Mapping on page 25, make flash cards and practice building that table. (I did 5th edition by the way, but got myself a copy of 6th edition yesterday and started reading...it's awesome!!!) 2. Did over 1000 questions on PMChallenge...that's in here. Did daily whenever I got the chance and these helped a lot as it helped me identify my weak areas to focus on. 3. I also had flash cards on definitions and memory sheets from the online course I did which I used in daily prep (from what you indicated above, you should have these). 4. About 2 weeks before exam, began to practice writing in short terms, the things that I wanted to dump during the first 5 mins of the exam. 5. I read a lot from right here on various topics. Use knowledge and tools feature to zoom in on questions/answers about varying topics. 6. I printed each ITTO summary page at beginning of each knowledge area (example figure 4.1 page 71, figure 5.1 page 130, etc), and used those to have a quick reference on which processes outputs came from and which process they fed into as inputs...wrote those up also. 7. In my class study, we did many questions from Rita's book which I realized were more PMP based. However although CAPM is ITTO based, it was great that I did PMP questions as it helped my understanding of PM.
I gave myself enough time to obtain a full understanding of PM processes and how they interrelate with each other. It's definitely not a matter of memorizing but understanding PM. Last two weeks before exam, I had increased my study time after work to about 2-3 hours per weekday and about 5 hours on weekends. Did not study day before or on day of exam; went in calm; panicked during first 15 minutes; returned to calm and regained all thought of what I had studied and the rest was smooth sailing.
Great. So here's what worked for me. Besides reading PMBOK Guide about twice (had a hardcopy and it's totally written up with notes), and doing classroom and online course, I also did the following: 1. You see that Table 1-4. Project Management Process Group and Knowledge Area Mapping on page 25, make flash cards and practice building that table. (I did 5th edition by the way, but got myself a copy of 6th edition yesterday and started reading...it's awesome!!!) 2. Did over 1000 questions on PMChallenge...that's in here. Did daily whenever I got the chance and these helped a lot as it helped me identify my weak areas to focus on. 3. I also had flash cards on definitions and memory sheets from the online course I did which I used in daily prep (from what you indicated above, you should have these). 4. About 2 weeks before exam, began to practice writing in short terms, the things that I wanted to dump during the first 5 mins of the exam. 5. I read a lot from right here on various topics. Use knowledge and tools feature to zoom in on questions/answers about varying topics. 6. I printed each ITTO summary page at beginning of each knowledge area (example figure 4.1 page 71, figure 5.1 page 130, etc), and used those to have a quick reference on which processes outputs came from and which process they fed into as inputs...wrote those up also. 7. In my class study, we did many questions from Rita's book which I realized were more PMP based. However although CAPM is ITTO based, it was great that I did PMP questions as it helped my understanding of PM.
I gave myself enough time to obtain a full understanding of PM processes and how they interrelate with each other. It's definitely not a matter of memorizing but understanding PM. Last two weeks before exam, I had increased my study time after work to about 2-3 hours per weekday and about 5 hours on weekends. Did not study day before or on day of exam; went in calm; panicked during first 15 minutes; returned to calm and regained all thought of what I had studied and the rest was smooth sailing.
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1 reply by Michael Brian
May 02, 2018 5:24 PM
Michael Brian
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That is some really sound advice, I appreciate it.
So far I changed courses to the PMBOK 6 version on Udemy of CAPM Exam Prep. I do have the PMBOK 5, Rita's third edition book, and will be ordering PMBOK 6 very soon.
I have printed out sections 1-7 of the instructor flashcards. I will be writing those out so I can start utilizing them.
According to the instructor, everything in the course is all I really need (along with reference to the PMBOK guide). He stresses using the flashcards as knowing the terms will be vital in understanding the questions. He pretty much suggested that was is secret study tip and how important it was.
As far as time, I find myself needing to really think of a schedule. Unfortunately I have poor work hours. From 11 - 8 pm. Doesn't leave me much time for living per say lol.
By the time I get home it's 8:30, I workout at home 3 days a week up to 30-40 minutes usually, eat dinner and before I know it it's 11 pm.
I was thinking of utilizing 30-40 minutes per day both at night and before I go to work. I wake up daily at 8 to meditate and catch a video from the course or so. During the week it's really the only time I have to work with.
I have a feeling it may take me longer to learn the material to be confident in taking the exam. The instructor says to do the course within 6 weeks at the most so information stays fresh and momentum is high. I don't know how I can pull that off. I need to find time to pay attention to the videos, read, and practice tests along with flashcards.
Maybe someone can suggest a simplified way to practice each with the time I have and will be effective.
I appreciate all feedback so far. Some really awesome advice.
I'm eager to learn and find my groove to where my study habits are effective.
