pmp lessons learned

I passed my PMP exam on December 13, 2010, and I will share my PMP lessons learned in today’s blog post.

Note: Although these are old lessons learned, it is one of the most visited posts on this blog. Therefore, I have updated this blog post with additional comments to make it more useful for the aspirants preparing for the current exam. The lessons learned are old but provide valuable information that is still helpful and will always be helpful.

I hope you will find my PMP lessons learned helpful in your PMP exam preparation.

Let’s get started.

I decided to apply for the PMP exam back in May 2009.

After collecting all the information and reading the PMP Handbook, I started looking for an affordable training program. I found that programs in Kuwait were too costly.

So, I widened my search for a low-cost training program in my home state (Uttar Pradesh—India). I could not find any PMP training providers near my location, even in my state capital.

I had no other option except to attend a classroom PMP training in New Delhi, about 400 miles from home. I started this training program during my vacation in the first week of January 2010. The PMP Handbook was the only book I studied before joining the training program.

I did not find any online PMP training program at that time, though PM PrepCast was available in audio format. Unfortunately, I could not find it.

I began the training without doing my homework and suffered a lot because of my lack of preparedness. During sessions, I often could not participate in the discussions and faced many new concepts.

It was an embarrassing situation, and I still regret it.

All participants were given a Head First PMP book, manual, mind maps, and a CD with PMP exam sample questions in class.

I had a poor impression of the Head First PMP book. Initially, it looked unusual to me. It contains hand-drawn diagrams, different types of fonts, notes in the margins, etc. However, as I started studying the book, I liked it. It helped me understand important concepts.

The Head First PMP book has not yet been updated with the latest exam content outline applicable from the 2nd January 2021, so I recommend you go for the Rita Mulcahy book instead of the Head First PMP.

After completing the training, I joined the PMI membership and applied for the PMP exam.

My application was approved, and I started my studies slowly. I lost interest in studying a few days later, and then I stopped my PMP exam preparation completely.

I became busy and forgot about the PMP exam. Suddenly, my eligibility was approaching its expiry, and then I woke up and applied for the PMP exam. I was not selected for the PMP audit.

I headed to the Prometric website (now Pearson VUE is conducting the PMP test) and scheduled the exam. I had three months to prepare.

You currently have the option to attempt the exam from home; however, I would not recommend you attend a proctored exam if there is a test center available locally. A small error, system jam, or power outage can cause you to fail your test.

After I applied for the exam, I got a boost and started to study rigorously. I don’t know where I got this energy, but I was excited and devoted to my studies.

I had a great deal of passion and enthusiasm after scheduling the exam.

After reading the Head First PMP book twice, I read the PMBOK Guide. At first, reading the PMBOK Guide was not enjoyable. However, I was more comfortable with its concepts and enjoyed it the second time.

Now, you will have to focus on the PMBOK and the Agile Guide.

I also purchased Kim Heldman’s book, which was fantastic. The book is organized according to the process group, while the Head First PMP book is based on knowledge areas.

So, I had two books with different perspectives. Kim Heldman’s book was more detailed than Head First PMP. I studied both Kim Heldman and the PMBOK Guide twice.

I did not buy any simulators to practice the questions. I used the exercise questions in both books and a few online tests.

I only used Oliver Lehmann and Head First Labs (This test is not available now). The Head First Labs test was straightforward, and the Oliver Lehmann test was tough.

I focused on reading and spent little time practicing questions. The three months were enough PMP exam preparation time for me.

I visited the test center a day before my scheduled exam to avoid having to search for it on exam day. The next day, I reached the test center 30 minutes before the scheduled time and completed all the formalities.

Though I did not use any simulator to practice the sample exam questions, I don’t suggest you do the same. Use any good-quality PMP exam simulators to practice PMP example questions. One such simulator is the PM Exam Simulator by Cornelius Fichtner.

Read my PMP exam simulator review.

The exam started with a familiarization session. This was an introductory session; it showed me how to select an answer, use the calculator, and so on. The duration of this session was 15 minutes.

This did not count towards the exam time. Therefore, I completed this session within five minutes and took the remaining time to note some important concepts and formulas.

The PMI has banned making notes during this awareness session. You must end the session, start the exam, and then you can make your brain dump.

After completing my notes, I took a two-minute rest, completed the session, and then the test started. The questions were neither too tough nor too easy. Some questions were lengthy, but most of them were average length. Shockingly, I found a few repeated questions.

The mathematical questions were easy and were based on the formulas.

Be careful while solving situation-based questions; these are tricky.

I took my first break after one hour and my second after completing all the questions after two-and-a-half hours. I spent the rest of the time reviewing the questions and answers.

When I attempted the test, there were no scheduled breaks, but now, after January 2, 2021, you will have two scheduled breaks. One break is after the 60th question, and the second is after the 120th question. The duration of the break is 10 minutes.

After a final review, I submitted my answers. A survey followed this. At last, I saw my result.

“Congratulations! You have passed your PMP Certification Exam.”

After seeing the result, I left the exam room, and the Prometric staff gave me a printout of my results and congratulated me. I could not express my feelings in words. This was one of the happiest moments of my life. I informed my friends and had a little party that night.

This was my journey to become a PMP.

PMP Lessons Learned

My PMP exam lessons learned are as follows:

Lesson Learned #1—Collect Information on the PMP Exam Application Process

Get a PMI membership and become involved with your local chapter. Meet PMPs and ask them for their lessons learned. It will motivate and energize you.

The most authentic source for PMP exam-related information is the PMP Handbook. So, please read it.

Lesson Learned #2—Read a Good PMP Exam Reference Book and the PMBOK Guide

This will help you understand the training well.

I joined my training program without opening the PMBOK Guide and suffered a lot. It would be best if you weren’t in my position.

Note: Now, you have to read the PMBOK and Agile Guide.

Lesson Learned #3 – Take an Online Training Program

Do not join a classroom training program unless you have a strong reason. I suggest you take an online 35-contact hours program instead.

Online training programs are affordable and flexible; you can attend them anywhere. I spent two nights traveling and three days in a hotel for my training.

At that time, online training programs were not well known. Now you have options, so choose wisely.

Lesson Learned #4—Schedule the Exam

This is the most important PMP lesson learned.

After completing the training program, schedule the exam for three months. This is enough time for your PMP exam preparation.

If you think you will prepare well, schedule the exam; trust me, you will never feel ready. Your hidden potential will emerge once you schedule the exam, and you will be motivated to prepare well.

You won’t take your preparation seriously unless you schedule the exam. You may lose interest if you don’t do it right after completing the training program.

Lesson Learned #5—Refer to At Least Two PMP Exam Reference Books

My favorite is Head First PMP, and my second choice is Kim Heldman. You can also use Rita Mulcahy instead of Kim Heldman.

Reading two books will give you different perspectives and more insight into the concepts.

Read the PMBOK Guide as many times as you can. I went through it more than five times.

Lesson Learned #6—Use a Good Quality PMP Exam Simulator

I did not use any simulators; I only practiced the questions available at the end of the PMP reference books and supplied by my training providers, and those were enough for me.

However, I suggest you use any good-quality PMP exam simulator. It provides many practice questions and mock tests to iron out any weaknesses in your knowledge.

These should be enough for you.

Don’t try every free test available on the internet. Most are outdated, with poor-quality questions. Moreover, they don’t offer any support.

Lesson Learned #7 – Don’t Try to Memorize ITTOs

Don’t memorize ITTOs; they’re not easy to remember, and trying to do so will only waste your time and probably demoralize you. If you follow my instructions for the PMP exam preparation, I assure you that you will solve more than 70% of the ITTOs yourself.

ITTOs are there to understand the project management process flow, not for memorization. So, understand them, but do not try to memorize them.

Try to understand the sequence of activities from “develop project charter” to “determine the budget process.” Many questions in your exam come from these processes.

Now, you won’t find any ITTO-based questions in the PMP exam. In fact, the PMBOK Guide 7th Edition has no ITTO concept. So, stop worrying about ITTO.

Lesson Learned #8—Don’t Forget to Verify the Answers

This is important.

Don’t forget to verify your answers before the final submission. Even though you know the correct answer, you may have mistakenly clicked the wrong option.

I was a victim of this.

While checking my answers, I noticed that I selected incorrect answers for two or three questions even though I knew the correct one.

This may happen to you as well. Therefore, before completing the test, check all your answers again to avoid this error.

Lesson Learned #9—Don’t Leave Any Answer Blank

I attempted to answer all the questions, even if I was unsure. Please note that the PMP has no negative marking, so don’t leave any questions unattempted. Leaving a question blank ensures that you won’t get any marks while selecting an answer gives you a 25% chance of being correct.

Attempt all questions, and don’t leave any answers blank.

Summary

The first step to passing the PMP exam is to make a plan and follow it because you plan to fail if you fail to plan. Understand the PMP exam process, attend a training session, and schedule the exam. I strongly recommend you schedule the exam as soon as you complete your training so you will take your studies seriously.

Most experts believe that three months is enough. I completed my studies during this time, and I believe this duration will be enough for you, too.

Good luck with your PMP exam.

These are my PMP lessons learned. I hope it was helpful.

If you want to share your PMP exam lessons learned on this blog, you can contact me through the comments or send me an email at [email protected]


I will share a few PMP exam lessons learned from successful exam takers.


Jones Peterson’s PMP Exam Lessons Learned

JONES PMP LESSONS LEARNED

Soon after attending the PMP training course, I started reading the PMBOK Guide’s knowledge areas. I purchased a mobile app, “PMP Prep,” which helped me prepare for the exam. This app’s questions were not similar to the PMP exam, but they pushed me to go through the PMBOK Guide.

After reading each knowledge area, I evaluated my understanding by using the same app. Since it was a mobile app, I had the flexibility to take tests anywhere and receive immediate feedback. It was convenient.

After completing the PMBOK Guide for the first time, I concentrated on process groups, and it was like reading PMBOK the second time with a focus on the process group. Afterward, I took the tests in Kim Heldman’s book, which had questions according to the process group.

I started remembering keywords and mapped them in my mind with relevant topics (to name a few: “Guide-plan.” The project management plans usually serve to guide the project manager on a particular process or knowledge area; “non-value-added activities”…process analysis; “accuracy, standards”….quality; “best practices”…benchmarking; “stability”….control limit, control chart; “systems interact”…..context diagram; “pre-qualified stakeholders”….focus groups; “decide”….decision tree;).

Meanwhile, I started applying some of the PMBOK processes to my two scrum projects. It gave me confidence, improved the team’s morale, and helped me relate to the PMBOK knowledge areas and process groups.

I kept reading, slowly and steadily, but didn’t know when I should schedule my exam. I wanted to give myself 45 days’ lead time before I appeared for the exam. I scheduled the exam, and my exam preparation pace was increased, and I was spending no less than 4 or 5 hours a day reading the PMBOK and taking practice tests.

After scheduling the exam, I asked the PMI India customer-care for a link to the mock test. I took the test once and got an idea of the questions. I got to know where I was lagging and re-took the mock exam a couple of days before the final exam. This helped a LOT!!

As supplemental learning, I read through “Head First PMP,” and it helped me understand some unclear concepts, as the book narrates concepts in a simple way. I was able to recollect and understand the forward pass and backward pass concepts and much more using the Head First PMP book.

I tried reading through Rita Mulcahy’s book, but I could not connect much with the book for some reason. I was more comfortable with PMBOK itself. I just took two or three tests from Rita’s book but did not proceed any further. (This is just me. Many have found Rita’s book to be useful. So, please don’t take this as a lesson from me. Each of us is unique, and we connect to different authors in different ways.)

In the spirit of testing my understanding, I used Christopher Scordo’s book of 1,000 questions also. (Got through most of it, but couldn’t complete it all.)

Another mobile app that helped me was Telegram. I subscribed to the Project Management books channel. There, I took the quiz questions regularly, and it helped me reinforce my understanding.

I started taking full-length tests almost four weeks before my exam date (some continuous and some with breaks). I was able to score an average of 73 to 75% only. Probably achieving 80% plus during the practice tests would have given me more confidence to face the exam. I took many tests that might have included no less than 3,000 questions overall (various sources: Christopher Scordo, Kim Heldman, Head First, the app PMP Prep, PM Study Circle…).

A day before the exam, I stopped taking tests and used the time to read all the knowledge areas where I was lagging, especially integration management, which is essential for a Project Manager. I would advise you to stop taking practice tests, if possible, two or more days before the exam, and concentrate on revising concepts.

On the day of the exam, I did not open any book or app. That helped me have a calm mind before the exam. This truly helps. Please try it!

One mistake I made was, that I did not know that questions were asked based on every task mentioned in each of the process groups and that I was graded as scoring Low, Medium, and High on each of these tasks. So, please pay attention to every single task in the PMP outline. Once you score in the Medium or High range, you can score Target and Above Target on all process groups.

All the best!


The PMP Exam Lessons Learned by Harshala Patel

PMP Exam Lessons Learned by Harshala Patel

It feels great to pass the PMP exam on the first try. But, trust me, it requires discipline and dedicated efforts.

I got my 35 contact hours training program from the L & T Project Management Institute. My previous employer’s in-house institute invited trainers and conducted such training programs for its employees and external candidates.

The training program requires students to follow the PMBOK Guide at least once, even if they don’t get it the first time. So I read it. Afterward, I started reading Rita Mulcahy, which helped clarify the PMBOK Guide concepts. It took two months of disciplined reading to finish Rita Mulcahy. Solving the exercises was very helpful.

While reading the PMBOK Guide for the first time, I underlined the important points for later reference.

I revised Rita Mulcahy a second time, along with the PMBOK Guide. This time I finished my reading in 15 days and my confidence level was high.

After this, I focused on the ITTOs using flashcards provided by the training program. It took more time than expected, as I got confused. At this time, I referred to Fahad’s blog and learning notes and built my flow chart for the ITTOs. He explained most concepts in straightforward language, which helped a lot.

I read Rita Mulcahy a third time to revise concepts. Now was the time to gauge how well I knew the concepts. I started solving PMP practice questions like Oliver Lehmann’s 200 questions and online questions through the “PMP Exam Prep” app, which gave me more confidence.

Fahad’s questions helped me to check and verify my knowledge. I solved over 1,500 practice questions on different platforms, including the Whizlabs mock exam simulator. With this, I felt I was ready for mock tests and started attempting mock tests, which were very challenging considering the time pressure, lengthy questions, and struggle to stay seated for 240 minutes.

I tried five mock tests. I scored around 65%, so I worked hard to improve my scores to above 80%. At this time, I felt confident and planned to schedule the exam. Every time I attempted any mock test and reached the 200th question, the duration was close to 240 minutes, which left no time to review marked items.

On D Day

I was nervous but confident. I knew that my biggest struggle would be time management. I set a target to finish 50 questions every hour, which I did during my first hour. But the next 50 questions were more complicated and tricky, so they took 75 minutes to complete.

This pressure to make up for the lost time made me more nervous. The next two hours were now pivotal. Even though I could not afford any breaks, I still took a 3-minute break to have water. Since you cannot have water on your desk, you must go to your allocated locker to access your water bottle. Caution: they allow nothing in the examination hall except your ID.

I completed all 200 questions in 235 minutes. I had only 5 minutes to review the marked items, but I could review only ten questions. As I felt confident about the answers, I didn’t change any.

When the time was up, it automatically submitted my answers, and within a few seconds, “Congratulations” was flashing on the screen, which gave me tremendous happiness. My hard work of five months was worth it for this moment.

I want to thank Fahad for his blogs, learning notes, “The A2Z of the PMP Certification Exam” book, and the PMP Question Bank that helped me achieve my goal of successfully passing the PMP exam on the first attempt.

Thank You!

Regards,

Harshala


The PMP Exam Lessons Learned by Rajdeep Sengupta

PMP-Lessons-learned-Rajdeep-Sengupta

I had been aspiring to become a PMP for the last 4-5 years, but I couldn’t plan it because of my involvement in construction jobs. Then, earlier this year, I took on the challenge and started my journey. 

Before I start my lessons learned, let me give you a list of the resources I used during my PMP exam preparation.

Resources Used

I used the following resources for my PMP exam preparation: 

  • I started my journey with Head First PMP. This book has a user-friendly approach. I recommend it for non-native English speakers.
  • The PMBOK Guide 6th Edition—This is mandatory for every applicant. I reviewed it six times.
  • I read only selected topics from Rita Mulcahy’s book.
  • Many thanks to Fahad for suggesting Kim Heldman. I read seven chapters of this book and it helped me understand many concepts.
  • Fahad’s blog—It is a rich resource and highly recommended.
  • Simplilearn Forum and blog.
  • Edward’s terms.
  • Quora.

Mock Tests

Attending mock tests is a critical tool to crack the PMP exam. I attended around 20 full-length mock tests. This helped me with time management, both my pace and speed in the real exam. 

Here is the list of the mock tests I found helpful: 

For ITTO and direct questions: 

  1. Whizlab’s 5 full-length mock tests.
  2. PM Challenge from www.projectmanagement.com

Conceptual questions with an average difficulty, similar to the PMP Exam: 

  1. Fahad’s PMP Bank questions (2 full-length mock tests from Amazon].
  2. Simplilearn (7 full-length mock tests).
  3. Udemy (3 full-length mock tests). 

Question banks with moderate to high difficulty levels: 

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  1. Oliver Lehmann’s free 200 questions
  2. PM PrepCast free 120 questions 

Numerical questions: 

  1. Whizlab’s numerical questions.

My PMP Exam Preparation Journey

I wanted to share my journey as it was dramatic, and I did not give up hope. My family members supported me in this endeavor. A special thanks to my wife; she lived on her own with our two-year-old son during my four months of preparation.

I went through different blogs and Quora to prepare my strategy. Then, I started my studies with Head First PMP in last February. I took two months to read the book, but I could not dedicate enough time because of my job commitments. 

At the end of April, I joined PMI membership, downloaded the PMBOK Guide, and studied it. At first, I found the PMBOK Guide to be very difficult, and I spent almost three months going through it. I took another three weeks for a second reading and a better grasp of the subject. 

On August 19, I subscribed to Simplilearn to earn 35 contact hours and take the mock tests.

Then I began the exam scheduling process, and this is where the story starts.

During the PMP application process, I learned that exam patterns would change on the 15th of December 2019, and everyone was advising candidates to book early. When I submitted my application, I was selected for an audit. It was the last week of August 2019 and a big blow for me. I didn’t know anything about handling the audit. My supervisors had been transferred to different locations. I took two days to plan, and then I took action. 

I reached out and convinced my supervisors to fill out the form. They assured me that they had verified my information, but I faced many difficulties following up from a different office. They sent the form by courier, and then the local political party declared a strike. 

Communication stopped for 2-3 days; more days passed, and it was the middle of September. I did not know when I would be eligible for the exam. But I did not give up hope. 

I remember the day I roamed the town on a three-wheeler to find a courier. I finally gathered the documents and sent them to the PMI office in Pennsylvania. 

In the last week of September, my audit was completed. Thankfully, after receiving my application, the PMI took only half a day to clear my audit. I booked my slot on the 21st of October and applied for leave; however, another twist was waiting. 

I completed my studies as per the schedule and always checked my inbox. I called the exam center on the 19th of October for directions, and they told me that taking an exam on the 21st was impossible.  When I asked why, they told me only the exam vendor could answer that question. I was shocked when I hung up because my leave was only until the 21st of October. 

I contacted Pearson VUE, and it took fifteen minutes for me to convince them to investigate the issue because I had not received an email from them. The evening after my rigorous follow-up, Pearson was forced to cancel the exam (I later found out that it was due to technical issues at the exam center, but the exam had been canceled for the previous day only). I booked my exam for the 22nd of October with a different test center. 

I called my office and extended my leave. But there was another disappointment. On the evening of the 21st, I received an email that the exam on the 22nd of October was canceled. I booked the 23rd of October and extended my leave yet again. 

When I finally sat down to write my exam, I found that the questions were not very difficult. I completed it in 3 hours and 44 minutes and then reviewed my answers. I got “On Target” in 3 process groups, “Above Target” in 1 process group, and “Needs Improvement” in 1 process group. Unfortunately, I failed. 

After all I had been through in terms of applying, exam preparation, and the various roadblocks, the failure came as a big blow. I was very disappointed and felt very discouraged. I felt like everything was over, and I would never be able to crack the PMP exam in my lifetime.  At this stage, my wife stepped in, supported me, and encouraged me not to give up. 

At this time, I communicated with Fahad Usmani and learned about his blog.  He advised me to score “Above Target” in all domains and read Kim Heldman’s PMP book. Later, I purchased Fahad’s PMP 400 questions (2 full-length mock tests from Amazon). After consulting with Fahad Usmani and reviewing the resources he recommended, I gained confidence once again. I scheduled my PMP exam on the 1st of December. 

I changed my study strategy and focused more on practicing high-quality practice questions.  On the day before the exam, I went out with my family to dine out, and it helped me relieve exam stress.  On my second attempt, I was able to pass the exam with a score of “Above Target” in two domains, “On Target” in two domains, and “Below Target” in one domain. The questions were of average difficulty. 

My advice is to research your study resources well, find ways to stay motivated, and not give up if you are unsuccessful. During the exam, review every question and give choices carefully. Figure out a system of keeping track of time. I do not recommend checking the time after every question. I checked my time after every 20 questions. 

Again, I wish to convey my sincere thanks to all who provided advice or support during this journey.

Regards,

Rajdeep Sengupta, PMP


Manish Das’ PMP Exam Lessons Learned

manish pmp lessons learned

Hello, I am Manish Das, and I passed my PMP exam in July. Below is my PMP exam study plan and lessons learned.

Preparation Background

In August, I started my PMP exam preparation, enrolled in Joseph Phillip’s Udemy course, and watched the course for 3-4 hours a week.

The project management concepts were building up, and I could absorb the material in small chunks as the course progressed, but I did not set my target date for the PMP exam.

One evening, while on my way home, I came across a Google news feed where a person had shared his success story of clearing the PMP. I bookmarked this page and read this blog and all the success stories.

The site was clean and clutter-free, with no high-pitched selling, and it was full of useful info related to PMP preparation. This site was none other than https://pmstudycircle.com/.

Based on the blog’s info, I got my PMI membership and gained access to the PMBOK Guide 6th edition.

I found the PMBOK a bit daunting and dry. I was unsure if I could read it front to back even once, so I searched the internet to understand the importance of reading the PMBOK Guide in passing the PMP exam. I found many mixed opinions, with most people suggesting going through it.

A few members claimed to have passed the exam without referring to the PMBOK Guide.

I half-heartedly completed the first read of PMBOK by the end of Dec 2019, and then I emailed Fahad for guidance in January 2020 after completing the PMBOK for the first time and earning 35 contact hours from the prep course. Fahad advised me to read Head First PMP thoroughly, then go for Rita and the PMBOK Guide.

He also advised me to read the PMBOK Guide as many times as possible and enroll in the PM Exam Simulator by Cornelius Fichtner.

With this minimal advice, I realized I had a long journey before taking the exam. I followed Fahad’s advice, enrolled in the simulator, and read Rita’s book.

The types of questions presented inside and at the end of the chapters were thought-provoking.

Realization dawned on the level of question comprehension required to apply the PMP concepts in answering correctly.

I bought Fahad’s PMP Formula Guide in Feb and mastered the mathematical part of the exam. This gave me confidence that I was on the right path. I kept reading the blog and the emails from Fahad.

I continued to solve 30-40 questions regularly from the exam simulator to build confidence.

I asked Fahad for guidance again in April, as I wanted to take the exam in May. Until this time, I went through half of Rita’s book and wanted to rely on my understanding of the PMBOK and exam simulator.

However, he asked me to read Rita’s book twice and solve all the questions from the simulator. Being the only source to consult, I took his suggestion and read Rita’s book twice and the PMBOK Guide thrice.

I covered the exam simulator almost twice by taking the exams in chunks of 100 questions; initially, I solved 30 to 40 questions daily. While solving questions, I started to recall most concepts from Rita’s book and the simulator.

I scheduled my exam for 2nd July at 11 pm to have a quiet time with no disturbance from my 3-year-old.

Two weeks before the exam, I wanted to take mock tests from a different source, and I attempted question banks from Tridib Roy on Udemy. The questions were good and had sections on ITTOs and Agile.

On the day of the PMP Exam:

I took the exam from home as no center in my area offered it.

I ensured that the exam software was installed, worked beforehand, and logged in 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The login process was smooth.

Due to my nervousness, I touched my face frequently while the instructions were being displayed.

The proctor pinged me to know that this gesture was not allowed and could lead to disqualification.

I immediately corrected this behavior.

Once the exam questions started flashing, I answered the questions quickly.

The questions were short but not direct and situation-based. There were 8-10 mathematical questions. Only a few required using the whiteboard as all of them were easy.

New questions stopped being presented after the 89th question. An optional break of 10 minutes was available.

However, the notice read that I could not review the questions after the break. I took 20 minutes to revise the 89 questions and took a break after 120 minutes. In these 10 minutes, I updated my wife, who was eager to learn how I performed.

I drank some water, stretched a bit, went to the washroom, and went back to restart the exam’s second leg. 

I completed the exam with 15 minutes to spare. I used this time to review the marked questions.

On the final submission, a congratulatory message flashed up. I was happy that I passed the exam on my first attempt.

Lessons Learned:

  1. The whiteboard usage needs some practice, so familiarize yourself with it. Through blogs and YouTube, I found that this whiteboard is similar to the one used in the PMP exam.
  2. I had not plugged in my laptop charger. I had to request the proctor to get up during the exam and plug in the power adapter. It is better to have the power cord plugged in during the exam.
  3. Having a mouse helps you use the whiteboard and read the questions quicker by pointing the cursor over the text.
  4. Note that the candidate should return after the break before the expiry of the 10-minute counter to avoid cancellation of the exam.
  5. At some point during the exam, I was reading the questions aloud. This prompted a warning from the proctor. You need to avoid vocalization.

Material Used:

  1. The PMBOK Guide
  2. Rita’s book
  3. Fahad’s PMP Formula Guide
  4. PM exam simulator by Cornelius Fichtner
  5. Fahad’s Blog (PM Study Circle)
  6. Edward’s Terms
  7. Ricardo Viana Vargas’s explanation of the process flow concepts on YT was helpful
  8. A YouTube video from Aileen Ellis on remembering the major outputs of the 49 processes
  9. Tridib Roy’s question bank on Udemy

Exam Preparation Tips:

1. The PMP Exam Course Outline of the five process areas should be downloaded from PMI.org and read thoroughly (6-7 pages).

Print it out and read it every day.

2. Page 25 of the PMBOK should be learned by heart. No brain dump on paper is allowed, so we need to rely on our recalling power. I believed this to be a disadvantage as no memory dump sheet/calculation sheet was allowed.

3. Along with PMBOK, pick only one exam preparation book like Rita Mulcahy or Head First PMP or PMP preparation by Andy Crowe. It is better to cover the same material twice than look at two different presentation styles. This is my understanding.

4. Solving 2,000+ questions should be a good target for practice. The ability to solve two full-length tests under exam conditions will give you confidence.

5. The glossary in the PMBOK should be very familiar to you. Re-read it as many times as necessary to recall the definitions.

6. Spending time looking at both the correctly and incorrectly answered questions helps build confidence.

Best Regards,

Manish Das



Tushar Srivastava’s PMP Exam Lessons Learned

PMP lessons learned by tushar

I’m glad to inform you that I cleared my PMP exam on my first attempt with an overall score of “Above Target” on 2nd September.

My Result

My score in the four domains Initiation, Planning, Execution & Monitoring, and Controlling was “Above Target.” In the “Closing” domain, I got “Target.”  The overall result was “Above Target.”

Background and Study Plan

I work for an IT organization, managing IT infrastructure projects. The PMP certification has been on my mind for quite some time. Finally, I started working towards a PMP certification during the December break of 2019. I enrolled in SimpliLearn for my virtual classes and training, finished it in the first week of Feb, and earned my 35 PDUs by completing SimpliLearn’s defined criteria. The criteria were to submit one project out of two, for which you get proper instructions.

The project you submit is reviewed for completeness and correctness. You need to clear at least 1 out of 7 mock exams (total 1400 practice questions) with a score of 80% or above to earn your 35 PDUs.

I earned my contact hours by mid-March and then submitted my application. I felt I was on target. But then we were hit by COVID-19. I was distracted and became relaxed as PMI extended the new exam’s launch to Jan 2021. I spent most of my time on office work and with my family, trying to settle down in the new norm of “lockdown.” It was only at the end of May 2020 that I resumed my studies.

I used to wrap up my office work by 11:00 PM every day and then start with my PMP studies for an average of 3 – 4 hours each day without a miss. I maintained the rhythm until the second week of August. After developing some confidence, I booked my exam for the first week of September.

Study Resources

Below are the materials I referenced, which include both free and paid online resources for mock tests.

1) PM Study Circle question bank (360 PMP practice questions – 2 sets, paid questions) – These questions are very helpful in building your concepts, and the detailed explanations to each answer clarify your many doubts. Apart from these questions, Fahad was instrumental in responding to any additional queries I had and explained concepts over email. I’m thankful to Fahad for extending all possible help to me.

2) Whizlabs 1200 questions. It is another source for 1200 questions for 9.95 USD or less (I was lucky to get a 50% discount). These questions will help you with inputs, tools & techniques, outputs, and other concepts.

3) Oliver Lehmann’s 200 PMP practice questions

4) 120 free PMP practice questions by PM PrepCast. If you register with PM PrepCast, you will get another 60 free practice questions. The actual PrepCast practice test simulator has approx. One thousand six hundred questions, but it was expensive – at least it was for me at USD 139; however, with a discount, it is USD 125. However, the free sample practice questions are excellent.

5) Udemy (PMP practice questions by Tridib RoyPaid resource) – Excellent questions and explanations.

6) Please don’t forget that you get 200 free PMP practice questions from PMI after paying your exam fee. If you haven’t received those free practice questions, please use the chat feature on pmi.org (or contact PMI) to ask for the free practice questions. Practice them well and spend time understanding each question. The majority of the questions on the real exam match that standard.

A week before my PMP exam, I took the free practice exam available on the SimpliLearn website and scored 86% in 2 hours 35 minutes. However, I took 3 hours and 45 minutes in the real exam to answer all 200 questions. Most of the questions on the actual exam were undoubtedly tricky, and some matched the PM Study Circle question bank standard.

The bottom line is, there are no shortcuts or tricks to crack the exam. One must be consistent and regular in their studies and understand concepts laid down in PMBOK. I took 3 to 4 hours of study daily for approximately three months (along with my office work) to be exam-ready. Don’t misunderstand me; I’m not trying to set a threshold. One may take less time (or more) for PMP exam preparation and score better; it varies with the individual.

One must understand how the project management processes interact and understand concepts in each process group. It is also essential to review the questions you are unsure of or incorrectly answer while taking mock tests and spend time analyzing, building, and correcting your concepts.

Don’t forget to have a sound sleep the night before your exam. I spent time with family, watched my favorite movie, and slept well before my exam.

I hope this helps.


How Revathi Rajendran Passed Her PMP Exam in The First Attempt

Revathi Rajendran PMP lessons learned

I passed my PMP exam on September 14, 2020. Here goes my success story.

I decided to take PMP in March 2020 and submitted my application. I was nervous about being selected for audit as I was scared that if I was, how would I send documents to PMI during this pandemic as all courier offices were closed?

Luckily, I wasn’t selected for an audit. That was one milestone achieved.

Study Plan

I started reading the PMBOK Guide with Rita, which was entirely out of my head. I was unable to correlate concepts and link processes. However, I have been working as a project manager managing migrations of processes from the US and UK; I struggled to relate PMBOK concepts to the work environment as I do not prepare charters or budgets. I was always involved at the execution level.

So, I was baffled that this fell under the responsibilities of the PM.

I subscribed to Fahad’s mailing list. His emails were informative and included many success stories that made me confident.

I completed PMP training and received my 35 contact hours certificate from Edureka, but it didn’t help me as we had online classes every weekend for one month, and 90 students were doing the course. So, there was a lot of disturbance. That did not help.

Later, I joined the Aileen Ellis course for a month (www.aileenellis.com). Her approach helped me understand project management concepts. 

Then, I returned to Rita’s chapter test, scoring 75%. I started reading the PMBOK Guide, and I was comfortable with it this time.

I was more confident. At the same time, I had Fahad’s notes, which he had shared as my last-minute notes for the exam.

Mock Tests

I used a Udemy mock test (Joseph Philips Cram’s Course and Seminar had a mock test). I enrolled in this course for a refresher before I scheduled my exam.

I took Tridip Roy’s test and was stunned by my score, as I scored just 70%. I was worried, but my husband motivated me to schedule my exam.

On the Day of the Exam

I used Aileen’s videos on Outputs, Process Definition, and T&T. I reviewed the cheat sheet and the T&T definition.

I had made notes on each process’s primary outputs, which was my savior on exam day. So, I breezed through it, and that’s it.

I slept for a while, meditated, and drove with my husband.

I came home and took my online exam.

Online Issue

Despite checking the system several times, I had internet connectivity issues, but I still struggled with my internet on D-day. The proctor told me to call off the exam. I was in tears and asked him to give me another chance to relaunch the exam. I had three different WIFI options, ready to rely on something else if there was an issue.

Luckily, it worked, and I took my exam.

The questions were not close to the Udemy mock test, but I could relate to the questions as I understood the concepts.

After the 89th question, I was given the option for a break. I wanted a break, so I refreshed, returned, and took the second part of my exam.

There was only one question I could not answer, as I could not relate to it. So, I chose one answer randomly, just in case, so I did not leave anything blank. I remembered one of Fahad’s emails where he mentioned that we should not leave questions unanswered.

I was scared when submitting my second part and finishing my exam. It took almost 5 minutes for me to click on “Finish.” Once I did, I could not believe that it took only 30 seconds to load to the page where it said:

Congratulations, Revathi; you have passed your PMP exam, and it’s time to celebrate your hard work. I screamed with happiness. I grabbed my phone and took a picture as I could not believe what happened.

Later, I logged into the Pearson VUE site to see my results, as I was restless about waiting for the PMI results analysis. The exam report came as:

  • Initiating – Target
  • Planning- Above Target
  • Estimating- Above Target
  • M&C- Above Target
  • Closing- Above Target

My overall score was “Above Target.” My great milestone was achieved.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story about the PMP exam.

Regards

Revathi


The PMP Exam Lessons Learned By Ashvini K Chhabra

pmp exam lessons learned ashvini

Here are the lessons learned for my PMP journey.

I had aspired to become a PMP for almost 7 to 8 years. However, I could not pursue it due to long working hours and official tours from 2009 to 2013.

I completed the PRINCE2 but the PMP certification has its charm, as it not only tests your concepts but also how quickly you can decide the best answer. It is similar to a T20 cricket match where, within 20 overs, you need to score, on average, 8 to 9 runs per over (in most, if not all, of the games).

Resources Used by Me

My primary resource was the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, which I read cover to cover three times. It is not an interesting or easy read, but you can’t do without it. Many a time, it confused me. In addition, I referred to Rita Mulcahy’s and Kim Heldman’s books as supplementary resources to clarify the concepts I didn’t understand from the PMBOK Guide. 

I found Kim Heldman’s book more helpful than Rita’s, as he explained the concepts in detail. His work is organized according to the process group instead of by knowledge area. On the other hand, Rita’s book explains the process and procurement management in detail.

I referred to Fahad’s blog from time to time to understand various aspects of the PMP exam, like concepts, mock tests, etc. He has simplified the concepts to provide clarity. I bought his PMP Formula Guide, which turned out to be invaluable.

In addition, I referred to Praveen’s blog from time to time to understand various aspects like study plans, passing criteria, an analysis of study resources, and mock tests.

I purchased the PM Exam Simulator by Cornelius Fitchner for the mock tests. A few years ago, I bought a PMP math book written by Vidya Subramanian. Though it is written for the PMBOK Guide, 5th edition, it still holds well to a great extent. She explains the concepts related to PMP math nicely. In addition, explanations of quality management tools like histograms, run charts, control charts, beta, normal, triangular distribution, and more are covered in detail. 

I used to answer the practice questions from the summary guide given by my training provider, Rita’s book, Kim Heldman’s book, Joseph Phillips’s practice questions, and one more training video on Udemy in my attempt to a wide variety of questions.

In addition, my training provider, M/s EPMC Pvt. Ltd, based in Thane-Mumbai, used to send one question daily after completing the contact hours training course. They offered five full-length mock tests, but I only took one and got 69%. It was a tough mock test.

I thank my mentors, Mrs. Vaijyantee Kamat and Mr. Satessh Kamat from M/s EPMC, for their valuable input and guidance.

I attempted both of Oliver Lehmann’s tests. I scored 61/200 and 84/100.

For Cornelius’s mock tests, I initially chose the two-hour customized test with 100 questions from each knowledge area. I did it twice.

In the first trial, I scored 80-84/100 in eight knowledge areas and 72 & 79/100 in two knowledge areas. I scored 82-92 /100 in all knowledge areas in the second trial.  

I started my studies with the PMBOK Guide 6th edition. I studied 3 to 4 hours a day, and during weekends and holidays, I devoted more time to my studies.

I faced difficulties understanding the PMBOK Guide 6th edition concepts, like Agile, Iterative, Incremental  LC, configuration managementorganization structurecritical path method, quality management tools, EVM formulas descriptionprocurement contract types, etc. 

For these topics, I referred to the study guides mentioned above. I also used a Google search.

Issues I Faced

While answering the online mock exams, I faced the issue of eye fatigue after 45 minutes to 1 hour and it affected my concentration. Due to that, I made some errors while reading the questions, like missing words such as except, first, not, and least, which caused me to misunderstand questions and give incorrect answers. 

While analyzing the results of the mock tests, I noticed that out of the total wrong answers of 10 to 25, nearly 30% to 40% of answers were attributed to an error in reading due to eye fatigue, and I cursed myself. I didn’t face this problem while answering the questions from the printed books. Hence, I was concerned that this would happen during the actual exam. 

I am used to attempting online exams as I have completed certifications like Novell CNE, Microsoft MCP, and Cisco CCNA over the past 15 years. However, those exams were a maximum of two hours, and the PMP exam duration was four hours.

Hence, I discussed the matter with a medical practitioner who prescribed eye drops, and it turned out I had dry eye syndrome. In the long run, sitting in an AC environment in offices can cause dry eye syndrome. Those eye drops helped me to overcome this issue to a great extent. 

I suggest that other aspirants undergo an eye examination before exam preparation. Breathing and concentration exercises are also helpful.  Since this is a four-hour exam, it is advisable that you not go with a fatigued mind.

One week before the exam, I just skimmed through the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, and devoted five hours on the day before to math questions from initiation PG, schedule, cost, and procurement knowledge areas.

My Exam Experience

My exam hall experience was good, and the staff was helpful. The majority of the questions were of medium to high-level difficulty. Most of the questions had two to three very similar options. Hence, choosing the best answer was a challenge, and it took more time. I missed three math questions because they took too long, so I marked them for review to allow me time to answer the remaining questions. The actual exam was more difficult than the mock tests.

My Lessons Learned for PMP Aspirants

I wish to tell all PMP aspirants that reading the PMBOK Guide is a must; read it at least two to three times, cover to cover. Research the topics you did not understand while reading the PMBOK Guide to get the right understanding and solve plenty of practice questions with two to three closely matching options. While studying, try to understand the sequence of actions or processes as many questions ask what you would do next as a project manager.

All the best to the PMP aspirants.

Regards

Ashvini K Chhabra, PMP


PMP Exam Lessons Learned By Srinivas

pmp lessons learned srinivas

This is a PMP exam lesson learned by Mr. Srinivas, a visitor to this blog who passed the PMP certification exam.

I passed my PMP exam on my second attempt in the second week of July 2019. I thank Fahad for sharing knowledge through his blog, which helped me in my endeavor.

I learned about the PMP exam through the internet. Although this certification is not very common in the Indian oil and gas industry, I thought it would add value to my experience as a project manager, so I went for it.

After collecting information on the PMP exam, I searched for a suitable PMP training program and settled on a virtual one. Afterward, I got a PMI membership, downloaded the PMBOK Guide and studied it, attempted the PMP exam, and failed.

Being a science graduate, this was a downer for me. I thought practicing free online tests and reading the PMBOK Guide would be enough. I banked on my experience, too. In the real exam, I ended up with two right answers and could not select the correct answer within the allotted time. By the time I realized my folly, I had wasted a lot of time.

You must learn the essence of the PMP exam from someone who passed before you start your PMP exam preparation.

Freebies are not always useful and can sometimes confuse you. They are good for grasping the basics but insufficient to understand how the PMP exam tests your mettle with time ticking down and the stress involved in choosing between two nearly correct answers.

With my oil and gas background, a few concepts were new to me, unlike most aspirants from the IT field. I prepared alone instead of in a group.

After my first failed attempt, I restarted my preparation with free tests from projectmanagement.com. A second and third review of the PMBOK Guide gave me useful insights.

When I scouted for more questions similar to the real PMP exam, I came across 360 questions from Fahad. I suggest reading the PMBOK Guide at least two times and then trying these questions. It will reinforce your preparation, and you will not regret the cost. I purchased the Kindle edition, and I am satisfied with the content.

The book is worth more than you spend, even if you combine the questions from all free mock tests available online. If you can take a cue from these questions, review the PMBOK Guide one more time and consider what you missed. That is the perfect way to reach your PMP goal.

Apart from Fahad’s PMP Question Bank, I would recommend PMP Questions and Answers by Christopher Scordo. This is a valuable product. Read the PMBOK Guide at least once, attempt these questions, and review what you missed again.

I skimmed through Rita Mulcahy’s book but did not find it useful. I used Cornelius Fichtner’s PM Exam Simulator to practice questions two weeks before the exam.

www.pmppracticeexam.org is another free site I referred to during my preparation. 

I studied for two hours every day, and a week before the exam, I started attempting mock exams. It took three months of preparation to pass, but I believe two months should be fine. The exam will test your performance under stress, so plan your strategies for handling the pressure during the mock tests, and you will achieve your objectives. 

Once I felt ready, I scheduled the exam two weeks later. I was not selected for an audit.

The exam tests your mental endurance under duress. Practice your tolerance. I found that the exam questions were easy; most were situation-based.

I completed the test with five minutes left and had ten questions marked for review. I reviewed them and submitted the answers.

I saw the congratulatory message. I had passed.

After seeing the results, I was elated, as I did not expect to pass the exam with such a high score. I cleared with four “Above Target” categories and one “On Target.”

I want to give my sincere thanks to Fahad. He is the only person and blogger who shares PMP content without looking for any monetary benefits. I will vouch for his material.

One should visit this blog, especially the FAQ section. Certain concepts are clearly explained; I visited his blog regularly for updates and have interacted with Fahad many times. I asked him for some clarification, which he obliged. He is happy to help even if you don’t make purchases. This is a great example of sharing knowledge.

I recommend that all aspirants interact with someone who passed for any suggestions and read the lessons learned by successful exam takers.

Thanks, Fahad.

Regards,

Srinivas Korimilli, PMP


How Did I Crack the PMP exam in 21 days?

Pass the PMP Exam 21 days

This is a PMP exam lesson learned by Mr. Maruthiram, who is a visitor of this blog and has passed the PMP certification exam.

I prepared for and passed the PMP exam in 21 days, and, in the lessons I learned, I will tell you how I did it.

The Roadmap

Before you begin, read blog posts and understand relevant topics well.

Week one: Read the PMBOK Guide and Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep book, focusing on major topics and practice questions. Afterward, attempt your first mock test.

Week two: Read the remaining topics in the PMBOK Guide, have an in-depth look at Rita’s book and practice questions, and try two more mock tests.

Week three: Read Rita’s book again, re-read the PMBOK Guide, and try three or four more mock tests.

21-Day Challenge to Pass the PMP Exam

Background

I had little project management experience when I completed my training in 2015 in Hyderabad for two weekends. This helped me gain a high-level understanding of project management concepts. I didn’t pursue the PMP certification until 2018, when the syllabus was about to change. I thought I could pass the PMP exam with one month of preparation. I attempted, and I failed.

However, during this journey, I was lucky enough to find Fahad’s blog at https://pmstudycircle.com/blog/ and deepfriedbrainproject.com.

Preparation

Here’s my successful formula for cracking the PMP exam with 21 days of preparation.

In 2019, my PMI membership was about to expire, so I decided to attempt the PMP exam again. This time, I was determined to pass. I started looking at the PMBOK Guide. This was a good place to start, giving me an overall picture of the exam content. Some concepts were complicated, but I understood them with the help of the two blogs listed above.

I started with Integration Management from the PMBOK Guide and then reviewed Rita Mulcahy’s book for practice questions. It was not working because the PMBOK Guide provided advanced information, and I did not study much except for reading blog posts. You cannot pass the exam just by reading the PMBOK Guide once and referring to a few blogs.

Rita’s questions showed me holes in my knowledge. You must study a PMP exam reference book to understand concepts.

I realized I had missed many details, so I went back to the PMBOK Guide and referred to the highlighted text in Rita’s book. This helped a lot.

I did the same with other knowledge areas such as Scope, Schedule, and Cost and covered all content in a week. I felt confident and attempted a simulator exam provided by my coaching institute, and I got 112/200, which seemed pretty good for one week of studying.

I did not refer to any extra resources except materials provided by my trainer, Rita’s book, and the PMBOK Guide during my exam preparation. I believe using too many resources is a waste of time. Practicing questions from low-quality sites will lower your expectations and give you false confidence.

I felt ready after 21 days, and I applied for my PMP exam. I prepared for the remaining concepts (Quality, Resources, Communications, Risk, Procurement, and Stakeholders) in the same way for another week and a half.

Then, I looked at Agile Concepts, Professional Conduct, and the first three chapters of the PMBOK guide—Roles of PMTypes of Matrix, PMO, and others.

I took two more mock tests: one from SimpliLearn and got 78%, and another with my coaching institute, on which I got 72%. This helped me boost my confidence. At that point, I realized that I needed to reread Rita Mulcahy as I was missing a few concepts, particularly Quality, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholders, and Resources.

I read these chapters and revisited the PMBOK Guide. Then, I went to other topics such as Integration, Scope, Schedule, and Costs in Rita’s book.

I feel you need a good grip on the Integration chapter, as I saw many questions on change control and close project/phase on my exam.

I attempted two mock tests given by my coaching center, both sets from Oliver F. Lehmann’s website (one-hundred question online test and a two-hundred question full mock test), and by Fahad Usmani (one-hundred question test, and a large four-hundred question test, and PMP Mock Test). I consistently scored above 70% or higher. I advise that you not take the PMP exam until you reliably score 70% or higher on the mock tests; otherwise, you risk failure and the expense of applying for a second attempt.

Lessons from my Past Failure

You must read the PMBOK Guide. Highlight important points if you have a hard copy, or prepare notes if you have the eBook.

Read Rita’s book to understand the concepts. Use my recommended blogs to fill the knowledge gaps and for reference, but do not rely on them completely.

Mock tests and blog posts should not be the backbone of your study. I never achieved 80% on mock tests without preparation, which is why I failed the test on my first attempt. My results showed me I needed a deeper understanding.

Schedule the exam when you score above 70% on mock tests with no aid.

Study Tips

During your PMP training, refer to the above two blogs for a detailed understanding of concepts.

For example, Communications are used for facilitation, explaining what model should be used to communicate, and Stakeholder Engagement explains how to engage stakeholders.

Keep practicing mock tests, even if you have not completed the syllabus. 

Don’t worry about the exam duration; you will have more than enough time if you understand the concepts.

While studying, I found topics like Quality, Communications, Procurement, and Stakeholder Management were easy, but the questions on these topics in the exam were difficult. Study these concepts thoroughly.

While attempting mock tests, make sure you finish the exam at least a half-hour to an hour early; otherwise, it is likely you were not well prepared and that the exam time will be insufficient.

I realized that Rita’s book was a vital resource, and its practice questions were similar to the PMP exam.

Revise all concepts, including your notes and whatever you have highlighted during the last three days before the exam, and cut back on the number of mock tests. I recommend you avoid mock tests the day before the exam as they may undermine your confidence or cause burnout. Be like a capacitor: store your energy for the real exam.

Habits During Preparation

I never attempted such a difficult exam that had a four-hour duration. So, I arranged my routine during my 21-day challenge to give me every possible advantage.

I exercised (a healthy body equals a healthy mind), drank green tea, and avoided my cell phone and the internet because these are serious distractions.

I ate healthy food and avoided eating out as processed products can cause lethargy.

In my free time, I listened to devotional music (Hindu, Sufi) to help me stay positive and avoid negative thoughts.

I didn’t take any leave for my exam preparation.

My daily routine was as follows:

  • Get up at 5:00 am
  • Walk till 5:30 am
  • Prepare for the exam till 8:30 am
  • Work from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Study again in the evening from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
  • Sleep by 10:00 pm

I utilized three full weekends for my preparation. I am thankful for my wife, who helped me to stay focused and distraction-free during my challenge. 

I avoided parties.

During the Exam

Always read the last line of the question and then read the question entirely. For example, the last sentence might say, ‘Which of these is a false statement?’ If you’ve read that first, you’ll look for incorrect information when you read the question.

Set a goal for the number of questions you will complete in a selected duration. For example, during the first hour, I will complete seventy questions.

Use the highlighter tool to highlight important points during the exam. Use the striker to strike off incorrect options. The PMP exam is about eliminating the wrong options. It will be more challenging if you don’t use these tools.

Get earplugs from the exam center and use them to avoid external noise. Some folks were attempting reading assessments during my first attempt, which was distracting.

Avoid wearing jewelry or shoes, as you have to remove them at check-in. Enter the exam empty-handed, like a beggar, and come out like a king.

Try to eat one hour before the exam. I had a light meal of rice, dal, and curd. This kept me from being hungry during the four hours. Avoid eating spicy or deep-fried food before the exam because you might feel thirsty and need to take a break while the clock is ticking.

It is good to figure out in advance where the restroom and the pantry are to get water before entering the room so you can answer nature’s calls quickly.

What’s on the Exam?

I did not find many professional conduct, Agile, or mathematics questions on my exam.

Many questions were from the Integration and close project/phase. If you understand Integration, you will answer at least 40 questions correctly.

Communications and stakeholder management had many confusing questions.

My result was “Target” on three domains, “Above Target” on two domains, and the overall result was “Above Target”.

 I can crack any competitive exam with the techniques used in my 21-day challenge.

Thanks

Maruthiram Kavuri, PMP


Khaleelah’s Journey to Pass the PMP Exam

Khaleela journey to pass the pmp

This is a PMP exam lesson learned by Mr. Khaleelah, who is a regular visitor of this and has passed the PMP certification exam.

First, I wish to thank Fahad for his detailed formula guide. He went to great lengths to explain each formula and concept. I approached him several times, and he responded quickly to all my queries.

Now, let me explain how I prepared for my PMP exam.

I read the PMBOK Guide, subscribed to PrepCast, and completed the training course. Afterward, I practiced the PM PrepCast practice questions. After one month, I attempted a few mock tests, including Fahad’s mock test, which helped me understand where I stood.

I read Fahad’s blog posts. They are a superb resource. I used Google for any concepts I did not get.

I understood the forward/backward pass for a network diagram from the PMP Formula Guide. The formulae regarding vendor payment calculations were well explained in the PMP Formula Guide. Fahad’s PMP Question Bank helped me reinforce my understanding of the theory.

The PMP exam is challenging because of the time constraint, but it becomes easier if you grasp the concepts (for example, resource optimization, schedule compression, etc.) and their application. Trust me, Fahad excels in explaining things.

I never memorized any ITTOs; the key is to understand the concepts. I was worried about that, so I tried many methods to commit the information to memory. Then I read Fahad’s blog post that stated we should not memorize ITTOs but understand them, and I was encouraged. I focused more on tools and techniques and imagined how to apply them.

You need to understand the following concepts to pass the PMP exam.

RACI Charts and Resource Calendars

You will see a few questions on your exam from the RACI chart and resource calendar, so familiarize yourself with these topics.

Histogram, Resource Calendars, Control Charts

You need to understand histograms, control charts, etc.

Understand the difference between control limits and specification limits and be able to determine if a process is out of control.

Earned Value Management

You must know the Estimate at Completion, how to calculate it, and its significance.

For example, does it represent the original budget or the revised budget? Understand the SPI and CPI including calculations and results interpretation.

Know the difference between variance and trend analysis.

Project Selection

You should know project selection methods and be able to select the right one.

For example, if you have many projects, what criteria are used to select the best project? Is it a cost, profit, meeting business objectives, or another determining factor?

Stakeholder Management

You should know how to manage your project’s stakeholders. Stakeholder management is important for your project’s success.

Lessons Learned

You will get a few questions about lessons learned. You should know when to capture lessons learned and how to use them.

Closing the Project

What input is required for closing the project, and what are the outputs? You need to understand the closing process. On the exam, you will find a few questions from this process.

Critical Path Method

The critical path is an important topic, and you should clearly understand the network diagram, finding a critical path, and the related calculations. Calculations include forward/backward pass, total float, and free float, the float of activities on a non-critical path, etc.

Know how to manage a situation when you are behind schedule.  Understanding schedule compression techniques and resource optimization are important.

Change Requests

You should know when and how change requests are raised and approved. Scope creep, gold plating, and control scope are vital concepts to grasp.

You will find many questions on change requests on the exam.

Risk Management

Risk management is a major topic for the PMP exam. You need to understand risk identification, prioritization, and the development of risk response strategies.

You should know how to manage risks, including secondary and residual risks, what you should do after implementing a risk response plan, and how you will select a particular risk response strategy under any condition.

Have a clear understanding of risk categories in the PMBOK Guide and master the grid.

You will be asked what you could have done to prevent a certain situation or what you failed to do. You will also need to identify the authority as a risk or stakeholder.

Contract Types

You should understand contract types, the selection of contracts under different circumstances, the difference between contract types, etc.

Quality

You should know the difference between corrective action, preventive action, and correction and their application.

Will your team be safe from an audit? Can you ensure compliance with the methodologies?

Other Topics

Study the process analysis, tools, and techniques of continuous improvement because you may see a few questions on these topics.

Know the whole process sequence and understand the order from developing the project charter to closing the project. It will help you answer many tricky questions.

These are the lessons I learned from the PMP exam. I hope they will help you with your preparation.


How I Passed the PMP Exam on My 1st Attempt with the Above Target in All Domains?

how i cracked the pmp

This is a PMP exam lessons learned by Mr. Samuel Ofori Odjelua who is a visitor of this blog and passed the PMP exam.

I passed my PMP exam on 20th May 2019. Here is a detailed description of how I did it.

Where My Journey Began

I learned about the PMP certification exam when I was pursuing my Project Management degree in 2015.

I researched its importance and growing recognition; it became my next career goal. I enrolled in a 35 hours training course in February 2017 with BENCHMARK Executive Business School in Accra, Ghana. Then, I went back to school in August 2017 for a master’s program in Project Management.

After graduating in November 2018, I felt ready for the PMP certification exam. In early February 2019, I again attended a PMP training for a recap–sort of–with the introduction of the PMBOK 6th Edition.

How I Studied

I began my studies on February 25th, 2019, and studied for 3 hours daily and 5 hours on weekends. I often pulled all-nighters, losing sleep because this was a big deal. I used the PMBOK Guide, RITA, and Headfirst for my studies. 

My strategy was as follows: I picked one knowledge area, like Scope, from RITA and digested it, then read the same chapter from Headfirst and then from the PMBOK Guide. I repeated the same method for all the knowledge areas, one after the other.

This gave me a good grasp of the fine details. Then, I attempted the trial questions and reviewed any incorrect answers.

Then, I invested time in understanding the process group/knowledge area chart. This is very important.

I tried to understand the ITTOs, their importance, and how they are used. I did not try to memorize them, as this is difficult and dangerous.

The Resources I Used

Apart from the PMBOK Guide 6th Edition, I used:

I watched the process group and knowledge area videos by IZENBRIDGE, EDUHUBSPOT, RICHARDO VARGAS, and other free online resources.

My Application

I applied for the exam on March 20th, 2019, and got approval after one week. I made the payment and scheduled it; fortunately, I was not selected for an audit, so I scheduled the exam for the 20th of May 2019.

I attempted eight mock exams; my scores were 70%, 72%, 90%, 86%, 68%, 80%, 76%, and 76%. I reviewed my wrong answers and got my concepts right. This was my way of closing my knowledge gaps.

I followed Fahad’s PM study cycle blog. Here, he explains in detail the differences and similarities between frequently used terms in project management. This blog was my savior.

I bought his PMP Question Bank, which complies with the PMBOK Guide. Questions in this eBook were similar to what you will find on the exam–the bank is very difficult, and it will get you in shape for the real exam.

The Day of the Exam

I got enough rest the day prior. On D-DAY, the 20th of May 2019, the testing center called me early in the morning to remind me if I was interested in attempting the exam as early as a seat was available. 

I was scheduled for 12:30 pm, so I arrived at 10:30 am after going through the checks (ID, foreign materials, etc.) I was allowed into my cubicle, logged in to the terminal, and I started the awareness sessions. These tutorials take you through features of the exam system and how you can use them, like strike-through, highlight sentences, etc.

I started the test at 11:21 am. At first, I was tense, but my tension eased as I progressed. The exam was very difficult, and I struggled with the questions. I had a few earned value questions, but most were centered on RISK, STAKEHOLDER, and INTEGRATION Management. They were all situational questions and hard to crack. I got about 20 long-form questions.

After reviewing the marked questions, I finished the exam with only three minutes remaining.

While waiting for the results to pop up, I was asked to answer a questionnaire relating to the exam and the test center.

Then came the results–I was shivering and anxious, and the next thing I saw was “CONGRATULATIONS! You passed your exam and have successfully earned your PMP PMI Certification. This is a tremendous accomplishment!” I nearly screamed! I felt like punching the sky! Wow, a dream came true!

I had ABOVE TARGET in ALL DOMAINS. I was so excited–my hard work paid off!

I couldn’t wait to share the good news!

Suggestions to Other Aspirants

  1. Please know that it is not by your might or strength but by the direction, guidance, and grace of GOD ALMIGHTY. So seek God, commit your preparation and the exam to Him, and He will see you through.
  2. Don’t forget to skim through the PMBOK Guide cover to cover, including the appendix and glossary–it is important.
  3. Use the PMP exam content outline. This document is not included in the PMBOK Guide, but you can download it from the PMI website. It is critical to know the tasks the PM performs in all the domains.
  4. Attempt as many mock exams as you can. The more you practice, the smaller your knowledge gaps become.
  5. Follow Fahad Usmani’s PM study cycle blog. It’s insightful and vital for your exam preparation. It is always my reference point. He is readily available to answer your questions anytime, any day! Try it for the best results.
  6. Also, try to watch the “New elaboration of the processes flow of the PMBOK Guide 6th Edition” by Ricardo Vargas.

Many Thanks.

Samuel Ofori Odjelua, PMP, MSC, PMD Pro 2


Joseph Fertig’s PMP Exam Journey & Lessons Learned

Joseph's pmp exam lessons learned

This is a PMP exam lessons learned by Mr. Joseph Fertig, who is a regular visitor to this blog.

Project management has been a part of my career for the last 14 years, but it was two years ago when I considered getting my PMP certification. I was jobless and searching for a job.

I realized that having a PMP certification would make me more marketable. At the time, I couldn’t pursue it; however, when I got a job in February, getting this credential became my goal for 2017.

Unfortunately, my hectic schedule prevented me from making this happen. During the late summer or early fall of 2018 when my work pressures lessened, I started research on how to get the PMP certification.

I realized that it would take a lot more effort than I thought. On the internet, tons of information is available, and it is challenging to wade through it all and find the resources that speak to you.

I came across Fahad’s PM Study Circle during my searches. This resource spoke to me. Reading the stories of those who had taken the PMP exam and passed it was enlightening and encouraging. The blog is an excellent resource for learning project management concepts.

I took the exam and passed it with good results, “Above Target” in four domains and “At Target” in the Initiating domain. The following are my lessons learned during the process of obtaining my PMP:

Lesson #1

Commitment is essential to getting this certification. I mean that I was not serious about this until I purchased and started the 35 contact hour training course. Underestimating the time commitment required for the PMP is easy.

I got a shot in the arm when I was laid off at the end of 2018. That reinforced my resolve to get my PMP credential and to become more desirable in the job market. The process became real once I scheduled the exam.

Lesson #2

Many training providers can help you earn 35 contact hours in project management. It can be hard to weed out inappropriate providers and pick an excellent one. The PM Study Circle Blog was helpful in this, as there is an in-depth review of three courses (all PMI-approved REPs), which helped me select GreyCampus as my provider, although the other two appear well suited too.

Along with the training, other study resources were also required. After evaluating the various offerings, I selected Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep book, the PMBOK Guide, and Fahad’s blog. I ended up reading Rita’s book three times, the PMBOK Guide twice, and watching the GreyCampus video series twice.

Lesson #3

I looked up topics that I did not understand as I progressed through the training. I searched on Google and YouTube and browsed Fahad’s blog. PM Study Circle was very helpful in this way. It helped me to understand the concepts better and internalize them.

Lesson #4

It is essential to work through simulated exams. I tried 900–1,000 questions during the process. The crucial part was reviewing missed answers and working through them.

This helped me to internalize the information. It also helps to understand the pace at which you answer the questions. During the exam, I answered all 200 questions in 2-1/2 hours, leaving plenty of time to review.

Lesson #5

Having a structured study plan is important as it is easy to procrastinate. Having a set time each day and not studying on the weekends, except on occasion, makes it easier to progress through the material.

Lesson #6

As others have suggested, I did not work the day before the exam except for reviewing formulas and what I planned to write down at the beginning of the session.

Lesson #7

Before you start the exam, you go through airport security. You have to store all your belongings in a locker and show the test center personnel your empty pockets, wrists, and ankles. They will examine your glasses, and you get scanned with a wand. This happens every time you re-enter the exam room, even after bathroom breaks.

Lesson #8

While reviewing the answers, I visited the marked questions and reviewed the rest. I second-guessed during this time, so I tried to review the questions for obvious wrong answers. That can drive you a little crazy, so try to avoid it.

You must be serious about the commitment and the time it takes.

My final lesson learned is this: If I can do it, you can also do it! 


PMP Exam Lessons Learned by Solomon Hassan Kuta

PMP Exam Lesson Learned Solomon Hassan

The following are the lessons learned from Mr. Solomon Hassan Kuta, who is a regular visitor to this blog and who has passed the PMP exam.

The 3rd of October 2018 was an important milestone in my career as a project manager. On this day, I passed the PMP certification exam. 

My journey to PMP certification started several months before, in November 2017, when a senior team member in my company, who is a PMP, organized a session to pitch the PMI standards of project management. He conducted many sessions.

These made me curious to learn more. However, there was a problem. All training programs were based on the PMBOK Guide 5th Edition, and the 6th was imminent. How would I reconcile this when I didn’t know the extent of the changes in the next edition?

To keep pace with the sessions, I read Head First PMP 3rd Edition which was based on the PMBOK Guide 5th Edition.

These sessions lasted several months, going until May 2018 when I joined a 35 contact hours PMP training program with Ceil Consulting. It was a different ball game. The trainer, Obalim Esedebe, was a maestro in the art of content delivery; this was the first sign that I could get the PMP certificate.

I followed the latest PMBOK Guide and the 9th edition of Rita Mulcahy’s PMP exam prep guide by the time we started the PMP training.

I tried questions from the fast-track software. Though I had proper training and went through the PMBOK Guide and Rita’s PMP Exam prep guide, I still had grey areas. That was when my online research led me to another maestro of PMI content delivery, Fahad Usmani, and his blog PMStudyCircle and PMSprout.

Fahad’s blog played an important role in my success. After completing my training, I had doubts about many concepts, so I would head to PMStudyCircle and read as many of those posts as I could each time I wanted to get my groove back or get the PMP juices flowing again. These blog posts were helpful.

In summary, aspiring PMP candidates should have the following in mind:

#1: Most Important

If Solomon can do it, I can do it.

#2: Rediscover Yourself

Find out what works for you. Don’t stay awake all night learning nothing. Take a break each time you find yourself stuck on a few lines or having difficulty understanding those lines, etc. If it is nighttime, just go to bed.

#3: Get Set Early

Pick an exam date, but don’t aim to be ready by this date. Instead, build your confidence that you will be prepared a week before. You should read through Fahad’s posts on PMStudyCircle. Yes, that’s how good the content of this blog is.

#4: Network

Find professionals who have attempted the exam and who will take it soon. Discuss PMP related issues, crack PMP jokes, use terminologies in conversations, etc.

Tip: Join PMSprout’s Training Program or the PMP Exam Preparation Tool, connect with many other PMP aspirants, and increase the chances of your success.

#5: Google is Your Friend

Search on Google. Look it up from two to three sources if you struggle with a concept. Break it down just as you would when creating the WBS. I advise you to use the bottom-up method, i.e., your entire preparation is a building process—lay a good foundation. Do this early.

#6: Intimidation

You may feel intimidated while practicing questions or attempting the mock test, so never say never. You will score better with practice. Questions entrench the concepts we have learned, so learn from each wrong answer. Our strength is made perfect in weakness.

#7: Time is Not Your Friend

You can never have enough simulated exam conditions. Look for software programs like PMP Fast Track. NEVER MAKE THE MISTAKE OF THINKING that four hours is enough for 200 questions. Practice exam simulations and mock tests as many times as you can. I highly recommend it.

#8: Pay Attention to Communication

Ensure you read through all emails from the test center, e.g., for information about bringing the right ID or policies such as no more brain dumping during the awareness session of the PMP exam.

#9: Prepare for the Worst

Prepare your mind for the worst frisk you will ever get. This threw me off balance because the search before entering the exam hall was comprehensive, so be prepared.

#10: Diet

Examine your diet as the exam approaches. I ate plenty of bananas in the morning and before the exam! I wanted “the monkey effect.”

#11: Investment

Invest in study resources as much as possible and use media that suits your personality and learning style. Study before you use audio or videos. For example, don’t choose audio lessons or videos without reading through hard-copy materials. 

The materials I used include Head First PMP 3rd Edition, PMP Exam Prep, PMP Rapid Review, PrepCast videos, online materials (PMStudyCircle was the main online resource for me), the PMBOK Guide, PMP training kit, and more. Refer to at least two materials if you have any grey areas.

#12: Finally

Read as you have never prayed, and pray as you have never read for the exam. With your determination and God, you are limitless. 

The impossible does not exist for you!

Good luck!


PMP Exam Lessons Learned by Miroslav Stojanovic

PMP Lessons Learned by Miroslav Stojanovic

I have been thinking about the PMP certificate for the past several years, and in December 2016, I decided to apply for it.

Looking back on my process, I feel it was the toughest project of my life.

Overall Approach

Before starting my PMP exam preparation, I read several lessons learned from successful exam takers and drafted a plan for my study. This is an important step; create a good plan, and don’t forget to follow it.

I started by reading Rita’s book and created my notes for later review. Then, I went through the PMBOK Guide. I found it helpful because it provides a clear picture of connections among the processes.

After reading these books, I attempted mock tests to find my weak points.

My weak area was connections between processes, so I needed to study this more, but I didn’t want to reread the same books.

While looking for ways to fill my knowledge gaps, I found Fahad Usmani’s site, and it became a solid foundation for my knowledge base, especially the comments and knowledge transitions under each post. I collected all the blog posts in a Word document and printed them to read in my free time.

After reading Fahad’s lessons learned, I read Kim Heldman’s book. I again created notes.

I focused on mock tests and fine-tuned my timing to do well on the real exam.

Knowledge Base

Practice Questions

The first questions I addressed were found in Rita’s book, which I answered after completing chapters with an overall result of 75%. After that, I attempted around 1,800 questions from different resources. These resources were:

I scored 67% on average in my first round, and after reading Kim Heldman, I scored 74% on average.

PM FASTrack was the most important tool for my preparation. I spent the largest part of my preparation time on it. I attempted 15 tests and scored over 90% in the last five. The tool can search topics by keyword and then provides practice questions. I found it very useful for my studies. For example, you can search “conflict” or “audit,” and practice questions about these concepts are given.

The Exam

I took a computer-based test because paper one was not available in my country. I reached the test center ahead of time, and they checked me with a metal detector like a criminal. They told me to put all my belongings (watch, mobile, and wallet) into a box. 

Afterward, I could enter an examination hall that had four PCs. They gave me a paper, a pencil, and earplugs. A glass window was behind me, and an exam monitor was watching me from another room. The most irritating thing was the walk-through patrol by the staff every 10 minutes. After each check, I had to reread the question I was on.

Conclusion

I had a PRINCE2 Practitioner certificate, so I thought I knew how much time I would need to spend preparing for the PMP exam; I was wrong. This preparation took more time and effort than I expected. I spent around 400 hours and practiced approximately 7,500 questions.

The planning phase is the most important from an exam point of view. After that, I focused on other process groups, Initiation, Executing, and Closing. These three groups have 12 processes and covered 51% of my exam questions. I learned the ITTOs and all the steps from Rita’s process chart. I memorized which processes used Work Performance Data or Information or Reports, Reserve Analysis, Stakeholder Register, and Delphi Techniques.

In the last week before the exam, I repeated the following:

  • I reread Fahad Usmani’s posts (from the pages I printed out)
  • I practiced all the questions from Initiation, Executing, and Closing from PM FASTrack
  • I went through my notes twice
  • I reviewed the ITTOs and Rita’s process chart
  • The day before the exam, I took a complete rest.

I passed the exam with the following results:

  • Initiating, Executing, M&C => Moderately Proficient
  • Planning, Closing => Proficient

I want to take this opportunity to thank Fahad for everything, especially for his great efforts in sharing his knowledge of project management.

BR, Miroslav.


PMP Exam Lessons Learned by Syed Safdar Azeem

Lessons learned by syed safdar azeem

I passed my PMP certification exam on my second attempt on March 19th, 2018. The first attempt was on Jan 11th, 2016.

I am grateful to the PMI for updating the PMBOK Guide and keeping it relevant, which motivated some folks like me to schedule the exam. It happened to me twice; I scheduled my exam both times because of changes in the PMBOK Guide or the exam content outline.

On Jan 11th, 2016, everyone talked about changes in the PMP exam, so I rushed my exam preparations and attempted the exam, knowing I was not ready and might not pass. I failed the test, as expected.

I did not lose hope and decided to try again within 30 days, but I kept delaying it because of other priorities.

I gained momentum in August 2017 and scheduled the exam for Sep 17th, 2017, after I came to know that the PMP exam was again changing on March 26th. However, soon after losing momentum, I rescheduled the exam for Feb 19th. Again, I had no solid preparation.

I got my PMI membership on Jan 18th, 2018, and started my studies again. This time, I was prepared well. Being satisfied, I scheduled my exam for March 19th, 2018. This time, I passed.

In short, you do not gain momentum unless you put a dent in your pocket.

Exam Questions Breakdown

The following are a few topics from which I found many questions in my exam.

Risk, Stakeholders, Communication, and Quality: you will find many situational questions from these knowledge areas. They are designed to be tricky, and many questions will seem to have two correct answers. The other two choices were easy to eliminate.

Integrated Change Control: 5~6% of the situational questions were from this knowledge area.

Expected Monetary Value (EMV): about 5% of the questions were on this topic. None of them were complicated. With simple, logical thinking, you can find the answer.

Critical Path Method (CPM): Here, only logic was needed to solve the questions, even after drawing the network diagram. Sometimes, a backward pass was not needed.

Quality Tools: about 15% of the questions were on this topic. You need a good understanding of these terms to solve such questions.

Conflict Resolution and Risk Responses: around 5% of the questions were from these topics.

Project Life CycleOrganizational Structure, Role of PMO, OPA, and EEF: you will find at least one question from each of these topics in the exam.

Estimation Techniques and Group Decision-Making Techniques: around 5% of the questions were from these topics.

Contract Types: approximately 3% of the questions were on this topic.

Please note that these percentages are just an idea and, based on memory, I didn’t count them exactly.

There were no questions on the project selection methods or the decision tree method on the exam.

I did not get many long questions; only about 3~4 were lengthy.

Exam Strategy

I planned to solve at least 75 questions in the first hour and completed 72. In the next 2 hours and 10 minutes, I completed all 200 questions and then took a short break.

I left eight harder questions for later review and attempted them again when more relaxed. I noted the serial number of these questions on my paper.

Before the break, I marked many questions for review on the screen and wrote them on the rough sheet. I had to change 11 answers out of the 18 questions I marked.

Bottom line: manage your speed and time and try to have as much as possible for review.

I passed with “Above Target” in four domains and “Target” in the Executing domain.

Pretest Tutorial

I suggest you learn how to use the marking and strike-through techniques. This is very handy when you must drill down your answer to the last two choices.

Exam Preparation

It took me one and a half months to prepare for this exam. I gained momentum as soon as I spent money.

PMP Training: I got my 35 contact hours training through a session held in my office in 2012 via VINSYS.

The PMBOK Guide: I went through it twice.

Rita’s 8th Edition: I read it once and learned the Planning Process Group chart in the same order it’s given in the book.

Andy Crowe: I read it only one time.

Sean Whitaker’s PMP Rapid Review: this was a good book to correlate the domain-wise tasks.

Edwel’s Bootcamp: This is an excellent book for quick review and learning things you will not find in any other book.

Head First PMP: I used this book to go through some tough topics like risk responses, conflict management, contracts, and others. The examples in the book were good.

Edward’s confusing terms and Saket Bansal’s videos using a whiteboard and marker were very helpful; he is a gem.

I also found Fahad’s blog useful. It has loads of study material with great examples, explanations, and query resolutions. Everything related to the PMP exam is available here.

Purchased PMP Training: “The Last Mile Program” and a “6-hour live class recording” from Daniel Ryan helped me go through everything on the second last day of preparation. Shiv Shenoy’s mnemonics helped me create some for myself. Shiv’s notes were also beneficial.

Emphasis on Mnemonics

I would recommend using mnemonics since there is a lot to remember. Create them based on your native language so you can remember them.

When I started preparing for the exam which was scheduled on January 11th, 2016, my wife, Noor Rizvi, created a few mnemonics for me. To remember the knowledge areas in order, she created one which makes no sense but helped me remember them: “I Safdar Tutu C Quality, Hoon Carta Rehta Project Sahi”- I, my middle name, she calls me Tutu, see, am in Quality Assurance, works as project manager and do it right.

This is useless for anyone else in the entire universe, but I remembered it since I could correlate the information with it. She created many more for me, and most of them were personal. It was fun.

Mock Exams

I did many mock tests, some resembling the real exams. I list a few below.

Rita’s PM Fastrack Simulator: 10 days before the exam, I attempted seven sets of 200 questions timed to 4 hours. This helped me speed up.

Edwel – 200 questions: these were very helpful.

Sean Whitaker: I used 200 questions and 400 question books.

Simplilearn: I used their 200 question simulator.

Exam Central: I did their test with 112 questions.

I attempted Oliver’s 75 questions about ten days before the exam and only scored 55%, so I skipped the 175 question set.

Bottom line: don’t just go through the hardest questions, as the exam is not as tough as some mock tests. Do not be frightened if your score is poor on a mock test; do not skip reviewing the wrong answers.

Don’t memorize ITTOs; they are not required. Once you build an understanding of the processes, you will be able to answer most questions.

Gratitude

I want to thank Praveen Jain, Anmol Sinha, Farhan Nadeem, Saket Bansal, Cornelius Fichtner, and Nalinee Singh for guiding me.

I also want to thank Sriram Maniram, who shared his success story on www.pmstudy.com and recommended joining the group ‘I want to be a PMP.’ This group is motivating and informative, and you will get to know at least one person across the globe getting PMP certified daily, which keeps you motivated.

A big thanks to the owners for creating this group.

Last, thanks to my family (my parents, wife, and kids) who stood by me during my preparation.

Best of luck to all the aspirants who will now attempt this exam based on the PMBOK Guide 6th edition.

Message me if anyone wants any help, and I would be eager to speak with you.

Thank you.

Fahad Usmani, PMP

I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.