Student Profile: Heidy Laboy, PMP

I am a Project Manager to a federal contractor for the US Government but before that, I worked for the federal government directly. I have over 10 years of experience with IT project management from new software installs and upgrades to software development. The A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) provides project managers with a reference to help focus their project management efforts in a more efficient and successful manner. As my mentor told me, "Hope is not a project plan!"

I believe it is very important for students to read the official PMP® Handbook from the Project Management Institute (PMI)®. To understand what the test will cover and the concepts behind the questions. Read the PMBOK® Guide Part II - The Standard for Project Management first before reading Part I. Look over the Part III - Glossary, to make sure that the definitions you have in mind line up with PMI’s. Also, review the PMI® Lexicon of Project Management terms on the PMI® website.

My recommendations for students to do in the last week before the exam:

1) Review the ITTO's. I used physical flashcards for that task. There are online versions of the flashcards. Without the understanding of the ITTO's a new student will find it very difficult to pass the exam.
2) Take a mock exam then review the questions.
3) Schedule a visit to your testing center where the center will show how the check-in process works, look over your IDs to make sure they will be accepted and show you the testing room. This relieves the stresses of the part of your testing day.
4) The night before the exam do not study! Relax and get a full night's rest.
5) Arrive to your testing center early on the day of the exam.
6) Bring ear plugs or ask for them at the testing center.

Heidy Laboy, PMP