Hi Kelly,
I had difficulty finishing the PMP Exam Simulator's tests, too.
I believe I passed the exam thanks to what you mention: automatically skipping all questions that were more than 2 sentences or had calculations. This made a huge difference in my test score because of PMI’s inclusion of “experimental questions”, 25 long, vague ones that are not counted in the score. It’s best to practice this technique, as you have, because on THE day, you may get swept up in reading all questions in order on the 1st pass.
I scored in the 70% on the simulator's tests, too, for the most part. I would have liked to have gotten higher scores, but I didn't manage it until the last one, where I just barely cleared 80%.
My best advice for your last week of preparation:
• PLAN and PRACTICE for 25 or more question/answer sets that are lengthy and vague. Skip them until the end and then make your best guess.
• PLAN to see many questions that pass over steps in the processes. If the next step is Perform Integrated Change Control, the answers may skip it and offer choices after the request is approved, like updating a plan, etc.
• NAIL DOWN down what is being asked. It’s hard in many cases. Everyday words are used in place of PMBOK terms, like implementing work vs. the Executing Process Group. In some questions, I wasn’t supposed to address a problem. Rather, they wanted to know the best way to illustrate it after-the-fact to my team vs. to a vendor vs. to a sponsor.
• ANSWER as many questions in the simulated exams as you can. It really is the best practice. The last week or so I reviewed my notecards, took practice quizzes, and got a good night’s sleep each night. The night before the test, pencils down at 5pm. It’s most important to get rested the evening before taking the test.
I wish you the best, Kelly. We are rooting for you!!
