Hi All,
I recently passed my PMP on first try with Above Target and wanted to share my experience in the hope it assists others.
- Timeframe: I set myself a 12 week target to pass the exam, I achieved it in 10 weeks.
- Study Material: Get yourself some good resources, there are lots out there, I used the following:
1. Online Course: PM Prepcast
a. I didn’t need this for my 35hrs application but needed it to learn the topics.
2. PMBOK Guide – Sixth Edition (A must read I think. I read this once and for reference)
3. PMP Exam Prep – 9th Edition Rita Mulcahy (I read this twice completing all questions)
4. PM PREP Cast Exam Simulators (I took 7 practice exams)
- Before I started studying I spent a couple days reviewing the PMP exam outline and understanding exactly what is required to pass the exam. Read this, understand it. 5 Process Groups and their related tasks.
- I then created a Study Plan over 10-12 weeks that would allow me to get through all the study material.
- I scheduled my exam at the 3 month mark to make sure I had a target to hit.
- I started with the Online Course and in parallel was reading the equivalent chapters for PMBOK Guide and PMP Exam Prep. Taking short quizzes of topics I had studied.
- At the 4 week mark I realised I would be ready sooner (10 weeks) so I scheduled my exam earlier so I had the date ready to go and didn’t want to over study.
- At around the 6 week mark, doing about 4hours a day every day I completed all study material.
- At this point I started on PM Prep practice exams 1-2 a week for 4 weeks and then review the incorrect answers. All up I took 7 practice exams. I was getting between 70% and 80%
- I had originally booked my exam at a Pearson Vue centre but 5 days prior they cancelled it on me due to COVID-19 so I had to rebook online proctored.
o This is a little added pressure but quite manageable if you practice the whiteboard tool. (During my practice exams I used this tool and not paper)
- Exam day, just make sure you have prepared and done the work and all will be ok.
- It’s a long exam make sure you are well rested and mind is clear. I actually found this easier than the PM Prepcast exams, but that was just me on the day.
- When you click end exam and “Congratulations” pops up on the screen, it’s an awesome feeling! so go for it!
- Put in the hard yards and stay focused during every study session and you will be fine.
- Good luck.
