TOPIC: Help an Older Timer Out with PMP

Hey everyone!

I'm a seasoned professional with 25 years corporate experience and I'm looking to expand my career by pursuing the PMP.

An old colleague mentioned it to me, but I didn't get much guidance on where to start (focused too much on the catching up). Could you share your tips on the best resources to start? I'm a bit old school, prefer books and a pen and notebook, but willing to jump ahead to online.

Hi Marielle -

Congratulations on starting your PMP journey. Besides getting study materials like OSP International's PM PrepCast, one of the most essential tools you need is a practice exam simulator. I recommend the OSP International PM Simulator Deluxe. Below are some reasons why.

1) This simulator has some very special features. It has almost 2,000 questions and four complete 180-question exams. It also has a Learning Quiz mode, which is a must-have for your studies. It allows you to review the answers to each question without having to end the entire exam. It also offers not only an explanation as to why the correct answer is the 'best' answer, but also why the other answer choices are incorrect. This is an extremely valuable tool in your learning when you are studying for the PMP Exam..

2) I often get the question, "What is the actual score I need to pass the PMP Exam? PMI won't tell us, but I have heard 62.5%, 65%, and 67%. So, how do you know when you are ready to sit for the actual exam? This is where the OSP International PM Simulator Deluxe comes in. As part of your study plan, I recommend that you read PMOK Guide chapters and take multiple learning quizzes during the week. I also recommend that you take a complete 180-question practice exam each weekend. When you take your first practice exam, you will fail miserably. I score 37% correct on my first practice exam. But this is your baseline. As you take more and more of these full 180-question exams, your score will continue to go up. When your score is 75% or higher on one of the OSP PMP Exam Simulator Practice Exams, then you are ready to sit for the actual exam.

I'm sure that others will talk about different types of study materials in this forum, but for me and my students, the OSP PMP Simulator is the most crucial tool to use for your studies. Below are links to both the OSP International Free PMP Exam Simulator PAid Exam Simulator Exam. Try the free one first so that you can experience all the benefits before you buy.

OSP International - PMP Simulator - Free - 7 Days of Access / 69 Questions
www.pm-exam-simulator.com/pmp-exam-simul...e-pmp-exam-simulator

OSP International - PMP Simulator - Paid - 90 Days of Access / 1930 Questions - $149.00
www.pm-exam-simulator.com/

Happy Studying!

Professor Kevin

Kevin hit the big ones, but let me add:

1. Get your application in and approved then set a test date to and commit to it. You may need to get your PMI-approved coursework in before your application.
2. Take a look at the Exam Content Outline (ECO). Then get a copy of the PMBOK Guide in whatever editions are mentioned on the ECO.
3. Start working the simulator questions.

I worked simulator questions parallel to a course and that really helped. (When I took the exam in 2019, we didn't need 40 hours of coursework, as I recall, but I took a course anyway because I needed to learn the vocabulary of project management.)

Cornelius has a great study guide broken down by subject areas.

Good luck!

Hi there!

Since you’ve already got deep experience, one tip I’d share is to use Project Management PrepCast not just for exam prep, but to refine how you articulate your expertise in PMI’s language. It helps translate all that real-world knowledge into a structured, globally recognized framework which can really boost your credibility when stepping into new roles or consulting opportunities.

Think of it as sharpening the edge on skills you already have. Plus, PrepCast’s scenario-based training can help you spot gaps you didn’t even know were there. It’s a great way to level up strategically, not just check a certification box. Hope this helps!