Hello All,
I took the online proctored PMI certification and Passed with above target or target in all areas. Thanks to Mr. Cornelius and his Prepcast simulator for preparing me for this.
Here are my lessons learned based on last few questions other users posted so that its hopefully helpful for them -
Reg. scheduling:
I had my site proctored test cancelled a couple of times, so i took advantage of the online-proctored testing opportunity provided by PMI.
All i had to do was just go in there, cancel my exam which scheduled for sometime in May - and go back and try scheduling again - which allowed me the ONLINE proctoring option.
I had several dates and times available to pick and i picked a convenient time about a week ahead so that i can plan my preparation.
If you think you are ready, I suggest not even waiting that long if you dont want to lose the momentum and take the test when you are at your peak.
Exam format:
- Very similar to simulator, the questions were only easier.
- most questions were 1-2 long lines. no more than 2 sentences.
- there were probably around 5 formula type questions as i didnt have to use the whiteboard or calculator that much
- you can highlight any areas of quetsions/answers. you can also strike through answers - but i suggest not to waste time on striking thru.
- 2 parts - 90 questions + 10 min break + 110 questions
- clear count down timer to 240 mins
- AFter first 90 - you will get chance to review but i WILL eat into your time. so i didnt reveiw as i spent some extra time on making my final answer already
- if you read anything out inadvertantly, someone will Chat with you and ask you to keep it down. Its okay
![:) :)](/media/kunena/emoticons/smile.png)
- Some Sounds are okay because we cant control them. they understand.
- But pray that internet holds on thru the exam. and the laptop doesnt run updates or patches or something during that time. I would suggest keeping your laptop at latest patch level and
stop every other unnecessary process even before starting the test.
EDIT - I didn’t mention earlier- but the onVue test offers an optional 10 minute practice before even the test begins to get familiar with it - although I didn’t take it - it maybe a good idea to play around the interface so you are familiar with the interface.
Whiteboard (and calculator)
- the whiteboard is like a notepad, but you have to click on text on left before you can type in a space.
- there are options to draw and other things but i never had to use any of that. There was no need to use a stylus or my finger to draw anything. all i did was typing and that too for like 5-6 questions.
*Calculator is not at same place as whiteboard, but in a different part of menu at the top left -so please be aware
it is simple calculator but has % and square root - i only had to use % and +/-/*
Approach:
- I wanted to finish first 90 in 110 mins - but i took too long because i guess i wasted some time in striking thru quesitons i wanted to eliminate. and also difficulty level was probably higher.
- i wouldnt waste time on striking if you can identify answer.
- also dont mark without answering your best possible guess and beware that timer counts down during first half answers review period.
- try to answer every single quetion
10 min break -
After you click end review - you get to choose if you want a break.
i suggest taking it. Make the 10 mins
try to stretch yourself, stand and walk around. strategize how you want to approach next 110 questions. forget anything that happened in last 90.
second half -
In last 5 mins, review your situation and if you are at risk of leaving too many, check all answers for left over questions and try picking the best bet.
then in saved time, try going one by one backwards - this way you maybe able to validate a few but not leave out anything
Preparation:
Overall - I went through prepcast podcasts once (some areas twice)
PMBOK guide once for every process
Formula guide - all questions day before exam
Simulator - a lot. I used to take 2 hour /100 question timed tests (unanswered questions) and that was really helpful in my final exam. If i couldnt find 1 hour on a day, i at least did 20 question quiz
or something but keep your mind in this "simulator type questions" until you finish your test.
In the last week I used 3 days to review the entire course from Prepcast podcasts + PMBOK guide page snapshot notes that i made on my phone + at least 30 questions a day from simulator
I'd like to Thank Mr. Cornelius and his simulator for helping me accomplish this goal. It was a tough 6 months and im thankful i had this opportunity to take the test and pass it with everything going.
please all stay safe
shiva