TOPIC: Passed PMP - things that worked for me.

Hi Everyone,
I am really glad to share my examination and preparation experience of PMP.

First thing first, I found the real exam. tough and I followed the methodology of answering questions developed through prepcast simulator such as how servant leader would behave, roles in agile and positive bias for rejecting options. I completed my first set of 60 questions in 70 minutes, 2nd in around 60 mins and 3rd set in around 38-40 mins, I had around 62 minutes left when I completed my 180th question. This did not give my good feeling as most of online experiences I read, talked about completing 30 - 40 minutes earlier and they found examination easy. This wasn't the case with me, so utilizing the ample time I had, I reviewed whole set of 60 questions and changed 2 answers (1 was numerical) and still had 20 minutes left. Finally submitted my exam and Congratulations screen appeared

I studied the following material:
1. PMBOK Guide 6th Edition (re-read chapters 1-5, 7 & 13)
2. Agile Practice Guide
3. Scrum Guides 2017, 2020
4. Rita's PMP Exam prep 2021

Video references:
1. Joseph Phillips PMP Exam Prep Seminar - 2021 Exam Content
2. PMP with Ray Situational questions (7-8 videos)

Practice Material
1. PrepCast Mock Simulator (around 1500 questions)
2. Rita's book 400 questions
3. Udemy course quizzes & exam

I purchased prepcast mock simulator almost a month ago and as there were only 4 practice examinations, I wanted to use them diligently. Scoring well on them was important for my confidence. I had already studied all of the material mentioned above when I gave my first practice exam and scored around 67%. Went through all the wrong answers and made small-small notes of how to identify the documents and noting down key characteristics of definitions. I did the same in all my quizzes and other exams. Towards the end, I read only these notes made through the prepcast to give my practice exam and quizzes. I scored 74% - 78% in my next three practice exam and averaged to 80% in practice quizzes.

I read some experience here and learned from them and utilized in my preparation. I chose test center examination format and was required to wear mask throughout the examination. To prepare for this scenario, I simulated my environment of practice test 3 & 4, gave those tests with mask and took 10 minutes break after each 60 questions and stopped myself from reviewing them just like the real examination. All in all, this made me prepared mentally.

Hi Shilpa,

Congratulations!!!! Thank you for sending the details of your exam prep. Does Rita Mulchoy's book available online? I searched it but got linked to fake addresses. Please send me the link if you can.

Thanks
Trishna

Hi Trishna,

You will be able to get official copy from rmcls.com/ .

Thank you

Thanks for sharing.
Maybe I should buy the mock exam now. I have two weeks left. I have been reading and reading, but have not tried the mock exam yet.
Btw, how is Rita's old version book? I am missing Agile stuff, right? What percentage of Questions were from Agile?
Do you think two weeks review is enough? Maybe I should move my test date

Hi Anupama,

Mock simulator would be a great way to test your preparation. If you haven't taken yet, you should take it ASAP. It will also prepare you to sit for long hours and focus on test. I believe you will be able to make a decision then.
Questions on examination are mostly agile (more than 70%)

I found Rita Mulchay's book difficult but as I bought it, read all the chapters and completed the quizzes. I read this book once and I was done with it.
I would suggest you to read the following for Agile:
1. Agile practice guide
2. Scrum guides 2017, 2020

Did you encounter any ITTO questions?

Hi Jock,

Neither I prepared for any ITTO type questions, nor I received any (as far as I remember).

Thanks

Thanks Shilpa. Very kind of you.

hi Shilpa

I have the PDF version of Agile practice guide, however was not able to print it. Reading becomes easier with a hard copy in hand. May be I should order the book seperately

Whatever works best for you.
Thank you