I just passed the PMP exam....Here are my lessons learned:
I started preparing for the exam on 12/27/2009. I submitted my credentials at the end of December and they were accepted shortly after.
After some research, I found the PM Study Coach on-line and purchased the program. Shortly thereafter, I purchased the PM Prep Cast and flash cards.
I used the PM Study Coach, the PM Prep cast, the PMBOK guide and the Prep Book Achhieve PMP Exam Success by Marget Chu, Diane Altwies, and Janice Preston. I followed the process laid out in the Study Coach, read the material and listened to the PM Prep Cast each day.
I began taking sample questions in February. I purchased the questions from Ready Set Pass and managed to find some free questions on-line. I took a total of 4 practice exams and reviewed close to 750 sample questions. I passed each of the 4 practice exams and was feeling fairly confident in my ability to pass the test.
I studied diligently approximately 90 minutes each night and planned to use the last three weeks before my exam date of 4/2 as review.
One week before my exam, my father, who was in a nursing home nearby, became gravely ill. Three days before my exam, we had a very large storm and my basement flooded. The night before my exam, my father died piecefully with all of us around him.
Needless to say, I wasn't able to prepare the week before my exam. However, I still felt confident given my results on the sample exams and all the work I had put in the weeks/months prior to the exam.
PMP Exam impressions:
I found the PMP exam straight-forward and well written. I found it to be similar in difficulty as compared to the sample exams I took. I found myself very comfortable and took a five minute break every 50 questions.
I was very happy with the PM Study Coach and Prep Cast. I felt very well prepared.
Thank You!
