TOPIC: Passed PMP on 1st Attempt- Study Plan below

PMBOK Guide- from PMI
Head First PMP- completed all exercises (really an incredible resource!)
PM PrepCast- watched all lessons (Great Resource, very in depth)
Prep Time - 2 months, 1-2 hours per weekday, 5-6 hours on weekends

The biggest thing to watch out for in the exam is that there are certain topics that are covered in the PMBOK guide and PrepCast material that do NOT appear whatsoever on the exam. More importantly, there are some topics that are covered extensively and in great detail. For this reason, it is important to understand ALL topics as you do not know which one PMI will choose to spend most of the time with for the exam. Some of the 47 processes are barely even acknowledged on the test while others have 20 plus questions. I did not agree with this method of assessment, but it does ensure that a candidate understands the selected topics in great depth. This was my biggest observation of the exam, so I wanted to share this with the community. Additionally, I believe something like 10% of the exam is supposed to be based on PMBOK best practices and the PMI Code of Ethics? I do not believe my particular exam covered these topics to that extent.

Highly recommend the study materials above. The PM PrepCast was great! I could not have passed without it!

James,

Congrats on passing the exam and for posting your experience / lessons learned on the forum.

Cheers,

Mark