I took the PMP exam today Jan. 27, 2018. I was thrilled to see Congratulations when finishing exam with three above target performance and two target performance. I studied for about four months by reading Andy Crowe book chapter to chapter. I then subscribed to PM prepcast around December and took simulator every weekend and took 7 simulator exams until day of exam.
Based on my overall experience with PMP preparation, I strongly suggest reading PMBOK guide thoroughly and then practicing PM Prepcast exams. Although Andy Crowe is a good book to start for PMP, it doesn’t cover many important concepts in PMBOK. No book is more comprehensive and has explained concepts in-depth than PMBOK. During my PM Prepcast simulator, I realized so many things in PMBOK that is not covered in Andy Crowe’s. So I suggest if you read Rita or other references, also read through PMBOK in the end to have a complete grasp of PM processes.
About exam, Honestly I felt exam was tough. Although practicing PM Prepcast helped a lot in gaining experience how to deal with real exam but I found exam different and more challenging. The questions are generally shorter but ambiguously written and you are required to choose the best answer. Some questions were designed in a way you couldn’t distinguish if it’s a risk management or quality management knowledge area. There were quite a lot of questions that you were left with two correct answers and you ought to choose from two based on your judgement and help from real-world knowledge of project management and experience. So be ready for it and don't stress out, just apply best of your knowledge...
I didn’t do a brain dump and I believe it’s a waste of time. There were maximum of two or three EV questions so don’t invest your time writing formulas that you don’t see whole lot of questions. Trust your brain.
My PMP Prepcast simulators result came as follows
PMP Exam 2: 74%
PMP Exam 3: 81%
PMP Exam 4: 78%
PMP Exam 5: 77%
PMP Exam 6: 78%
PMP Exam 7: 80%
PMP Exam 9: 96%
My real exam:
Overall Performance : Above Target
Initiating: Above Target
Planning: Above Target
Executing: Target
Monitoring and Controlling: Above Target
Closing: Target
Hope this helps and good luck your journey to be a PMP...
