I passed with above target in all areas today. It was my first time.
Study Materials: Primarily, I used PMBOK guide and PM Prepcast. After I went through the contact hours with the prepcast, I studied by process group rather than knowledge area. I found it easier to follow the logic when I learned by stage. Otherwise it was hard to piece it all together. I borrowed Rita Mulcahy's book from the library but I didn't find it helpful. It is more like a workbook and the effort it required was not efficient, in my opinion. I downloaded an app to my phone, PMP Pocket Prep, but again, Im not sure how great it is. Occasionally, I used google to clarify terms. I found that I couldn't do more than 4 hours a day reviewing or 2 processes at a time. After that, I wasn't taking anything in. This meant I had to work consistently (evenings/weekend) rather than cram it in, I forced me to be more disciplined.
Simulator: Very useful. It highlighted areas that I needed to focus on. It also improved my confidence. I did 4 tests - receiving 77% 3 mts before exam and most recently was 87% a week ago. I was also able to understand pacing and breaks. I started by going over all the questions but I found that it didn't help. Yes, I corrected some answers but then changed some correct answers so the benefit was negligible.
Exam: There was a lot of questions where the answer was change request. In fact, there was so many that I worried I was doing it wrong. There was also quite a bit of communications and stakeholder management questions. In terms of calculations, there was comms channels questions, a couple of EVM questions and critical path questions. I took two breaks - after 70 and 150 questions complete. I finished with 30 minutes left. I am a native English speaker and I think this helped move quicker through the questions.
Overall, I worked very hard. Cornelius is a hero! I am glad it's over but I will miss his jolly manner.
