TOPIC: This one hurts family!! :( Should I continue with being the PMP Certification?

I took the PMP exam two times now. See results
First attempt
Initiating - Needs Improvement-1
Planning - Needs Improvement
Executing - Needs Improvement
Monitoring and Controlling - Needs Improvement
Closing - Below Target

Today's Exam results
Initiating - Below Target
Planning -Target
Executing - Target
Monitoring and Controlling - Target
Closing - Above Target

Hi Kennard,

I hear you, it's one of the tough exam. Sometime, i feel like it's like doing mini MBA. I am assuming that by family you were referring to PMP family and not your personal family

Looking at your scores, here's what I would say.. I definitely see a pattern of improvement, but also your first attempt score highlight that perhaps you were not completely ready.

If i were at your place then may be I would take a step back and take a break of a week and start with fresh energy. Once you restart, take a hard look at your weak areas. I can't even imagine what you must be feeling right now after not been able to clear in 2nd attempt.

What were your scores like in pm-simulator?

-Neeraj

Yes, the first time I underestimated the exam. I wish I knew about this site then. For the second time around I schedule the exam and signed up for the simulator.
It definitely helped when taking the exam for the second time. My highest score in the simulator was 59.5%. I think with a break and more pm-simular exam ( they are just long lol) I would be fine for the next time I sit for the exam. I need to make sure I get at least 70% to 80% on all exams before I take the exam.

Yaah, i would say, anything above 75% on pm-simulator should help you a lot. Though pm-simulator clearly states that whatever percentage you score is not directly related to the actual exam that you might end up scoring. Having said that, since your score was 59.5% i would highly recommend to aim consistently for more than 75%, that would definitely increase the chances. Also before you attempt any more exam, focus more on your weak area, since you don't want to exhaust all the simulator questions.

-Neeraj

yes, when I get back on track I will focus on the Initiation process group via Time and Learning quizzes.

Hi Kennard.. I would advise you the following
1. Break of a week first
2. read Rita's once
3. read Pmbok at least two times process group wise
4. free practice tests which are avalable online
5. read Pmbok again process group wise
6. PM Prepcast (this is the best available simulator)
7. schedule exam
I would also advise you to spend around 3-4 months on the preparation
All the very best