I've been postponing the PMP exam for the past 2 years. I attended a part time boot camp which was totally useless as by the time the lectures were given, I was drained of any energy after a full working day.
Last year I submitted my application and received eligibility without auditing. I specified the exam on 16th june 2019. I started studying but then had to stop due to health conditions. I cancelled my exam. During that summer I got married so i removed the PMP certificate from my plans.
Then the COVID-19 lockdown happened. Suddenly i had time on my hands. I only read Ritas book once and then I bought the prep cast simulator which was everytging i needed.
I did all 7 simulators averaging 82 i think. I rechecked the wrong answer and marked questions in each exam. I neglected the ITTOs as I believed that the exam will barely through a pure ITTO question at me.
I sat the exam today and got 5 ATs. I finished the exam in 2 hours and 16 minutes. I trusted my instinct.
The exam is very similar to the Simulators. Had a couple of EV questions 1 float and 1 ETC. Very heavy on the stakeholder and communication knowledge areas.
I believe the trick to pass the exam is to be able to narrate a storyline of all the processes. Whenever read a scenario, you will be able to pin point where you are in the story line and the answer will reveal itself.
My advice would be to definitely take an online contact hours course. If the prep cast course is as good as the simulator then I believe it will be worth the investment
Always take advantage of opportunities and think positive. The COVID-19 helped me get a far fetched PMP certification