Advice - Should I target on exam before or after Nov 1, 2015 if I start preparing now?

Submitted by yummy_d on Sat, 08/01/2015 - 08:58

Hi, may I ask for advice here.

I have some project managment experience as systems analyst in IT. And I just enrolled an online self-learning course on PMP preparation few days ago. I plan to obtain PMP certification within this year.

I plan to study the online course as well as Rita's book; and then prepare application form and several mock exams.

I work for only 5-days per week.  Due to family commitments, I can afford 1 to 1.5 hour of study each day; with around 15 hours of study on Saturdays & Sundays. That means around 16-17 hours per week. I also read through New2PMP in PMZILLA here http://www.pmzilla.com/new-pmp-pmp

May I ask whether my preparation will be too rush for exam before the change of PMP exam? If it is too rush, then that means I should start preparing for the new exam; but there aren't many updated info. online, apart from official PMI website.

Or should I focus on the exam before Nov 1st?

Would appreciate if anyone can give me more inputs.

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rohit_n

Sat, 08/01/2015 - 18:12

Hey Dude,

I read recently here by an old expert that over 99% of PMBOK study material will remain the same even if you give the PMP exam after 1st November. No need to invest and think for 1% of changes. Unlike you, almost 90% of people who give PMP exam have same schedule and are working professional. I have passed PMP exam few months back with same schedule and lifestyle with what you have. I would advise this for you and any PMP aspirants:

1. Keep 2 months of time to read PMBOK and any two reference book from Headfirst, Andy, Rita, Kim etc. Reading PMBOK every line is mandatory, keep reading PMBOK as you get time.
2. One month of time is sufficient to take around 2000-2500 good quality practice tests. Choose the one which has higher complexity even if you fail and score low. I highly recommend – Pmzest, Rita Fast Track, Pmzilla and Oliver.

As you see above, around 3 months of time is sufficient to pass the PMP exam for working professionals. Again, it depends upon individual learning abilities so make amendments in the plan accordingly.

Do not worry for 1st November for now, just concentrate and prepare well.

Thanks & Regards,
Rohit Nair, PMP

SamTun

Mon, 08/03/2015 - 09:02

Thanks Rohit for the advice and sharing your experience.

Samy