C) earn contact hours online (35 CH)  ->register for PMP  -> schedule exam -> read book -> practice online test-> give exam

You will need to do some mock test after reading books. so ensure that you dont take exam in hurry.

REgards

 Hi,

I would suggest you to take up the first course of action. Enroll with any training provider such as PMstudy, PMTI, etc. Get contact hours. Side by side apply for your PMP exam. Read PMBOK. Attend pmp 4 day bootcamp and revise with mock tests. Among all, I would like to suggest mock test of PMstudy, as they are extremely good in revising for exam. Moreover to that, you can also use mobile apps of PMstudy for memorizing different terminologies needed for PMP exam. All the best. Crack PMP....

Chris

 Hi Jamilur,

The  prefer the second approach joining the classroom because  we all need guidance , sometime we miss just because of lack of mentorship or proper apporoach.

For a better approach i prefer to join a class so I will be prepare and get proper guidance from the well experinced mentor.I  did the survey and after that i joined PMstudy.com classroom program.many of my doubts were clear and the role plays and intellectual interaction with in the classroom helped me remember important topics for the exam . 

I will recommed you should go to thier website

www.pmstudy.com.

OR

check the link  http://www.youtube.com/PMstudychannel

It will help you to decide better to take a decision.

Have a happy learning and wish you a M.Xmas and prosperous New year.. Wish you to suffix yur name with PMP soon....

Take Care

And they are:

1. Deep - spend 6 months ore more studying not just for the PMP, but general PM
2. Cramming - take an expensive cram bootcamp
3. Medium - Half way between the deep and cramming

I outline this in more detail here:

http://www.projectation.com/pmp-preparation-part-2-methods-and-techniques-to-pass/

I will also add that I spent 6 months studying (deep), but not just to pass the PMP exam, but to really understand the theory, framework and process flows of the PMBOK and all the general business areas to which the BOK's pertained to.

I initially started off memorizing like everyone suggested, but found that approach tiresome. I'm also the type that likes to really understand the underlying theory and foundation of anything I study anyway, and adopting this approach allowed me to really understand the flow and how it pertains to the delivery of real projects. Once the "light bulb" went off I started to realize that the PMBOK is actually a very logical and intuitive framework and BOK and from that point studying really became just "filling in the gaps".

Another approach I took which is probably very different from others is that I also relied heavily on Harold Kerzner's PM bible "Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling". It was thinking along that "systems approach" that really made it click for me and my studies.

I was able to finish the exam in less than 3 hours and did not resort to cramming down a cheat sheet with the spare paper they provide.

I realize that not everyone has this level of interest, time or desire but it worked for me and also allowed me to find work as a PM trainer.

As always, your mileage will vary. ;)

For those doing their PMP, here's a resource you may find useful:

http://www.projectation.com/pmp-information/

An in depth review of Kerzner's book:

http://www.projectation.com/book-review-project-management-a-systems-approach-to-planning-scheduling-and-controlling/

-Don Kim
Projectation.com