My preparation guide to clear PMP in first shot

Submitted by Mrunash on Mon, 01/07/2013 - 16:22
Mrunash's picture

I cleared my PMP certification exam in Nov 2012. It took me a long time to come up with this post, but I nevertheless wanted to post the same for the benefit of others who are planning to attempt for the exam sooner or later.

I had signed up for a course with Knowledgwoods Training which conducts workshops in all major cities. You need to look you for their schedule. There are many more good institutes and you can choose any one which you think provides you with good training material, reference guides and techniques.

Although I underwent the training workshop (to earn my PDU's required for eligibility) first and began my studies later, my strong recommendation to others would be to read PMBOK atleast once before you take up a course. This will help you understand the sessions better and also get all your doubts cleared from the trainer during the sessions. PMBOK is available for download for all those who register on their website. 

Below is the plan I followed to study for the exam. Since I had a lot of free time on hand I was able to finish my studies in 45 days post the training session. You may take 2 - 3 months to complete the same if you have a hectic work schedule. It would be a good idea to plan for the same and stick to the plan deligently.

Study Plan:

 1.  I  planned for a 45 day exam preparation schedule utilizing 3-4 hours per day and around 6-8 hours over the weekend. I also planned for a couple of days on which I took a break from studies to refresh myself. 
 
2.   I started reading the Head First PMP as this was the reference book used during my training program (35 PDU). This book is a very simple to read and understand types, for people who think the PMBOK is too heavy in the first reading. It re-inforces the basic project management concepts using some day to day scenarios which anyone can relate to very easily. There are evaluations after each chapter, so make sure you attempt each of them and also track you scores. I made sure I timed my responses to take not more than 1.5 min per question so as to instill the habit of taking time bound tests.
 
Also the book has some very interesting workshops where you can design you own questions. I did a couple of these till I understood the mechanism. It is OK if you skip these too. I completed this book in 4 days.
 
3.   At the end of the book there is a 200 question exam paper which I took by timing it for 4 hours just like the actual PMP.
 
4.  After this I started with the PMBOK 4th edition and planned to read through in detail spending not more than 1 to 2 days per knowledge area. I was able to finish reading the PMBOK in about 12 days by reading the longer topics on weekends when I could spend more time on studies. You can also combine two small topics and finish them in a day.
 
5. After each topic I attempted some sample questions which I found on various websites available on the net. I ensured I kept track of the score of each test attempt I made (topicwise/knowledge area wise).
 
6.  After PMBOK, I did some mock exam from Simplilearn and the PMP sample sets provided by my training provider. Since I was keeping track of all my scores I could do a gap analysis to identify areas of improvement.
 
7.  The next big challenge was to read through Rita Mulcahy's PMP exam Prep guide. Initially I thought it to be some what tough and had too many details. (Remember that the PMBOK only gives highlights of each topic, no details). But as I continued reading I thought the book covered almost every aspect of the exam and is designed very meticulously to cover topics in detail. This book took a little over 15 days to finish reading in the first attempt. Again, the book has evaluation tests at the end of each chapter. Here my scores were a little less than those I got during the earlier evaluations. While reading this book I kept the PMBOK and Head First PMP at hand so that I could breeze through sections which I found a bit difficult to understand in Rita. If you have the time to do it, I would recommend you read the book one more time to get a better understanding. Infact I would say you should plan to read the PMBOK and Rita atleast twice. It will take much lesser time to read the second time. Don't forget to read Appendix F & G of the books as they are important too. There is an entire section in Rita's for tips and tricks to reading the book and preparing, do go through it!
 
8. Next I planned a week for attempting various mock exams and quizzes to work on my ITTO processes. Remember these are very very important and most of your PMP questions will be based on the ITTO. I found some great ITTO quiz and flash cards on Brainbok. Another simple but effective ITTO quiz can be found here http://ramuklina.blogspot.com/2010/06/pmp-itto-quiz.html?m=1
 
9. After going through the mock exams and quizzes I made sure I analysed the incorrect answers (Most simulated exams provide you with the analysis reports). I re-read the sections where I had made mistakes and needed help.
 
10. I practiced creating the process group and knowledge area chart (commonly known as page 43 / Process Chart in Rita's and PMBOK). Along with this I also practiced writing down all the formulae. You can use the pocket guide initially as a reference.
 
11. A day before the exam I spent some time to revise through the topics with a quick view of PMBOK and Rita. I spent the evening out with my family to ensure I am not stressed out.
 
 
Scheduling the exam and attempting the same at a prometric center:
1. The first thing you will need to do is to register at the PMI site my.pmi.org/home/public
 
2. You will need to fill in and submit your application for PMP exam. You need to prepare a PM experience summary and submit the same as a part of your application. I would recommend you download a PM experience worksheet template and add all your relevant project information in the same first. Make sure you follow the below tips:
  • PMI requires you to provide proof of 4500 / 7500 hours of experince depending on your qualifications and experience. Since I have 10 years of experience I provided around 4550 hours of experience starting with my latest projects (last 3 years). I did not provide more as 4500 hrs is enough to qualify if you are an experienced individual (Please note this does not apply for graduates)
  • If you have worked on lengthy projects spanning over years then you can split the project into phases (phase 1, phase 2 and so on... ) I split my project into 6 monthly ones considering each major product release as a single phase point.
  • Make sure you list non-overlapping project information over the last 3 years. If you have worked on multiple projects at the same time, only 1 among the same can be entered for a time period.
  • You need to split your experience across processes as provided. It's good to have the split as below but, if you have not worked in a particular process make sure you do not put false experience. Since I worked through release planning, execution etc. I was able to split my experience properly.


    Initiation 10%
    Planning 30%
    Execution 25%
    M & C 25%
    Closure 10%


    Please note, you may choose to split your experience differently. The above is just a recommendation.
     

  • Make sure you provide references of the people who can stand by as your reference and will be able to support you in case your profile goes in for a audit. PMI does some random screening of profiles via an audit process. During this process you will have to go through some formalities of providing proof of experience and qualifications. This process could put your application on hold and delay the acceptance.
3. Once you are ready with the worksheet it will be very easy to fill in your PMP application form online.
  • Provide details of 2 ID proofs which have your latest photograph and name as per what you have entered in the application form. (you might not be allowed to enter the exam center if the name differs and even the photo does not match your current appearance)
  • Make sure you provide the address that is the same as on your ID proof. It does not matter if you no longer stay there. Your mailing address with PMI registration can be different from the address you provide in the exam form application. Also it needs to be entered exactly as provided in the ID proof (the exam center people can be quite strict about the same and may not allow you to appear for the exam if any discrepancy is found)
 
4. Upon getting the confirmation from PMI for successful application (payment included) you will be provided with a link to schedule your exam with the prometric center of your choice (closest to your location). An application token number will be provided which you will need to use to register with the prometric center.
 
5. At the prometric site www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/pmi/Pages/landing.aspx choose to schedule the PMP exam (note that you will also see option for CAPM so be very careful in choosing the right exam)
  • Before actually scheduling an exam, try to look for availability on the dates you prefer. Usually you will not get an immediate date. The days will be booked for about a month or 2.
  • Provide the city of your choice and the page will show you the authorized prometric center closest to your location. Since I live in Pune the closest option was to appear for the exam at Mumbai center. Select the most convenient center.
  • The availability calender will give you a list of available dates and time slots. Choose the slot suitable to you and schedule an appointment.
6. Now that you have scheduled your exam, continue with your preparation and revision. It is advisable not to take a long break in studies as its very easy to forget all that you have read. Even if your exam date is not due early, do make sure you revise through daily for about 2 hours. 
 
7. If you are travelling to another city for your exam, make sure you reach a day in advance so that you get some time to rest and refresh. Travelling can be very tiring the stress might slow you down at the exam. I had scheduled for an early morning slot as my mind works very well in the mornings. 
 
8. On the day of the exam reach atleast 30 - 45 min before the scheduled time as you will require time to check-in into the exam center.
 
9.  You need to carry 2 valid Ids (same name as the PMP application) and the prometric slot confirmation printout. The security guard at the reception will verify details from the prometric receipt to his records and then check your IDs.
 
10. Next a locker is assigned, where you need to deposit all your belongings except the IDs. If you are carrying a jacket/sweater make sure you are wearing it and not carrying it inside.
 
11. A security check will be conducted, post which you can enter the test room with the locker key and 2 IDs.  Another verification of ID is conducted. I was given a brief introduction of the centre rules and handed over a blank booklet and 2 pencils for rough use. After having confirmed understanding of the rules, I was asked to sign ‘In time’ and was escorted to my exam cubicle.
 
12.    I was handed over noise cancellation headphones (I did not use them) and was briefed about general instructions for maintaining the decorum of the exam room.
 
13.    There are no scheduled breaks, but in the event that you need to use the washroom or drink water, you are asked to sign out when you leave the exam room and when you return, a security check is conducted and you are asked to sign in. A final sign out is required post completion of the test.
 
14. It is a good idea to wear a sweater/jacket as it can be really cold at the center.
 
The Exam :
1.    You need to complete the pre-test formalities and get 15 min to do the same. This takes not more than 6 min. You can utilise the rest to jot down your process chart and formulae and anything else that you can remember as reference points during the exam. Do not select the SUBMIT option in the pre-test fomalities screen, as it will start the exam immediately and you will not get the 10 min to make your notes. Wait for the exam to start automatically after 15 min.
 
2.    As against the mock exams you may have attempted during your preparation, you will notice that the clock on the exam works backwards (countdown) showing you time from 240 minutes to 0 minutes. Make sure you keep a watch on the clock from time to time.
 
3.    You may find the exam format quite different from the mock tests, but if you are well prepared with the ITTO and have a good understanding of the topics you will be able to understand the context of each question and attempt correct answers
 
4. As each exam is different, hence I would not provide you with any specific questions. There were questions from almost all processes and topics. Howevere what I did notice that there were some related questions. So if you got a certain question say Q# 10 on some process, you may get a another question with the same information for a different type of a response. Keep a look out for such questions as they will help you validate your answers.
 
4. Incase of doubts you can mark the questions for review at a later time. But a word of caution would be to not mark more than 10-15 questions for review as you may actually not have the time to review them.
 
5. I completed the exam in 3 hours, 45 min and  could review the marked answers thereafter. Though I would have liked to review some more if I had the time to spare.
 
6. On completion of the exam, some feedback questions will be asked about the exam and the center. The result is displayed immediately after the feedback is completed. This may take some time to process and complete. So the best you can do is close your eyes and pray to see a screen showing that you have passed the exam :)
 
7.  On exit the staff at the centre gives you a printout of the result. The same will reflect on your PMI profile in 4-5 days and you will be able to download the certificate and logo from the same.
 
8. You can also request for a hard copy of the certificate at no extra cost. It will be posted to you at your mailing address.
 
 
Reference links:
 
 

 

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PMP Exam Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learnt.
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admin

Tue, 01/08/2013 - 11:18

Thanks for sharing the details and congratulations.


Regards

guptaab1

Tue, 01/08/2013 - 11:18

Congratulations on obtaining the PMP certification in first shot

 

Regards,

Amit

jsushma

Tue, 01/08/2013 - 12:37

Hi Mrunash ,


Can you please help how you have subscribed for Brainbok? None of  Credit/Debit cards are accepted by paypal. As you are also from india, Can you please help to provide the steps how you have subscribed to Brainbok?


Thanks


jsushma


 


 

Mrunash's picture

Mrunash

Sat, 07/06/2013 - 13:56

 Hi Sushma,

I did a registration for a basic free account with my google credentials. You will find it on the home page of brainbok.

kishorevaishnav

Sun, 07/07/2013 - 04:29

 Congratulations!!!

pmpnewster

Sun, 07/07/2013 - 05:11

 

Mrunash, Congratulations on passing the PMP exam!
 

Just wondering how come the Prometric centre could be so cold (as to warrant wearing a sweater) at this time of the year... in a place like Mumbai?  Malfunctioning AC or were you in the line of the cold draft?

Thanks.

 

Regards.

 

manumadhav

Mon, 09/23/2013 - 12:18

 Hi Mrunesh,

thanking for this wonderful post.

You had made many people's life easy with this "quick book" post.

 

I am from pune and I have many options for the Institutes with 35 PDU contract hours training . I am in a confusion to select institute. Some Institutes even offers with money back gurantee. What is your advice. WHIch institute will be better for the 35 PDU contract hours and post support till PMP exams?

Thanks

MM