Just failed my PMP exam. Need a 3 week studying strategy?

Submitted by shehzadb03 on Wed, 02/20/2013 - 01:03

Hey everyone,

I'm sure you all have seen a similar thread plenty of times by now. However, I just took my exam last Friday for the first time and failed with 3 BPs and 2MPs. I thought I was well prepared as I took a 4day prep course through the Project Management Academy and studied for another 2 weeks before taking the test. I was doing okay on the practice tests as well (70-80%). The only book I used at the time was the PMBOK and study questions through the project management acadamey's prep site. As to why I think I failed, I felt that the questions were very different as they were alot more scenario related then what I had practiced. For some reason, I couldn't wrap my head around a lot of the questions, especially in the beginning of the exam. 

I just called PMA today and they will pay for me to retake the test since they guarantee a refund if you don't pass, but the only caveat is I have to take it within 30 days of the first test, so by March 16th. I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on how I can best utilize the next 3+ weeks to get the most out of my studying. I also just purchased Rita's prep book, which I am planning on going through as well. Has anyone been in the similar situation and what did you find to be most helpful for preparing for your second attempt?

Also, do you recommend any other course material that may be more effective than reading Rita's book or the PMBOK? 

Thanks for your help! 

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PMP Exam Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learnt.
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admin

Wed, 02/20/2013 - 03:59

What to do if you Fail PMP Exam in first attempt

Regards

jiazzi

Wed, 02/20/2013 - 06:41

 I'm sorry you didn't pass at your first attempt.  After reading your post, especially about how the situational questions caught you off guard, I think it's pretty consistent in the advice I'm about to give based on what I've read throughout PMZilla and through my experience.  

It sounds like you have an opportunity to really practice taking simulated mock exams.  Many say that PMStudy is the closest to the real exam experience so try taking the free exam.  Brainbok is another good site for a free, tough exam.  There are many, many, many other free exams out there.  Just read through all the LLs and you'll see.  :) 

In my experience, I did not take a boot camp course, only did self study and passed on my first try.  I read all the lessons learned on this site, read Andrew Crow x1, Rita x1 and took each of the quizzes afterwards.  I would not take the time to memorize Rita's version of the 42 processes as she strongly will tell you to.  I timed myself on each quiz and documented my progress.  Timing yourself helps you get used to the pressure of the clock ticking away while taking the exam.  This took me about 150 hours of uninterrupted studying with the occasional hour of rest and rejuvenation after so much studying.  

I tried to read the PMBOK but couldn't do it.  I tried to memorize the ITTOs but couldn't do it.  And in the end, it was fine.  I didn't need to.  Reading and understanding Rita and Andy's books, then practicing a LOT of exam questions is what really helped me.  

I think it's very courageous of you to share your story and I hope that I have helped in some way.  I look forward to reading YOUR lessons learned when you pass the exam!  :) 

Stay strong and focused!  You can do it!!!

uglory

Wed, 02/20/2013 - 07:30

 Nice one!. You have said it all!!.

Nevertheless, he should try to read up and understand in details his knowledge gaps from PMBOK again.

aval

Wed, 02/20/2013 - 08:44

I would suggest:


1. Work more on your 3 BP areas


2. Initiating, Closing, M & C are smaller areas, focus more here to avoid 3 BP right away.  Next Executing and then Planning (its biggest one).  You need to prioritize your efforts as you have only 3 weeks.


3. Do mathematics part perfect.  You can expect around 25 questions in this area where you would be sure on your score.  Comparatively easy also.


4. You have already taken the actual test so you know how it is.  Practice good mock tests - PMStudy, Rita Fast Track, Insite Velociteach (free 1 week trial with Andy's book), Final test from Exam Cram book (I found it good), Christopher Scordo tests 13 to 18.


5. Its ok if you can't remember Inputs & Outputs.  You can apply logic to answer such questions.  But know all Tools and Techniques very well and in which process they are used.  Not difficult to memorize Tools and Techniques.

shehzadb03

Wed, 02/20/2013 - 19:36

I am planning on going through the PMBOK and Rita's book simultaneously at least 1x and try to go back to it if I have time towards the end. I am also planning on taking a full 4 hour (different) exams from PMStudy every saturday, in addition to the questions in Rita's book at the end of each chapter. I'm also planning on going through some of the notes provided on PMZilla. Hopefully that will be enough to avoid another failure.

Thanks again! 

Jgrind07

Thu, 02/21/2013 - 05:07

Hi Friend,

Its nothing to worry for the result in your 1st attempt. I would suggest you to read atleast once the EdWel bootcamp material. This is very intresting to read

1. It covers some concepts that are not in PMBOK and you can expect questions in exam

2. It aligns very much to PMBOK 4th edition so it does not require much erroft to cover it as you have already gone through the PMBOK guide

3. It has memory check list at the end of the each chapter that really helps you remember important concepts

4. It has 25 questions of test at the end of the each chapter with answers

5. It has EV excercises.

6. Moreover it is very easy to follow than PMBOK.

Try some of the tests in SkillSoft. It is very intresting.

You can download the EdWel from: http://gallery.mailchimp.com/6f124ecbc2f463c1a2e4d35a7/files/PMP_Exam_Preparation_bootcamp_participant_manual_2_6_online_free_c.pdf?utm_source=PMP+Practice+Exam&utm_campaign=7214d8c8fb-Free_Textbook1_9_2013&utm_medium=email

All the best for your exam and share the good news soon!

Thanks

Jai