Passed with 4P and 1 MP

With gods grace, I could complete the venture succesfully. I had 5 more days for the PMI eligibility to expire.
So, i tried my best and thankfully with everyones support I could see "PASS" finally on screen.
I seriously started preparing from February only, and in the last month, I spent 2 hours daily and 6 hours on weekend. Last 2 weeks, I took day off.


My LL:


Target 3 months of study and 1 week for final exam.


Follow PMBOK as a PRIME GUIDE (in literal sense)
Follow Rita, and Kerzner as supporting Guides
Last month should be allocated only for Mock Tests and soldifying Concepts.


If you are newbee, read HeadFirst Book, and perform all tests. I saw the book in last week, I really appreciate how
concepts are presented. Even the questions are simple but will help you in exam.


Then, Read PMBOK and Rita 2 to 3 times before last month by doing chapter tests etc


PMBOK: around 75% knowledge is needed in brain. 100% very difficult to remember, so apply logical reasoning for rest.


Rita : 100% reading is recommended.


Kerzner: Read only those portions referred by the IIL test.This Will give a real world picture and he  relates to PMBOK throughout the book. Concepts of control account, and contract management terms is nicely explained..



Andy crowe Book: Not very  useful, just a dump of PMBOK. Dont spent money.


PMP mathematics: by indian author. Not much needed, if you are doing many mock exams.


Understand ITTO USAGE (all major ones) and how they are LINKED across the Process groups. If time permits use ACRONYMS
Understand the Change request process, Risk management and closing process in depth [ MUST ]


Mock tests: I tried these ones.


PM Zilla tough 200 (purchased last week )
H Olivermans 175 and 200
PM Study questions - online
IIL Test from Kerzner ( a few tests)
Rita Fastrack ( a few tests)


I didnt follow all the scores routinely. But knew that it was hitting 70 to 75% in the last few days Never reached 90%.. Super PMP got 60 % only.


Online forums


In the last 3 months follow and actively participate in forums especially PMZILLA and deepfried brain. Browse the last 1 year discussions. Try to answer to other members questions. This will really help you to think in exam terms.


Always have the pdf versions of PMbok, Rita, kerzner. You can do fast searching, search for "always", "must", "preferred" etc many times to soldify the
concepts on PMBOK.I havent Read the hardcopy yet, it is lying there peacefully.



Keep a personal note of your short comings and learning in a document. Mine went upto 75 pages, and yesterday I struggled to revise it and dozed off .
So, the best is 25 to 30 pages only. Dont go beyond that.


Last 2 days, NO TESTS, just revise the notes and Pmbok. Try to draw the ITTO flows etc on paper. I tried to test last day also, and got exhausted.



In the exam, you should complete all questions fast in 2.5 to 3 hours and review them in next hour. That should be the target.
 
Rita or PMBOK or kerzner doesnt cover the change management, closure process properely. So may be you have to pick up headfirst to get into the details.


I didnt see much new concepts etc asked. I couldnt find out which are non scoring questions. Risk, Closure questions were tough to challenge what you learned.



The exam is primally focussed on PMBOK, I may say. I got 4 P and and 1 MP.
For a moderately experience person, a good 3 months is enough with a proper study plan to get it through.


Finally thanks to Pawar, Admin and other members who helped me understand some of the concepts like  FF -n and FF+n and it really  helped me.


Thanks
Renji


 


 


 

Congrats Renji


Bhavesh

 its a fantastic output/result.

congrats Renji!!!!!!!

admin's picture

Renji , first of all I would like to thank you for being an active member and helping other PMP aspirants on PMZilla. I am sure PMZilla questions would have helped you.

Congratulations on your PMP.

Regards

Congrats Renji. You have answered many of questions (many of them were not up to mark). But the way you analyze a question is noteworthy. I used to refer you in my friends circle, for your analytical skills.

 

Congras once again

Regards

Vijaya

Hi,

Congrats on becomin a PMP!

You have made a great feedback for those who are preparing for the PMP exam. the different sources that you mentioned such as PMBOK, online training from providers such as PMstudy , PMZilla, Rita, etc. really help a lot.

Jeff

Hi Jeff, Vijay,


Thanks. Well, Im glad I completed it. The way I see is, one has to reach a very cool and informed mental state appearing for the exam. So dont rush and attend the exam.  The exam tests the basics to the depth :). So right text book is very important. As I said, many texts dont specify the inter relations, sequences correctly. Kim heldman , headfirst I think would be right choices. 


In the exam,  after 3 hours, the mind starts losing control !! At 3:30, hands may feel some sort of shivering..!! , So , do take mock exams before for 4 hours at a strech. Complete the questions in first 3 hours. Then go and re-look at marked questions. Many questions were simple and tests our understanding-correctness.


Renji


 

 Congratulations Renji!