Passed PMP and still celebrating !!

Hi All,
It would be injustice if I do not post my LLs here, as PMZilla has played a significant role for me being a PMP credential holder.

I followed PMZilla's posts specially Lessons Learned section and my study plan was nothing so different however I was accompanied by my two years old daughter all the time ;-)
I read PMBOK5 2 times and Rita 2 times.
Practice Exams that I took were :

Simplilearn(Free)
PMStudy (Free)
Kim Heldman
Oliver Lehman
HeadFirst
Christopher Scordo-All Mock tests
Frank T Anbari-Few time management questions
Questions at the end of each chapter of Rita's PMP book.
Edwel

All the mock tests are good however PMstudy was more close to the real exam.

Initially I scored around 65% and then I worked on my weaker areas which helped me a lot and my score moved up to around 75% avg. Please analyze each practice exam to know where you did wrong which can improve your score in the real PMP exam.

Make note of the points which you tend to forget.

ITTO's : There were lot of direct questions on the exam on ITTO's and I remembered the flow so it helped me a lot.

Learn all the important formula's and jot them down. I was referring to the dumpsheet many times.

Take proper rest and good sleep before the exam which I tried but I couldn't sleep untill 3 AM due to anxiety whether I will fail or pass. My exam was in the second half so I was okay but as we all know that even if you go with full preps and without sleep you cannot sit for 4 hours with same attentiveness which you have when you start and when you end the exam. Each question should be answered.

I did not study at all during last 2 days of my exam and was reading the success stories at PMZilla.

Keep a check on you pace and mark the question if it is taking too much of your time.

I would be happy if it helps the readers while preparing for PMP.
In case you have any specific doubts please leave a message with your id and I shall get back to you.

Cheers
Arushi

Dear Arushi

Congrats for clearing the exam in 1st attempt and thanks for your encouraging words. Well you have mentioned it correctly that despite doing good preparation, one should have a sound sleep just before the exam. This factor has become the reason of my failure. We will apply the LL suggested by you and others friends and pass the exam with flying colours.

Thanks
Tushar

Thank you so much !!

admin's picture

Congratulations on your PMP.

Can you please tell me step by step to clear PMP ?
Even I have 2 yrs old son.
Which will help me in clearing exam.

Your guidance will help me a lot.

Will be waiting for you response eagerly.
Thankyou,
Ranjini

Hi Ranjini,
As you know when you have a toddler around you cannot go by the plan no matter how hard you try unless you have a family support. In my case few things I made sure that I will follow and they worked.
1. Study everyday 1.5-2 hrs.(I prepared for 4-5 months). I did not miss a single day except before the exam.
2. Take Practice tests when your baby is asleep.
3. Take full length tests when you hubby can take care of him.
4. Make notes and stick on the wall where you can easily access/revise/reread when you are doing day-2-day activities.
5. Give a set of crayons and notepad to your son while you are studying.
6. One more thing I did was like Revisiting what I studied in the morning before sleeping.
I can understand that it is going to be tough but executable. Let me know in case you need more help.

Thanks PMZilla Admin !!

Dear Friend,
Congrats and thanks for sharing LL.
Regards,
Vishwanath