Passed PMP Nov 18 2014

 

I am happy to share that I cleared PMP exam in 1st attempt  yesterday 18 Nov 2014.

 

Journey: I started my journey  by filling my application on feb 28 2014 but after a while I was not able to spend time why ? because I got engaged and spend time with my fiancé  and in  may 02 I got married thanks you  very much. I know my time is ticking as I have to complete my certification by Jan 05 so I started preparing in Jul and speed up in subsequent months.

 

Study Time: Serious study started in Jul/Aug/Sep/Oct, I have a busy schedule as my project work is keeping me busy so I have decided to study on my bus/train , I prepared my owned notes  while studying.

My average stuy time was around 3 hours daily and 6-8 hours weekends.

As I have decided to go over those notes while near to exam day, It’s just like quick review note.

 

Study Process:

  1. Do not memorize ITTO learn why it’s there in first place.
  2. Whichever book you choose stick to it  and don’t solve any question just after reading chapter, I know it sounds crazy but  solve it  then question in 2nd round of book reading so you will have a better understanding of concepts.
  3. Once you finish reading it once this is time to pick up your PMBOK and read it  first time, It will make some sense now  otherwise PMBOK  will be your sleeping pill.
  4. Now Solve you books question.

4.1 If you are getting less than 70% in each chapter ,  Bro its time to look back and study that chapter again.

4.2 check Why  you answers  questions incorrectly  Again check it Why?

                5. Review from you study notes.

                6. Exam will be tough it will ask you many situational questions so be prepared.

 

Exam Day: I reached  2 hours early to my exam center did all paperwork and after that I when straight to exam room, Yes even though my appointment was on 3:30 PM ( I tried to get  on early morning but no slots were available).

Lesson learn:

                1. Exam questions are really really different from all sample test I have given.

                2. I got 10-15 questions from EVM calculation, 10 question on tuckman ladder, 2-5 question on  various management theories, many situational questions.

                3.  You can remove 2 wrong answers but 2 will be obvious choices and questions are smartly worded so be prepared.

                4. I got many situational question based on SPI/CPI graphs.

                5. Communication channel question was also there around 5.

                6. I marked 50 questions for review but could only review couple of them.

                7.  Got 2-4 question on PMI code of conduct.

                8. I filled out survey and after some time got congratulation felt amazing.

 

               I was getting around 70-80 in all sample test exams.

 

Books &  References:

                1.  Rita’s book.

                2. PMBOK 5th Edition.

                3. Oliver lehmann http://www.oliverlehmann.com/sample-questions-pmp-self-tests.html

                4. Oliver Lehmann http://www.oliverlehmann.com/pmp-self-test/75-free-questions.htm#providers_

                5. Christopher Scordo –( If you are PMI member you will find 1000+ exam question  in 24x7 ebook) http://pmi.books24x7.com/toc.aspx?bookid=55550

                6. PMP Quick review reference guide – (If you are PMI member)  http://pmi.books24x7.com/toc.aspx?bookid=41099

                7. You tube video I would suggest watch all videos of iZenbridge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSH77PGFR2I

                8.Simplilearn  free full length test.

                9.PMP exam prep free test.

                10. Skillsoft full length test ( This is provided  by company).

                11. Head First full length test.

                12. Kim Heldman  (If you are PMI member) http://pmi.books24x7.com/toc.aspx?bookid=32020

 

 

I would like to say big thanks to the god, mom , brother and last but not least  my wife for supporting me  every second in my preparation.

I will be hoping to write another LL for my PMI-ACP soon but not very soon  now I want to stay back and spend  some quality  time with my wife to cover for her sacrifices.

 

All the best to all future aspirant.

 

Regards,

Vijay

 

 

naeem.farooqui's picture

Many Congratulations...!!!

Congratulations and wish you all the best!!!

Thank you all for wonderful comments..

I am on my way to start PMI ACP preprations.

 

Can anyone help me with the solution for below question from Oliver Lehman test ?

 

Your organization is considering to run a project which will entail an investment
of $1,000,000. The product from the project is forecasted to create revenues of
$250,000 in the first year after the end of the project and of $420,000 in each of
the two following years.
What is true for the net present value of the project over the three years cycle at
a discount rate of 10%?4
o The net present value is positive, which makes the project attractive.
o The net present value is positive, which makes the project unattractive.
o The net present value is negative, which makes the project attractive.
o The net present value is negative, which makes the project unattractive.