Books:

Some people have said PMBOK is bible and it’s very true. I felt that PMP questions are framed using PMBOK since I could sense its lines in the questions. However, reading two reference books along with PMBOK is equally important. I did read Andy Crowe & Rita. One good approach here is to take questions from chapter end and read the explanation carefully. I found and learnt lots of ticks in this exercise.

Mock tests:

Christopher Scordo (all tests), Pmzest (all tests) and PMstudy (free and test 2), Izenbridge free 115, Head first, Simplilearn free test, Oliver 175 & 75. I could score between 62% to 75% in these tests.

PMP exam have questions from all aspects i.e. some simple questions, some tough, few numerical, few direct IITO questions, some confusing one and few will looks like as if it’s out of PMBOK. I would highly recommend taking mock tests from various sources so that you are used to all types. I felt about 70% of questions was based on some situations and the other 30% were on direct IITO and keywords. Lot many questions were on risk, quality, communication line, procurements and tuckman ladder. Overall you will find mix set of questions which would keep you occupied for 3:30 hours.

Durations:

I am a working person and hence I feel around 3-4 months should be the PMP preparations durations since your work, family and other priorities keeps you distracted most of the time. I started preparations in November 2014 when I took classroom for 3 days to get 35 hours PDU and since then I am into preparations mode.

Regards,

Tom