Failed my 1st attempt

Submitted by Gijirp on Wed, 06/10/2015 - 02:47

PREPARATIONS: 5 weeks

I read Rita book once. I am so having a hard time with ITTO
I didn’t read the whole PMP book, I did skimmed
I have Head First book – didn’t read but answered questions
I attended boot camp at PMI Academy (Now STRESS, PRESSURED starts after I took this boot camp which is paid by my employer)
Took a lot of mock tests from PMI Academy- scored 60% on 1^st trial then after few trials I kinda memorize the questions and scored 85%
Olivier 75 questions – I got 54%
Head First – I got 70%
Scordo –I took all 18 mocks lite test, scored 60-80%
For Formula’s (cost baseline) -I think I have fair understanding
I didn’t prepare any study notes
I have been following group discussion – I want to be a PMP ( LinkedIn), some says exam is easy and take it easy relax. Well I didn’t relax
I played RITA online process game- scored 70-76%

Three days before the exam date, I feel exhausted, cramming and I don’t feel confident at all in taking the exam.

EXAM Day:

Took me 2-3 minutes before I chose an answer
I did use the 15 minutes to write formula but not the 47 processes
The questions where way different from mock exams I took, super hard questions
Exam result
- Initiating – MP
- Planning – BP
- Executing – MP
- Monitoring and Control – BP
- Closing - BP

LESSON LEARNED:

I should read PMBook over and over and make sure that I DO understand processes
Work on my GAPS
Dedication to study is the key
Never listen to someone again – that someone is my superior who told me to take and schedule the exam. And said it’s ok to fail - for me to know how’s the exam like. Only me, myself can tell if am ready or not

My plan is to take the test September to give enough time to study. Join Richard K monthly session, use his outline study guidelines . Maybe look for a different book material to read (beside PMBOK)

Forums:

General Discussion

Poonam Patel

Wed, 06/10/2015 - 05:12

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How to Cope With Failure in PMP Examination

Hi Giji,

Project Management Professional (PMP) is not an easy exam to attempt. Lasting for 4 hours, it has 200 multiple choice questions, of which one has to answer at least 106 correctly to qualify. The exam is designed to be extremely difficult so that only the best candidates can get the certification. This is the reason why PMP holds immense value and its certificate holders get paid handsomely.

Another interested fact put across by Project Management Institute (PMI) is that approximately 80 percent of PMP exam takers fail at their very first attempt. Though this revelation should prevent aspirants from getting disheartened with failure, it is not a good place to be in. Yes, handling of poor results and disappointment can get to even the best of candidates and make them lose their confidence.

I have an article about How to Cope With Failure in PMP Examination. Hope this helps you.

oorvashe

Wed, 06/10/2015 - 11:28

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Be positive. Take a break and start again.

I feel sorry for the results. Don't give up. Take a break to unlearn what you learnt. start fresh.

Take positives from the failed exam. read lessons learnt from who have cracked their exams in second or third attempt.

there are lots of study notes online. ITTOs is not very complex if you understand properly. If you are planning for any boot camp or online training, I suggest to try pm prepcast. they videos are very simple and it will defnitely help you to clearly understand the ITTOs without memorizing.

there are 4-5 hrs of videos for every chapter and as you complete the chapters you will see the increase in confidence. you can refer to sample videos in youtube.

practice lots of mock questions from pmstudy,edwel, tutorials point.

post your questions in this forum and get answers from different members. this way you can build a plan for your next attempt.