Passed my PMP on 30^th July 2015 in Malaysia

It is with great pleasure I would like to thank the people of PMZILLA for their wonderful contribution. It is here I found courage, strength & solace to pass my pmp exam.

I found most of the notes, way to study, happiness & disappointments of people to make sure I did well.

Please note that this is my 4^th attempt with PMP exam.

1^st Attempt – Underestimated the exam as a simple brain dump exam (Overconfidence, cocky attitude)

2^nd Attempt – Studied the book but never took any exam simulations (Overconfidence in myself again but not cocky)

3^rd Attempt – I did both study & exam simulation but preparation was never enough.

4^th Attempt – Focus, Hard work & putting in the hours made me pass.

Imagine me taking this exam 4 times scares the living daylights out of me. Until 3 days before exam, I was planning to cancel my exam & asking PMI for a refund. But my wife, kids & friend made me realize one thing...that if I don’t try with all my heart & effort..i wouldn’t know whether I will pass or not?

But now I realise hardwork is the only way to go. Here was study plan:

Mon – Fri – Study from 7pm – 11pm (4 hours) note: this is after settling all my house & kids chores.

Sat & Sun – Study from 7.30am – 12.30pm, lunch rest, then continue back from 1pm to 3pm, sleep 1 hour, 4pm to 9pm study.

I did this for 1 whole month. I sacrificed my torrent TV series, Gaming – ARMA 3, Battlefield 4, Football Manager 2015, my wife & 2 kid’s needs, WhatsApp groups, Facebook to concentrate.

My beautiful wife paid for my PMP exam fee & she was nagging, motivating me to just do it. Whenever I felt out of focus. I would picture my wife & kids & ask myself “Why I am suffering the pain of discipline now for a better future later”. This brought me back to perspective when I lose concentration. I am a very short focus person & I would let my thoughts fly but this all this thought of my family would land me back to earth.

Resources –

Christoper Scordo – Exam Questions

Rita Mulcahy 5^th Edition

PMBOK

PMP Exam Prep Sean Whitaker

Self-made notes from the above materials – 41 pages.

Anyway all this I am explaining is to ensure everyone that it is not impossible to pass the PMP exam. You need to have reasons to achieve goal. Self motivation is not enough, you need to focus on a bigger picture to get you the whole nine yards. You need more than yourself to pass this exam. This exam is considerd 3^rd toughest exam in the IT world. First being SAP, CISSP & then PMP.

So I know the true value of this paper to my job. This will open new avenues for opportunities.

God bless everyone & never give up! Its either you sing or the fat lady sings!!!

Thank you,

Arun, PMP