FAILED the PMP exam

Today, I FAILED the PMP exam.  It was a huge disappointment.  I don’t know how will I be able to recover from this shock.  I enrolled last year with PMI in Nov’10 and seriously started studying for the exam two months back and was consistently scoring 55-60% from Fastrack and Pm Study. I took the exam in a hurry fearing the exam change which will come into effect from 31st August and also, due to the unavailability of Exam slot at prometirc center before Oct’31st. (My Member ship is expiring in Oct’11)  Now, I need some help in preparing again as per the new exam change.  Can you guys suggest some strategy (Like when should I appear for the exam and which book/material to read) and some free tests which I can practice, which are insync with exam change?  Also, can anyone tellme if I want to appear for the exam again after my membership expires in Nov, how much will be the exam fee+Membership fee?

Thanks in Advance

Sam

Any Suggestions Friends?

Thanks,

Sam

 

Same boat my friend. There is no way I got over 70 questions wrong. I do not know how they grade it. I received moderate profcient on 4 of the 6 groups and 2 below.

hey all,

i did my PMP certification and PASSED being MP mention on 4 groups and BP on 2.  I guess it's all about how low the score is for BP.

thanks

Hi Sam and stantheman78,


Do not worry you will definitely pass if you take it the second time, it is difficult to see the screen that says you did not pass.. but do not worry...keep your preps going on and you will definitely pass.


I took the exam on 08/22 and cleared it the first time, What I would recommend is to read PMBOK one more time along with the notes from Rajesh Nair. Also Sam you mentioned you have Rita's book, give it a read too and you should see your test scores improve from 55-60 to 70 + range and thats a good indication that you are ready for the exam...Face it with confidence both of you will WIN.


Rgds


Ram

Hi Ram,


This is phani. i too did not get through the PMP in first attempt. Can you please help me to get rajesh Nair notes?


Thanks in advance.


 


-Phani

Sam,


Stay encouraged.  I know how it is to take the exam and fail.  I just passed mine and wrote about my experience. 


Passed PMP - August 25, 2011 (After Failing in 2009)


My suggestion is to stay positive.  The nervousness of the exam will allow you to think negatively.  My write up is long but I believe has some good recommendation.


Good luck next time, I know you will pass it!!!

Thanks Nicci0595 and ram123 for your encouraging words. I'm not feeling very good at this point, and I really have to regroup and think about how to tackle it. I’ll go through PMBOK and rework on my weak areas to get this giant out of my way for good. @ stantheman78 - I do believe WE can do it buddy. It's difficult not impossible. All the best for your next attempt. Wish to See your PMP Passed lesson learned in here soon.

Regards,

Sam

 Hi Sam

I am replying as I saw that you took Rita's exams. My suggestion would be to go through PMBOK at least 3 times. I know it is dry but the questions in PMP are mostly based on PMBOK. Rita - use it as a reference. Also, try taking tests other than Rita's like Oliver Lehmann which are tougher and will help prepare better. Finally, you could use Rajesh's notes as a refresher. Practice the tools and techniques using Mnemonics concept as they help one remember them and apply the knowledge in answering situational questions. Refer PMZilla lessons learnt for the Mnemonics.

All the very best.

Regards

ShreeSid

Thanks Sree. i'll follow UR advice and soon will be reverting back with good news in coming few months.

Regards,

Sam

 

Dear friend,


I can certainly understand the emotional stress that you would have felt, but I would say take it as a challenge now. Challenge yourself that in your next attempt you will score "Proficient" in atleast 4 of the 6 domains.


 



My Tips:



  • Reading PMBOK alone is NOT sufficient.

  • The exam asks many questions that are either not there or not explained in detail in PMBOK. But such concepts are covered by these test prep materials like Rita's, Andy's, Head First, etc. For example, Project selection methods, Motivational theories, Quality theorists, Types of power etc. But, do not overload yourself with too many materials

  • Remember all the formula

  • Formula related questions are the easiest ones to score but beware, some of them are more time consuming too especially the ones where you need to draw the network diagram

  • Important Topics - Project Selection Methods, Purpose of all tools, Motivational theories, Quality theorists, Conflict resolution process, Negotiation process, Stage of team development, Contract types

  • Take lot of Practice tests and in each test review the questions that you got wrong. This is important as it will help you not repeat the same mistakes again

  • When taking tests, mark the ones which you were not very sure of the answers and review them later. If they are right, it confirms your understanding, if wrong identifies your knowledge gap

Free Practice Tests:


oliverlehmann.com (75 questions) - Very good difficulty
oliverlehmann.com (175 questions) - Good difficulty
mypmp.ie - very good difficulty
Edwel - Very good difficulty
PMStudy Test1 - Moderate difficulty (more in line with real PMP exam)
skillsign.com - Moderate difficulty
PreparePM - Moderate difficulty
 


 

 Hi Sam,

Its disappointing having studied hard and fail. But I am with ssv75. There are lots of questions in PMP which are situational and most of them have not been seen before. I practised at least 5 sets of 200 questions and also downloaded iPhone Apps questions and notes. You need to keep practising, especially for PMP questions which required calculations like EMV, EV questions. Once, you have enough practice, you will not need to memorize the formula as by the time it should be part of you. For me, I keep practising and reviewing where I have gone wrong and come back again to answer the same questions. 

For me, I reviewed PMBOK at least 3 times, wrote down notes so that I can remember and I read RITA and tried all the 30 questions at the end of each chapter as this book really makes simple the PMBOK. There are also some questions which might be asked but they are in the glossary of PMBOK such as decision making techniques. 

So don't give up and redo it. I'm sure you will be able to do it better and pass the PMP exam. All the best !

Thanks ssv75,  jamestbw and all other folks for your support.  I’ve started preparing according to the new exam format.  I renewed my PMI membership today and planning to take the exam after the change has completely settled in (May be later this year).  Many thanks to SSV75 for suggesting PMP tests, which are of great help, since I tried PM FASTrack exams earlier, which didn’t help me in my first attempt.  Will stick to the forum and share my experience very soon.