Failed yet again today....2nd time within the last 30 days. WHY???????

Submitted by billleigh on Wed, 07/04/2012 - 00:27

Ok where to start.. I have 20 years of experience in architecture and construction. About 10 of those years in PM.

I took a 4 day boot camp near the end of May 2012  Took the test  for the first time in the beginning of June FAILED.. I’m thinking WTF Really?  I took the test again today….FAILED…..

So since the company I took the “Boot Camp” ($1900) from has a Money Back Guarantee they pay for the re-tests with in 30 day of each test. So I have one more chance before I either pass or get a refund…..I want to pass I study about 15-20 hrs a week take practice exams and pass those.. But I cant figure out where Im going wrong.  Im and architect and a licensed aircraft Mechanic and these tests were a walk in the park compared to the PMI mightmare….

 Any and all help …constructive comments or tips would be great. I plan on re-testing the week of June 30th 2012.  Please I need some help.  

 

Forums: 
PMP Exam Tips, Tricks and Lessons Learnt.
  • Log in to post comments
  • 1395 reads

aliweb

Wed, 07/04/2012 - 01:15

I guess the problem is you are not thinking like the way PMI thinks. You have got plenty of experience and during this time you must have learned many things. So when you go to take test, you try to apply that knowledge which could be different from what PMI says.

billleigh

Wed, 07/04/2012 - 23:21

 Well Some of that my be true..... But What is a good way to train your brain to dump 20 years of real wok PM experience and become a PMI Pembok poster child for the test?  How do I do this....any ideas?

makarandh

Wed, 07/04/2012 - 06:17

Hi

Do not feel agitated due to the consecutive failures. Though its easy to say but I can understand its hard reality and difficuilt to digest. 

PMP prep is all about learning new things and unlearn few things. PMBOK is the essential ingredient in the PMP prep. One need to be  methodical, logical and think PMBOK'ism while answering questions and its probably your decade of PM experience which sometimes forcing you to go by the gut feel which is obviously backed by some past real situations. I could be wrong here. My guess is, situational question might be taking a toll. Have a look at my LL for PMP do's and dont's. Try to retrospect and share your findings here for some more specific advice from other buddies. 

- Makarand, PMP

LL - http://mypmpll.blogspot.in

 

billleigh

Wed, 07/04/2012 - 22:50

 Makarand

As an architect and aircraft mechanic I deal with life safety issues...so people dont DIE.

But how do I unlearn...Im trying but iy must not be working. I agree with your comments. But how do I it?

I will look at your LL. I really want to thank you for your input.  I have to pass this...... Did I mention I have a minor PM from my undergrad degree? LOL

I guess thats why Ive only met one PMP architect......We must be to thick....But our profession needs better PM's So that why im doing this.... Ive worked to hard not to pass this exam..just looking for help and suggestions.

 

Thanks

 

 

makarandh

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 10:52

 

I am getting a feel that you might be selecting a good choice for the situation but not the best. It could be because of the very nature of your profession and experience leading you to end up with making a choice or priorities / actions which may be right when it comes to situations in your  profession, but absolutely wrong for the situation described in the question. Just a wild guess ... 

Lets shift gears here from being subjective to more objective to nail down  where things are going wrong ...

1. Can you share the mock exam score analysis for questions you got wrong. The point here is to zero down on whether its situational, ITTO's or numerical questions which you are finding tough. 

2. Candidates with 75% score in mock exams by and large clear the exam. Where is the disconnect in your case when it comes to real exam?

3. While ansering situational questions, are you applying your real world experience? Yes/No

4. How many times you have challenged yourself after selecting an answer? Have you tried giving a second look at the question and apply PMBOK way for determining the solution? 

- well if you are not doing it then probably its time to practise it. I am sure when you go by PMBOK way, you will end up making a different choice. If not tried earlier try this time and share your observation, please.

 

- Makarand, PMP

http://mypmpll.blogspot.in

saket_pmp

Wed, 07/04/2012 - 06:29

Even PMI institute would not know why you failed. PMP passing does not have a fix and straight formula.


It could be money back guaranteed scheme made you over confident. Make a lesson learnt, read PMBOK and one reference books (Rita, Andy, headfirst), give some good mock test online and revise PMBOK IITO pages and it’s summery before appearing for the exam.


Spent some time, question yourself and apply your own plan for the next try.


Saket, PMP

billleigh

Wed, 07/04/2012 - 22:32

 Well any company with a good reputation should offer amoney back guarantee when the entire purpose to to help you pass an exam such as PMP. 

after the next exam i will have over $3000 invested in this process. I can tell you I have read PEMBOK....Reviewed the study materials from PMSTUDY. Have taken mock exams and pass them in the 76-85% range. Spend 2-4 hrs a day studying. so in not over confident not sure why you would say that?

Perhaps I have to much real word experirnce and im having difficulty with breaking down the exam questions...I dont know!  I just bought Rita's book on ebay...so Ill through that in the mix.

I need to pass this..... Since they through out 50 questions...... Wonder if I got those 50 correct?? Thats a mind game......Think anout it!

 

So whats your game plan for me?

 

saket_pmp

Thu, 07/05/2012 - 06:08

You might be right to defend yourself. But the result is that you have failed. I have a simple formula i.e. if you have failed, means, your plan didn’t work. That simple!


Why not read some people LL, who have passed recently and see what they referred and which mock test they tried? If you do proper analysis you will find some common pattern there i.e.
1. Understanding PM concepts from multiple sources (PMBOK and 1-2 references)
2. Good catch on PMBOK IITO
3. Attempting mock test from various sources (not just 1-2). Variations would give you more flavors.
4. Before exam revision tips
5. Timelines that is generally from 2 months to 6 months.


Concentrate on these archives here and make a good plan fresh plan.


Saket, PMP

faisaliiuc's picture

faisaliiuc

Wed, 07/04/2012 - 07:38

What's the name of that institute?

billleigh

Wed, 07/04/2012 - 22:17

http://www.pmstudy.com/better-than-competitors.asp

any feed back or comments?