I thought I would share my journey and how I prepared to sit for the most difficult test I have ever attempted. 

  A little about me, retired US Air Force communications professional.  Have taken most Microsoft certs and am looking to move into IT Program Management.  I have worked alot of projects throughout my military career and now as I continue working in Afghanistan.  

  I attended a 1 week boot camp in the Philippines in April, it was nice as it was a 1 on 1 course and provided me a good foundation to build upon.  As with all other individuals I have heard from, I agree that the boot camp is not enough for you to learn and sit for the exam,  It will however give you a good foundation to build upon.

  I read Rita's book (7th edition) 1 time front to back, completing all the exercises as best I could.  Then i read the PMBOK... front to back and as dry as it was, it was beneficial and started to put the pieces together.  I then went back to Rita's and read it again, front to back.  I did not attempt any practice exams as of yet other than the end of chapter reviews in Rita's.  I then felt I was fairly well prepared and attempted the first 20 questions from each area on the Rita Fast Track program.  This gave me a good idea of what areas I needed to review.  I reviewed those areas that I missed 4 or more questions.

 I then read Rita's book 1 last time front to back and really focused on areas that I had missed questions on.  This took me nearly 6 weeks all told..  I also reviewed the flashcards when I had any extra wait time.  The one area you really need to know is the Rita's process chart.  Once you understand what each item does you will know when in the chart it should be.

 Calculations are also a definate to learn and know how to do the math.  This alone will get you 10-15 questions right. 

 I was pushing to sit the test prior to the end of July when the test changed and was able to get a date for 28 July in Dubai.  I flew down to Dubai from Afghanistan the night before and even everyone says not to, I reviewed (lightly) the hi-lited areas in Rita's  The morning of the test I was the last of 20+ to be called in to sit the test at the center.   I started off and I would say the first 40-50 questions were as if they were from another test.  I was stunned, had no idea what some of the questions were asking.  I finally found about 30 questions that I knew and could answer without a doubt.  I continued on and had areas of unknowns and areas of knowns.  I pushed to get done with the 200 questions in 3 hours, then I took a 5 minute bathroom break and returned to start my review.  I decided to review all... even the ones I knew and I changed about 20 of my original answers on the unknowns.  The 2nd half of the test seemed to give me some insight and reminders of the first questions I was missing.  I only got to review 101 questions and time ran out.  longest couple minutes of my life, doing the survey and waiting for the results.  My heart nearly stopped when I saw congratulations.  It was a huge relief to pass this test.  I got 3 P's 1 MP and 1 NP.

 I will say, everyone I know told me that it was nearly impossible to pass on the first attempt.  I was sometime discouraged but also motivated when i was told that by so many that had sat the test before.  My answer to them saying they didn't know anyone who passed on their 1st attemp was... well I hope to change that!!  For 2 months, I stopped going to the gym and used any and every extra minute I had to study and prepare for this challenge.  I was cautious not to attempt too many practice questions as I didn't want to start memorizing answers as that will get you no where in this type of exam.

 I wish each and everyone of you attempting this exam the best of luck and my advice is to not only learn, but understand all of the material.  as I said, memorization will not help you on this test.

 It is well worth it, I am currently getting alot of emails and calls for new job options just because i have my PMP cert.  Push hard, work hard, study hard and you will get the same.

Again, good luck to all...