Like many others I have been a silent observer of this forum but I owe many thanks to all those that have posted. It has provided me inspriation and motivation to see others who have been successful. The test itslef is not unlike some of the mocks I have taken. No questions will ever be identical but most of the questions you have to decipher what is really being asked. It makes you extract the real question then you need to apply the PMI concepts you have learned. Here are my LL:

Had a 3 month study plan

I passively read the PMBOK for 2 months, and then got serious with about 5 weeks left.

I chose Andy Crowe has my supplement material, read his book, doing alll the tests at the end of the chapters. including the final exam.

I then read the PMBOK, then the corresponding chapter in the Crowe Book and then took the test at the end of each chapter. Did this about 3 times, each time learning more and more what the questions were really asking.

The last week I took advantage of the 1 week trial to insite from Andy Crowes Book.

The last 3 days, I printed 25 copies of Page 43 of the PMBOK with all the processes removed. I practiced writing all of the processes until I knew them by heart.

Then came Exam day. It took me 3hours and 30 minutes. It was a grind and mentally draining. I had marked 50-60 questions for review. I started going back over them but then stopped after 5 questions. I decided to let my original instinct ride. I just wanted it over, so I ended the exam. My heart raced and finally that stupid survey came up, I though I was going to have a heart attack :). I finished the survery then submit again and saw that I Passed........ 20 seconds later.

High level musts:

• Create a Project Plan / Study Plan. (the whole study process is a Microcosim of what you are testing for....Project Management!)


• Pick a major book as a supplement and stick to it. Rita, Crowe, head first, etc...


• Be careful what tests you take and what you read, there is a lot of incorrect or outdated info out there on the web. Due your research and make sure your source is reputable.


• Take Mock tests, many of them. They get your brain working and deciphering questions they way you will see them on the real exam. Its like training for a marathon, you need to get in shape mentally.


• You should be anxious and nervous, it's natural. Learn to manage it.


• Memorize page 43 of the PMBOK and all EVM formulas. You need to dump those in the first 15 minutes (the tutorial)

Good luck to all.!

Many thanks to this forum!

Mike