Friends,

 Passed my PMP exam on 9/16. Have been watching this forum for the past 1 month or so and couldn’t thank enough each one of you for the quality of information that is shared here. I know 5MP isn't that great result when compared to some of our friends results on this forum. Neverthless I thought of sharing my experince hoping if this information helps even one person in any ways, I will be more than happy.

My Preparation

1.      

Studied Andy Crowe. Remember this book is at a very high level for easier understanding of the concepts. I used PMBOK as reference for some of the more detailed explanations. Additionally there are certain topics which were exclusively present in PMBOK but not in Andy’s book.

2.      

I would say I am a slow reader, as I have a habit of getting stuck with one topic/chapter and not moving on until the concepts of the current topic is crystal clear in my head. That was the reason I managed to read the book only once and skimmed through it as I got closer to the exam.

3.      

Created my own notes which I revised on the last couple of days.

4.      

My study spanned across 3 – 4 months. In between I was audited which took some time as I had to collect my PM experience + few training records from my previous company. 

5.      

These are the mock exams I wrote… All questions from Andy Crowe’s book, Exam central, Head first, Oliver and PMPforsure..... Exam Central – easiest, Oliver – toughest, PMPforsure – Closest to real exam. Started PMstudy test but couldn’t complete it for some reason. Though I would advise everyone to take this test.

6.      

During the practice/mock tests I made note of questions were I wasn't 100% sure of their answers. Reviewed their reasoning even if I got the answers right. This was to ensure my thought process is moving in the correct direction.

Actual Exam

1.      

Majority of my questions were very “wordy”. At one point of time my mind got so exhausted after reading lengthy questions one after the other that I literally gave up. Fortunately I was able to gather myself and went ahead with test. One of the reasons, why I took the entire 4 hrs. to complete my test.

2.      

Took break after 2 hours.

3.      

No questions from Professional Responsibility. I doubt if PMP even judges you on that anymore.

4.      

Math’s questions – very few were straight forward. Most of them again, were very lengthy, with lot of redundant information’s/numbers.

My suggestions/Tips

1.      

If you see lengthy questions on math, quickly look at what value/number they are actually looking for. This would probably be in the last line after 1 or 2 paragraphs of “story”. This will help you to extract out the data (while reading) which are relevant for your calculations.

2.      

Take a break in between. We don’t realize its importance but it’s a must. It relaxes your body and helps you re-focus on the remaining questions.

3.      

If the first few questions are tough (as was the case with me), don’t get disheartened and lose your focus. Shortly you would start seeing questions which are easier and you would know their answers!

4.      

Since the number of questions in Initiating and Closing process group are less, chances of getting BP in them are high. One question here and there and you could end up on either side of MP. The other 3 process groups have many questions so you have more room to play around with.

5.      

If possible try to remember page 43 of PMBOK. Overall it will help you with many questions. I brain dumped this in the first 15 minutes.

6.      

DO NOT try to imprint ITTO into your mind, because I don’t think anyone can! Actually if you understand what each process does, it’s easy to remember or figure out what the input and outputs should be for that process. Personally I created shortcuts of TT for few of the processes were I was always confused. Each person is different, so you can decide if you want to do it or not.

7.      

In the 4 options, watch out for words/names which would make perfect sense but are not real PMBOK word. It is there just to confuse you.

8.      

Don’t get stuck with one question. Move on! Time is of essence here!

Let me know if you have any questions.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL.