Hi All, i passed exam on 3rd August and wanted to share my lessons learned. From a high-level i would say it need planning and dedication. Need to prepare methodically and use tons of information available on internet, chapters or through LLCs with some discretion. There is too much of information all around.

I started preparing from last week of April, 2011 and wanted to take exam before August 31, before the new changes become effective. Prepared a schedule listing all activites i will do - when to apply PMI membership, when to finish each capter, when to buy mock tests, when to take each mock test, when to fill PMP form and when to take PMP exam, etc,etc. And also planned when to exit the preparation if need be(that was based on how i fare in mock tests). I was pretty much able to meet all those timelines and fared reasonably well in mock tests so did not need to exit!

I used PMP Guide 4th edition and Rita book for preparation. In 1st pass, skimmed through both these books. Took chapter-end tests in Rita and prepared a baseline. In 2nd pass, read Rita throughly and took notes for each chapter. Again took chapter-end tests in Rita and compared with baseline. Took a mock test - didn;t do well. Realized was missing some 'fine-prints' in PMP guide. Read PMP guide -each chapter in detail and took notes on 'fine-prints' in PMP guide. Then decided to take mock tests. Used PMStudy tests + some other tests. Below is how i scored -

Oliver Lehman(175 question) - 65%(that was before i read PMP Guide in detail)

Oliver Lehman(75 question) - 68% and 85 % later

Headfirst - 82%

PMStudy 1 - 78%

PMStudy 2 - 72%

PMStudy 3 - 77%

PMStudy 4 - 81% 

Making little changes to your daily routine can help. I started going to office by bus(offcourse morning buses are not so crowded where i live) instead of car as it give me atleast 45 minute daily to revise, specially ITTOs. ITTOs are important.And offcourse, co-operation of family is a must, thanks to my wife who was understanding(spent 2 long weekeds staying at home!). But glad that all worked out well in the end.

Hope this help.

Brijesh