Hi All,

 I have been a silent observer in this awesome forum for a month now. I am happy to share that I got PMP certified this weekend. A big part of my success goes to pmzilla, so I would like to share my lessons learned/experiences with all the members.

My scores: 2 P’s(Initiation & planning);3 MP’s(Exec., M&C, closing)

Here are some of my experiences & lessons learned:

• I had a lot of reasons to keep postponing my decision for PMP. I logged into pmzilla whole day to read LL. This works wonders for people like me who are unable to break their lethargy for the exam.
• My study Duration:  3 week study plan
• Books /materials referred :PMBOK (Read this thoroughly);   Rita (flipped pages to read tips and tricks and did the questions. Headfirst (For  procurement, EVM Calculations – simplified learning); Kim Heldman- Solved the questions for each chapter;Andy’s book - Solved the questions for each chapter
• Mock tests:  I gave a few free tests online and 2 full length tests from Kim heldman.
• 2  days prior to the exam I read Rajesh Nair’s notes & Raga’s 355 pts
• PMBOK is enough to pass the exam. But practice makes you perfect so I tried solving questions at the end of chapters from different books
• I tried to understand tools and techniques usage – remembering how I have used them at work. I googled to find out the unfamiliar tools
• After reading pmbok twice, I noticed I had already memorized PG 43(all processes and KA) without even trying to do so.
• It is tough to remember Inputs and outputs. Take time to think behind the logic. That would be sufficient to answer questions on the exam
• I was getting discouraged when I gave a few tests – I didn’t get above 70% in any of them. But I used the results to fill gaps. After a few mock tests online I saw the questions were getting repeated
• Its easy to get all the numerical right on the exam- just practiced them!.
• The two process groups – initiation and closing have least questions on the exam so I made sure to cover them nicely  to avoid BP. This is comparatively easy to do coz there are only 4 processes all together.
• Finally I was happy and cheerful on the exam day  

I hope my learning may help some of you. I am again thankful to pmzilla admin, Mr. Rajesh nair and Raga and numerous other PMP certified people who shared their experiences on thIS forum. Thanks a ton!

All the best to other aspirants!