Hello everyone,

i took my pmp for the first time on may 29th and did not pass.  After the exam, I was exhausted and felt like even another two years of studying wouldn't have helped me.  I discovered pmzilla and was contemplating between taking a class or self studying again. I really wanted to do the test before the change on 7/31. So I scheduled my retake for 7/29! It was the last day they had available before the change!

I decided to continue self study. I used three books: the pmbok, Rita's and Andy Crowe. I found the pmbok to be the most boring, but the most straight to the point.  If I needed further clarification, I would reference the other two books. I was studying hardcore for two weeks, then a personal issue came up and I just wasn't able to concentrate at all. So I wasted about three weeks drawing in sorrow. I posted on pmzilla asking for words of encouragement and got three nice replies last weekend.  Thank you guys for that! 

One of the comments told me to review Rajesh's notes.  I am glad I did. It was like the cliff notes of the pmbok.  Whoever Rajesh is... Thank you!!!

Over the weekend, I did three practices tests and barely got 70%.  Two from pmstudy and one from examcentral. The pmstudy ones were the best. Though, they weren't  as tricky as the actual test. After reading how everyone got 85%+, I felt defeated. I felt so burnt out and exhausted. I went home and slept. I got up at 4am and read Rajesh's notes again.  

I got to the test center at 7:35 and they didn't call me until 8:25! My appointment was for 8! The lady said that there were a ton of pmp test takers today! I wonder why ;) 

the test took me 3 hours and 45 minutes. I had to guess on three of the questions! When I submitted the exam, the blank screen came on and I felt myself holding my breath! The words congratulations popped up and I did a silent scream!!! I couldn't believe it!!! I passed!!!!! I am a PMP!!!!!  

I feel so relieved!! Excited!! Happy!! I can have a life again! Go scuba diving again! I didn't allow myself to have fun while I was trying to study!!! Thanks for the support!!