So you have failed the PMP exam. The first thing that comes to the mind is why? Was my preparation inadequate, was i using the right study materials, What more could i have done to clear the exam in first try.

On the behavioural side, you must be feeling low, short of confidence and lot of self doubt on whether you can clear the exam the next try.

In my 5 years experience in supporting PMZilla Forum. I have seen many such cases where people have failed PMP in first try but by taking the right steps they clear with good score the next time. The main reason for clearing the next time is the right kind of focus and attention which people give to PMP preparation.

Some of the top reasons for failure

1. Not reading the PMBoK properly. Just skimming through it
2. Not giving the right mock exams or doing very few mock tests.
3. Silly mistakes in exam, not using common sense. Trying to recall things from book
4. Hurrying with PMP preparation just to meet some deadline.
5. Inability to understand the subject or knowledge area. Leaving huge knowledge gaps.

How to get back on your feet

First you will need the right kind of mindset a positive one and here are some facts.

1. You now know what PMP exam questions are. Try to recall some questions and find right answers.
2. You exactly know your knowledge gaps. The topics where you got Below proficient are your key focus areas.
3. You know the whole experience of sitting through 4 hours, next time you will not be worried about food, breaks etc. You know your pace of answering questions.

It takes lot of courage and willpower to again gear up for the exam .Give yourself a pat on the back that you faced yourself. Speak to someone you trust and who will motivate you. Their words of trust in you will fill in the requireed encouragement. When you start your study preparation, Dont give mock exams first. You must read and know the subject well.

So ask yourself a question "If there was anything positive about this incident, what could it be ?" List down the points and read it to yourself for motivation.

On the study materials side here are the popular choices for second timers.

1. PMBoK , but this time reading it more throughly
2. Abhishek's Version of Rajesh nair notes here on PMZilla.
3. Rita Mulcahy's PMP exam Prep -Do solve all excercises from Rita. Its must for you. It will help to reinforce the concepts what you have just read.
4. Headfirst / Andy Crowe / Kim Heldman - any one of these
5. BrainBok.com forumula challenge Exam-75 Q if you are weak in Maths.

If you have used any other study material and if you feel its adequate. I suggest dont buy anything more. Just check the free materials here on PMZilla http://www.pmzilla.com/pmp-study-material-pmp

On the mock tests

1. PMZilla 200 questions - Yes if you can score 55% here, you will be through in real exam.
2. PMStudy tests (2 tests)
3. Rita mulcahy's fast track - Highly Overpriced , only recommeded if you are really nervous

Free tests

1. PMStudy Free – 200 Questions  http://www.pmstudy.com/enroll.asp
2. Simplilearn – 200 Questions  http://www.simplilearn.com/slportal/login/login.do
3. Oliver Lehmann – 75 Questions  http://www.oliverlehmann.com/pmp-self-test/75-free-questions.htm
4. PMPForSure – 100 Questions  http://www.pmpforsure.com/pmp/
5. TechFaq360 – 200 Questions  http://www.techfaq360.com/pmpmockexamstart.jsp
6. Passionatepm – 100 Questions  http://www.passionatepm.com/free-pmp-exam-practice-test-questions
7. Bestsamplequestions – 160 Questions  http://www.bestsamplequestions.com/pmp-sample-questions/pmp-sample-quest...

Check this link for details http://pmzilla.com/free-pmp-exam-important-links-best

Some do's and Don't before the exam

1.  Keep your cool and relax. There is no need to get overwhelmed. Know you can do it
2. Do not over prepare for the second attempt. Over preparation can be cause of failure too.
3. Do not overestimate or underestimate PMP Exam. You will pass the exam if you have prepared well.
4. Do not rush to answer the questions. Read it well there can be some misunderstanding if you rush.
5. Do not keep gap between preparation and taking real exam. Also do not drag preparation for weeks or months. make a plan and stick to it.

Comments from PMZillans are welcome

Some Great posts by PMZillian's who cleared on 2nd or 3rd attempt.

http://pmzilla.com/finally-passed-third-attempt-march-2013

http://pmzilla.com/passed-2nd-attempt-july-5th-2013 

http://pmzilla.com/passed-pmp-3rd-attempt

http://pmzilla.com/any-suggestions

http://pmzilla.com/passed-pmp-second-try-lessons-learned-real-truth

Time Frame - As per PMI each person has 1 year eligibility period to pass the PMP examination. During the eligibility period, the exam can be taken 3 times . If you fail the examination three times within your one-year eligibility period, you must wait one year from the date of the last examination you took to reapply for the credential. If your eligibility period expires without you passing the examination, you must reapply for the credential. 

Reexamination fees - The second or third time re-examination fee for computer-based testing is as follows:

• For a PMI Member: $275 USD
• For a Non-Member: $375 USD

The second or third time re-examination fee for paper-based testing is as follows:

• For a PMI Member: $150 USD
• For a Non-Member: $300 USD