Hi Everyone, 

I successfully passed the PMP exam (2nd attempt) on October 19^th, 2015 and would like to share my experience with you. First and foremost, I would like to say, NEVER GIVE UP!! :D My total time for studying was 3 months, with a very flexible schedule.

My first attempt was 8 months ago. The following are my lessons learned:

1) 1^ST ATTEMPT: I scheduled the exam during a time when I had many distractions (my upcoming, destination, wedding :) ) and I also underestimated the level of detailed knowledge required for this exam!!!– WHAT I DID BETTER THIS TIME: I scheduled the exam for when things were calm and my mind was free; I really isolated myself and stayed focused. I had a schedule and I stuck to it. 

2) 1^ST ATTEMPT: I skipped reading PMBOK and used prior notes I had from a PM course I had taken along with Rita Mulcahy's book. THIS TIME: One chapter at a time, I went through PMBOK, making notes and then would read the corresponding chapter in Rita. I then would complete the chapter-end questions of Rita, followed by chapter-end questions in HeadFirst. Finally, I would review anything that was unclear.

3) THIS TIME: I thoroughly studied PMBOK’s Data Flow Diagrams for each of the 47 processes and I focused a LOT more on ITTOs. I did my best to understand, rather than memorize. I spent a lot of time making sure I had the ORDER of planning processes from Rita’s process chart memorized and understood! I researched tools, definitions, examples of anything which was still unclear. Youtube has some excellent videos, which helped me better retain certain concepts.

4) 1^ST ATTEMPT: I was scoring in the mid-high 70s range on Rita Mulcahy FastTrack exams so I thought I was ready – THIS TIME: I completed a VARIETY of exams (Lehmann, Rita FastTrack and Super PMP, HeadFirst) and I did not base my scores on whether or not I think I  may pass or fail. I focused on if I knew all concepts and if I had any gaps.

5) THIS TIME: I reviewed all of my notes 2-3 times and really made sure I understood EVERYTHING!

The following are some resources you may find useful:

http://www.headfirstlabs.com/PMP/pmp_exam/v2/quiz.html

Free full 200 question test

http://www.oliverlehmann.com/contents/free-downloads/175_PMP_Sample_Questions.pdf

oliver lehmann 175 questions

http://www.pmstudy.com/enroll.asp#PMP

Free full test and free material including videos and study material for the first two chapters

http://206-free-pmp-exam-questions.blogspot.com/p/questions-1-20.html

answers only no explanation

BEST OF LUCK!!