How I Passed the PMP Exam with Above Target in All Domains: A Detailed Breakdown of My Study Strategy

I'm thrilled to share that I recently passed the Project Management Professional (PMP)? exam with above target scores in all three domains. Achieving this result was no small feat, and I owe much of my success to the carefully selected resources I used throughout my preparation journey.

The PMP exam is rigorous and requires more than just memorization—it demands a thorough understanding of project management principles, agile methodologies, and the ability to apply these in real-world scenarios. Below, I’ve outlined the key study materials that helped me excel, along with my strategy for using them effectively.

1. PMI Study Hall? PMP Plus (Subscription) – $79

PMI Study Hall? PMP Plus (Subscription)

Without a doubt, PMI Study Hall? PMP Plus was the most indispensable resource in my study plan. This subscription gave me access to a wealth of practice questions and full-length exams that closely mirrored the actual PMP exam.

• Comprehensive Practice: I completed all practice questions, 20 mini-exams, and all 5 full-length exams. The questions were structured to reflect the real exam’s complexity, allowing me to become familiar with the types of scenarios I’d face.
• Accurate Exam Simulation: The full-length exams were crucial in helping me build stamina and develop a reliable exam strategy. The timing, structure, and difficulty of the questions closely matched what I encountered on exam day.
• First-Try Scores: Due to time constraints, I couldn’t retake any of the exams or practice questions. Nevertheless, the scores I achieved on my first attempts were an excellent predictor of my performance on the actual exam.

Recommendation: If you’re serious about passing the PMP exam on your first try, PMI Study Hall? is a must. The practice questions and exams are as close to the real thing as you can get, making it an invaluable part of my preparation.

2. Andrew Ramdayal’s PMP Prep Course on Udemy – $39

AR's PMP Prep Course on Udemy?

Andrew Ramdayal ’s PMP Prep Course on Udemy served as the backbone of my understanding of the PMP content. I used this course to build a solid foundation before diving into more intensive practice.

• Efficient Learning: I watched all the course videos at 2x speed, which allowed me to quickly absorb the material without feeling overwhelmed. Despite the faster pace, Andrew’s clear explanations made it easy to grasp even the more complex topics.
• No Need for Extensive Note-Taking: One of the best aspects of this course was Andrew’s ability to simplify the content. His focus on the PMP mindset—an essential part of the exam—meant I didn’t need to take pages of notes. The concepts were presented clearly and concisely.

Recommendation: This course offers tremendous value for anyone starting their PMP journey. It provides a clear, structured approach to learning the PMP material and is especially useful if you want to cover the material efficiently.

3. David McLahan’s Agile & PMP Mindset Resources – Free & Paid

David McLahan’s resources were an excellent supplement to my primary study materials, particularly for mastering agile methodologies and refining my approach to scenario-based questions.

200 Agile Questions

150 PMBOK 7 Questions

100 PMBOK 6 Questions

PMP Mindset

• Agile & PMBOK Questions: I used David’s 200 Agile Questions, 150 PMBOK 7 Questions, and 100 PMBOK 6 Questions to further sharpen my knowledge. These question sets were critical in reinforcing key concepts, especially the agile principles that are so prevalent in the PMP exam.
• PMP Mindset Videos: His YouTube videos on the PMP mindset were immensely helpful in training me to think like a project manager. These videos gave me insight into how to approach the tricky, situational questions that are a hallmark of the PMP exam.

Recommendation: David’s free YouTube content is an excellent supplement to any PMP study plan, particularly for agile preparation. His question sets are also well worth the investment for those looking to deepen their understanding of both agile and PMBOK topics.

4. 49 Processes Mapping Game – Free

49 Processes Mapping Game

One of the more challenging aspects of PMP preparation is mastering the 49 processes outlined in the PMBOK Guide. The 49 Processes Mapping Game was an excellent tool for helping me memorize and understand these processes.

• Engaging and Effective: This game provided a hands-on, interactive way to learn the 49 processes, making what could have been a tedious memorization task far more engaging.
• Conceptual Clarity: By using the game to repeatedly map out the processes, I was able to visualize how each process fits within the broader framework of project management. This deeper understanding was essential for success on exam day.

Recommendation: If memorizing the 49 processes feels daunting, I highly recommend this free tool. It provides an interactive, structured way to master one of the more difficult aspects of PMP preparation.

5. Drag-and-Drop Quizzes – Free

Drag and Drop quizzes

The PMP exam features drag-and-drop questions that test your ability to categorize and sequence project management processes. Practicing with these quizzes ensured I was fully prepared for this unique exam format.

• Realistic Practice: The drag-and-drop quizzes simulate the actual PMP exam’s format, helping me become comfortable with the mechanics of these questions.
• Active Learning: Engaging with these quizzes allowed me to reinforce my knowledge and practice how to logically group or sequence project processes and concepts.

Recommendation: These quizzes are an invaluable resource for preparing for the drag-and-drop question format. If you’re looking to familiarize yourself with this unique aspect of the exam, this tool is essential.

6. 3rdrock's PMP Exam Prep Notes – $15

3rdrock's PMP Exam Prep notes

In the final weeks leading up to the exam, 3rdrock’s PMP Exam Prep Notes became my go-to resource for reviewing key concepts. These notes provided a concise and well-organized summary of everything I needed to know.

• Efficient Review: The notes are succinct but comprehensive, offering an excellent way to review core concepts without having to sift through hours of video content or textbooks.
• Affordable and Valuable: For only $15, these notes were an outstanding investment. They served as a quick reference guide during my final review phase, helping me lock in the critical information.

Recommendation: If you’re looking for an effective and affordable resource for last-minute review, 3rdrock’s notes are a great option. They distill the essential information into a format that’s easy to digest and review.

Final Thoughts

Passing the PMP exam requires a combination of strategy, discipline, and the right resources. Each of the tools I’ve outlined played a specific role in my preparation:

• PMI Study Hall? provided the closest simulation of the real exam and was critical for my practice.
• Andrew Ramdayal’s Udemy course laid a strong foundation of knowledge.
• David McLahan’s agile questions and mindset videos helped me refine my approach to situational and agile-based questions.
• The 49 Processes Mapping Game and drag-and-drop quizzes gave me hands-on practice with the exam’s more unique formats.
• Finally, 3rdrock’s PMP Prep Notes were a valuable tool for final review and consolidation.

For those currently preparing for the PMP exam, my best advice is to use a well-rounded mix of resources that cater to both content mastery and practical application. With the right preparation and dedication, passing the PMP exam with flying colors is entirely within reach.

Best of luck to all future PMP candidates!

#PMP #ProjectManagement #PMPCertification #ExamPrep #ProfessionalGrowth #Success