How To Learn, Study and Pass the PMP Exam :

After sharing my recent PMP success on LinkedIn, I received numerous requests and questions on resources, preparation time, strategy, mock ups, tips, exam pattern, training, and so on.

I decided to publish a post based on my learning experience because this exam is extremely time-consuming to learn, prepare for, and write. Because there is a large amount of content on social media, a huge curriculum, and an infinite number of questions and answers. One will be concerned or confused about completing the resource content, determining preparation time, and when to write the exam. So, the question is, how much is enough?

Whatever I describe in this paper is solely my point of view, which I used for my exam based on my available time, resources, and reading interests. It may or may not appeal to everyone, but I am confident it will serve as a reference point.

I took my exam on the 44th day after enrolling in the 35-hour obligatory PMP course and passed in my first attempt. Initially, I planned to complete on the 31st of December 2024 to close the year with a bang ??(within 35 days), but I delayed registering for the exam until the last minute (thinking that slots would be available), which was also turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I got one more week for a good preparation and my last week preparation was super serious. I will break down the content using headings and pointers for better understanding, including all necessary links, to make it easier for the audience.

Note: I am not endorsing any trainer, resource or content. I am just providing the details which I used for my study, preparation for the exam after doing thorough self-research.

?1. RESOURCES:

?????????????? a) ?Andrew Ramdayal’s - PMP Certification Exam Prep Course 35 PDU Contact Hours/PDU (mandatory for PPM application)

Udemy Andrew Ramdayal

(You can select any other trainer for this course.)

·??I watched videos few videos in 1.5x, few in 1x and few in 1.25x speed.

·??I did not make any physical notes because for every chapter pdf downloads available.

·??Having prior PM experience is useful for comprehending most of the keywords but if you don’t have PM experience, not a problem, just write the keywords and try to google it when you have time.

·??Trust me, getting through these 35 hour course is the toughest part in PMP exam ?? because you will feel like it’s a never ending process. (just breather and keep alive)

·?Before starting the next chapter, I browsed through the pdf resource once just for a recap.

·?Complete all the videos to be awarded a certificate for training completion.

b) ECO – Exam Content Online from PMI :

Studied the Project Management Professional (PMP)? ECO to understand the content, how the exam will be graded and the percentage of questions to expect from each domain.

(I repeated going through this ECO details every week atleast once during my preparation)

Examination Content Online - ECO

c) YOUTUBE VIDEOS:

PMBOK6Q&As

PMBOK7 Q&As

Agile Practice Questions

Last Minute Revision tips

Ricardo Vargas & David Mclachlan has one hour videos on PMBOK 6 & 7 which are very useful. I watched them twice and noted few points for easy reference.

d) MOCKUPS & SIMULATORS:

d1) MockUps???- Nilotpal Ray

?????????????? ?????d2) PMI has its own set up mock ups questions covering all the ECO content with a very good explanation for each – PMI Authorized Online PMP Practice Exam

e) Free PMP practice Questions - 4 sets of free practice exams by pmp practice exam

f) PMBOK 6 – Watched atleast thrice for better understanding and reference.

Ricardo Vargas's video PMBOK6 explained and David MacLachlan video PMBOK6

g) PMBOK7 – I studied PMBOK 7 while watching David Maclachlan's Q&A video on YouTube (PMBOK7). I also read the entire PMBOK 7?once to comprehend the terminology, meanings, and overall project management framework. It is extremely beneficial not only for the exam, but also for applying this knowledge to generate meaningful results and help to the growth of teams and businesses. At the end, there includes a glossary of meanings for every project management term, which is useful for both knowledge and the exam. (After you purchase the exam, the PDF will be available in the PMI website)

h) Agile Practice Guide: Though, I have a good agile background, I still read this physical book which was there with me, The Agile Practice Guide. This is also a great book to understand the Agile Manifesto and its Principles and the Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct which is really helpful for the exam because most of the questions in the PMP exam is agile and hybrid scenario based questions only. The information offered by PMI and Agile Alliance experts regarding tailoring and the hybrid approach is extremely useful. There is a glossary of definitions of all the agile words which is worth for knowledge and for the exam.

AgilePracticeGuide - Amazon

Agile Practice Guide? - PMI Website

i) Process Groups Game : The Project Management Process Group and Knowledge Area Mapping Game was an enjoyable approach to test and improve my knowledge of the 49 Processes. I played it frequently until I reached 90%.

?

2. APPLICATION:

After completing the course, I created my PMP ID and input the training provider's information to demonstrate and claim that I had finished the program. It just took me 10 minutes to enter all the pertinent information that were relevant and demonstrated my genuine experience, which is required for updating the application. After submitting the application, I received an email from PMI within two days stating that my application was successful.

Before you start learning, apply or pay for the exam, please check the eligibility criteria:

Eligibility

3. STUDY PLAN: Once my application was approved, I set up reasonable deadlines to avoid entering the "done drift" phase. I set aside time each day (at least two hours) to read through PMBOK7 and the agile practice guide. I attempted to read PMBOK6, but it was overwhelming, and I don't recall where I left it in the middle (somewhere between the 60th and 80th page).

I took a few mock examinations after finishing my PDU course while doing some self-study. I did well enough, scoring 65 to 70% on all of the mocks. Then, started reading the resource PDFs included in the Andrew 35-hour videos, watching YouTube videos of David and Ricardo, particularly David's 100 waterfall questions, 150 PMBOK7 questions, and 200 Agile questions, and a few eduhubspot videos by Varun and Gautham. I am also providing the video URLs.

EduHubspot_mindset

eduhubspot

During the end of 2nd week, I attempted the MockUps?by Nilotpal Ray (Udemy), PMI mock ups 280 questions (PMI website). Once, I was confident after studying selected a date from the PMI website (I chose exam date after studying rigorously for atleast 3 weeks)

4. Exam Day: I chose 8 a.m. time slot since it was more pleasant for me to write the exam in the early morning when my mind was fresh, and I chose the nearest Pearson Vue center to my home, which is a very well-maintained facility with strong security and an almost serene environment. The employees were helpful and kind. There were lockers for storing personal items. You are only allowed to bring your ID and locker key inside the exam room. I personally suggest a physical venue because at home, there may be distractions and network challenges.

?????????????? I took two short breaks since I don't want to rush and instead give myself some time to relax and manage myself. There are many videos available on YouTube that cover elimination procedures, good, better, and best choices. However, when I sat down for the exam, no particular strategy came up for me other than searching for the correct answer because the clock was ticking.

However, for a few questions, the elimination strategy was useful, but not completely. I only received one formula question and one drag-and-drop question. The rest of the questions were purely scenario and practical-based. I finished the exam with 15 minutes to spare.

To take notes during the test, I was provided with a booklet and pen. I was also given a calculator, but I did not get any question which was required to write anything on it.?Since there was only one calculation question, just used the calculator once.

Quick Tips:

1) Avoid attempting to gather and follow?an excessive amount of study materials and human resources for the study.

2) Do not stress yourself on the mathematical (calculation) and drag and drop questions. (Learn all the calculations for study & acquire knowledge, especially CPM, EVM and PERT)

3) Don't memorize terminology or answers from practice tests; No diversion while preparing; don't be alarmed by the extensive curriculum; don't quit after completing the 35-hour PDU course; don't put things off; finally prepare yourself for the result (pass or fail). There's always another try.

4) Do not forget to carry atleast 2 to 3 original photo IDs and atleast one with signature on it. Compare your signature with your signature on the ID card. (Aadhaar, License, Passport with a good picture of your)

5) Men – Try to wear?a T-shirt, as I wore a full-handed shirt and had to roll the sleeves up and down for checking and showing the pockets by keeping palms inside the pockets. I understand it is a security procedure, and adhered to it; nonetheless, it will take some of your time. So, it's good to wear a round-neck tee without pockets??

6) Take breaks during the exam. After every 60 questions once you review and submit, the system will ask you whether you want to take a break. Go ahead and take it (my point of view). You can go back review the previous 60 questions after submitting.

7) Determine whether the question is Waterfall (Traditional) or Agile-related. That would assist you choose an answer.

8) If you're unsure, mark it for after review. Do not spend too much time contemplating complex questions. You can return to it later. However, do not spend too much time on reviewing.

9) You only need to determine which process (of the 49) you're involved in with a project manager mindset, and that will assist you decide.

10) Do not attempt the answers as if you are working in a project but attempt with PMI mindset.

11) Read the question properly (concentrate on the language), especially the last sentence – What should the PM do next, what is the action to be taken etc.

12) Please pay attention to the clock, but do not just continuously stare at it and get panic

_________________________________________All the Best___________________________________________

If anyone who is planning for the exam and still need further information, please reach out to me via LinkedIn or at https://topmate.io/krishna_nainar_paravasthu/1398517

URL List:

Udemy Andrew Ramdayal

PMBOK6 explained

PMBOK7

Agile Practice Guide

PMBOK6Q&As

PMBOK7 Q&As

Agile Practice Questions

The Project Management Process Group and Knowledge Area Mapping Game

EduHubspot_mindset

eduhubspot

Free PMP practice Questions

MockUps

PMI Study Hall - essentials – I did not purchase this but if you are not confident, and ready to spend some more buck, please go ahead and purchase for more practice questions.

Last Minute Revision tips