Happy day folks!! So you have moved your tasks around and have started prep for your PMP exam. You have begun to understand the 10? knowledge areas and are wrapping your head around the 5 project phases, predictive and agile methodologies, and the PMP and agile mindset… and then you have this nagging thought, how much time should I dedicate to my studies each day? How much time will it take for me to prepare for my exam?
Well, here's what I uncovered from my own prep experience.
- The amount of time required for preparing for your PMP exam is determined by two factors. One, your prior project management experience, and two, the time you are willing to invest each day for study.
- It could take anywhere from 250 to 300 hours of study if you are not a practicing?software project manager. I'd recommend at least 2.5 hours a day.
- Pro-tip 1: Set aside interruption-free study time. Keep your phone in the other room and lock the door to your study room, if you must. Your mind will rebel against the regiment for the first 2 or 3 weeks. Just stay with it!?
- Consider the above numbers as ballpark prep time. Avoid comparing yourself to others.?
- Pro-tip 2: Be willing to invest whatever time it takes to study and prepare. Don't get frustrated if the going is slow. Be patient with yourself.
- Use both mediums of study— text, and video. Alternating between the two lets you keep your interest high and stay receptive to all the information you must take in.
- Pro-tip 3: Watch videos on Andrews Ramdays 35 PDU for the PMP course, watch David McLachlan solve questions from PMBOK 6 and 7, and also read Rita Mulcahy.?
- Avoid taking a break from studies for more than 2 days at a time.
- Pro-tip 4: PMBOK 6 and 7 have a lot to internalize. Questions cannot be answered by rote learning but by truly understanding the application of the PMBOK, and that takes earnest study hours.
- Join a study group to reduce your study/prep time.
- Pro-tip 5: If you are motivated by group studies, this will help. If you are not, group studies will help you understand concepts and applications faster than trying to make sense of it all, on your own.?
- Stay away from your OTT platform entertainment during your prep phase or pause your subscriptions. Entertainment is a great time filler, but you don't have time to spare.
- Pro-tip 6: Your OTT subscriptions can turn into distractions. Instead, go for a walk or use the gym to relax. Use a single episode of your favorite series as a treat if you meet your 2.5-hour study target.?
You’ll know you are ready when you have reviewed all the study material on the 35 PDU course you are doing or are getting around 80% on the mock tests. Please note that the mock tests you buy from Udemy vary in difficulty. You may not be able to score 80% on some of those. In which case, I would say, go with your gut instinct. Do you feel thoroughly prepared and confident??
Happy to answer any queries you may have ??
#projectmanagement #PMI #PMP
