My Personal journey to achieve PgMP - Shailendra Hasabe

Journey to achieve PgMP - Shailendra Hasabe

1)????Start of the Journey – After deciding to pursue the PgMP. I have gone through the review posts and YouTube videos of earlier PgMP members to understand the study’s depth, how hard the PgMP exam is and how much time is required to achieve it. Their study tips, strategy, and suggestions.

2)????Considered Addon Skills? as a training partner and complete belief in the Kailash Upadhyay - PMI(PfMP, PgMP, PMP, ACP, RMP) Microsoft(MCP, MCT), IIBA(CBAP) for the training and guidance for this journey.

3)????Application Filling – Before the start of the training, I received 4-5 sample applications from a different industry perspective as well as pre-recorded the training on the application filling. After going to sample applications (1-2 times) and applications training (1-2 times). I have drafted my application and shared it with Kailash for review. After 2-3 discussions and reviews, my application is ready to submit to PMI. The final application is 6-7 pages and more than 4500 words.

4)????After submission of the application at PMI they have taken 15 working days to clear my application. This is their standard lead time. Don’t tease PMI by asking about the status. I feel lucky that my application could not come under review, or else my journey will be extended by 90 days.

5)????Exam Fee Payment – After approval of the application, I paid the exam fee. As I have an earlier member of the PMI, so I have received 30% discount. I will recommend the PMI membership not only for the exam discounts but for other training material, weekly news letters for professional growth. I also suggest to check the Coupert - Automatic Coupon Finder & Cashback. I got the additional 10% discount coupon here.

6)????Panel Review – After the exam fee payment, the application went to the Panel review. PMI standard lead time for the Panel review is 90 days, which might be extended.

Be patient and Don’t tease PMI by asking about the status.

7)????I am lucky enough that my Panel review was done in 30 days. Thanks to PMI and Addonskills – Kailash.

8)????After Panel Review approval, I started my PgMP preparations more deeply and seriously. After a hard preparation of 1.5 months, I tried the chapter quiz and got the near about 50-60 marks in 15/30 questions quizzes. So, I have scheduled the exam which is nearly about 1 month later this is quite challenging but due to other personal commitments I could not have any choice. Please don’t take any decision to schedule the exam casually (kar lenge / ho jayega) and hurry as it’s a tough exam and needed hard and thorough preparation. I have prepared 3-4 hours and in first 1.5 month and in last month it’s 4-6 hours. In the last weeks taken 8-10 hours in days for the same.

9)????At last, I passed my 6th Feb 2023.

My Strategy for the PgMP preparation

? SPM – I have studied it several times (There is no alternative to it) and it’s best to relate each section to your organisation and to your work environment. Read each and every line and also reading between lines also. I have prepared my own notes as well as highlighting the key points so that in a quick review, I could not miss anything.

? ECO (Exam Content Outline) – Make sure I understand all the tasks mentioned in the ECO and interpret the same with the work environment as well as how the program manager does the tasks ideally as in regular practices, we are taking shortcuts or deviate PMI processes which are not a better idea.

? Addon Skills study material is a detailed guide to exam preparation. It is explaining the key concepts, terms, and principles necessary for successfully passing the PgMP? exam. They have Interlinked the various processes and domains brilliantly.

? Addon Skills recorded training videos – reviewed the same to understand in better depth as well as whenever I have doubt in any topics

? Addon Skills Practice tests and Mock tests – After the initial study of the 1 month, I have given the practice tests of domain-wise. These tests are in an increasing number of questions like 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75. In the initial 15 & 30-question tests, I got in marks in the range of the 50-60%. After each and every test, I clarified all the wrong questions as well as the right question. If wrong then why wrong and if right then why right. After one more ECO, my notes and study material iterations. I have a little bit of confidence then given 3 mocks of 4 hours each and 170 questions each. I am in the range of 60-70%. After tests, I am nervous and losing confidence in myself. That time XXX guided me that I am near the PgMP and suggested that I should review all the test questions 170X3 and try again the mock tests. (All the questions were reshuffled which is plus point from addon skills designed tests). After re-review, I again gave tests, and I got marks in the range of 80-85. That time I recovered my confidence and complete & review the remaining domain-wise tests of 45, 60 & 75 questions. And face the actual exam. So total of more than 2000 scenario-based questions are prepared.

Duration?of Preparation: Application preparation started in Aug’22 and the final exam was at the start of Feb’23, majority of the study was done in the last 8-10 weeks. However, I kept in touch with the SPM & ECO every day throughout the journey.

Still have any doubts, text me. I would be happy to help you.