PfMP exam preparation and exam experience

This article will be beneficial for any professional who is interested to achieve this elite certification that is offered by the project management institute PMI.

Achieving PfMP has been on my radar since 2017, but because of my busy schedule I kept on postponing it until 2018.

I relocated to West Africa, Sierra Leone in June 2018, I was not expecting that there are no test centers in the country, neither computer based nor paper based. Hence I decided to target this certification during my vacation to my home country Lebanon.

1) My study plan:

• This is the first PMI certification where I didn't attempt much question banks, I mostly relied on my experience and I read the standard for portfolio management revision 3 so many times (at least 8-10 times).
• I was able to remember all the ITTO's for all the processes with a very solid understanding on where to use each and every tool, input and output. How the portfolio and portfolio reports get updated after each and every process.
• I attempted Rania Al-Maghrabi 170 questions one time and I scored very well, this has given me a positive indication to expedite my exam schedule.
• I scheduled couple of calls with my friend Tayab Pervez who supported me a big time in my study plan, he also strongly contributed to build my self-confidence to take the real exam.
• I scheduled 2 virtual meetings with Harisha Lakavalli couple of days before the exam, these 2 meetings were vital for me and have really contributed in my success.
• As for my application, it was a bit complex for PfMP, I have taken so much time to build my application and used PMI terminology to avoid any chances for audits or rejection. My panel review took almost 3 weeks, this was a shock for me because in PgMP it took me 2 days to obtain panel review approval.
• My overall study plan tentatively took one and half month, with an average of 4-5 hours study per day.
• Harisha Lakavalli recommended me to attempt Dr.Ginger Levin questions, for me I did not have much time to go through the same, however I advise the people who are preparing for the PfMP exam to attempt her questions if you have time for it (Demo mode, don't test yourself).

2) Exam experience:

• Based on my conversation with few PfMP certified professionals, I expected that the exam would be much easier than any other PMI exams, however I was surprised that it was somehow tricky and requires a thorough understanding for the portfolio management standard and even beyond.
• Most of the questions were situational and based on the ITTO concept of the standard. The questions require a good experience as a portfolio manager as well as a good knowledge in PMI questions style and terminologies.
• I faced couple of questions that were entirely out of the portfolio standard. These questions were somehow distracting for me, if you see such type of questions, don't get panicked, remember that there are 20 questions out of 170 questions that are out of the exam score whether you get them right or wrong; but this shouldn't give you a guarantee that specifically these questions are the ones that are out of the score assessment.
• The ITTO's are so important because there were so many questions on the exam that are structured on this framework. Here I would say, don't memorize the ITTO's but try to understand how their concept is built.
• It is very important to understand the use of all the tools and techniques without exception, such as but not limited to: strategic alignment analysis, gap analysis, stakeholder analysis, readiness assessment, Monte Carlo simulation, qualitative and quantitative analysis, weighted ranking and scoring model, graphical analysis, scenario analysis, prioritization model, force field analysis, heat maps, comparative advantage analysis, scoring models, expected monetary value and probability and impact analysis, efficient frontier, benefits realization analysis, Tornado diagrams etc....
• There were few straight forward questions on the exam, but still they were based on the portfolio management standard.
• There were many questions that need you to be well aware about the concept of risk management and strategic change management.
• You should be able to evaluate and assess the performance of the portfolio based on the status of each project within the portfolio (whether the portfolio is well performing or under performing).
• The framing of the questions was very good, the exam timing gives a fair distribution for a combination between long questions (3-4 liners) and short questions (1-2 liners).
• Be very careful while reading each and every question, and don't rely on the theory that tells you to read the last statement ONLY when the question is long, this will never work on the PfMP exam, this is because every word given in the question can be vital to decide the correct option.
• The 4 hours time that is dedicated for this exam is considered as fair, I was able to complete my exam 38 minutes before the time, I reviewed all the questions which I marked for review and fortunately I changed many of my answers which helped me to score well on the exam.
• Try to calculate whether you are ahead or behind the exam time after each 25-30 questions, this will really help to cool you down and avoid any chances for tension and stress. Short/straight forward questions should be an opportunity to save time for long questions that need you to think.
• Don't become confused if you see a series of long and confusing questions one after the other, be sure that at a certain stage of the exam you will find a series of easy ones as well.
• Before I ended the exam, I was almost sure that I will pass, but to be honest I didn't expect to get this high score with an above target in all domains.
• Ultimately; for me the exam is considered MODERATE in terms of the difficulty level, if you prepare well then you will be able to pass the exam without any road blocks.

I encourage all professionals who admire the value of PMI certifications to plan for this exam, especially the ones who are: eligible, capable, and who already have an experience in PMI certifications (if you are PgMP certified, then PfMP is going to be as shortcut for you).

I wish you all the best, you can approach me if you need any advice on this certification.

3) Value of PMI certification:

Lastly, I want to say that PMI certifications are of great value, attaining 4 PMI certifications contributed in enhancing my career and in building a very great knowledge in project management concepts which made me look as a real professional in front of my colleagues and my customers. At least, PMI certifications require hard work, thorough knowledge, and a well built study plan.

Are professional certifications worth the time and money that goes into pursuing them? When they are from organizations like PMI, absolutely. There are those organizations that hand out certifications for attending a class. These usually have little more meaning than the prize found in a Cracker Jack box. PMI, on the other hand, is quite rigorous in making sure the applicant comes to the table with a fair amount of experience before even applying to sit for a four-hour, 170 question exam. And just to make sure the applicant is not fluffing up his/her application, PMI has the option of auditing you to ensure the applicant has done what they say they have done.