PMP Lessons Learned - by Marcin Stanczak, PMP

A great way to de-risk your exam is by leveraging PMP experience of successful PMPs. Avoid their mistakes, take their wins. Considering the not-so-great PMP experience of online exam, this article should really help you navigate the rough waters.

For a detailed coverage of all aspects of the online exam check out this webinar where I shared 21-point 3-part checklist to download.

Marcin Stanczak has an an Engineering degree in the Environmental Protection, Masters degree in Biotechnology and Masters degree in Process Engineering. Since 2014 he has been working for one of the world leading companies in the waste water treatment sector. Marcin lives in Germany and in his free time he likes hiking and spending time in European Alps.

Let us learn about his ‘interesting’ online PMP experience.

What made you take up PMP?

I am constantly looking for continuous development both in my personal and professional life. I simply enjoy learning new things. At a certain point in my career I was looking at what I can achieve, how I can develop my project management skills, what can make me a better manager.

While doing some research I read about a few certificates like PRINCE2, IPM, and PMP. However I still had the impression that none of them is worth doing and spending my hard earned money, to tell you honestly.

Then I experienced that one of my colleagues owns PMP-title. And I decided to talk to him whether it is worth doing, how does it fit to our business and to what our company is doing. He recommended me to pursue PMP.

I also had a discussion with a person who is a speaker and trainer for a project and risk management and who is also provider of a PMP preparation course. He explained me very well what the difference between PRINCE2, IPM and PMP is. And it just confirmed my choice that PMP may be the most suitable for me and my career.

The upcoming changes in the PMP exam expedited a bit my decision to apply for the PMP exam.

Which study resources did you consider?

First and foremost I had to complete 35 learning hours in order to apply for PMP. There is a plenty of courses, but thanks to my LinkedIn premium account I could obtain a free preparation course from Ms. Sandra (Sandy) Mitchell.

With that the first milestone had been reached.

Thanks to my PMI membership I received the access to Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide i.e. PMBOK. However it was written in a very difficult language for me so that I could not continue reading it.

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