- Many questions required you to choose the best answer from a variety of correct answers.
- In some cases, the technique of eliminating 2 answers first wasn’t effective. For many, there were 3 correct answers to choose from.
- I don’t recall any questions that required me to pick the correct answer.
- The CBT software had a calculator program, so I was not allowed to bring my own calculator.
- I took a break every 45 minutes and brought water and snacks. It was nice to just look out the window and let go of any PMP-related thoughts for 5-10 mins.
- Although it took me 2 1/2 hours, I could see how if someone is not fluent in english, it might take longer to understand the questions correctly.
My Preparation
- PM Prepcast (comes along with some sample questions, study guides, etc. It also includes the required 35 contact hours of education.
- PMBoK Guide (reference only; I have never read it).
- Use the concepts in my projects whenever possible
- No more studying 2 weeks before the test. Only sample questions. All the sample questions I could find, plus the ones I received with the PM Prepcast.
My Favorite Tool: I listened to the PM Prepcast while driving to work. Because he uses real-world examples, it helped me “internalize”, the concepts and made them more understandable. I didn’t have to memorize inputs or outputs. If I needed to see something, I would make a mental note of it and then pull out the PMBoK Guide to help me better understand the topic. I used the PMBok guide’s graphics and flowcharts for most of my research. The PM Prepcast’s dedication to keeping the training current when there are any changes is another great feature. The training was redesigned when PMI switched to the PMBOK Guide 4. There were many new tutorial videos that addressed the updates to the exam, which was updated on August 31, 2011. Why did I choose to pursue the PMP? The main reason I took the PMP was to have it on my resume and not be thrown away before any potential employer even speaks with me. The PMBoK is not a set of best practices. It is a framework and not a method for managing a project. Some people have claimed that PMP certifications are used to screen potential employees. This is a small number, and I wouldn’t mind working with them. If someone assumes incompetence because they have earned a certification, they are more focused on their ideological stance than hiring qualified candidates. The majority of employers who are knowledgeable about the PMP are not screening for it. From a pragmatic perspective, it is important that I am able to provide the best possible support for my family and the most value to the companies I work with. The PMP is just one of many things that I have done and continue doing in order to effectively market my skills and value. This certification does not make me a project manager or certify any level. It is a sign that I have a minimum amount of knowledge about project management and some familiarity with the PMBoK standards. The REAL Benefit I received was not as a result earning the certification. It was the process of studying for it, and applying for it.