Detailed Review Of Preparation

Let me start off by saying PMP is not an easy exam. You have to be committed to sit for the exam. PMP doesn’t only test your knowledge, but also your ability to use that knowledge in different practical situations. I did not rush it and from start to finish(including exam end) finished the process in 2months. If you are also looking to become a certified Project Management Professional, follow the below steps to learn how to get PMP certification:

1. Readings: First things first, read the PMBOK at least twice. I also read Rita Mulcahy's book twice and then solve the chapter end questions and note all of your mistakes. Then go the chapter again and rectify the issue.
2. Be Eligible: The criteria should be easy for you if you have project management experience. PMP certification exam needs a bachelor’s degree with 4,500 hours of project management experience and those who don’t have a bachelor’s degree need to have 7,500 hours of experience. Additionally, individuals need to attend 35 hours of the PMP certification training program to earn required contact hours. You can attend online PMP courses or in-person PMP Bootcamp to earn contact hours.
3. Application: To register, you have to visit and fill the PMP Application Form on http://www.pmi.org. Once your application has been approved, you can book an exam on the most suitable date.
4. Online Study Materials: There are a ton of materials available online. You can enroll in the course as suggested above. You should go for self-paced online training which will save a lot of time and you can use the prep material anytime, anywhere. Find some good practice tests and get accustomed to the way in which the questions test you and practice timing yourself to finish all 200 questions at least with 30 minutes or more to spare. Once you’re scoring consistently around the 75% mark on quality simulation test, you can consider yourself ready for the PMP Exam.
5. Strategy for Preparation: You need to prepare daily for a minimum of 2-3hrs. Consistency is the key so find a time that you can commit to for most days and stick with it. I would strongly suggest write down key-points from the sections you have prepared everyday and especially those you found difficulty with so that you can revisit them. You also need to memorize the formulas. Once you get into your routine, do no break it. Finally take the exam. One day before the exam, I went through all of my notes again and nothing on the day of the exam. Prior to the exam, there is a short tutorial explaining using the computer and the software. You would have 4 hours for 200 questions, a little more than a minute for each question. Do not leave any question. - unanswered and incorrect means the same. Use the elimination technique. So if you eliminate 2 choices. Mark one of the other two. You would still have 50% chance of getting it correct.

Good Luck !

Cheers,

Zack