How to Prepare for PMP exam.?

There are numerous number of articles/sites/exams you have gone through so far. Me too taken that hard journey. Finally, sitting before the exam i can barely remember not more than 2 questions out of 200 questions that have direct link.

That doesn't mean the preparation and other mock exams are waste of time. It is indeed very much required and critical role in clearing the exams.

There are few aspects I missed out during the preparation that i never came across during my studies.

1. How to prepare for Project Manager rather than exam. 
Think exam as milestone (agree the most important )to get the degree. The preparation is a journey. But I suggest focus the materials from a Project Manager mindset is the Key. For the same you need to put yourself as a PM, if you are not already playing a similar role. Initially, you need to understand the Process groups and each Knowledge areas. In many books, including PMBOK focus is given in covering the Knowledge areas and the process inside these Knowledge areas. 

I personally suggest to get a overall knowledge of all these process groups and then later focus on the Knowledge Areas. 


2.  Focus Areas in the exam (this will definitely save a great time)
In most of the books the contents are created based on the Knowledge Areas (starting from Integration, Scope, Time etc). But my suggestion is to have an understanding from a process group stand point from beginning will help the candidate to have better understanding. Starting with Initiation then Planning and so on... The book "Project Management Professional Exam" written by "Kim Heldman" is an close example. The book will cover all aspect of PMBOK but not following the PMBOK hard and fast rules. (even though PMI never enforce any rules, most of the other books will force you to follow some patterns).








 Understanding the intention of Exam questions.  
 

This not about which knowledge area/process group you need focus. This about how exam is focused to assess your skills.

Exam is tuned such a way that it will keep your application skills of the knowledge area in real life situation. More than this you won't get much time to judge the best answer, only less than 2 minutes per question.

There is not required to focus on the input/output/tools and techniques. But focus on how input/output/tools and techniques will help in respective process and how it is getting applied.
Don't worry, you can get more direct questions too if the odds are favoring you.










When you are prepared enough and face the final hurdle.




This is difficult to guess. However, the following is an indicator on your preparation.


• if you read and understand the PMBOK with process and knowledge area what exactly it does. (Important and Key step), what is the purpose and how this will help a project getting executed
•  If you are reading Rita, 2-3 cycles and able to answer with a 80% score (i mean sample questions given in the exam) with a proper reason to the answers. (DO NOT Remember and answer the question, it is better to write down the reason during the second round.)
• At least 1 round of preparation on the Head first (if you are following head first only, then you need to read Rita at least once)
• Get some online exam for 4 hrs to simulate the exam like scenarios.

Final Highlights:

• No need to go for additional paid exams. This is not required, most of the questions are different mainly on the sentence formulation.


• Collect all possible freebies and free sample questions to make your coverage 


• 99% of questions will be coming from PMBOK coverage. So don't worry on the other questions that is presented in sites. Don't waste the time, I had done that so it is a great lesson learned for me.

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