Pass PMP Exam with All Above Targets – Lessons Learned by Brian Rottinger

Another lesson learned from a recent PMP, Brian Rottinger, who scored all 5 about targets in the exam. Below area the lessons learned which are very valuable to fellow aspirants:

On October 25th, I passed the PMP exam on my first try with a mark of “Above Target” on all five domains. I can honestly say that I could not have done this without the help of Edward’s website.

When I first began my journey to becoming a PMP, I Googled “PMP Exam Prep” and was immediately inundated with information. I was unsure how or where I would begin the process of becoming a PMP. There were a million websites offering PMP classes, study guides, and everything in between. Luckily, I found Edward’s website and the information found there was clearly laid out and the process of becoming a PMP now became less daunting.

Here are my “ITTOs” and lessons learned from my journey:

Article Highlights

• 1 Inputs to my learning process
• 2 Tools & Techniques to my learning process
• 3 Output to my learning process
• 4 Lessons Learned

Inputs to my learning process

• Edward’s Website – His website was actually my homepage throughout the duration of my studying because I would refer to his website for clarification on the process or for a more detailed explanation on terms and ideas I could not grasp.
• The PM PrepCast™ – Per Edward’s suggestion on his website, I earned my PDUs through here. The videos were very well done and helped me further understand the information in each chapter.
• Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep Book – The exercises and content in here is well done and easier to digest than the PMBOK® Guide.
• PM Exam Simulator from The PM Prepcast – You can find tons of free practice exams online, but many are poorly done and they do not mirror the real PMP exam. The PM Exam Simulator had the look and feel of the final exam and gave me the confidence needed to pass.

Tools & Techniques to my learning process

I would first read and highlight a chapter in Rita’s Exam Prep Book and then listen/watch the corresponding chapter on PM Prepcast. Once I had completed all of the chapters, I then went back and made notes of all of the highlighted material I had underlined during my first go around in Rita’s book. Two weeks from my exam date, I made notecards of the terms, ideas, and formulas that I was struggling with and went over those for a week until I knew them like the back of my hand. One week from my exam date, I purchased the PM Exam Simulator and took a 200-question practice exam every single day for the last week. Because I was able to pass each practice exam I took, I was given the confidence I needed for the final exam.

Output to my learning process

A score of “Above Target” on all five domains and PMP certification!

Lessons Learned

The journey to becoming a PMP can be long and difficult, but remain strong and do not give up! If it was easy, everyone would be a PMP. With proper preparation (and Edward’s website), you too can become a certified PMP Project Manager!

– Brian Rottinger

Thanks Brain for sharing his PMP lessons learned! I am sure we can learn much from his sharing.

Wish you PMP success!