PMP / PMBOK Guide FAQ 8 – How to Plan for the PMP Exam?

While there are many websites on the internet teaching PMP aspirants how to get PMP certified, most of them contain information that are either incomplete or disorganized. A PMP aspirants emailed me recently expressing the frustrations he had while searching for useful PMP Certification Exam information.

Tips for the PMP Certification Application and Examination

Edward

I read your website regarding the PM PrepCast™

I plan to take the PMP exam in Feb and I just started studying. There is so much information regarding this exam online that it is almost overwhelming.

Do you have any tips for me?

Also, I want to make sure my experience is documented correctly on the application. Can you assist?

Thanks

I understand the frustration and that’s why I have started this PMP Certification blog by organizing all the essential PMP Exam information in one guide:

Hi,

Thanks for your email.

I have shared a PMP Certification Guide which offers step-by-step advice and suggestion (including how to fill the pm experience). Hope this would be useful for you.

Wish you PMP success!

Planning to Take the PMP Exam

The reader replied with a detailed description of his situation:

Edward

I just finished going through your entire website. I have to hand it to you brother. You really listed in detail everything that anyone would need to know to study and pass this exam and I have viewed a lot of websites related to PMP over the past week. You have the best knowledge out there.

I believe that we have a similar beginning (i.e. neither one of us have actual Project Management work experience using the processes from PMI). I am in the military, so I have done many projects but the Military has its own language and so as I was reading the PMBOK® Guide 5th edition; I felt like I was learning a new language and after two weeks; I am still in CH 2. I figured at this rate it will take me forever to read this entire book from cover to cover and retain the information. Per your website, I have conducted a lot of searches myself and you are correct; there are a lot of websites that advertise PMP success and it very hard to know which one is best for you. I signed up for a self study PMP Pre course for veterans for free and it will give you the 35 required hours and they will pay for the exam fee. However, I am not sure/confident that it will have the required information that I need. I saw the PM Prep Cast and read all the testimonials. Right now, I am working a full time job, and I am supporting a wife and 3 kids. It would be helpful for me to download the classes on my Tablet so that I am not confined to a desk and computer for study.

I think I will follow your advice -> Complete the online Prep course, apply for the exam, read PMBOK® Guide and Rita Mulcahys Exam Prep book (I already have it) from cover to cover , take several Exam Simulators, Take Test

Do you think this is a good Study plan?

Thanks

For those who are too engaged to take a face-to-face PMP Exam Preparation course, the PM PrepCast™ is often considered the best alternative as it does offer the required 35 contact hours for the PMP Certification yet it gives one the flexibility to take the exam prep anywhere.

Hi,

Your plan sounds good (actually that’s what I have done to pass the PMP exam). The PM PrepCast™ will introduce you to the PMBOK® Guide in a lively way and the mock exams will let you know your weak areas so that you can concentrate your studies on. Try to get over 75%-80% correct for two or more full-length 200-questions PMP mock exam and you are ready for the real PMP exam!

Wish you PMP success!

P.S. I have 2 kids and is expecting another one. I understand your situation 😛

Preparing for the PMP Exam and earning the PMP Certification title can be achieve while one is enjoying my family life (well, it does take a bit determination and sacrifice in the number of sleeping hours :P). I am PMP certified by taking advantage of an online PMP exam prep course. You can do it too!