Student Profile: Augusto James Lawrence, PMP

My name is Augusto James, I am from San Jose Costa Rica, I am an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineer, and also hold a Masters Degree in Business Administration and Project Management. I also have a passion for aviation, I am a Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor. I have also done some teaching in several universities and computer centers. Have been working in the IT / Technology field for over 20 years locally and internationally. Been involved in projects ranging from implementation, research and development, as well as project management.

I have been a big fan of certifications and have worked very hard to obtain several industry certifications, being Project Management Professional (PMP)® as one of the hardest and most rewarding to achieve. I waited for the last moment to take my test, my PMP® eligibility period expired on August 11th and yea... I took the test on August 10th. This created an additional pressure because I had no option but to pass on my first and only try, in order to avoid application resubmission and payments.

Take your time, prepare for the test, and once you feel you have a good understanding submit your application and that way you will have 1 whole year to take the test ( 3 times if needed)

PM PrepCast Simulator: Wow I did over 1500 questions and when I had concerns or questions marked wrong I made sure I studied them all and followed it with the A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). This was a great help, it allowed me to think in terms of Project Management Institute (PMI)® and understand the reasoning behind the questions.

PM PrepCast Exam Formulas great value for just $20, it comes with a complete guide and pocket summary the best way to practice your formulas is to practice, after a good amount of practice, you will know them by heart.

Relax, take your time, take it easy ... If you prepare you will pass.

To read the official PMP Handbook is very important and this is the foundation of the test, I would also recommend that you complement it with other materials, In order o get a better perspective, in my case I watched the PrepCast Videos along with the PMP handbook, that way it was easier for me to learn, and understand all topics.

In the week before the exam I would recommend going over all memory items, formulas, processes, ITTO's and focus on understanding not just memorizing, I also suggest slowing down your pace a bit... The more you think about the test... the more anxious you might get.

There are a lot of great videos on the web, watch them and do it in a manner that will be fun and rewarding.

If you really prepared for the exam, this last week should be basically a review.

The day before the test... don't study, try to take your mind of this (yes don't study you won't learn in one night.. what you have not in a long time) get some exercise, spend time with the family, watch a movie... give your mind a break.. you will need that the next day.

Augusto James Lawrence, PMP