Student Profile: Annette Hackenberg, PMP

As someone who has spent the last 14 years as a manager in the aerospace industry, I value continuing education and professional credentials as an important element of professional success. Because much of my experience involves managing large military training projects, I decided to pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP)^® certification.

Reading the official PMP^® Handbook is essential to understanding all of the key requirements and project management principles and terminology.

While I have found that “real life” project management does not reflect the PMP principles and processes exactly, it is very important to learn this information as a framework for successful project management. 

I passed the PMP exam in September on my first try. Keys to my success involved the following:

1) Reading the entire A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK^® Guide) and taking extensive notes

2) Studying the notes, including focusing on the 47 Process groups/Knowledge areas

3) Taking simulated quizzes and reviewing and understanding correct answers; and

4) Taking 4-hour simulated exams (one per week for the seven weeks leading up to my exam date)

The last week prior to the actual exam, I took one final simulated exam, reviewed my notes (taken from reading the PMBOK® Guide) and reviewed all exam questions and correct answers.

Annette Hackenberg, PMP