This golden nugget of information from Markus is key to your success:

"Practice under real conditions: Take full-length mock exams under timed conditions, and more importantly, review every question you get wrong. Understanding your mistakes is one of the most effective ways to improve."

The PMP exam was unlike any other professional exam I have ever taken. Primarily, I believe that I was not a "project manager" but one who must manage projects professionally. For me, it was like learning a second language. I found the PrepCast exam simulator invaluable and was in it daily after the first week of dedicated study. When I took the exam in 2019, it was primarily waterfall methodology and PMBOK 6 with the gazillion of ITTOs, but that's changed quite a bit from what I understand. I extensively used the Quiz function of the exam simulator to get dialed into the PMI mindset.

Cornelius has a podcast/video on a structured study guide. Check that out and modify it to your personal situation.

Hey Marielle,

first off, congratulations on the promotion. That’s already a huge step forward. And yes, I completely understand the pressure — when your company is paying for the PMP exam,
The expectation to pass can feel intense.

Here are some solid, proven strategies that have worked not only for me but also for many professionals I’ve supported on their certification journey:

Start with a structured plan: Don’t just study randomly — treat your preparation like a project. Define the scope, build a schedule, and track your progress.
Use simple tools like a study plan spreadsheet or a Kanban board to stay organized and accountable.

Choose your resources wisely:

PM PrepCast and the PM Exam Simulator are among the most effective tools available.

Make sure you understand the PMI Exam Content Outline (ECO) — it’s your real roadmap.

Read both the PMBOK Guide 6th and 7th Editions, but don’t try to memorize everything. Focus on understanding the logic behind the frameworks.

The Agile Practice Guide is essential — you can expect a good number of Agile and hybrid scenario questions.

Shift your mindset: The PMP exam is not about memorizing ITTOs. It’s about thinking and responding like a professional project manager. On the exam, always choose the answer
that reflects leadership, stakeholder empathy, and value-driven decision-making.

Practice under real conditions: Take full-length mock exams under timed conditions, and more importantly, review every question you get wrong. Understanding your mistakes
Is one of the most effective ways to improve.

Don’t go it alone: A study group or accountability partner can make a big difference. And if you’re looking for a more direct path to success, consider working with a mentor who’s
walked this path before.

If you want structured, personalized support to increase your chances of passing on your first attempt, I offer 1:1 PMP mentoring and prep coaching. Just reach out if you're interested —
happy to guide you through the process.

By the way, if you decide to go with the PM PrepCast Elite PLUS, there’s a special $50 discount available this month (valid through May 31). It includes the full video course, simulator,
study guide, and more. Let me know if you need the code or details.

You’ve got this. The PMP exam isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about mindset, confidence, and clarity under pressure. I’m rooting for you.

Best,

Markus

Hey everyone, I just got the news that I’m getting promoted but there’s a catch. I need to pass the PMP exam ASAP. The company’s covering the cost, but it’s a hefty investment, so failing is not a good option for me (high pressure, I know).

I need your best pass-at-first-attempt strategies. What worked for you? Any must-have study resources, hacks, or mindset shifts?

Appreciate any wisdom you can drop!