TOPIC: Failed First Attempt - Need Advise for Second Attempt

Hi all.

ChatGPT suggested this program for studying for PMP Exam. I took PMI Prep Course and did the sample test around 30 times and once I got to the real test I felt unprepared as the PMI practice test was so much easier vs the real test. I have until December 1 to schedule a re-take (I know 3 attempts are allowed but really hoping it wont be necessary). Does anyone have advise for best strategy? Thanks!

First of all, I suggest you don’t use your previous strategy again since it didn’t work out. I’m not advertising for any company or product—just sharing the method I personally used to earn my PMP.

I recommend using a reputable PMP prep book along with PM PrepCast. Start with 10 practice questions at a time, then perform a thorough RCA (root cause analysis) on both the correct and incorrect answers. Make sure you understand why each correct answer was right and why you made any mistakes.

Use Excel to track your RCAs and gradually increase the number of questions until you’re consistently scoring in the 70–80% range on practice exams. At that point, you’ll likely be ready for the real test. In my experience, consistency is the key—not just accuracy..

Hi Daria,

First of all, failing in the first attempt is no shame; many do, and only a few talk about it.
However, I need to clarify a few things before I can recommend a better strategy.

If I understand correctly, youhave purchased the PMPrepCast, completed the entire course (all videos), and then practiced with the PM Exam Simulator; is that right?
Or what do you mean by " ... I have done the sample test about 30 times ..."?.

Doing the same (sample) test several times will not do the job (I guess I got that wrong, but it sounds to me that way).

You need to ensure that you UNDERSTAND each and any section of the material. And just watching the videos might not be enough.

A good strategy involves reviewing the content through videos (course), utilizing recommended sources by PMI, such as the PMBoK Guide, the Process Guide, and the Agile Practitioner Guide, among others. AND using a good prep book (like Justice already mentioned), doing short validation quizzes (up to 20 Questions) after each section/chapter to verify if you got it or if you need to revisit and repeat.

Once you have completed the entire content, the time for practicing has come. Do as many (DIFFERENT!) questions as you can and validate why you are wrong and slo why you are correct!
And ensure to do at least 2 to 3 COMPLETE Simulations (meaning full-time, fully-fledged) mock exams.

And do that as long as you feel confident, and then give it another try.

Feel free to reach out for any further guidance.

BR,

Markus