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Topic History of : Seeking recommendations for PMP study strategies and resources

Max. showing the last 6 posts - (Last post first)
1 month 1 week ago #32899

Markus Kopko

Markus Kopko's Avatar

Hello,

First, let's validate your current resource stack. You've selected two of the most critical components for success: Andrew Ramdayal (AR) for the mindset and PMI Study Hall (SH) for the exam simulation.

The challenge you're facing with focus, especially given personal circumstances, is the number one project risk for PMP candidates. This is an endurance test. Let's build a simple, resilient plan to manage that risk.

YOUR STUDY MATERIAL STRATEGY

You are right to be strategic about your resources. The goal isn't to collect every possible course, but to systematically use a few high-quality, professional tools.

PMI Study Hall (SH): This remains your single source of truth for how PMI thinks. It is non-negotiable. Your objective is not to get 90% (the scoring can be frustrating).
You aim to live up to the rationale behind every answer. Reviewing your wrong and right answers is where the learning happens.

Andrew Ramdayal (AR): The main value of AR's course is his "Mindset" section. The PMP is a situational judgment exam. You must internalize that "servant-leader, analyze-first, engage-the-team" mindset.

The PM PrepCast: This is the component I would strongly recommend to round out your preparation. While free videos are available, they can create a patchwork of knowledge.
A professional, comprehensive course like The PM PrepCast (by Cornelius Fichtner) is structured to walk you through the entire Exam Content Outline (ECO) methodically. It’s the "deep-dive curriculum
" that ensures you have no knowledge gaps. It's reliable, thorough, and a perfect complement to AR's mindset and SH's practice.

YOUR ORGANIZATION AND MOTIVATION STRATEGY

When focus is low, consistency beats intensity every time.

Use Timeboxing (Pomodoro): Do not try to "study for 3 hours." That's a recipe for failure when distracted. Instead, commit to "focus for 25 minutes." Set a timer, work on one specific task (e.g., 10 SH questions),
and then take a 5-minute break. This is manageable and builds momentum.

Define Your Daily "Definition of Done": Be specific. A bad goal is "study Agile." A good goal is "Complete one 15-question SH mini-quiz and review all answers." This gives you a clear win for the day.

Track Your Performance Dashboard: Use a simple spreadsheet. Log your scores from SH. You're not looking for a perfect score; you're looking for data. Are you consistently weak in "Process"
or "Stakeholder" questions? This data-driven approach tells you exactly where to focus your limited energy.

Reconnect to Your "Business Case": Why are you doing this? Write down the professional reason—career growth, credibility, new opportunities. When motivation drops, your "why" provides
the logical discipline to continue.

You have the right core resources. The gap isn't in materials; it's in execution and risk management. Trust your professional tools, apply a consistent structure, and focus on the logic of the questions.
You will get this done.

BR
1 month 2 weeks ago #32882

Miguel Marquez

Miguel Marquez's Avatar

Hello everyone. I’m currently preparing for the PMP certification and have made some progress with a few key resources, including Andrew Ramdayal’s 35-hour prep course (currently 40% complete), PMI Study Hall Essentials, and David McLachlan’s video series.

While these materials have been helpful, I’ve found it challenging to maintain focus due to personal circumstances. I want to ensure I’m covering all necessary areas and using the most effective tools available.

For those who have successfully passed the exam, I’d appreciate any recommendations on additional study materials, practice exams, or techniques that helped you stay organized and motivated throughout your preparation.

Thank you in advance!

OSP INTERNATIONAL LLC
OSP INTERNATIONAL LLC
Training for Project Management Professional (PMP)®, PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®

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