Passed PMP 1st attempt with Above Target in all domains {CAPM in 2023, PMP in 2025}
I just passed my PMP on the 1st attempt with Above Target in all 3 domains. I have exactly 3 years experience as a PM. I earned my CAPM 2 years ago, so I did not need the 35 hours of education. But I knew from that experience that simulators were essential for preparation (I used the PrepCast simulators for that too). For that reason, I opted for the PMP Exam Simulator Deluxe. I did not read the PMBOK, the Agile Practice Guide, or Rita's book.
Study Plan:
I started by reviewing all my old CAPM notes and flashcards as they helped me refresh on the material. I watched some of the PMP videos especially the ones I was not as familiar with. I took screenshots and added anything less familiar to me to my OneNote. I then took 3 full length mock exams about 2-3 weeks apart, with 8-10 smaller quizzes and 2 long quizzes in between. I scored between 65-70% on the mocks. Each time I took a quiz or test, I reviewed every question/answer to understand the reasoning, taking notes on why the incorrect answers were incorrect. Those notes collectively built my targeted study plan. So the examination reports were vital to my plan. I used the other results from my statistics page as well, so I could focus on knowledge areas that I was scoring lower in.
Simulator Feedback:
I was glad that the PrepCast simulator had the option to strikethrough, but I wish it would have had the option to highlight as well. I used this feature a lot during my exam and I think it took me extra time. During the mock exams I was able to finish with no problem, but during the actual exam, I finished just in time. So having the highlight feature in the simulators would have helped me manage my time better, in the end it was fine, but close!
Most of the exam was agile or hybrid based. I would have taken quizzes specific to that if that had been an option. The only current criteria options to select from are the 10 knowledge areas and the 3 domains.
Other Materials I used:
I also used YouTube videos to deeper understand the PMI Mindset.
Andrew Ramdayal - Complete Mindset - 50 Questions
Andrew Ramdayal - 200 Ultra Hard Questions
David McLachlan - PMP Fast Track video
David McLachlan - Are you Ready?
I listened to several podcasts on "PMP Exam Prep with Scott Payne". He has a no nonsense with a bit of humor type of personality that is just easy going and makes it a little more fun.
All in all, I feel that I was very well prepared. I read in various places that if you're scoring 75-80% on practice tests, that you'll do fine. But I never scored higher than a 70% so I was very nervous. But, I not only passed with great scores, I felt like the exam was easier than I had expected.
