I passed my PMP Exam only yesterday with 5 MP, It's the biggest challenged exam I had ever taken, in the same time it is easy, The following points are my little lesson learned to everyone:
1- Do not take much time in study/memorize a preparation book like RITA or PMbook (Only one time reading with highlighted notes is enough).
2- Solve as much as you can PMP exam simulator (PM sudy, PrepCast, 1000+ Questions PMP Exam Prep known as green book), study well the explanation of your wrong answers as well as the correct one you are not sure understand it.
3- Preparation course (Live or online) will save about 1.5 to 2 months of extra study than the self preparation, and it is mandatory for the PMP exam registration.
4- I answered about 2000+ PMP exam simulation questions with average grade 70 to 80%.
5- I just realized that I failed in the 1st try because of lack of Simulated answering Questions.
6- You should take at least 2 times full time exam simulation (4 hours) and it's preferably to be web based.
7- As much as you answer, you will be more familiar with PMI keywords (without memorize it) which decide the correct answer for about 75% of exam questions.
8- Time management is an important key in the exam, most of the exam taken I had met (including me) usually take to answer the first 50 questions more than 1 hour, but normally after this the questions will take less time. (It's good KPI to take 3.30 to 3.45 hours in simulated exam with minimum score of 70%).
9- Do not answer the questions by knowledge area, you have to answer general questions or by PMP cycle (Initiating, Planning, Executing, M&C and closing).
