I decided to get my PMP certification at the beginning of this year. I have been a Project Manager for over 10 years (specifically interactive/web projects). Once I reviewed the application process, I started looking for options on how to get the 35 hours needed and found the prepcast to be recommended by lots of sites/people and decided that was the right approach for me since I needed to by able to learn on my own time and online. The application process was intense and I did write everything out in a google doc before I entered in the information into the online application form. It took me 3 weeks to get the application done.
I watched the podcasts as outlined by Cornelius and followed his recommendation on order and sat at my computer and took notes on every episode. It took me 3 months to get through it all, at the same time I was reading over the PMBOK guide, which I probably skimmed through twice. I also took the practice test at the end of each chapter.
I felt like I needed one other resource so I ended up buying the Head First PMP book, which I really enjoyed and thought it was a great summary of everything I heard and learned via the prepcast. I then started taking practice exams (in May) and was scoring in the 70's for the first 3 I took. I realized there were some gaps in my knowledge so I also purchased Rita Mulchay's book. I didn't do all of the exercises in her book but I did do all of the exams at the end of each chapter. After spending more time studying, I then started to score in the 80's, which was my goal. In the end, I took 8 practice exams (scores ranged from 70-87%), 3 ITTO's exams (high 80's on all of them), as well as a ton of learning tests (20 questions max on each and would put a knowledge area to focus on). I took exams right up to the real exam on 6/24.
My exam was scheduled at Noon so I had plenty of time in the morning to relax and my drive was only 45 minutes. I didn't go to the exam site beforehand, I felt like I didn't need to and that worked out fine for me. They actually called me to let me know I could come in early, which I did, so I started the exam earlier than expected, which was great.
Once the clock started ticking, I did a brain dump (the facilities provided paper, pencil and headphones) and the calculator is part of the exam software. My brain dump included the 3.1 knowledge/process chart from the PMBOK guide as well as formula's. That only took me 7 mins then I started with question 1. I was nervous on the first 20, then I relaxed and ended up making it to question #150 before I took a break. I got a drink, went to the restroom and had a mint, then went back in to finish.
It took my about 3.25 hrs total for entire exam, I did marked about 20-25 for review. When I got to #100, I went back and reviewed the ones I had marked so far, then I did the same at the end. I ended up changing a couple answers that were marked so I'm glad I used that feature. At the end of the exam, there was a questionnaire about the exam facilities so I took that to calm my nerves then hit the end exam, and within seconds my score was revealed! You Passed! 3 MP's & 2 P's. I walked out, signed out, got my print out and left.
The exam itself was hard and more PDM based questions than I thought there would be, and less formula questions. I would say most were 'what do you do next' and 'what could you have done to avoided this situation' type questions. I felt I was prepared though. There were a lot of questions that come down to 2 possible answers (in my mind at least), which I found hard but I focused and talked through the choices and went with what I thought was the best answer, even if it was not obvious at first.
What I think helped me:
-Prepcast/Podcast: actively listening and taking notes
-Practice Exams: I would have taken more if I had time; the 8 I listed above were just the prepcast ones, I also took other online examples and also the ones in the books I had. This were key for me to get a handle on how questions were worded and what is being asked. I also took the time to review the questions I got wrong and took notes on each one and then went back and reviewed.
-Having another resource to read; apart from the PMBOK guide: buying Head First and Rita's book might have been overkill, but I needed the extra reassurance and those 2 books are so different, it really helped me understand the processes.
-Flashcards: I made my own.
What I would have done different:
At this point, I'd say nothing, I went in with a plan, booked my exam date and stuck with it. Luckily, I work from home, part-time, so I had the extra time to focus.
Good luck PM peeps! Hope this helps.
Jill
