It was a moment of disbelief as I cleared the PMP exam today (17 September 2018) here in Toronto, with the following performance by domain:
a. Initiating: Above Target b. Planning: Below Target c. Executing: Target d. Monitoring and Controlling: Above Target e. Closing: Target
My Lessons learnt:
a. As soon as I failed the test on 7 September, I immediately purchased Cornelius' Prepcast Simulator tests- this proved to be hugely beneficial in tackling the situational tests on the exam. I never did any mock simulation tests for the 1st test. However, the 2nd real test attempt was way tougher than the 1st and I expected to fail miserably, which now as I reflect can attribute it to only to the mercies of the LORD.
b. I had also followed the PMP Exam Outline (which was originally published in June 2015) as my framework for the 2nd attempt- I received this from the PMI folks as I emailed them expressing my anguish of failing the 1st time. They had advised me to follow the outline which is a reliable indicator of how the questions are aligned. Nevertheless, I am still unsure if it's in a particular order as some say in the affirmative.
c. Focused on the Initiating and Closing groups this time as I had gotten a 'Need for improvement' in the former and a 'Below Target' for Closing. As stated earlier, I ensured that I understood the order and concept as mentioned on the PMP exam outline.
d. Read the PMBOK again- Only Quality/Stakeholder Management/Risk Management/Procurement Management
In hindsight, I should have expended more time (atleast 3 months) to prepare this to ensure pass on the 1st try.
Praise Jesus.
