As the title suggests, I passed my exam today! I read the PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition then prepared for the exam using the PM Prepcast Exam Simulator and watched some of the PM PrepCast videos to supplement my deficient knowledge areas. I did not thoroughly read Rita Mulcahy's book, even though I have it and found the tips and tricks section useful. A few thoughts I had in mind as I was going through the exam:
- When in doubt, submit a change request
- Ask what process group you are in - initiating, planning, executing, m+c, or close
- Read/re-read the question, it often gives away what process group you are in and will help eliminate a lot of the answers
- I didn't memorize the formulas, although I know it helps others to do so for their "download sheet". To me, understanding the relationship between planned and actual (i.e under costs is good, over schedule is bad) was enough to feel my way through those questions and from 200 questions, only a handful required any computation.
I failed 2 practice exams on the simulator, and then passed the third one. I found doing the quizzes often and reading why I got them wrong was key in crossing the bridge between failing and passing a practice test, even though sometimes all I could do were 20 questions a night.
To all those preparing and practicing, keep fighting the good fight!