Top 5 Lessons Learned from Successful Candidates Who Aced the PMP Exam
Candidates who have taken the Project Management Professional certification (PMP) and have successfully passed it, hold a wealth of information that can be passed down. Learning from the experiences of professionals who have already passed the PMP certification is a huge step in the right direction of successfully taking the PMP Exam. Hearing what they have to say gives fresh insight on what to do or not to do, and accordingly you can create your own study plan. Finally, when it comes down to it, every individual has their own method of preparing for an exam, but it doesn't hurt to see what worked for others.
The following are the top 5 lessons you can learn from and apply while preparing for your PMP exam:
1. Be thorough with the PMBOK Guide
First and foremost, it simply cannot be stressed enough how important the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide is for PMP exam preparation. This guide covers the essential fundamentals of project management in terms of knowledge, tools and processes. It is very important to read it cover to cover, as most of the questions in the exam come from this study material. It will greatly help you in answering most of the exam questions. The PMBOK Guide is one of the most important study materials you can ever review for passing the exam and achieving the PMP certification.
2. Invest in a Good Training Program and Good Course Material
Over and beyond the PMBOK Guide which is considered the single most important book, invest in a good training program and good course material. The internet is teeming with relevant information on the top training programs and course materials. You can choose one that seems to be well-reviewed and fits with your study plan and budget.
3. Disconnect between the PMI world and Real world
As a Project Manager, you will be incorporating your own management style. You might already have your own ideologies and views set on how to manage and succeed. While that is very well and good that it works for you, when appearing for the PMP exam, it's a whole different scenario. There will be questions related to project management which can prompt varying answers and people tend to write from their own real-world experience. A disconnect presumably exists between the PMI way of project management and one's real-world experience. A trick to getting through the PMP exam is to connect the real world with the PMI world.
4. Create a Study Plan
Chart out a study plan to help you stay on course. Try different sources of study material to achieve your goal. You could try to read books, download apps to your phone, listen to audio lessons, watch video material and so forth. The choices are plenty, and you can incorporate what works for you based on your busy life schedule and routine.
5. Dedicate Time towards Preparing for the Exam
Full-time professionals claim that to fare well in the exam, good amount of preparatory time is essential. The exam is neither difficult nor is it easy, but a good amount of preparation is indeed required. If you want time to be quantified, it seems around 150 hours comfortably spread over 3 months or so is likely to help you gather enough knowledge to tackle the PMP exam. So devote time towards PMP exam preparation.
In conclusion, by assimilating the information shared by successful candidates, it will help you garner a better grasp on the varied factors surrounding the PMP exam prep course and will make you feel more confident of the choices you make in preparing for the exam. All the best!
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