PMP Exam Tips

The following PMP Exam reviews and tips have been provided by UNY PMI Chapter Members who have recently passed the PMP Exam.

Rick Schneegold, PMP as of December 28, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

I took the Rita MulCahy 3 day class on PMP Prep. It became apparent to me and many of the other students that the correct answers to the questions are not necessarily what you would think they are based on your professional experiences. You need to answer them the way PMI wants you to answer them. Not that PMI is wrong, it just may not compare with your experiences. The class was pretty good just to identify that point of reference. You needed to do a lot of memorization according to Rita's class and materials. Didn't do any study groups but did look online at some free webinars from IIL on PMP Prep.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

I used her book a lot and kept re-reading sections over and over. At lunch time I went to the bookstore and got other PMP prep type books and read a section (process group) at a time and then answered the questions; then reviewed the same area in another book. I also used the audio version of Rita's material while driving in the car. Overall reading other interpretations on books was a good cross reference because it may have made sense the way someone else explained it. Rita's book is pretty good but her exams on CD are better. Understanding the inputs and outputs and which phase you are in is critical.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

The PMBOK.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

I studied off and on for about 7 months and more seriously the last month. The weekend before the exam I felt really confident at knowing the material.

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

It's definitely a memorization type of exam. Nothing like I ever took before. Many of the questions were situational; some never were mentioned in any of the reference materials I reviewed. You need to do a lot of practicing with the situational type of questions that many of the reference materials have so you get used to understanding and preparing for those. Memorizing facts is helpful but everything I had was situational. Many of the questions seemed like they were trying to trick you but you really needed to read them over carefully and pull out the extraneous information and really understand what was being asked. Probably the toughest exam I ever took.

Steven Meyers, PMP as of December 22, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

1. UNY PMI Chapter PMP Test prep classes. This involved reading the entire PMBOC and Rita PMP Test prep book.

2. Two on-line PMP test prep courses provided to me by my company. These courses provided practice questions that were beneficial.

3. Memorize the formulas and Rita's Process chart.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

PMI Chapter course - instructor tips and the process of going through the readings for the course. Instructor tips were very helpful and encouraging.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

I probably could have survived without one of the on-line courses, but then again maybe not.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

120 hours

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

I found it very helpful to have multiple sources for the material, i.e. Rita's book, the chapter PMP Test prep classes and the on-line courses to get different perspectives on the material. There were times that I felt Rita skimped on some topics and the other courses would fill in the holes. Plus it forced me to read through the material about 4 different times and four different ways. Repetition of reading and rereading the material.

Stacey Hughes, PMP as of December 14, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

I took the PMP prep class and found it very helpful, especially the test taking tips from. I began my studies in the PMBOK and then I studied Rita's book. No websites, no study groups.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

I found Rita's book to be most helpful. She has a knack for putting the PMBOK information in a very readable form. In addition, she relates the information in her book to methodologies for taking the test.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

I over studied the PMBOK and then didn't leave enough time with Rita's book. As a result, I would suggest reading the PMBOK, maybe twice and really spending time studying Rita's book. Also, I would also suggest taking the test as close to the end of the prep class as possible. I waited too long to take the test.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

I had surgery and a subsequent 6 weeks off for recovery. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to prepare for the class. While the thought was there, I was not well enough to study (effectively) until the last two weeks. So I ended up studying for about 20-30 hours. I would not suggest my method, I struggled through many questions on the exam. I did not do as well as I would have liked on the exam and I think the mistakes I described are the reason.

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

In the interest of time, I did not give the procurement section enough study time. I thought, "how many questions could there be?" It seemed like every other question was on procurement. Given Murphy's Law (not found in the PMBOK) any chapter you don't give enough time to will be all over the exam.

Also, when you take the test, you are able to mark questions to review. You may also skip questions to come back to. I finished the main part of the exam in about 3 hours +/-. I marked several questions and skipped a couple. I spent the next hour reviewing the questions I marked and skipped. I think this is a good method because sometimes the answer or the hint of an answer is found in the body of another question.

Ann Andrew, PMP as of December 7, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

Materials: Rita's PMP study guide, PMBOK, practice exams from PMStudy.com
Classes: PMP prep class organized by local chapter PMI.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

Reading Rita's guide before attending the prep class, helped me to get the most out of the class. Working on practice questions helped me complete the exam on time.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

I probably could have survived without one of the on-line courses, but then again maybe not.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

About 210 hrs (160 hrs of self study time, 33 hrs of prep class, 11 hrs of working in practice questions and 6 hrs of prep time the day before the exam).

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

I recommend reading Rita's prep guide first (before reading PMBOK and before taking the prep class).

I recommend practicing at least one full exam (200 questions in 4 hrs) before taking the real exam.

Suman Akula, PMP as of November 27, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

The First step I took towards the PMP Exam was to make myself eligible by registering myself with PMI and filling out the requirements for PMP.

After I received my confirmation from PMI for the eligibility for the PMP Exam, I ordered two books based on research (internet) of what was used to pass the exam.

1. A Guide To The Project Management Body Of Knowledge (PMBOK Guides)(3rd Edition) (Paperback) by Project Management Institute

2. PMP Exam Prep, Fifth Edition: Rita's Course in a Book for Passing the PMP Exam (Paperback) by Rita Mulcahy.

I started off by reading PMBOK. After reading PMBOK, I used the PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy. This helped me to better under terms used in PMBOK. The PMP Exam Prep also had test questions after each chapter. After completing the PMP Exam Prep book, I re-read the PMBOK, with a much better understanding.

Once done reading the PMBOK for the second time, I re-took the test questions in the PMP Exam Prep. While reading the PMBOK and PMP Exam Prep, I also made Flash Cards for easy revision for a few days prior to my exam.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

The Test questions in the PMP Exam Prep. I was able to time myself to see how long I could expect to answer questions in the exam too.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

Creating the Flash cards.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

I spend around 250 hours studying for the exam.

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

Reading the PMBOK thoroughly is the first thing anyone who is planning to give the PMP exam should do. After that we can read any of the third party books (in my case I read the Rita Mulcahy) which gives us a better understanding of everything.

Joseph Spreitzer, PMP as of November 13, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

I took the chapter-sponsored review course in the fall of 2005, used the Rita Mulcahy study guide (PMP Exam Prep), reviewed the PMBOK and took numerous practice exams using the PM Fast Track system.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

I feel that it was all of the steps listed above in combination that worked for me. For example, reviewing the content of the PMBOK was worthwhile but it wasn't truly effective until I applied the knowledge gained using the PM Fast Track system.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

I can't say that any of the steps was ineffective and it probably depends on the person and the learning approaches that work for them. For example, reading the PMBOK was somewhat useful but not as a primary resource.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

That is somewhat difficult as I had a number of starts and stops in the process (e.g. it was almost a year between when I took the review course and actually sat for the exam). During the month prior to the exam, I averaged 2 hours per day and 6 hours over the weekend. This was in addition to the 10 weeks spent taking the review course and some periodic studying in between. During the week just before the exam (I took it on a Monday), the number of hours spent was slightly higher although at that point it was more focused on taking practice exams and reviewing specific topics where I felt that improvement was needed.

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

I found the PM Fast Track system very useful, far more useful than the review questions at the end of each chapter of the PMP Exam Prep book. The content was pretty much the same but the method of delivery was more beneficial to me.

Richard Allen, PMP as of November 9, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

My preparation consisted primarily of the UNY PMP review class, reading the PMBOK, and Rita's book. To a lesser extent I reviewed the ESI book.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

The most effective steps were the PMP review class and Rita's book. The review class structured the material in a logical way that made preparation for the exam easier. Rita's book supplemented the review class nicely and provided a good number of questions that allowed me to measure my areas of strength and weakness.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

The least effective step was the review of the ESI prep book. I found that this book utilized terms that were inconsistent with those in the review class and Rita's book. After taking their sample questions, and not doing so well, it left you with a sense of anxiety. My performance on the ESI questions was well below that of Rita's questions. The performance on the PMP exam more closely paralleled my performance on Rita's questions.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

Considering the time taking the PMP prep class and the time I spend independently studying, I estimate that my total study time was 50-60 hours.

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

I would highly recommend taking the UNY PMP Prep Class. The material content and structure helped to establish my preparation strategy. The class provided many tips and I found that some of them were very useful. I would also spend time with Rita's book. Take her sample questions early to focus your area of preparation. The last material that I wish I had purchased was Rita's set of 3000 sample exam questions. These questions, computer based, would give you a very good idea of how they are presented in the exam. The added questions would also help to refine your understanding of the material.

Finally, get your sleep and eat properly. They are as important to passing the exam as the many hours of preparation you put in leading up to the test.

Jon Lemelin, PMP as of September 29, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

Cheetah 4-Day Prep Course

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

Cheetah 4-Day Prep Course

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

40 hours

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

Learn the material and learn how to take the test (two different things).

Maureen Dickey, PMP as of September 22, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

• I took the local chapter's exam prep workshop and read each chapter in the PMBOK and Rita Mulcahy's book as we went along.
• Once class was over, I reviewed each chapter in PMBOK and RMC's book again. I also answered the questions in RMC's book after reading each chapter. I didn't spend too much time on this review. My goal was to put all the pieces together and to identify any specific areas that I would need to focus on.
• Next, I studied each chapter in detail. I read RMC's book (and completed all the exercises), the PMBOK, and reviewed course materials from the exam prep class. At the end of each chapter, I took the exam in the "Crosswinds Exam Simulation Booklet", and again answered the questions in RMC's book. I didn't move on to the next chapter until I felt confident of my understanding of the current chapter.
• Once this review was complete, I took the full exam included in the Crosswinds book and answered the questions in "Rita's Pocket PMP Exam". I timed myself for each of these exams. I brushed up on the areas that I didn't do so well in, and then retook the practice exams. During the week prior to the exam, I looked over the course materials to see if there were any additional tips that would help me.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

All of the above. I found that I spent more time studying RMC's book than the PMBOK, mainly because it ws an easier read. However, I think that the two are equally important.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

All of these steps worked for me.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

Approximately 75 hours.

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

Make sure you know the knowledge areas and process groups, and the major inputs and outputs for each. Do the practice exercises in RMC's book. I found that they really helped me to understand certain things.

Greg Antolick, PMP as of August 5, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

I took the RMC Project Management, Inc. PMP Exam Prep Online course. The website is www.rmcproject.com. I used this course in conjunction with the PMBOK Third Edition.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

I originally started using only the online course. I found that the course was much more effective if I read a chapter in the PMBOK and then went to that section in the online course to reinforce my learning.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

I feel that I relied too heavily on the practice exams available online with the RMC course. I don't feel as though they were an accurate representation of the actual exam.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

Approximately 40 hours.

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

My personal experience would be to highly recommend taking an in person class and not relying on an online class. I think the experience of just having somebody to ask questions of would be more valuable.

Doug Friedman, PMP as of July 22, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

Rita Mulcahey Web-based prep course for PMP Exam.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

Rita Mulcahey Web-based prep course for PMP Exam.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

Approximately 80 hours of studying and taking practice exams over three months (after work).

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

• Practice reading a complex, multipart problem quickly looking for key points.
• Don't spend too much time on tough questions. Mark them and return to them at end. Difficult and less difficult questions count the same.
• Go to the bathroom just before the test begins (test time continues break or not).

John Snyder, PMP as of July 16, 2006

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

• PMI UNY Chapter PMP Prep Workshop
• Books:
  
  • PMBOK
  • Mulcahy (PMP Exam Prep)
  • Heldman (PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide)

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

• PMI UNY Chapter PMP Prep Workshop (hands down the best)
• Reading the PMBOK
• Sample tests from Heldman

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

Heldman's book (other than the tests).

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

• Not as much as I should have...
• 1-2 hours each week outside of class
• 16 hours the two weeks right before I took the test

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

• Exam prep books are not an alternative to actually reading the PMBOK.
• Learn PMI terminology.
• Memorization alone will not carry the day; understand the "why" too.
• Test taking skills very important.

Anonymous, PMP

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

Chapter PMP Prep Class, Rita Mulcahy's prep book, PM Fastrack Exam Simulation Software, PMBOK, various sample questions, flash cards (home made, not purchased).

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

Rita Mulcahy's prep book and the Prep Class. The class provided structure for me - since I haven't had to study for a test in a long time that was very helpful.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

Various sample questions. There are a lot of sample questions out there and the ones that were not worded similar to the actual test were not as useful.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

During the Prep Class - 5 or 6 hours a week (including the class). After the class - 4 weeks for several hours per day (most days of the week).

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

Practice times tests really help. I also found that making flash cards for myself instead of buying them already printed allowed me to focus on what I felt was important for me. They were also handy to carry around and quiz myself whenever I had a little free time.

Anonymous, PMP

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

• I took a one (1) week study class in NYC.
• I read two books, three times, and did all the exercises.
• I generated my own set of powerpoint flashcards for memorization.
• I took four (4) full length tests under testing conditions.
• I worked on this activity for about forty-five calendar days and put in approximately 120 hours of study time.
• I did not participate in study groups. However, I think study groups are a good idea but I just didn't have the time.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

In the end, forcing myself to take the tests under test conditions four (4) times was very helpful for me. It helped me to come up with a test taking strategy as well. I knew how long I should spend on each question and just worked my plan on the test day.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

The study class in NYC was not that good. They did connect me with material I was not aware of but I would not say that the class in and of itself was that good.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

120 hours.

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

The test is hard - you need to concentrate when you study like you did back in College preparing for a final exam.

Anonymous, PMP

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

RMC classes and Velociteach classes.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

Velociteach.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

RMC course and practice exams.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

40+ hours.

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

It would be great if the Upstate New York chapter could bring people together to form study groups. This wasn't available for me and I think it would be very useful.

Anonymous, PMP

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

I attended a Learning Tree course titled Project Management for Software Development in April 2006, I took a CBT course from Thomson NETg (prep for PMP) in summer of 2006, I attended an ESI course titled Systems Integration Project Management in October 2006, and I attended an ESI course for PMP Power Prep the week before I took my exam on 2/17.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

All were effective for various aspects of an effective PM process, but the ESI course was the most beneficial because it offered more information and tools than the NETg CBT course offered. Basically, when I completed the NETg course I wasn't confident that I would have a chance to pass the exam. When I took the ESI PMI prep course and used their supporting materials I knew that I was as ready as I would ever be.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

Two of the courses weren't directly related to PMI prep, and they don't provide the basis for comparison to the prep courses. Between the two prep courses I found the NETg CBT to be least effective. To be fair, CBT in general isn't as effective for me as classroom training.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

Overall, approximately 200 hours.

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

• There is an inherent nervousness involved. It's important to try to stay focused and not allow yourself to get over-anxious.
• The ability to mark your answers is an important feature of the exam and I recommend that it be used.
• On a good number of questions, some answers can be immediately identified as not true, and one of the training tips I received was to eliminate obvious incorrect answers. I recommend that approach.
• PMI doesn't test people's ability to memorize the PMBOK, although some of the questions require that you can identify correct PMBOK responses. The exam also tests your ability to apply the PMBOK in situational questions.

Anonymous, PMP

What steps did you take to prepare for the PMP?

UNY PMI Chapter Prep Class, Rita's simulation exam questions, Rita's flash cards/hot topics on CD, Rita's prep book, PMBOK, Rita's process game, creation of index cards, and UNY PMI Chapter Sample Test Questions.

Which of these steps did you find most effective?

UNY PMI Chapter Prep Class, PMBOK, Rita's process game, creation of index cards and UNY PMI Chapter Sample Test Questions.

Which of these steps did you find least effective?

Rita's flash cards/hot topics on CD.

How much time did you spend studying for the exam?

Approximately 140 hours total including the class - see below for details.

• class was approximately 33 hours (11 weeks at 3 hours)
• prep time for each class was about three hours which included reading the appropriate chapter from PMBOK and Rita's book - 66 hours
• writing up index cards - about 20 hours
• 50 hours of intense studying 5 weeks prior to exam

Other PMP Exam preparation thoughts or tips:

• Learned and understood (vs. memorized) all the processes within each knowledge area and associated process group
• If you use Rita's simulation exam questions, don't get overconfident and expect the exam to be much more difficult/tricky than her questions
• Expect to get questions on the exam that seem out of context and you don't understand at all or can't answer - this is a test of your patience and is intended to test you
• Memorize the EV formulas
• Be comfortable with the procurement area - this is a tricky area
• Practice your cheat sheet