Pass the PMP exam on your first try with these proven strategies. The PMP exam is very pricey, costing hundreds of dollars and if you fail, you have to pay even more money to retake the exam. There are other costs too, like time off of work to study. This article will give you five strategies to help you pass the PMP exam.
These strategies were provided by a current PMP professional who passed the exam on her first try with 30 minutes remaining.
1. It’s a journey, not a race.
Many professionals are quickly overwhelmed with the knowledge required to pass the PMBOK exam. It is critical to remember passing the PMP exam is a journey, not a race. It would be best if you took your time studying to be confident when you enter the exam room.
Understanding that passing the PMP exam is a journey and not a race will also take some pressure off of yourself, so you are mentally ready to absorb all of the interesting things you are getting ready to learn.
2. Read the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
The first thing you want to do is read the PMBOK Guide. You must know the concepts in the book very well to pass the PMP exam, so read it more than once. Reading the PMBOK guide will also help you understand how projects are managed, which is key to passing the exam.
The PMBOK is the ultimate book of record for passing the exam and every question on the exam is related to the guide. Reading the PMBOK guide will make the required class and lecturers easier to understand.
While reading the PMBOK guide, it is important to highlight key learnings, terms, processes and anything else you want to refer back to if needed.
3. Determine how much time you can dedicate to reading the PMBOK to pass the PMP exam.
Once you receive the PMBOK Guide, you need to determine how much time you can dedicate each week to reading. First, time yourself reading one page to learn how much time it takes you to read a page. Then multiply that by the number of PMBOK pages and divide that number by 60 minutes.
This number is how many hours it will take you to read the PMBOK. Divide this number by how many hours you can dedicate to reading the book each week, which will tell you how long it will take to finish.
Once you are happy with the number of hours you need to spend reading the PMBOK guide each week, determine what days and between what hours you will dedicate to reading. Set a recurring alarm clock as a helpful reminder when it is time to start reading.
4. Read the latest edition of Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep.
Rita’s Exam Prep book is the best tool on the market to help you pass the PMP exam. Reread the first chapter of the PMBOK guide before reading the first chapter of Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep book and taking the practice tests to get the most out of the book. If you get any answers wrong, refer to the PMBOK guide to strengthen your understanding of the topic.
It’s essential to reread each chapter of the PMBOK guide before reading the corresponding chapter in Rita’s Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep. This strategy will strengthen and reinforce critical learnings to help you pass the PMP exam.
Rereading the PMBOK will also help you prepare for the test. However, you don’t need to reread the entire book. You only need to read the parts you highlighted when you read the book the first time. Rereading highlighted areas will solidify the information you’ve learned.
5. Take the required exam prep class to pass the PMP exam.
You are now ready to take the required class to pass the PMP exam. The course should be a breeze since you’ve read the PMBOK and Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep. Ask your professor any questions in areas where you struggled while reading the PMBOK and Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep.
After the course, schedule and take the exam.
It is essential to get a good night’s sleep before taking the exam so that your mind will be fresh on test day.
In conclusion, you should start by reading the PMBOK Guide and Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep. When finished, take the required class to understand better what to expect on exam day. Before entering the exam room, read over your notes for added strength to your knowledge base. Finally, pass the exam!
