Friday, April 25, 2008

PMP Exam Prep - A Study Plan

Set realistic expectations for yourself. If you have a fulltime day job and/or family commitments it might be difficult to spend more than 10 hours per week study time.

Below is a high level outline of a study roster for getting you certified in 16 weeks. Adapt this to your own needs and circumstances.

  1. First, work through the 11 knowledge areas (Week 1-5)
  2. Second, study 11 knowledge areas in detail (Week 6-10)
  3. Third, working on weak areas & brain dump (Week 11-12)
  4. Fourth, map to the 5 Process Groups (Week 13)
  5. Fifth, first attempt at all full exams (Week 14)
  6. Sixth, second attempt at all full exams (Week 15)
  7. Sit exam (Week 16)

This method places less stress on students and allow you to work through the material in a structured and planned fashion, acknowledging the fact that almost all of you will have to do this part time (after hours). After all you are all project managers!

  • First, just read through the material make sure that you understand everything. In other words understand the scope of the work.
  • Second, now study the material in detail chapter by chapter and attempt the chapter questions in study mode at the end of each chapter.
  • Third, read through each chapter again make notes and attempt the chapter questions in study mode again.
  • Fourth, map your knowledge to the 5 Project Management Process Groups i.e. Initiation, Planning, Executing Controlling and Closing.
  • Fifth, finalize your brain dump, put the study materials except for the brain dump away and now attempt the first full exam.
  • Book your exam!
  • Sixth, put the brain dump away and attempt the full exams. Once you score 85% or more on 2 or more of the full exams you are ready for the exam. Practice a few times before the exam to create the brain dump without the use of your books.

    See the PM-Mentor Exam Master Class for a detailed discussion of our unique study method.

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