I wrote these 10 suggestions as part of mentoring a friend who is aspiring to be a PMP shortly. After writing down the mail, realized that these lessons learnt will be helpful to many like her who would need guidance.
First of all congrats for those all aspiring to be a PMP... for it is a great certification and also a greater responsibility when you handle projects.
Here are the guidelines.
1. Register in PMI.ORG site for PMI membership by paying around 130 $, including membership to local Chapter with additional minimal amount.
2. Being a PMI member and also a local chapter member will get you access to PMBOK guide which is the bible to PMP. Download that from the site and start reading. Plan 15 days to just give it a layman reading for the first time and start writing down notes as you finish each chapter
PMBOK is a real repository at the same time, reading 500 pages is a very tiring exercise for the first time without a break. But do it
3. Then contact any local PMP registered training centers...I did attend the boot camp with PMI Chennai Chapter which was very good. The material and guidance given was great. Attend the class only after you finish PMBOK at least twice. This may cost you anywhere between Rs. 11000- 12500 depending on where you would do. PMI Chennai chapter gives discounts to their chapter members.
4. Now is the time you can buy books to assist you in your preparation. I would recommend Andy Crowe's PMP Pass on First Try or Rita for reference. PMI site itself got lots of books and being a PMI Member gets you free access to 24*7 book store where you can find reference material on subjects like Risk Planning, Earn Value Management and Procurement
5. Once your finish attending mandatory training (boot camp) with any of the registered PMI partner institutions, please register for the exam having a date in mind. Check the PMI site for exam fee details.
6. Exam application itself is a lengthy process for you to map all your relevant project experience and education evaluation and the 35 hours mandatory course certificate you get from the boot camp. So have your details drafted out clearly as you start filling in the application form.
7. Now that you set your D Date in calendar and pay the exam fee to the nearest centre through prometric website. Concentrate on your preparation
8. Read the 42 processes in the given order carefully. Concentrate and recognize the flow of each process and their inputs and outputs along with tools and techniques. Once you are done with it, write down the formulas at least 5 times to memorize. This will help you during the exam
9. Read PMBOK once again, finish reading Andy Crowe and Rita or any other reference book. Read the chapter material (boot camp) thoroughly once
10. Answer all practice questions in all these books. Now is the time to take the online practice exams with 4 hours for 200 questions. Take this practice test seriously, for these tests help you get used to the exam tension. Check the online 360degree test; you can do one on PMStudy website, and one on Andy Crowe book. Then take up Oliver Lehman 175 questions which are toughest. Identify your weak areas and read those relevant chapters carefully to fill in the gaps.
The Day before the exam, relax, read the process chart, formulas, glossary for definitions, eat well, and sleep early.
On the day of the exam, keep yourself tension free, eat a good breakfast and schedule a exam around noon so that you will have time to revise your formulas and processes chart and head to your exam centre well in advance. Don’t forget to take your photo id card and the exam letter you received from the prometric centre. Besides everything put your experience and common sense and attention to best use for it will help clear PMP on first try with your preparation and experience.
During the exam, try taking a break for 2-3 minutes after every 1 hour. This will not only help you get refreshed but also help you concentrate better during the rest of the exam. Try not getting distracted with anything around you. Use the tutorial time to brain dump any formulas or processes that you would like to refer during exam in the sheets given to you in the examination centre. Maintain utmost integrity and fullest attention in the best of 4 hours of your life that would bring in the most valued and cherished three letters behind your name: PMP!!!
All the best
Please let me know if you need any help, for I would love to mentor people aspiring for certifications. Good luck
