For many people, test anxiety and/or feeling overwhelmed with work and life are the main reasons they delay or completely disregard ever taking the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. However, making an effort and committing to tackle and pass the test is well worth it in addition to the monetary benefits, which according to PMI’s most recent salary surveys, translates to earning 25% more than non-certified professionals. There is also the added recognition as a dedicated and well-versed project management professional. Furthermore, more and more organizations are requiring the PMP certification for new project manager hires and existing staff seeking a promotion to a managerial position. So, how do we overcome the reluctance to take the exam and go for it?

Free Project Management Certification Practice Test

PMP Exam Prep – Tips for Passing the PMP Certification Exam

At PM Workshops, we have helped thousands of people prepare to take and pass the PMP. And we always start by helping our students develop a plan to prepare for the test, which is actually similar to preparing a mini project management plan and covers the following:

• Determine the work required (scope) to prepare, such as:
  • Start reading the PMBOK as soon as you can do so. You don’t have to read it in one sitting. A chapter or section a day will work. However, you will notice that once you get started, the reading process will go fast.
  • Write down all your questions and have them ready for the training instructor.
  • Sample questions you will need to go over after the training. We recommend taking as many sample questions as possible. 1,000 would be great, but at least 500 are all right. Also, you can answer sample questions in small batches, such as 20, 40, or 50 at a time.
• Schedule the training course, as well as the study time required afterward to take the exam. Studies have shown that you are best prepared to pass the exam within one or two months after finishing a training course. Therefore, check your work and personal schedule for the time when you can spend a week in training, plus ensure you will have time afterward to study, tackle many sample questions, and review.
• Budget the costs associated with taking and passing the exam. Whether you or your company is paying for the training, the exam, and study materials, it is important to add up the costs. Your human resources may ask you for a total cost to ensure their budget can cover it. If you are paying for everything, you will want to know how much you need to spend on the training, exam fee to PMI, sample exam books, and other study materials.
• List out the resources you currently have at your disposal, such as books, flashcards; free sample questions online, which we offer on our website; and even PMPs you may know and can share their test-taking experiences with you.
• Carefully select a vendor (procurement) for the training (i.e., 35 contact hours) required to sit for the exam. Many companies offer in-person and online training; therefore, you need to vet them and find the one that will be a good fit for your test preparation needs.

Feel free to contact us for a free consultation regarding the services we offer at PM Workshops, including any other questions you might have about the PMP exam and how best to prepare to take and pass it,

PMP Exam Prep – Tips for Passing the PMP Certification Exam

Passing the PMP Exam – Project Management Workshops and Online Learning