Download file from
http://www.esnips.com/doc/3f7251c5-927a-4a70-932a-3fc1b6c71ab6/pmp_project_hrs_worksheet
or browse http://www.esnips.com/ and search for "pmp project hours"
This tool will help you prepare and validate the data to project 4,500 hours of relevant project management experience, which is required for registering for PMP.
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Tuesday, September 4, 2007
PM Zorro Tips and Tricks posted by elceem on PMHUB.net
The exam
· Before the exam begins, you have fifteen minutes to do the tutorial. I used this time before the exam to do a memory dump of the formulas. The tutorial is straight forward on marking questions, reviewing questions and how to view exhibits.
· Usually, the examination centre will give you time to write down things, get your thought clear and then you begin the tutorial. On occasion they will just ask you to start
· To do the memory dump takes about 8 minutes (for me). This depends on what you memorize. One nice thing with memory dump, is you can refer to it later and it is bit less pressure. The third time I wrote the exam, I knew the material so well I did not bother doing the memory dump.
· I also used this time to write out all nine PMI knowledge areas and sub-processes, as well as indicate what process (initiate, plan, execute, control, close) and whether it was a core or facilitating sub-process. As the test progressed, I could easily look over and get my bearings on the process map, without having to think too hard. You need to know the material to that degree if you want to pass. You also need to know all the equations and how to apply them in a story problem context.
· Before the exam, used the time to do memory dump or core process and formulas… Even if you know the formulas write them down at the beginning. It gives you a safety net. When you come to a question you can refer to your memory7 or your notes… I found in at least one case (may be nerves) what I wrote on the paper was wrong when I came to the question that referenced it… If you write it down, it will be consistent throughout the exam.
· If the question contains diagrams, tables or other numbers used in calculations, copy these down completely on your scratch paper before beginning the development of the solution. Trying to go back and forth between your scratch paper and the screen is very tiring, leads to errors and will be very difficult to check later. Number your notes and diagrams (the exam calls these exhibits) on the scratch paper and use it in an orderly fashion, later to facilitate checking. Often the exhibit used in one section of the exam will be used in another section.
· The exam has lots of which is the correct answer EXCEPT. Usually the questions will highlight this (i.e word EXCEPT or BUT)Some of the questions seems (and are too simple. Example “given EV (BCWP) = 32,000 and etc….” what is the earned value” or “ given BCWP of 10 million, BCSW of 8 million and ACWP of 7 million what is the PV”
· Be very careful of questions framed in the double negative (“None of the following are true EXCEPT….”). Re-phase these questions (if necessary, write the rephrased question down on your scratch paper and number it) to eliminate both negatives (“which of the following is true…”).
· Use the calculator for all but the most elementary calculations. If you have enough time re-calculate your calculations -- again using the calculator. It is amazing how often, in the pressure of the examination 1+1 =3
· The exam will usually have both old and new abbreviations. On the exam, I had these backwards !! EV – BCWP… One of the later questions this was caught because the question gave EV (BCWP) is 4 million.
· No Net Present Value (NPV) on the exams
· Sample question1 – You are taking over for Project manager, you are given x,y and Z… Which phase are you or
· Sample question2 - You are asked to take over a project you have x,y and z what would your next steps be?
· Sample question3: You are in administrative closure, which inputs would you chose….
· Sample question4 - Communication channel question going from 5 – 10 members how many more channels (answer 35)
· Make note of questions that have exhibits, or calculations these are often referred to in later questions and open question will give you a clue.
· Remember to answer all questions!… If you miss a question, when the exam hits review it will flag questions you missed.
Studying
As you do a lot of sample exams you can figure out what works for you…
· If you are a visual learner write things down as you study.
· If you are a right brain thinker (me) you will just have to apply yourself that much more than the left brain thinkers. No real solution on how to handle this.
· I created flashcards with important project management processes, terms and equations. On one side of the card was the term and on the other side I wrote the equation. When I had time, I would thumb through the cards. It was not important to memorize all the terms, since the test is multiple choice. However, you must be prepared to recognize the definition, or a variant of the definition, as well as how and when you might apply it. I had close to 80 cards when I was done.
· I created terms, glossaries and definitions by writing it helped me remember things
· Don't use the training or reading to become a better Project Manager. You should already have that experience. Instead, learn what is required to pass the PMP test. You may have techniques and processes that work better than the PMI way, but for the purposes of passing the test, it is the PMI way that matters. Rita Mulcahy is good for giving you the PMI slant. From the free material I have seen, I suspect the mScholar material will also give you the PMI slant.
· Like the idea of knowledge are pre-test. As an example Southwest Ohio PMI has such a pre-test and post-test thing. About 10 questions. I need to develop some pre-session tests for review.
· Did lots questions before and after a knowledge area, worked on weaker or questionable questions. This teaches you to read the questions carefully…Sometimes you see a common or re-occurring theme.
· The more experience you have as a veteran (battle scared - wounded) project manager the more difficult you will find the exam. The reason is best answer. Experience dictate one thing. Also steps you would implicitly do like talk to the customer are the BEST answer before escalating to management. Similarly, after the World War I and II many of the best flyers could not get pilot licences (i.e. they failed the exams).
· You really need to know the inputs, tools and techniques. Generally there is 11-15 questions on this
Know the difference between Study Quality Management plan versus quality plan verse Quality Assurance
Do not be afraid, the exam is not that hard however, you must know the material from the PMI perspective!
Answer sheets
Many people use a predictor. As an example some people use 90, 50 and 25%. Make columns on a sheet. One for 90%, one for 50% and one for 25%. If you know the answer put a mark under 90% (first column), if you think you know the question put a mark under 50% if it a guess use 25%.
At the end of the exam total up the 90% marks say you have 114 * .90 = 104
Similarly for 50% say 60 marks under the 50% column 60* .50 = 30
And then total number of marks under 25%, in this example 26 * .25 = 6.5
104 + 30 + 6.5 = 140 (pass)
Cheetah Learning Systems uses (recommends) 85%, 50% 25%
As you do the sample questions adjust these. If your predictor is consistently high say 180% and you are scoring lower change the ratios. For me I find 80%, 50% formula works was the best predictor. You can do these calculations in your head. I ignore the 25% column for my predictor.
Study Techniques
· Understand inputs & outputs of each process (initiate, planning, execute, control, admin close). Understand the 3-5 major steps in each project management (Scope, cost, HR, procurement, etc) Don't memorize, because unless you can maintain the matrix of processes in your head to regurgitate it later, it is better to know "WHY" something should be there, especially in real project mngt. Understand cost principles - Schedule variance, cost variance, the principles of future & present value. Know the difference between quality assurance, quality control, and quality planning. 200 questions is a lot--I didn't practice doing 200 questions--only groups of 50-75. I remember looking at the # of questions left (75 out of 200, 130 out of 200, 180 out of 200) it's a lot of questions--by the time I was done, my eyes were a little glazed over. Lots of definitions straight from PMBOK and Rita's workbook.
Bottom line, the exam is not impossible, just detail oriented. You must also forget some of your project management experience and know the PMI way. Read the whole question, and look at all the answers. When I got done, and saw the score, I took a deep breath & reflected that it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. You read some of the questions in the newsgroups, and get doctoral dissertations on various topics. They don't expect you to be an accountant, they just want you to use the same language. I was very intimidated by some of the answers & discussions that people got into on this newsgroup, and based on the exam, some of it was probably overkill. To be fair, before studying, I was already scoring 70-75% on the practice exams, so some people will need more preparation than I did--I knew that I had to get 138 to be certified, so I planned to score 80-85%, to give me a margin--not everyone thinks that way.
Remember, the PMP certification says you have a baseline understanding of project management standards, and that can't take the place of experience--it just gives you and other certified PMP's the same basic set of tools & common definitions. That said, there are a lot of smart people in this group, and the study guides, brain dumps, and the test questions are very helpful and probably made the difference between passing & failing. Thanks to all of you who have posted study guides & sample questions--I didn't ask many questions, but the materials in the study area helped me out a lot--you helped me get a framework & build a "plan" to pass the exam.
Study Plan
· Build a plan, work the plan
· Allocate blocks of time for studying.
· Set-up a study program (plan) and study every day 2 hours and weekend 8-10 hrs. A week before the exam took week off and studied solidly (excluding exercise), in the sample exam scores seems to vary between 60%- more than 85%.
· Once you score consistently above 80% on tests or higher you are ready.
For Me
· Each morning spent maximum of 15 minutes did brain dump… formulas, process. Hint the testing centre will generally give you time to get settled in and start when you are ready, if so you have plenty of time for brain dump. If the testing centre does not give you time, you have 15 minute before the exam to do a tutorial… The tutorial can be done ion five minutes so use the ten minutes to do your brain dump.
· Each day did a set 50-200 questions after which reviewed weak areas.
· I found the more questions and answers that I did, the better prepared and more comfortable I was. Note use good sources of questions and answers not someone’s home made questions and answers. The reason is simple in the exam a panel of experts writes and decided on the BEST answer. An individual brings his/her perspective to the exam and not the knowledge experts. Good sources for questions and answers Procept, ESI and Dick Billows. Easier sources are Rita and PMP Cram. Very difficult sources (i.e. harder than the exam) are IIL (PM-IQ)
· I took one week off before writing the exam to review and cram for the exam… It was slow getting into a study mode but once I applied myself, it seems to be the best study method for me.
Others
· Work 1/2 for a month and study the other half of the day.
Not my style – takes a while to get into it then must concentrate fully.
Review of Some of the Material
www.boson.com
is good source of sample Q &A to use for study, affordable $39.95 US and you can get $5.00 discount if you are member PMP Cert (a yahoo newsgroup) and get a certificate
So is http://www.PMPrepare.com./
About 900 questions available for $90 US for a month. Good source q & A problems are the application support 17 inch monitor and have to scroll back and forth… Other thing is some of the references are to Kerzner 6th edition. Y
IIL PM IQ is a good source for study questions -- problem is the study mode and questions are mainly from Kerzner
Rita Mulcahy material is pretty good her questions and answers go though the logic why some thing is the best answer
Like the Dick Billows material (www.4pm.com) the better than Rita, he include many other sources and has more questions and answers. Pricey 120 US (about 200 Canadian)
Newell book is good review but questions are too easy
Found Merideth and Mantel book easier to read and study from than Kerzner book
Ref: http://forums.pmhub.net/viewtopic.php?t=5484&sid=3f2c4a29cfe947577ac5ccb902195e6a
Posted by Sunita Shet at 10:02 AM 0 comments
Labels: PMP Certification Exam Preparation
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Lessons learned - posted by Nitin in Orkut
Hi All,
First of all let me share that the PMP Exam will really test your project management skills, whatever Books and Reading materials you have read, unless and until you grasp the concept and are aware about the terminology it will not be a cake walk.
Preparation:
Scheduling :
I had been studying for the Exam from Feb 2007, when i did my 35 PDU course at astrowix,Delhi chapter and kept the momentum for two months but some how i was not able to schedule the exam due to silly credit card issue .Let me share that i was also under the impression that i can pay the charges through Debit card but this does not work .Finally was able to schedule the exam for august 2007( with new credit card) as i has been preparing quite religiously for last one month and I did not to keep postponing the exam ,since that could have made lose interest in the EXAM .
Final Exam Day
I had finished preparation on sunday and on Monday 27th Aug 2007 , i had scheduled the exam. On the Exam day I just watched Television, as i am quite interested in stocks so was watching the stock market......This helped me to relax before the exam .This strategy works………;) … ,try to focus on something else of your interest and you can relax much more beofre exam.
Here are my suggested reading materials :-
PMBOK Guide -3 times at least
Rita Mulcahy exam prep -4 times at least
and PMFastrack simulation CD-2 times at least
JIMBOk -In case you want to clear doubts and grasp the basic concept this one is too good
Tips:
1. Keep on reading as much as you can from materials you have decided to refer to but please do not keep changing books.
2. No use using plenty of material, Rita and PMBOK is enough for PMP just stick to these books you will pass.
3.Practice a lot of MCQ (like PMP fasttrack 5.0) helps to get used to the type of questions in real exam but the real questions in Exam is totally different so keep yourself ready for surprises (that is why your experience counts in handling projects )as well as your understand
Posted by Sunita Shet at 8:37 PM 0 comments
Labels: Lessons Learned, PMP Certification Exam Preparation
Monday, August 20, 2007
Adout - Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management Professional (PMP) is the most globally recognized certification in project management. It is managed by the Project Management Institute and is based on the PMP Examination Specification published by PMI in 2005. Most exam questions reference to PMIs ANSI standard A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, abbreviated to PMBOK Guide
The PMI (Project Management Institute) has three levels of certification, starting with the CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) which is the basic level and is intended as certification for project team members. The PMP (Project Management Professional) is the second, higher, level of project management. Individuals who have passed the PMP certification test successfully and have met the PMI requirements for documenting their professional experience are entitled to use the abbreviation PMP with their names. A new certification, PgMP (Program Management Professional) has also been introduced by the PMI, for Program Managers.
Benefits of becoming PMP
Getting a PMP Certification would help you in many ways.
* The PMP designation following one's name demonstrates to employers and other stakeholders that the individual possesses a solid foundation of experience and education in project management.
* PMP Certification is used as a screening tool by companies that have to fill their Project Management positions.
* PMP certified person applies Project Management methodologies in a standardized way. You get to know the best project management practices worldwide and your project management methodologies are not limited to hard work and organizational skills. And that is why employers are willing to pay more money for a PMP-certified professional.
Eligibility for PMP Exam
Certification by the Project Management Institute (PMI) as a project management professional (PMP) demonstrates that you have mastered essential project management skills and knowledge. To earn PMI’s PMP designation, you must demonstrate the required "long-term commitment" to project management professionalism as well as pass a rigorous, 200-question exam covering the five project management processes and ten knowledge areas in PMI’s project management body of knowledge (PMBOK). To receive the PMP certification, each candidate must satisfy PMI's qualifications for experience and education and pass the Project Management Professional Certification Examination. To qualify for the PMI exam applicants must have:
1. A Bachelor degree and 4,500 hours of relevant project management experience in the past 6 years OR
2. A high school diploma or equivalent and 7,500 hours of relevant project management experience in the past 8 years.
Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements for the PMP certification can apply for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) examination.
PMP EXAMINATION INFORMATION
PMP examination is a computerized test of 4 hours duration, with 200 multiple-choice questions, each with four choices. Out of the 200 questions, 25 questions are pretest questions. These 25 pretest questions are randomly placed throughout the examination to gather statistical information on the performance of these pretest questions. This strategy is followed to determine whether the pretest questions can be used in future PMI examinations as actual questions. The pretest questions, included in the 200-question examination, are not considered for pass/fail determination. Hence, candidates are evaluated on basis of the remaining 175 questions.
To pass the PMP examination, out of the 175 questions, candidates must correctly answer a minimum of 106 questions. Which means the minimum percentage score to be obtained should be 60.6%.
All of PMI’s credential examinations are administered in English. Examination language aids are available to assist candidates for whom English is a second language. The aids provide a translation of exam questions and answers and are available in 10 languages – Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, and Spanish.
Examination Content - Percentage Of Questions
* Initiating the Project - 11%
* Planning the Project - 23 %
* Executing the Project - 27 %
* Monitoring and Controlling the Project – 21 %
* Closing the Project – 9 %
* Professional and Social Responsibility - 9 %
PMP Exam Registration
You can apply Online or use the paper form. Your payment to PMI is normally by credit card or mailed check. You should plan on joining as a member of the Project Management Institute to save money now and in the future
http://www.pmi.org
For candidates who need to apply via a paper application, please download the following documents (as needed).
PMP Handbook and Application Forms
CAPM Handbook and Application Forms
Fees for PMP Exam
Project Management Professional (Fee in USD)
Initial Certification Fee - member of PMI in good standing ($405.95)
Initial Certification Fee - non-member of PMI ($555.95)
Re-Examination Fee - member of PMI in good standing ($275.95)
Re-Examination Fee - non-member of PMI ($375.95)
Some of Popular PMP Training providers in India
* Prologic systems (P) Limited, 16/2A, 401, Ansal forte, Rupene Agrahara, Hosur Road, Bangalore – 560068, Karnataka, India., Phone : +91 80 51114915 Mobile : +91 9845178851, url : www.prologic.in
* KnowledgeWorks IT Consulting Pvt. Ltd.,197, E-5, 2nd Floor,8th “B” Main 27th Cross, Jayanagar 3rd Block, Bangalore – 560011, Landmark : Near to G.K.Vale Photostudio / Pizza Hut, General email: training@knowledgeworksindia.com , Phone: +91-80-26630622 / +91-80-22459941 (O)
* PMTI-India, No. 337/2RT, Opp. to Metro Water Tank, Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh - 500038
* Quality Solutions for Information Technology Pvt. Ltd., A-706 & 707, 7th Floor, Mittal Towers, M.G. Road, Bangalore - 560 001 INDIA, Tel: +91-80-2558 5386 / 4113 4334, Fax: +91-80-2559 7445, email: contact(at)qsitglobal.com
* AstroWix Corporation, A-53/54 Sector 16, NOIDA - 201 301, UP, India, TEL:+91 (120) 431 5760, FAX: +91 (120) 431 5766; 484, 25th Main, 2nd Cross, 2nd Stage BTM Layout , Bangalore 560076, INDIA, TEL:+91 (80) 5120 1679, Fax:+91 (80) 2678 5916, Email : info@astrowix.com
Some of popular PMP preparation forums
* Pmhub
* Head First
* Tcqaa
* Phpbb2
* Ecademy
Posted by Sunita Shet at 5:04 PM 0 comments
Labels: PMP Certification Exam Preparation
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Few useful downloads here :)
http://www.esnips.com/web/adeelkl-PMP/
or browse http://www.esnips.com and search for PMP.
Get all you want :).
Posted by Sunita Shet at 10:52 PM 0 comments
Labels: PMP Certification Exam Preparation, Resources
Monday, July 23, 2007
Tool to help you plan for filling 4,500 hours of relevant project management experience
Download file from
http://www.esnips.com/doc/3f7251c5-927a-4a70-932a-3fc1b6c71ab6/pmp_project_hrs_worksheet
or browse http://www.esnips.com/ and search for "pmp project hours"
This tool will help you prepare and validate the data to project 4,500 hours of relevant project management experience, which is required for registering for PMP.
Posted by Sunita Shet at 4:45 AM 0 comments
Labels: PMP Certification Exam Preparation
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Rita Mulcahy's web site
Rita Mulcahy, world-renowned PM expert and best-selling author, has been teaching her innovative techniques for passing the PMP® exam on the first try since 1991. And most recently, she has used her thousands of hours of experience to develop exam training for the CAPM® certification as well. Now, project managers around the globe can study for either the PMP® exam or the CAPM® exam online—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can also find some free stuff here:
http://www.rmcproject.com/
Posted by Sunita Shet at 8:44 PM 0 comments
Labels: PMP Certification Exam Preparation, Resources
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Get PMP Certified in 35 days from Scratch
I had suggested this to one of my friend. It works!!
He passed with 69% marks.
Total effort in Plan: 35 days
Make sure you can spare at least 3+ hours a day for next 24 days
And 8+ hours for last 11 days before you attempt the exam.
Register with PMI:
Go to http://www.pmi.org/
Select "Global Membership & Communities-->Membership-->Individual --> Online", Membership fee is $119. As part of membership, you will receive PMBOK Guide from PMI
Also get a copy of Rita Mulcahy’s PMP exam prep book.
Apply for the certification exam
Select "Professional Development and Careers-->Certification Program-->Online Application"
You need to do this now as you may get a slot only after 30-40 days depending on the availability. Exam fee is $405 for members. Your preferred exam date should be 35+ days from now.
Register for a PMP Exam Prep 4 day course on 25th day from now.
Start Preparation:
There are 12 chapters in PMBOK
Read one chapter two times in a day for next 12 days
First read ITTO (Inputs - Tools & Techniques - Outputs), next read and understand each item in detail.
ITTOs are very important, Logically understand and Memorize all ITTOs, you will get many questions on that.
Now start reading Rita Mulcahy’s PMP exam prep book in parallel with PMBOK
This book has all the needed basic concepts in detail with scenarios, exercises and practice questions. Since you are now familiar with the PMBOK, you will start understanding the concepts in depth. This may take another 12 days.
This is not sufficient to attempt the exam. Remember that you need to follow PMBOK as bible. No mugging or guess work will help. All you need is through understanding of concepts and good buffered Short Term memory.
To boost your short term memory, I would suggest you to take a PMP Fast Track Exam preparation course. This will help you grasp all the chapters in 4 days and also you will get the much needed 35 PDUs certificate which is an entry criteria for the exam.
Now you will have increased confidence level to attempt the exam.
Take off from your work and other commitments for next one week and start preparing for the exam. By this time you would have realized your gaps and week areas. Start paying more attention to difficult areas. Revise, Revise and Revise. Attempt practice questions on difficult areas like Project Integration Mgmt, Time Management, and Cost Management etc.
Keep cool mind on exam day, relax, don’t stress yourself as you will need 100% of you mind to work at its optimum speed continuously for 4 hours.
All the best!
Posted by Sunita Shet at 10:52 AM 2 comments
Labels: PMP Certification Exam Preparation
Saturday, July 7, 2007
PMP Exam Prep: Taking The Exam
Anticipate that many questions will have multiple correct answers. It is your challenge to pick the best answer based on how PMI outlines the situation should be handled. Remember to answer questions from PMI s perspective, not from your real-life experience. Think, What does PMI say I should I do? rather than What s worked in the past?
The actual exam allows you to mark any question for later review. Plan on making several passes through all 200 questions of the exam. Double-check yourself on questions that you are unsure of your answer. During the initial pass through the exam, mark any question that you are not 100% sure of the answer. On the second pass, review all the marked questions.
You may discover that the answer to a given question is detailed out in another question or answer throughout the exam. During the exam, as the test taker, you will need to manage your exam time. 200 questions in four hours (240 minutes) = 1.2 minutes per question. Some questions will be as easy as 15 seconds; others may take 3 4 minutes. You are not required to immediately take the exam when you sit down at the computer terminal. Use this time to gather your thoughts and pmp certification prepare your reference sheet. Write down all formulas, diagrams, and pmp certification information that will assist you with the exam. This allows you to clear your thoughts and pmp certification focus better as you begin the exam.
When you begin the exam process, you will initially be provided a tutorial of how to use the terminal and pmp certification how to take the exam. If you feel comfortable with the information, you can pass over this tutorial quickly and pmp certification begin the exam. Pace yourself and pmp certification be sure to read all four answers completely. Do not just choose the first potentially correct answer you see, there may be a More right / Most right answer available. Take breaks throughout the exam. You have 4 hours for the exam, you need to complete at least 50 questions per hour and pmp certification allot for periodic breaks to allow yourself to regain focus and pmp certification rest. Question content is something to pay close attention too. Practice exam questions provide valuable insight into actual exam questions. There will be several types of questions to be cognizant of:
Situational questions
Conceptual
Time-consuming questions
Fill-in-the-blank and pmp certification other factual-type questions
Select the exception from the four possible answers
Short stories
Calculations and pmp certification /or draw simple diagrams.
In our estimation, around 75% of the exam questions come directly from the PMBOK Guide. The remaining questions are derived from other reference materials and pmp certification real-world situations. Solid common project sense should help you in answering these.
Some key exam topics you won t find in the PMBOK but should understand are: Conflict-resolution techniques, Organizational theories, Problem-solving Techniques and pmp certification Theories of motivation. Before the exam begins, you have fifteen minutes to do the tutorial. I used this time before the exam to do a memory dump of the formulas. The tutorial is straightforward on marking questions, reviewing questions and pmp certification how to view exhibits.
Usually, the examination center will give you time to write down things, get your thought clear and pmp certification then you begin the tutorial.
Take few minutes to do the memory dump.
If the question contains diagrams, tables or other numbers used in calculations, copy these down completely on your scratch paper before beginning the development of the solution. Number your notes and pmp certification diagrams (the exam calls these exhibits) on the scratch paper and pmp certification use it in an orderly fashion, later to facilitate checking. Often the exhibit used in one section of the exam will be used in another section.
Keep a close eye on the way a question is phrased. The exam has lots of which is the correct answer EXCEPT. Usually the questions will highlight this (i.e. word EXCEPT or BUT)
Be very careful of questions framed in the double negative ( None of the following are true EXCEPT . ). Re-phase these questions (if necessary, write the rephrased question down on your scratch paper and pmp certification number it) to eliminate both negatives ( which of the following is true ).
Use the calculator for all but the most elementary calculations. If you have enough time re-calculate your calculations -- again using the calculator. It is amazing how often, in the pressure of the examination 1+1 = 3 by mistake.
Make note of questions that have exhibits, or calculations these are often referred to in later questions and pmp certification open question will give you a clue.
Remember to answer all questions! If you miss a question, when the exam hits review it will flag questions you missed.
Keep track of your score: Use your predictor tool mentioned in my previous blog.
Posted by Sunita Shet at 1:59 PM 0 comments
Labels: PMP Certification Exam Preparation
Friday, July 6, 2007
PMP Exam Prep: Building a Study Plan
Begin with the end in mind: Estimate the amount of time you need to prepare for the exam and to schedule for the PMP Certification Test. If you need 8 weeks to prepare, schedule your exam for 8 weeks from today and pmp certification work to meet your deadline. This helps ensure your focus.
Build a plan: Figure out how many hours per day you can dedicate to preparing for the PMP Exam, and pmp certification stick with it. Allocate blocks of time for studying on the weekends.
Form study groups: Learning in teams can be beneficial for everyone, if it is focused study.
Learn in Chunks or Sections; don t try to capture it all at once.
Learn to Mind Map: The human mind makes a connection each time your pen and pmp certification paper meet. In conjunction with this, the visual makings of a mind map will help keep information fresh in your minds eye.
Brain Dumps: When you arrive at the testing center, before you take the actual PMP Exam, perform a brain dump. This is an activity where you use the scratch paper provided to write out all of the exam notes you ve committed to memory. In order to do this at the testing center, you must practice it daily. I recommend focusing on the calculations and pmp certification formulas.
Practice Exams at the end of each chapter or section. Each day I did a set 50-200 questions after a chapter. The following day I reviewed weak areas. I found the more questions and pmp certification answers that I did, the better prepared and pmp certification more comfortable I was.
Cramming before test day: I took one week off before writing the exam to review and pmp certification cram for the exam It was slow getting into a study mode but once I applied myself, it seems to be the best study method for me.
Posted by Sunita Shet at 12:30 AM 0 comments
Labels: PMP Certification Exam Preparation
Thursday, July 5, 2007
PMP Exam Prep: Develop A Study Strategy
Use the exam simulator at www.readysetpass.com to gauge your learning efforts. By knowing what your scores are, you can focus on the areas you need the most work on. I did lots questions before and pmp certification after a knowledge area, worked on weaker or questionable questions. This teaches you to read the questions carefully Sometimes you see a common or re-occurring theme.
If you are a visual learner write things down as you study. I created terms, glossaries and pmp certification definitions by writing it helped me remember things
Create flashcards with important project management processes, terms and pmp certification equations. On one side of the card put the term and pmp certification on the other side write the equation. When I had time, I would thumb through the cards. It was not important to memorize all the terms, since the test is multiple choice. However, you must be prepared to recognize the definition, or a variant of the definition, as well as how and pmp certification when you might apply it.
Learn what is required to pass the PMP test. You may have techniques and pmp certification processes that work better than the PMI way, but for the purposes of passing the test, it is the PMI way that matters.
The more experience you have as a veteran project manager the more difficult you will find the exam. The reason is best answer. Experience or personal best practices tell you one thing, where the PMI approach may be slightly different. This doesn t mean you re not a qualified PM, but it can skew your exam scores. Always answer the PMP Exam questions from PMI s perspective.
Know the inputs, tools and pmp certification techniques
Do not be afraid, the exam is not that hard if you know the material from the PMI perspective!
Bottom line, the exam is not impossible, just detail oriented. You must also forget some of your project management experience and pmp certification know the PMI way. Read the whole question, and pmp certification look at all the answers. When I got done, and pmp certification saw the score, I took a deep breath & reflected that it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.
Following are of Adult Learning techniques you may adopt for pmp certification:
1. Active Learning
2. Accelerated Learning
3. Memorization
4. Chunking
5. Motivation
6. Mind Mapping
7. Brain Dump
You can see more on this in my next blog.
Posted by Sunita Shet at 12:21 AM 0 comments
Labels: PMP Certification Exam Preparation
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Lessons Learned From PMP Certification Exam
There are many methods for you to prepare for the grueling 4 hour PMP Exam. I have listed a few of the most successful here:
1. PMP Exam Prep Classes: These courses are specifically designed to fill your mind with the knowledge required to pass the test. Typically a more expensive route, but very effective at helping you clear the PMP Exam. Most of these courses qualify for contact hours or PDU s, which can be used on your application with PMI.
2. Self-Paced Study efforts: There are numerous books and pmp certification materials out there to assist you in preparing for the PMP Exam. Self-paced study happens on your schedule and progress at your individual pace. Individualized programs enable the majority of people to complete the material more quickly. In addition, it also allows slower learners to set a pace commensurate with their learning speed. In a traditional training program, all participants are usually required to go through the material at the same time and pmp certification pace. Self-paced Learning gives students a chance to speed up or slow down as necessary. Make sure that the product you buy is aligned to PMBOK. www.readysetpass.com is a great place to start. The PMP Success Study Guide is PMBOK aligned, easy to comprehend and pmp certification very exam focused and also includes great exam tips.
3. Practice Exams: Practicing against simulated PMP Exam Questions is one of the best ways to prepare for the actual exam. Completing multiple practice exams gives the learner an opportunity to better understand the exam layout, types of questions and pmp certification pace of the exam. There will be 200 questions over 4 hours equals roughly 1.2 minutes per question. You have to learn to gauge your exam pace.
Many people use a predictor. To do this, make columns on a sheet, one for 90%, one for 50% and pmp certification one for 25%. If you know the answer to a question with little or no doubt, put a mark under 90% column, if you think you know the answer to a question, but there may be an alternate correct answer, put a mark under the 50% column, if you have to guess at the answer, place a mark in the 25% column. At the end of the exam total up the 90% marks say you have 114 * .90 = 104. Similarly for 50% say 60 marks under the 50% column, 60* .50 = 30. Finally total number of marks under 25%, in this example 26 * .25 = 6.5. 104 + 30 + 6.5 = 140 (pass)
As you practice against the sample questions adjust these. If your predictor is consistently high say 180% and pmp certification you are scoring lower change the ratios. For me I find 80%, 50% formula works was the best predictor. You can do these calculations in your head.
Posted by Sunita Shet at 10:38 AM 0 comments
Labels: PMP Certification Exam Preparation
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
PMP Exam Preparation - Best Practices
The PMBok is difficult to understand and lacks concrete examples. Hence I first start with Rita Mulcahy’s PMP exam prep book and then read Kim Heldman’s project management professional study guide.
Mulcahy’s book is more geared towards the examination but does not cover ITTO (Input, Tools, Techniques, Outputs), this is well-covered in Heldman’s book. These 2 books complement each other and provide much greater understanding than the PMBok guide.
The online forum pmhub.net is the most helpful web site for studying PMP. It contains plenty of exam advices from other PMP exam takers, along with Jim Owens’ study notes which discuss a variety of topics that typically appears on the exam.
For practices questions use the 2 books along with oliverlehmann.com and headfirstlabs.com. It is absolutely critical to practice many situational questions & memorize the ITTOs for the exam.
Posted by Sunita Shet at 9:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: PMP Certification Exam Preparation
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* Basics (2)
* Effective Risk Management (10)
* Lessons Learned (1)
* Motivation and Goal Setting (3)
* Negotiating for Project Benefit (9)
* Planning by Time Dates Duration and Workload (7)
* PMP Certification Exam Preparation (12)
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Blog Archive
* ▼ 2007 (44)
o ▼ 09/02 - 09/09 (3)
+ PM Zorro Tips and Tricks posted by elceem on PMHUB...
+ More Than Just Rewards: the 5 Tips in Common Sense...
+ Keeping The Team Motivated During Trying Times
o ► 08/26 - 09/02 (4)
+ Competition and Cooperation: Two Great Tastes That...
+ Lessons learned - posted by Nitin in Orkut
+ Negotiating for Project Benefit - Power (contd.)
+ Negotiating for Project Benefit - Power (contd.)
o ► 08/19 - 08/26 (7)
+ Negotiating for Project Benefit - Power (contd.)
+ Negotiating for Project Benefit - Power (contd.)
+ Negotiating for Project Benefit - Power
+ Negotiating for Project Benefit - Time
+ Negotiating for Project Benefit - Study the body l...
+ Adout - Project Management Professional (PMP)
+ Few useful downloads here :)
o ► 08/12 - 08/19 (8)
+ Negotiating for Project Benefit - Information
+ Negotiating for Project Benefit - Introduction
+ Project Management Glossary
+ Charts and Analysis
+ Project Management Tools
+ When Time is of the Essence
+ What are Dependencies?
+ Estimating Time
o ► 08/05 - 08/12 (2)
+ Prioritize the Triple Constraint
+ Planning and Project Management
o ► 07/22 - 07/29 (1)
+ Tool to help you plan for filling 4,500 hours of r...
o ► 07/15 - 07/22 (6)
+ Risk Management – Sharing the Learning - Scenario ...
+ Risk Management – Sharing the Learning - Scenario ...
+ Rita Mulcahy's web site
+ Risk Management – Sharing the Learning - Scenario ...
+ Risk Management – Sharing the Learning - Scenario ...
+ Risk Management – Sharing the Learning - Scenario ...
o ► 07/08 - 07/15 (7)
+ Risk Management in Action - Part 2
+ Risk Management in Action - Part 1
+ Risk Management and Communication
+ Risk Management Process
+ Risk Management Introduction
+ Triple Constraints of Projects: Quality, Cost and ...
+ Get PMP Certified in 35 days from Scratch
o ► 07/01 - 07/08 (6)
+ PMP Exam Prep: Taking The Exam
+ PMP Exam Prep: Building a Study Plan
+ PMP Exam Prep: Develop A Study Strategy
+ Lessons Learned From PMP Certification Exam
+ PMP Exam Preparation - Best Practices
+ What is Project Management?
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