How to Succeed the PMP Exam on the First Try?

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In today’s fast-changing and highly competitive world, companies are turning to project management to deliver business results consistently. Adhering to project management methods and strategies reduces risks, cut costs and improves success rates. With an increasing demand for qualified project managers, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification has become the most preferred project management certification in the world.

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), there are around 1 million PMP certification holders worldwide. One reason why employers prefer PMP certification holders is that they speak a common business language and ensure all project stakeholders are on the same page. In this blog, I want to share a few tips on how to approach this exam and be successful on your first try.

As the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, it is critical to commence with an understanding of the exam content by referring to the exam content outline document available on the PMI website. The document details the list of tasks and the allotted weightage corresponding to each domain. I highly recommend reviewing for comprehension as these tasks form the basis of performance evaluation in the exam.

Earning the PMP certification is a commitment and requires a comprehensive study plan. While there are numerous resources and channels available to prepare for the exam, it is important to know what suits you the best. Do you prefer self-learning or boot camps? While self-learning courses are cheaper and offer flexibility, it is better suited for self-directed individuals. For others, bootcamps can serve the purpose but they are expensive and provide less scheduling flexibility. As each individual is unique, so does the plan and the resources required to execute the plan. It is also important to note that the PMBOK guide alone may not serve the whole purpose of preparing for the exam as few topics are not covered in detail; hence I advise additional material. There are many free resources available, and not all are verified and accurate, and therefore caution should be exercised before using the same. A simple yet effective solution to this dilemma is to read the reviews and the lessons learned from successful candidates. Through careful research, one can get a good deal on the Prep Courses in the form of referral coupons or early-bird discounts. Do not overlook those if you are price conscious.

Time and again, studies have shown that taking notes by hand engages the brain and leads to better understanding and long-term retention. By comparison, the use of a laptop to take notes will not provide the same brain engagement as taking notes by hand. So, do not ignore this step, which not only helps you in revising the study notes in the last-minute but also prepares in making a quick data dump of essential concepts and formulae in the first few minutes after you start the exam.

No PMP Prep Course is ever complete without the practice exams. Most PMP Prep Course often offer the study material and the exam simulator as a bundle package. The exam simulators can provide several advantages to the exam taker. While they mimic a real-time environment and train your mind to stay attentive for four hours (the PMI current exam duration), the questions will test your understanding of the subject. At the end of the exam, the simulator generates a detailed report indicating the strengths and gaps in your preparation and also provides solutions with a detailed explanation. The best advice is that you take these exams from reliable sources and when your preparation is 100% complete. Attempt at least three practice exams; achieving consistent high scores serve as an indicator that you are exam ready. As majority of the questions tested are situational, lack of practice can lead to frustration when attempting such a lengthy exam. While it is required to have prior project management experience to qualify for the exam, it is vital to note that the exam tests the applicant according to the material present in the PMBOK guide. So, always remember to wear the PMI hat while taking the exam.

I followed all the above tips and successfully cleared the exam in the first attempt. If you still have any questions or need any guidance or advice about what materials to refer to and how to prepare, feel to leave your questions and comments here.

 —Sameer Nandan Menda

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