PMP Certification: Overview, Study process, Lessons Learned Irina Zaporozhets, PMP, CSM April 19, 2015

Contents About the Project Management Institute (PMI.org) PMI Certifications Eligibility Criteria for PMP, Application Form Exam content Study process tips, Lessons Learned My study process Exam Day Hints 2

Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Institute (PMI) is the world's leading not-profit professional membership association for the project, program and portfolio management profession Main direction - development of standards, research, education, publication, networking- opportunities in local chapters, hosting conferences and training seminars, and maintaining multiple credentials in project management PMI's standards for project, program and portfolio management are the most widely recognized standards in the profession The Project Management Professional (PMP) ® is the most important globally-recognized and independently validated credential for project managers, perfect if you have demonstrated experience and competence in leading project teams. Project Management Professional (PMP) ® 3

PMI Certifications 4

PMP Eligibility Criteria PMP handbook with exam details and requirements 5

Application form Register at pmi.org and fill in the contact information Spend some time to list all projects you want to register (during the last 3 years) Specify your role in the project (which can be different from your job title, e.g. Project Leader, Project Coordinator, Project Expeditor, etc.) For each project specify name and contact info of your supervisor Provide a short description of the project, goals, deliverables and your personal role Fill in hours spent in each process group for the project (Initiation, Planning, Execution, M&C, Closing) Note: overlapping projects are not summarized 6

Exam content Exam consists of 200 situational questions. Distribution between Process groups:  Initiating the project (13%)  Planning the project (24%)  Executing the project (30%)  Monitoring and controlling the project (25%)  Closing the project (8%) Average time to study PMBOK process groups, knowledge areas and processes months 4 hours is given to answer 200 questions Passing score - 61 % (106 questions correct out of 175 scored questions) 7

Study process tips, Lessons Learned You need to clearly state WHY do you need to pass the exam to keep yourself motivated – make a list of 3 why-items Treat it as a project! with all the relevant phases – from initiation through closing Use a study book I used PMP® Exam Prep 8th Edition by Rita Mulcahy ( ) Register at pmi.org and download PMBOK 5 th edition Review PMBOK and Rita book for its content and sections overview Review online course providers for the full exam simulation Prepare a study plan, create a schedule of your study time and exam “dry runs” Set milestones (yes, treat it as a project!) Track your progress, evaluate your knowledge by answering test questions Rita book has a section with questions after each chapter Repeat sections (chapters) where you have poor results 8

Study process tips, Lessons Learned Do no jump from topic to topic, spend some time to read the material fully (at least in Rita book). Read PMBOK thoroughly, in each process try to logically remember what inputs, tools &techniques and outputs are used Read PMI Code of Ethics, many questions refer to statements from it Appendix F in PMBOK contains Definitions list Use online materials (podcasts, online courses, mobile apps) Use exam simulators (desktop software or websites) Memorize and understand all formulas Many materials in internet are already outdated and refer to older versions of PMBOK, make sure you use the latest ones referring to PMBOK 5 th edition Use only Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.) listed on pmi.org register 9

Study process tips, Lessons Learned Take full length exam simulations (ensure you score at least 75-80%) Analyze the results of your practice exams to identify where you need to focus your study efforts. Get PMI membership. The cost of the exam is less for members. Also PMI provides a great virtual library with PMP exam prep books available Exam questions are asked from the perspective of a large international projects There may be extra information in the question in order to confuse the applicant Be prepared for the calculations, many questions require to apply formulas 10

11 Read RITA chapter by chapter with the reference to PMBOK5 Evaluate progress; the test questions in the end of each chapter Review sections/sub- sections where my answers were wrong Register at pmi.org Purchase a membership in pmi.org (review of exam rules, requirements, experience, etc. - PMP handbook with all this info) Purchase a software for gaining 30 contact hours (learning hours) + exam simulations My study process (3,5 months)

12 My study process (3,5 months) Mostly I studied from RITA, and reviewed a purchased course Test run for full exam simulation (4 hours) Identify weak areas and review them once again in RITA and PMBOK5 Review the list of available exam questions (PMI library, Internet) Another test run for full length exam simulation Weak areas identification - review in RITA and PMBOK5

13 My study process (3,5 months) Review questions (1000+) on the PMI.org library (free access to library for PMI members) Another full length exam (once I see that the final score is 75-85% I think it is good enough) Fill in the application at pmi.org. 5 business days for approval Pay for the exam Schedule exam date with Prometric Celebrate joining PMP community!

R.E.P.s (Registered Education Providers) – My list 14 Offers Free 200 Question Simulated PMP ® /CAPM ® Exam Practice Test Paid course provides 35 Contact hours + exam simulator Paid course provides 35 Contact hours Paid full-length exam simulator Paid course provides 35 Contact hours Many free resources and podcasts Free exam questions Paid exam simulator

Exam Day Hints Take a break before the exam day. Do NOT study! Sustain a positive feeling and a good health (have a good sleep, eat heathy food) Prepare your ID beforehand, prometric testing provider will identify you only by passport You are not allowed to take anything to the exam room. Do not spend time preparing notes You are allowed to request a language aid (should be requested during the application at pmi.org) You can take a short break during 4 hours of the exam but timer is not stopped Revise formulas before going to the exam room. Write them down from your memory after you review the tutorial of the exam (first 15 minutes) During the exam use paper notebook provided, use “mark for review” function in a software Take short breaks for your eyes. After 30 minutes of constant reading you may feel tired 15

Questions 16 Feel free to contact me!

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