How to ace your PMP exam?
Introduction
Who wouldn’t want to ace the PMP test the first time around? Isn’t that something we all want for? However, statistics show that two out of every five hopefuls fail on their first attempt. When you examine the causes behind numerous people’s failures, you’ll see that there are certain similar trends. A majority of them, for example, claim that they did not write enough mock exams or that they ran out of time. So, the best way to ace the PMP exam the first time is to learn from these blunders and avoid making them on your own exam. Let’s have a look at some crucial measures that will influence whether or not you pass the exam.
Ways to ace your PMP exam
Master the PMBOK guide
PMI publishes A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). The single most critical step in passing the PMP test is becoming familiar with the PMBOK guide. There are several publications available on the market, but none can replace the official guide. ‘I don’t notice a lot of questions from the guide,’ you could remark. True, but it provides you with the intellectual clarity necessary to pass the exam.
The bad news is that the manual is long and tedious to read. As a result, most individuals choose alternative market versions that are less unpleasant. However, disobeying this instruction comes with a high cost. If a lot of individuals are complaining about not passing the test despite several attempts, it’s quite probable that they haven’t read the PMBOK guide.
Overall, beginning your preparation using the PMBOK guide will help you lay a solid foundation. Also, make sure you go over the book at least twice before taking the test.
Plan a schedule
A study plan serves as a road map for your research. Before you begin studying, you must first set your objectives and make a plan to reach them. Let’s face it: most of us find the test intimidating. It’s all too easy to become lost in the preparation without knowing where you’re heading if you don’t have a clear plan in place.
While preparing your strategy, there are a few key items to remember. The most crucial factor is the passage of time. How much time do you have to prepare? How many months do you have? On a daily basis, how many hours can you commit to the exam? Do you like to study in the mornings before going to work or in the evenings? Try answering these questions to see what works best for you.
Then, conduct some research on the resources you’ll need. Divide the curriculum into several tasks and set deadlines for completing them. Make time for your practice tests as well.
Keep in mind, however, that having a strategy in place does not guarantee that you will pass the exam. You must also adhere to it. This is when things get difficult for folks. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd and pass your test on the first try, make sure you develop a study strategy and stick to it.
Solve as much practice questions as you can
The majority of PMP test questions are scenario-based. These circumstances can take many different forms. As a result, simply understanding the theory does not ensure that you will be able to apply it in real-life circumstances. This is when the practice questions come in handy.
Furthermore, when you solve a variety of issues, you’ll realize that they may be classified into several groups. Some questions are brief and to the point, while others are more in-depth. There are certain questions that are based on formulas. Others are based on scenarios. You also have the ITTO questions, which ask you about project management tools and processes.
So, how might answering practice questions benefit you? It will assist you in recognizing the various types of questions as you read them, as well as the abilities you will need to address them. On exam day, you should be able to recollect the method for solving a question as soon as you read it.
On the market, there are several sources for practice questions. Before you pick a source, make sure you examine the quality of the material and the reputation of the source.
Join the PMI and connect with other project managers
There are several benefits to becoming a PMI member before taking the test. One, if you are a PMI member, the exam price is reduced. Second, PMI allows you to network with a large number of other project management experts.
Because the PMP exam is dynamic, it’s critical to stay up to date on the newest advances in the profession. Connecting with other project managers is the best method to do it. Additionally, there are several advantages to learning in a group. If you’re having trouble grasping an idea, someone in the group can help you out. Furthermore, other people’s project management experiences may be able to assist you in answering some of the more challenging scenario-based questions. Finally, studying in a group might push you to stay on track with your studies.
Conclusion
To summarize, treating the test as a ‘project’ in itself is the ideal way to approach it in order to pass it on the first try. First and foremost, clearly identify your aims or objectives. Next, decide the resources you’ll use (study materials, institutions, mock papers etc.). Divide the curriculum into tasks and provide deadlines for finishing each one. As you evaluate your success in mocks, keep track of your progress and make modifications to your plan. Above all, have faith in your ability. Believe that passing the PMP test on the first try is not tough if you put in constant effort.
