Preparing to Pass the PMP:

Prepared by Meredith Culberson, MA, PMP

…while keeping your sanity!

2 Application & Schedule

Properly preparing your application, the audit process, and scheduling your exam.

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Application-PMI Portal

Using Excel etc. compile education and experiences dates/addresses and contacts

Personally contact any person you will list on your applicationThe application can be saved and re-opened at any time but will need to be completed within a set period of time. (6mo)

Recommended to start and complete in one settingTriple check for accuracy!

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Being AuditedThree ways to fail an audit:

1. No Fault “Cannot verify education or experience through no fault of their own - No suspension period and cannot reapply until candidate can provide the experience hours and document them.”

2. Non-Compliance“Candidate chooses not to attempt audit - One year suspension period”

3. Fraud “Providing False Information - Permanently suspended from sitting for PMI exams.”

“I was audited after paying for the exam, but before being allowed to schedule my test. In other words-I submitted my application, it was approved, I paid for the exam, then I was audited.”

~Tanya S

5 Scheduling the Exam

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• After obtaining the  Eligibility ID email from PMI call or go to the Prometric website to schedule your exam.

• Call Prometric if booking exam with a colleague.

• Check the Prometric website for cancellation fees

• Take into consideration how much time you require to study and schedule the exam IMMEDIATELY after you receive the Eligibility ID!

• “Book the exam for when you personal Bio-Rythms are peaking and you’re at your best” Farndales

RESCHEDULE OR CANCEL YOUR EXAM…

Timing 31 days or more before the exam

Within 30 days –3 days of exam

Within 2 days of the exam*

Fee No fee US$70Forfeit the full exam fee

*You are able to cancel your exam within 2 days of the appointment but you will not be able to reschedule your exam at this point. If you cancel your exam within 2 days of the appointment, it will result in a no-show status and you will forfeit the exam fee.

7 The Plan

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Reward yourself when you reach a study goal

Take a refresher on answering multiple choice questions

Listen to classical music and smell peppermint essence to sharpen your intellect

Perform regular ‘Doubt Clearing’ sessions with colleagues

Chew gum

• Create a study plan-and STICK TO IT!

• Create a mantra you will repeat to yourself as you prepare.

• Memorize formulas (write out everyday) etc

• Eke out a ‘study zone’

• Focus on ‘knowledge gaps’

• Study process groups rather then knowledge areas

• Read Farndales PMP & CAPM preparation guide.

Studying

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Leave a buffer

Share with colleagues

Check activities off as they are complete

Schedule activities in addition to reading (flash cards, games)

Schedule full practice exams

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Studying• Calm music

• Quiet Companionship

• Collaboration

• Study aids

• Visual aids

• Integrate into your life

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Tools & Techniques International Institute of Learning (IIL)

Mobile Aps for Apple or Google Play for Android IIL Flash Cards $1.99 IIL PMP iCoach (lite-free, full $9.99)

LinkedIn Groups PMP Exam Study Group PMP-PMI (Project Management Professional) Simplelearn’s PMP Study Group

PMP and CAPM Exam Prep

PM Prepcast*

PMP Formula Pocket Guide*

Formula Revision Table by PM Answer Book*

Head First PMP Exercises

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Score Breakdown Technically a passing grade is 61% however, you will not be given a grade.

You will be given a rating of: proficient,moderately proficient or below proficient for each of the following:

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Practice Exams Use good quality & challenging exams

Complete tests on the computer

Aim to score between 85-95%

Integrate exams into study plan

Complete full practice exams with 4 hour time limit while sitting at a desk

Invest the time to review wrong answers in order to help identify knowledge gaps

Keep track of score/proficiency progression

Some of our favourite practice exams…Oliver Lehmann Head First PM Study PM Final Rita

14 The ‘Day’

Mentally and Physically preparing prior to the exam date

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Ensure you have all your documentation (passport, supplementary ID and other paperwork such as map to testing facility)

Travel (if necessary) to test facility location the day before you write

Do a test run to the facility to time travel time

Swim, work out, shop, sleep- whatever helps you relax

Eat a healthy dinner

Go to bed early

Get up and give yourself plenty of time

Eat a good breakfast with protein

Pack healthy snacks

Wear comfortable clothes

Be Physically Prepared

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Be Mentally Prepared

 Find a new perspective-will fretting now really make a difference?

Go for a walk

Play soothing music

Meditate

Breathe deeply

Stretch

Visualize passing the exam

Put your cell phone or other distractions away

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The Test & Facilities

The testing facility will not be what you expect

Small building (PI: In basement)

Professional atmosphere

Tight security

Multiple test takers

Nothing personal allowed in room

Passport on table

Feet on floor at all times

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The shortest 4 hours… Don’t forget to chew gum, use peppermint essence, or repeat your

mantra

As soon as you enter the room- brain dump

The test begins with a tutorial- pay attention

Be smart with your allotted time

Take breaks every 50 questions-your body needs it

Answer all 200 questions

Test in the language you are most comfortable

Leave time to review, but not too much as to second guess

‘Mark’ if you are unsure of the answer

Test is followed by a survey- deep breaths

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After the Exam Email your boss or supportive colleagues to

let them know you passed!

Begin re-certification process right away (Earning PDU’s)

Make sure your address is up to date in PMI portal-your certificate will be sent here

Celebrate your success!

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Additional Prep Resources Project Management Professional (PMP) Handbook-PMI

Prometric what to expect FAQ

Farndales PMP and CAPM Preparation Guide

PM Hub: http://www.pmhub.net/wp/

Velociteach: http://www.velociteach.com/

PM Study:http://www.pmstudy.com/index.asp

RCM Project Management: http://www.rmcproject.com/index.aspx

Free test question everyday: http://www.testprepreview.com/pmp_practice.htm

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Thank You for your attendance and participation