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“Understanding of the PMP Process Chart is key to passing the PMP exam” says Deepshikha, in this freewheeling conversation while revealing the mindset and the process that helped her achieve PMP success.

Deepshikha Rawat holds a Master’s degree in Finance and has handled projects in the domain of Finance Transformation, Implementation, Revenue Leakage etc. She recently passed her PMP exam on the first attempt.

After years of working in the PM role getting PMP certification was the obvious career advancement decision for me. After a firm decision and four months of rigorous preparation I cleared my exam in first attempt. Yes, I am a proud PMP now. In this post today I want to share my PMP journey and also bust some myths.

I believe that PMP preparation is not just a scientific process. It has elements of both science and arts. There is no one success formula that fits all. But there are flexible guidelines.

Please note that something that worked for others might not for you and vice versa. Personalized approach is the key. Thus, I charted my own plan. Here’s my way through scaling up this mountain.

I consider there are 3 study methods – book, video based course, and personal coaching. I’m more of a book person. You could have your own preference. Identifying our preferred study method – one or a combination of more than one – is the good first step.

1. I went through PMBOK cover to cover.

I understand, most people find PMBOK a dry and boring book. Pages after pages of pure content distilled in official language. I get it.

But the fact is that this is the most important reference guide for the exam. While I enjoyed this book thoroughly and made it my primary study resource, please fee free to choose a study method (book, video based course, or even coaching) that is suitable for you.

Along with the study I devoted considerable time on making my own notes. I have been more of a “writing” person and this helped me.

The act of studying something and writing down in your own words is a rock solid learning method. I highly recommend this approach.

In your notes highlight topics of importance for easy revision. It’s worth the time and the battle is half won.

2. Next, I went through another PMP book.

For me this was a book, for you this could be any other study method.

My choice was between Headfirst PMP or Rita Mulcahy. (ad#)

I can say that both are good resources as I ended up covering both. 🙂

Headfirst covers main concepts and has a different approach to how the authors explain concepts. This book is visual and fun. This is the book for you if you are open to learning in a fun way.

Rita’s is a bit serious book compared to Headfirst, and less so compared to PMBOK. And this covers PMP syllabus more detailed than Headfirst book.

Some people pick up Headfirst first, understand high-level concepts, and then jump to PMBOK. As I mentioned earlier it’s all based on your personal preference and the approach you want to take.

Also read: Howard Coultrup shares how beginning with a solid plan eased his exam preparation.

3. Started approaching the syllabus chapter-wise.

I would cover a new topic and also revise the previous topic to maintain grip. [continue reading…]

Howard Coultrup is a certified PMP®, working as Senior Project Manager in the Telecoms, IT and Networking space. He has worked for Cisco, Avis Budget Group, British Telecom and Cisco Gold Partners implementing global projects for the likes of Procter and Gamble, General Electric, Reuters and local governments.

In this ‘Lessons Learned’ article Howard shows the exact approach, strategies, and study tips he has for you to be a certified PMP®. In lighter vein, he studied 3 books for 300hrs to get those 3 magic letters after his name.

[easy-tweet tweet=”Do you want to do a good PMP deed today? 🙂 Tweet this article and help reach more PMP students! tia – Shiv” user=”pmexamsmartnote” hashtags=”passpmp, freepmpprephelp”]

What made you take up PMP® certification exam?

I’ve been working as a PM for a number of years and got my Prince2 certificate a couple of years ago. However, it had always been my career ambition to qualify as a PMP® because of its global reputation. And also because the depth of the knowledge it provides in unparalleled.

I knew the exam would be quite challenging. As I contemplated best strategies to apply I realized that it was really a case of making a good plan and then making time to focus on executing it. I had some time just before Christmas as I finished a consultancy position. Hence I decided to study for the exam with the firm intention of passing it on the first attempt.

I already have my Prince2 so I didn’t consider other certifications. Having now studied and passed both certifications, I consider PMP much more valuable in terms of real life skills and learning rather than Prince2.

What was the core benefit you expected from PMP certification?

Professional recognition and enhancing my employability were my key reasons for studying for the PMP exam.

Having the PMP® on my CV is something that really shows application and learning at a massively high level in the profession. I viewed achieving the PMP® as the springboard to moving onto higher profile projects, programs and portfolios.

My next step from here is to implement PMBOK practices into my new positions, look for areas to specialize in areas such as Risk, Agile or Scheduling, and to move into senior program management roles within 1-2 years.

Also read: Sanjutha used this ‘Table-Reverse’ strategy to become certified PMP®

How do you see PMP® credential helping you going forward?

Large number of senior level connection requests already within two days!

So I’m already expanding my network and I’m noticing much more interest in my LinkedIn profile and I’m being contacted already for a larger number of opportunities. PMP® really does make people notice you.

The knowledge you gain will be displayed in the confidence in which you express yourself and the depth of your answers to questions. These are always great qualities that hiring managers look for.

As a certified PMP® you are taken seriously as well as sought after for good and challenging PM positions.

Which study resources did you use?

[continue reading…]

Sanjutha Ravindrakumaran with 7+ years of experience. She is an accomplished Project Manager from a IT industry based out of Sri Lanka. Sanjutha passed her PMP® exam on first attempt, in this chat she shares her journey as well as ups and downs. You may find her exam insights useful.

Sanjutha is one of the very few I know of that actually advanced her exam! She is also one of the few that used a ‘table-reverse’ strategy. You will find the reasons in her story.

Why PMP®?

PMP® is a very well recognized certification exam in the industry. Also it is the only one I have seen that covers all aspects of project management – right from pre-project activities till vendor management and everything in between.

Also, my company’s policy helped me fast track my decision to take up PMP® exam.

What was the core benefit you expected from PMP® certification?

The biggest benefit is that I feel more confident about my ability to manage projects, and taking them towards successful completion.

With the certification now I’m expecting to move up in my career. May be a change or designation or promotion. I believe that with my experience and now the certification I can look for new challenges in the industry.

What were your study resources?

For main study I used PMBOK guide.

For mock tests I used Precast PMP Simulator (#ad).

And for referencing tougher or unclear concepts I chose Rita’s book as reference.

Also read: Failed PMP exam? Use this ‘Triumph guide’ by Greg Brooks! [continue reading…]

Thank you, my friend!

2019 has been a great year.

Among other things, we built PM Exam Last Mile as a complete end-to-end PMP prep program, and several hundreds of students passed their PMP exam while enjoying the preparation journey.

I am absolutely grateful to be able to be part of PMP journey of so many people around the world.

Looking back at the beginning of this journey for me, years ago when I began creating PMExamSmartNotes blog, this is exactly what I wanted to be doing – helping people pass their PMP exam while thoroughly enjoying the journey. And being someone to be around them to help along the way.

Both of which I could not get during my prep and wanted to make it available to as many as I could.

And I have YOU to be thankful for.

Truth be told I have been great at making New Year resolutions, but not half good at keeping them. Over the years I have discovered that I’m more of a rolling-stone-of-smaller-goals kind of a guy.

And somewhere near the beginning of 2019, I made a small resolution – to connect more with my tribe.

And I have been able to do this every single day this year – on LinkedIn, emails, and chat.

Getting into 2020, my goal is same, but a bit more pronounced. I want to be able to connect and create a tell-tale impact on their PMP journey. And in the other areas that I help people with – such as blogging, self-publishing books, or helping people with their knowledge like I do with mine.

That is the reason earlier this month I sent an open invitation to be part of a free PMP coaching program.

From today though, every single student of my ‘Last Mile’ program will be part of this group.

I work with closely to help them pass their PMP exam with more assurance of someone being around to help plan, advise, course-correct, nudge at times, and even for some much needed talk when chips are down.

Thank you for being who you are, and being a part of PMESN community.

I wish you all the success in 2020. May all your aspirations and goals become crystal clear to you, may you find the path needed to reach them, and create the commitment within yourself to overcome any challenges and meet your goals.

And enjoy the journey while doing that.

Wish you a blissful 2020.

Ah, on the goal setting part – if I were to have a New Year resolution of passing the PMP exam, I would rather have it something like, “to study for 1 hour every single day”.

Many people keep HUGE resolutions or goals for the New Year and statistics have shown that by end of Feb most of them are forgotten. Instead, if the resolution is made on a small single act – the fundamental building block of that huge resolution – which can be done every day, then there are better chances of meeting that huge resolution.

Putting one step in front of the other, every day, would get us to the summit sooner than….. never.

So, what is Your New Year resolution? Tell me in the Comments section below.

Cheers and have a great year ahead,

Shiv Shenoy

Failed the PMP exam? It can be a traumatic experience. If you ever wanted to know how to get up after setback, collect the nerves, refelct and respond to the situation, correct study strategies, and come out with flying colors – you must read this extraordinary ‘PMP triumph guide’ by Gregory Brooks.

Every insight Greg shares in this article could be a lifeline for someone. Do not miss his two pieces of critical advice, and the study tips he shares at the end of this article.

Gregory Brooks works for higher education IT services provider Ellucian and serves as Manager, Learning Technology Services at Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY. With 25 years of rock solid experience under his belt, Greg oversees the upgrading of formal and informal learning spaces on campus as well as other practical IT initiatives such as digital signage and online event ticketing sales and management.

What made you consider PMP?

Over the four years with my current employer, I have been assigned to oversee many educational IT projects and was recently promoted to a management position.

I thoroughly enjoy the challenges and the satisfaction of leading efforts that result in tangible benefits for our clients. These enable people to have better teaching and learning experiences, as I work for the K-12 and higher education communities.

Beyond practical experience, I have further developed and honed my project management skills and knowledge through courses here and there, but I was ready to take the next big step to earn my PMP certification.

While there were few other certification exams available, I only considered the PMP given its global reputation as the gold standard in Project Management.

What was the core benefit you expected from PMP certification?

Passing the PMP exam and earning the title, of course, officially acknowledged that I had a attained a substantial level of PM knowledge, and I expected that this certification would provide further evidence to my current employer of my value as a project manager and leader.

Beyond this practical recognition, I also expected my journey to becoming a PMP would provide me with many opportunities to become a more effective and valuable educational IT leader.

What changes have you observed now?

I have been a certified PMP for less than a month now, so this news is still radiating within my head as well as my organization.

However, I have been utilizing PMI/PMP knowledge, skills, and tools for the past few months in my job, such as formalizing project teams comprised of people who bring the needed knowledge, skills, and influence, and implementing PM processes in Scope Management, Collecting Requirements, Defining Scope and so on.

I have used these and other processes informally, incompletely, and inconsistently in my organization and, consequently, projects sometimes have not run as effectively and efficiently as they could. Beyond my earning the PMP credential and applying some tools and strategies, that are leading to, among other things, better Cost, Scope, and Schedule management.

Which study resources did you consider for the exam preparation?

[continue reading…]