My PMP Journey

My PMP Journey

Dear All,

This is my first post on this platform!

I passed my PMP exam last Saturday on my first try, achieving above-target scores in all three domains. I want to share my preparation and study journey so it can hopefully assist others preparing for the exam.

Alert: It is a lengthy post!

First, let's clarify one thing: The test is challenging, and timing during the exam and how much time you allocate to each question are crucial for your success. Another thing you need to be clear on is what motivates you to sit the exam and succeed. One of my motivations was to pass the exam before the 8th Edition of PMBOK became available! Now, let’s get into the details.

· Success factors:

1. Study diligently. 2. Stay consistent with your studying. 3. Study the PMP mindset and incorporate it into your material. 4. Use various mock exams to become familiar with different styles. 5. Don't panic during the exam if you feel unsure about the answers.

· Preparation: Let’s break it down –

1. I started with the AR 35-hour online course on Udemy to get my PDUs. I studied for 1.5 hours early in the morning and for another 1.5 to 2 hours after work every day for the past 2 months. During the weekends, I spent about 8 to 10 hours studying.

2. I created a study plan to sit the exam in early November, but like any other project, I faced some obstacles along the way and had to make adjustments and deviate from the original plan. The main challenge was daily work, as we were in the middle of a cutover, and the go-live was just about to happen. Additionally, I included more mock exams in my study schedule.

3. During this time, I also applied for the exam. To ensure my application would be accepted, I watched the AR YouTube video on using AI to apply. It worked really well, and I was able to submit the PMI application form quickly.

4. I studied the AR PMP exam prep book and read it twice, and then bought the AR exam simulator for the mock exams. I also used the PMBOK Guide 7th Edition, the PMBOK Guide 6th Edition, and the Agile Practice Guide.

5. Everyone has their own study style, and there's no one-size-fits-all method. I find that writing things down helps me understand better; just reading them doesn’t really stick. When I write and summarize the material for myself, I absorb it much more effectively. I created an Excel workbook with multiple tabs, summarized the entire AR book and the PM mindset, and added additional information from the PMBOK books. I also used Copilot to deepen my understanding and compare different concepts.

6. At one point, I realized that I needed another perspective on the exam questions, and so, I bought the PMI Study Hall and Udemy PMP Mock Practice Tests. The PMI Study Hall was perfect, and I can recommend it. The questions are tough, but they give a completely different perspective, and that was exactly what I was looking for! Don’t bother if you don’t score great. It’s precisely why you bought it: it is hard, and you need to learn the material and understand it.

· Final thoughts:

Be persistent and don’t give up, and if you’re spiritual, take time to pray and meditate. Remember, it is only an exam, and the world doesn’t end if you don’t pass! Go for a walk after a long study session and recharge. Eat healthy and light before your exam. I booked a 9:00 am timeslot for the exam. Use the 10-minute breaks during the exam. I took the online exam with a proctor; no issues at all, and the results were sent to me via email within 24 hours.

I wish you all the best of luck, and feel free to post your thoughts and questions, and I will try to respond on time 😊

I’m on LinkedIn if you wish to connect with me David Ghotbi - MSc, PMP, CBAP, CSM, ITIL | LinkedIn.

Thank you,

@Andrew Ramdayal

, for all the materials you've prepared for this journey. I also wish you good health, as I noticed you mentioned your health several times in your YouTube videos. By the way, I wore a blue pullover on the exam day 😉

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