What if you fail the PMP Exam?

We typically suggest that you consistently score 80% or more on exam simulation tests. Doing lots of questions - paid or free - is good, but you need the feedback that can be a predictor and give you confidence that you will pass. It is important to find a PMP Exam Simulation product that is current and that will allow you to take a new complete, full length PMP exam several times, with different questions each time.

We provide one such exam simulation product - the same one sold on the PMI web site.

Good luck!
__________
John Reiling, PMP

I saw your article on “Failing the PMP Exam”. Unfortunately, that is what happened to me earlier today. I was found moderately proficient on two of the domain areas, but below proficient on the other four. I am extremely upset over this as I had literally studied for nearly two months, including reading the Mulcahy book THREE times, and taking practice and simulated tests on the internet. Actually, that may have hurt me as I was expecting something very similar to the simulated test, but it was very different!! I have already completed a Certification program in Program and Product Management in which I mainly earned A’s in all the classes. I also have an MBA degree. So what gives? Also, is there a way to get simulated tests that will VERY closely approximate what I will see on the computer. Obviously, I will have to sign up and retake the test at sometime in the future, but am sure without a different kind of preparation including different simulated tests, the result will be the same.

I find it VERY hard to believe that some 75% of the people pass this exam the first time; and another astonishing statistic is some 95% of the folks who went through the UCSC Extension Program in Program and Product Management also passed the test (guess I am in the 5% group)!

Thanks for your understanding.

Larry Staley

Cornelius,
good article.
One minor detail, though: You’re not given an evaluation sheet showing the exact percentages any more. I guess PMI was sick of people haggling about precentages :-) You only get the three proficiency categories. The rest of your points remain valid, of course.
As for a preparation closer to the actual questions, I found Oliver Lehmann’s material to be quite helpful. Also, there’s a book by Aileen Ellis which has a large number of questions and good explanations for the answers. Check my blog posting for a short description, also of a couple of other prep books, and a link.
Daniel

I m really doubt that i cannot pass 61 and it show 4 area below average, as i tried simulation test at leat hit up 75-80 without review . and i found the exam is fairly easiler than my mock of simulation, if it is right , then it meant most of the concept are wrong and i ve been turnover conceptually wrong.

I m really wonderin they are using 61 as the passing marks. it ’s not the first time exam but 2nd time even
worser !

What do you think of the Head First materials. Do you think it is a good material for preparation?

I passed the PMP exam in the first attempt though I don’t work as a project manager in my organization. I have only 3 years of working experience in projects.

I scored Proficient in all the six categories.

I passed the test 2 days ago on my first try. I used three books including “How to pass on your first try” by Andy Crowe. The book was a very good guide in understanding the basic knowledge. For test preparation, I used “PMP Exam Quicklet” by Dr. Sanghera. I found questions in this book similar to the test. One thing to note, some web sites give you free mock-up questions, but they are used as a tool to sell their services. If you become discouraged because you can’t answer many of their questions even after intense studying, the chances are they want you to sign up for their classes. The best approach is to recognize and move on.

Don’t be discouraged. I believe you can achieve what you want only if you want it badly enough….If I failed, I will proceed continually.

I am from China and was selected randomly for audit and then passed, I took the exam and then passed….Just sweat plus lucky.

Don’t be sad, try again….

Let me start with this. I have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science (never failed any exam in University), I have more than 8 years of experience in Project Management, I studied Rita’s book 2 times, Head First PMP 1 time, Oliver Lehmann’s materials 1 time, and a lot of practice exams from the net.

What was the result? I failed the PMP twice!!!! That’s really frustrating; I totally understand the PM topics and memorize all the formulas. Every time I tool the exam I felt that I’m passing, but I was getting shocked with the result.

It’s very obvious that PMI is doing that on purpose to gain more money. They don’t even give you the percentage you scored which leaves you in confusion.

The questions are really made to make people fail, not to test their knowledge.

If I fail the 3rd time, I’m definitely canceling the PMP from my list and moving to MBA in Project Management; that would be easier to get.

I passed the exam for the first time two days ago (December 8th). I started studying 3 months prior to taking the exam.

The way I studied is as follows:

First, I bought Rita’s book. Prior to reading the chapters, I did all of the sample questions at the end of each chapter and then ranked the chapters in order from weakest to strongest.

Next, I studied each chapter in that order and did the sample questions again after completing each chapter. Next, I re-read each chapter without doing the sample questions. Then, I did the Headfirst practice exam and scored about 78%. Then, I read the PMBok. Then, I went through Rita’s book *again* (without doing the chapter questions). I also did two sample on-line exams.

Finally, when I wrote the exam, I was proficient in Executing and Monitoring and Controlling. I was moderately proficient in Planning/Initiating/Social Responsibility. I was below proficient in Closing. That was enough to pass.

Just to add - I passed the exam *on* the first try.

I took the exam on December 30, 2008 and passed on my first try. I used Rita’s PMP Exam Prep book and simulation software. The software is pretty expensive but I got it from amazon at a discount plus if I took a credit card I got an additional $30 off the sale price. I read the PMBOK Guide, and studied Rita’s book.
One thing I will say to anyone studying is that memorization is not the key to passing….it helps, but you need to understand project management from PMI perspective and know how to apply it. A lot of times in my study of Rita’s book I keep thinking my wrong answers to her exam question were the correct one until I read her explanations and it made sense. So I started trying to apply her thought process. I had read some online blog that using her material could give false impression that one is improving but it could actually be question creep from having seen the questions over and over. So I took Oliver Lehmann 75 questions practice test and his 175 questions practice test. I scored approximately the same as I did on Rita simulation software test.
To those who are discouraged dont be…just take some time to study and understand and be able to apply the material and you should pass. I was extremely nervous (I am a nervous test taker by nature) about taking the exam but after studying until I felt I had reached “marginal analysis” or “diminishing return” and no amount of studying would cause any improvement I took the exam and passed…proficient in three areas and moderately proficient in the other 3. Studying Rita’s book with a focus on pages 12-20, 39, and 437 and the PMBOK guide were my keys to passing on my first try.

Hi, I couldnt pass the PMP in first attempt in December 20th, I have mainly focussed on PMBOK and some question from web. The exam question was more tricky.I am planning to take seconed time..so please give your advice, also where can i find the sample question similar to the PMP exam.I have several questions but not similar to the PMP.
ALso where can i get the PMP Exam Quicklist of Sanghera
and Aileen Ellis & Andy Crowe ebook
Thanks

Studied rita’s book 3 times,used pmp fast track,studied PMBOK and failed.Am an MBA as well.Appreciate Any suggestion?Now i am confused what to do next to pass.What to study?
regard

I am fascinated with the entire process. I have managed projects for the past ten years with no formal Project Management training. I am currently enrolled in a PMI alligned training program. The instructor (with more PM credentials than I could ever imagine to have) did not seem enthused with all aspects of PMI’s training.

My goal is to eventually take the PMP test. I appreciate all of your advice, I will take your input and use it wisely. I am sure others will as well.

M

Passed PMP on Jan 23 2009 on first try. Studied about 2 months 2 hours everyday. Read PMBOK three times, books by Andy Crowe and Joseph Phillips one time and did lots of practice tests from 2 from Joe’s software, one from Andy’s book.

What did you do to prepare for the ITTO? It seems like this is one of the hardest areas on the exam. I’m wondering how you approached it on the exam. I am currently studying for the exam; I plan to take it the end of March or beginning of April.

I failed my first attempt in PMP exams last week. I read PMPBOK guide, Rita’s book and took several questions online and from Rita’s book. I felt so discouraged but after thinking seriously about it, I have decided i will still retake the exams. I want to retake it when everything is still fresh in my mind - don’t wait too long if you are retaking the exams. I plan to retake mid March. Any advice would be highly appreciated

I am from Hong Kong. I passed on my first try yesterday. My result was Proficient in Executing/Monitoring and Controlling. Moderate Proficient in Planning/Social Responsibility, Below Proficient in Initiating/Closing. I am a degree holder and have 5 years of experience in project management in an international company.

The material that I prepared are studying notes from 2 authorised training centres plus PMBOK together with some online (free) Mock Exam (I think I have done more than 1,000 QnAs). Some are good but some are not.

My offical training session were from Sep to Oct,08. After then, stopped studying for 3 months due to Lunar New Year (take rest during holiday for sure). Started again in middle of February and take a full week for full study prior to the exam on 17Mar09.

I found that the exam is very challenging. Some scenario-based questions require in-depth thinking. For sure, need to apply the theotical PM practice. Most importantly, ones with enough experience or sound academic background may not easily help. Instead, you need to be relaxed during the exam, try to think about what you will do in reality…not just applying the book works. Be flexible to challenge yourself why u choose this answer instead of the rest. For sure, luck is one important element. I can tell, when I “end” my exam, I don’t think I can pass. But, luckily, without too much waiting, I get the “congratulations” on my screen.

If I have not passed, I think I need to study longer and buy some more materials. Anyway, sometimes, once/twice exam result doesn’t really reflects your proficiency. More important thing is how you can equip yourself better to overcome such challenge and prove yourself that you can get there. Good luck to all!

I passed the PMP exam yesterday :),
I was expecting more calcutaion questions
but i used calc only once. all questions were situational , and memorization really did not help much
i was expecting atleast 80-85%
but i got moderately proficeint in all areas
based on this I learnt that the anwswers that u may think is right may not be right thats scary :)
so eventhough u know an answer check atleast 2 times if other options may be the best answer

–RB

I FAILED….

I know there are alot of emotions one can feel but the one that comes to mind is deep sadness. I have a degree, more than 7 years experience in Project Management and thought I was well prepared. In addition to the required PDU training, took an additioal exam prep course read PMBOK 3 times, memorized all processes, formulas, groups, took multiple online tests with more than 1000 questions. I’ve never really failed at anything scholastically… It’s a horrible feeling. I don’t think I want to try taking the exam again, the whole experience was nerve wracking and on top of that I’ve reached my 1 year deadline to take the exam so in order to take it again I would have to resubmit my application along with the entire fee.

I took PMP exam today and I passed. I prepared for 2 months and I feel that you need just two weeks of proper preperation to pass ( 50 Hours). The only thing you should be aware is what to study not how long to study. I did a self study on PMBOK and Rita and did the question from Head first. Understand the basic concepts properly and the inputs, outputs and tools of each procesess. You don’t have to memorize anything, but just have to understand the entire workflow.

I too failed on the first attempt, I was found moderately proficient on three of the domain areas and below proficient on three.
I have a BSc. and a graduate diploma + 12 years working in project management. I scored above 80% in all my mock exams and was quite confident going in to take the exam. Within the first hour of the exam I knew I was in trouble, I had marked pretty much all the questions so far for review, I actually thought I was given the wrong exam as most of the questions seemed to focus on programme management and not project management and all of the questions seemed to have 4 correct answers. I was very frustrated with the exam and very disapointed in result.I reread Rita Mulcahy and PMBOK 3rd edition and retried the exam one month later and passed, The second exam was very different to first but still difficult. Got proficient in 3 categories and moderately proficient in three categories. Very painful to have to pay for second attempt:-(

I just took PMP exam and did not make it. I thought I had great understanding of PMBOK Processes inside out. Read PMBOK twice, Rita’s Exam prep 3 time and Head first 2 time. I am good understanding of ITTO. I did all the questions at the end of each chapter. Looks like the questions came in the exam were not even close to what I prepared from the prep books. Please advise what to do next. I am thinking to wait since July 01 the new edition is going to be effective and I don’t see much difference between 3rd and 4th edition except PMI renamed a lot of processes and dropped couple.I don’t believe that reading the PMBOK or any other PMP Prep book and practicing 100+ prep questions can help you pass the exam. Please advise what other sources I can use to pass the 4th edition.

@Reggie.:

Waiting is usually never the best option — the test keeps getting more difficult and the requirements change. Using a PMP Exam Prep book and reading the PMBOK Guide are two necessary ingredients, but not all it takes to pass. You may have noticed that some topics are shortchanged in the exam prep books and PMBOK Guide, but more heavily weighted in the exam. When you left the testing site, you should have been provided a breakdown of where you fell short. Were there just a couple of areas that need improvement to get a passing grade, or were you weak in many? One option you might consider is contacting your local PMI component to see if you can sign up for an inexpensive PMP Exam Prep class. This might help you focus your efforts on areas needed for improvement. To give you the best advice, I would need more information about your test results and preparation, so please contact me at sdcapmp at aol dot com if you’d like me to help.

Note: Ray Frohnhoefer is a regular PM Hut contributor.

I am totally frustrated as I failed the PMP exam for the 2nd time a couple of days ago.

I have been in the project management field for almost 12 years and hold an advanced degree.

I read the PMBOK guide twice, listed to all of the prep pod casts, took practice exams after each chapter, complete pro training onlinmodules for chap 1-12 and flashcards. Studied 2 to 3 hours daily for 2 months.

When I was taking the test the answers seemed to jump out at me so I was very surprised that I did not pass.

Not sure what else I can do to prepare for this test. The most difficult thing is if I want to take the test again that I will have to start over from scratch as version 4 is out and new test version will be ready in July 2009……………….discouraged

Dear All,
I am in tears. This was my second attempt. I took the exam today and the below is the scoring. 5 out of 6 were MODERATELY PROFICIENT and 1 was BELOW PROFICIENT and I still failed

1. INITIATION: MODERATELY PROFICIENT
2. PLANNING: MODERATELY PROFICIENT
3. EXECUTION: MODERATELY PROFICIENT
4. MONITOR & CONTORL: BELOW PROFICIENT
5. CLOSING: MODERATELY PROFICIENT
6. PROFESISONAL RESPONSIBILITY: MODERATELY PROFICIENT

And I still ‘FAILED’ . I am confused and Could you give me an insight into it? How is this possible?

someone pls. email me to pvt.ltd@indiatimes.com

pvt.ltd - Since each of the 6 areas on the exam have different amounts of questions (search the web for the % area breakdown of the questions), some area you have to get proficient. You must get proficient in execution, and monitoring/controlling. The other’s can be a mixture of moderetely/below proficient.

hope this helps.

one small correction, actually you could get moderately proficient in all areas and still pass. I think it’s easier to hit execution/M & C w/ proficient and allow for more flex in the other areas.

I too failed, I took the exam this past Friday. I felt good when I hit the “End Exam” button as I knew I nailed the exam. I couldn’t be more wrong. I completely bombed the exam. I scored okay in Executing and that was it, the rest of the areas I wasn’t proficient at all. Now I am back to square one, but I am taking the exam again next week. I am confused also on what I did in terms of my studying.

What I learned from the exam is that the questions are weird because there were questions that jumped out at me as being “right” but I guess I missed them. So I think a big part of passing the exam is being patient and reading the question a few times and narrowing down the answer…

So long story short, I was discouraged by life goes on and I am back at it.

I took my PMP examination for the first time and passed, the questions were harder than the test questions I had studied. Used the PMBOK and Rita’s book, and a piece of software called project managementIQ. Spent 1 week and a busy weekend revising (had not looked at the materials for about 18 mths). Sitting the exam I felt awful, the questions were more woolly than normal, some of the answers choices seemed identical except for the odd word switch. Finished the exam after about 90 mins, spent the next 60 mins going through the answers. I did think at the time that what I had revised did not really fit the format of what I was asked.

Still I passed and the updated business cards have been ordered

I took and passed the test on the last day of 3rd Edition on June 30, 2009. My score was moderately proficient in all 6 areas. I have no idea if I passed by the hair on my chinny chin chin or if I was close to proficient, and although I am thrilled with having passed the exam, I really wish I knew more about each area with percentages. Anyone with any insight or guesses as to what percentage of correct answers or range of correct answers each of the three proficiency levels translates to, please post…

Today, I failed an exam for the first time in my life. Like many of you I have an MBA and 14 years of project management experience. The test questions addressed information that afterwards, I could not locate in any of the three books I used to prepare. Two other PMs from my company also failed today, and the general consensus is the vocabulary is the killer. Each of us understands how our company and industry operate, but the PMI has renamed everything. What industry uses these terms? My boss paid for all our training materials, registration, and exams. Even he is questioning bringing the PMI way into our office at this point. Our entire PM staff has failed this exam over the last 6 weeks. Perhaps all the people who are trying to have their name published in the latest PMBOK edition should consider simplification. KISS - now thats an acronym we all understand. (Keep it stupid simple for those who have never heard it before) I want to feel challeneged and enlightened by this journey. Instead, I feel cheated and insulted.

Just failed.

So many ‘muddy’ questions and answers - ridiculous. I’ve been a successful PM for almost 10 years, 26 projects, millions of dollars involved but I can’t pass this stupid exam. Seeing the others here who have failed - seem very similar, all with experience being successful at Project Mgmt, while a good chunk of the 75% who are passing have never really managed a project.
Spent months studying, the last heavily. Tons of sample questions - scored 75% on the HeadFirst. I noticed that PMI and the sample tests contradict themselves on a number of occasions - leading to additional frustration going into the test. Terrible test room too - no oxygen, 25c…

If I didn’t need the certification to land a job - I would tell PMI to go to H-E-Double Hockey sticks. Unfortunately, HR’s are quickly dismissing anyone nowadays without a certification - not that this PMI certification actually guarantees a quality PM…

I get the distinct feeling though, that ~50 questions could have gone either way - I picked the wrong ones for whatever reason, and the 75% who passed got lucky and picked the right ones. I’m sure PMI could justify each answer - but I’ll never know, which makes it even more frustrating. I don’t know why I failed, or how I can improve?!?! Yes I got the print out, I did proficient or mod. prof in all things, but not proficient in planning and execution - which of course are the biggest things. But why? Who knows.

Question - How do I unlearn everything that has taught me how to be a good and successful PM, in order to get PMI certified? And how does that actually make me a better PM???

PM with BS in Information Management with 15 years managing large projects.

I think I just missed passing

Initiation - Moderately Proficient
Planning - Below Proficient
Executing - Moderately Proficient
Monitoring and Controlling - Moderately Proficient
Closing - Moderately Proficient
Professional and Social Responsibility - Moderately Proficient

Just failed the exam last Sat, totally disappointed as I’ve studied for 2 months, last intensively. Read Rita’s book 3 times, did chapter end tests, numerous online mock exams, scored well on them. I thought I did well and the actual exam wasn’t that hard, at least that was my impression after I completed it.
I’ve been involved in projects last 10 yrs, and being a PM for last 4, yet my sister-in-law passed the exam on first try even though she has very little PM experience, and her application contained made-up experiences… what gives??

So being a good project manager, should I report her to PMI like the book said?? or should complaint to PMI for lack of audit on those applicants who didn’t even have PM experience?

I will try one more time in Jan, if I fail again I will not contribute another $$ to this PMI scam!

Failed my first attempt at the PMP exam today. I used Andy crowes study guide, memorized all the formulas, 42 process, inputs, outputs, etc. I took Andy crowes “final exam” in the back of the study guide and got a 97%. When I took the exam, it was NOTHING like the sample exam in the back of Crowes study guide. I knew this after I was 15 questions deep into the exam and had marked 11 for review as I wasn’t even sure of those answers. So I started keeping a tally on the type of PMP exam questions I got and found it was broken down into the following:

1 - Definition where memorization was needed - 24
2 - Scenario based where “that happens” and you should do this – 132 (yes that many)
3 - Formulas where you need a calculator to figure out the answer – 6 (yes only 6)
4 – the 42 processes where you need to know the process groups – 18
5 – “others” didn’t fall into the categories above - 20

Here is what I also can add:
Only 2 questions on flowcharts (where you had to calc critical path)
0 questions on pert formulas, SD formula, Point of total assumption, number of communication lines, nothing on BAC, ETC, TCPI, or VAC

What killed me were the scenario questions, multicultural issues, conflict management, stakeholder does this, then what do you do, etc. I mean what the $(#&^!!!! If PMI wants me to answer the way they want to see, then give me something to study on this

What bothers me most is I have been managing projects for 15 years, and have an MS from UVA and an MBA from VA Tech (2 programs that are difficult to get into, and by no means easy to graduate from). I’m able to pass a graduate degree courses on financial derivatives, 1st and 2nd order partial differential equations, and hydrology mechanics because there is something to study.

But when I’m asked what to do when I discover a foreigner lied on their resume with the purpose of begin deceitful, then I guess my judgment was not “the best answer”

I think what’s worse is for everyone who has passed the PMP, it gets “taken away” from you if you don’t collect a certain amount of continuing education hours every three years after passing the exam

At least my MS and MBA wont ever be taken away……

Passed in my first attempt with “Proficient” in all areas. Background: 15+ years PM, process improvement, and Business Analysis experience. What worked for me:-
* Forget what you know of PM. Only the PMI perspective matters.
* Read Andy Crowe’s book - a chapter at a time
* Read the corresponding chapter on PMBOK
* Do Andy’s chapter excercises
* Read the Professional/Social responsibility sections in Rita’s book and Heldman’s book. Read the PMI code of ethis as well.
* Do plenty of free online practise exams (Head first, Lehman etc.)
* Memorize Tools/Techniques. Grouping helps.
* One week before the exam, use the access key on Andy’s book to go through his webcast material and the sample exams. I scored 90+ on these.
Good Luck!

First of all “THANK GOD”..Thatz all what I can say after I cleared my PMP exam based on PMBOK 4 on 5 Apr 2010.I just cleared it very narrowly.”IT IS THE TUFFEST EXAM THAT I HAD TAKEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE”.I have my masters degree in computer application, Post graduate diploma in Operations management, Certified software testing professional and a functional/Technical consultant with good project management exposure.
It took me more than 2 years to at least understand and assimilate the concept that PMI is focusing on. It all started with an idea, put forward by one of my friend whom I considered as my bro (Praveen) for doing PMP. As we were in a project that had a lot of things to learn and had a scope for improvement as the environment was dynamic and challenging PMP would certainly be beneficial for us. He being a more experienced professional than me chose to embark in this journey and explained the procedures and why he was doing this. Soon I also started thinking about the exam remitting the money without giving a second thought about the exam and the toughness (which happens with most of the people who fail coz they don’t understand the concept of the program and why a person is doing that and end losing money, disappointed and discouraged. Few points are given at the bottom). One thing that I felt throughout my preparation is that the more I was preparing more complicated things were turning out for me. I used PMBOK as my main reference and few PMP prep books available in market. I can very confidently say that the real exam is totally different (at least in my case).Day by day the things was getting worse and I was going clueless thinking what to do, whether to take the exam or just drop the plan and focus on technical/functional consulting bit more and make my living (Unfortunately I lacked interest doing technical stuff much as my ambition always was to lead from the front with responsibility and authority and focusing on project management areas).I had no choice by that time rather than just giving a shot as it was almost two years spent on the preparation and a large amount of money already invested for this.
Finally I determined to take up the challenge and fixed my exam on 5th April in a prometric center near to my place. It was 6 hours journey from my place to the examination center. Two days before the exam I didn’t study or even look at the books as I would have gone mad if I had read it again. Every time I take mock exams I either score slightly better or end up losing 10% less mark than what was actually required. The travel to the prometric center with my wife was really hard. All the way I was visualizing the life after the exam. Only assurance that I had was my confidence of doing excellent in big occasions as I always did in my academic and professional life with the faith that god will reward me. I had some brain dump and some formula sheet with me that I took along. We reached by evening at the examination center to get the feel of the situation. Took a room nearby to spend the night and appear refreshed for the exam.
I woke up at 6.30am as the exam was scheduled for 9 am. My wife accompanied me to the examination center to boost my moral and encourage me to excel in this quest. We reached by 8.00 am and waited till my name was called. I went inside, finished the preliminary process of identification and locked my snacks and water in the locker that they had provided. I was invited to take the test and the exam started with the 15 min introduction about the exam. I wrote down whatever I thought that I could forget into the scrap of paper that they provided and took a deep breath before starting the examination.
On the start itself I smelled the trouble. At times I even had six questions at a stretch which I was clueless but kept moving forward and marking whatever I felt most correct and even marked those which I felt can be review later for correction (I answered the best option in those cases too, coz in case I don’t get time in the end I shouldn’t lose that question. Luckily that I did this coz only 10 min before the exam, I finished my 200th question).Most of the questions were elaborate situational questions and had all the answer options correct. The toughest challenge was to fix one as my answer. Every question was of high quality and cannot be compared to any mock questions that I had taken. After taking 112 questions I felt my throat dry and not able to proceed further unless I had something to drink. I quickly went out took some water, had a snack and used the rest room to wash my face and head then returned quickly back to my place and continued. I was taking an average of 1 hour for every 50 questions’ .Sprinted towards the end of exam as I wanted to review at least few of the questions that I had marked for review. I finished just 10 min before the scheduled end time managed to review 2 calculation questions only. I decided to just pray 5 minutes before the end of the exam closed my eyes till the official came near me and asked to click the end button. I stood up and clicked the end button while still praying and raised my both hand as if I will just walk out if I failed…the screen was flickering for a while and the result appeared “OH MY GOD..I DON’T KNOW HOW TO THANK YOU…”…It displayed “Congratulation” and I was about to howl with joy and the official face was also so happy after seeing that result. She congratulated me and told me that I have achieved something that most of the time they see other way..I requested them to let me go out and see my wife to break the good news to her. The official allowed me after the formalities and I ran out and hugged her .I was speech less and all the time my wife was asking me “MAN TELL ME IF U CLEARED IT OR NOT”…after few minutes when I was able to speak I told her that I made it..So relieved of all the tensions..collected the report from the official. Result was all moderately proficient except one being below proficient (Narrowly cleared). Not at all a worry, at least I don’t have to be sad of loosing or don’t have to go through the dilemma of whether to take the exam again or not (I am sure that I wouldn’t have the courage to take any exam if I had not cleared this one simply because of the effort that I had put).
While coming out I heard some one telling that I was the only one who cleared the PMP exam after really a long time from that center. I called everyone who were anxious about my result and had a mix feeling of surprise and happiness for my success.
I would thank God first who has never let me down whenever I had put my effort in doing something, supporting me and my family during every hard times. I thank my wife, who was so patient, positive, adjusting, understanding, motivating and struggling with me since last year after our marriage because of my professional ups and downs and my late night preparations which was the only free time I could devote to my preparation because of my odd work timings and continues professional journey that I had to embark on. I thank my mom, dad and sis for the support that they always gave me. I thank my brothers Ayree and Praveen for continuously motivating me. Last but not the least my friend and guide Mr. Anoop who continuously assured me that my preparation was really good and gave the courage to go forward with excellent inputs.
I have been receiving queries about the exam from many. Few points that I would put for them to think about before making a decision regarding PMP is given below.
UNDERSTAND YOUR SELF:
• Why you are choosing PMP?.If it is just about moving to higher level in career, then seriously rethink.
• Do you really understand the difference between Project Management and Functional Management?
• Analyze yourself .Find the area of your interest and go by your strengths. Because “Jack of all trade ends up in nothing”. You may be good in some area which you can excel and shouldn’t fall in no man’s land by just ignoring your talents.
• Google about “Halo Effect”.
• Project management is not only about PMP.It is a blend of sofskills, personality, perseverance, communication, ethics and application of PMP knowledge.
UNDERSTAND THE PMP EXAM:
• It is not an easy exam. It requires tremendous dedication and perseverance.
• Questions in the exam unique and is not the kind of one that tests your logic as in any technical certification or your memory power.
• Questions in the exam are of high quality and more inclined towards project management situation and application of knowledge that you gain from PMI is what is required to clear the exam.
• There are 200 questions and mostly situational and descriptive. There are four options as answer. The answers are tricky and you may find all answers correct. The real challenge is choosing the most correct answer.
• Of the 200 questions, 25 are dummy questions, which means that they don’t add to your score even if you answer them correct. So there are only 175 valid questions.
• The pass percentage is unknown and PMI don’t reveal this from PMBOK 4th edition. It is a qualitative approach and the score for each question can be different.
• Don’t rely on any mock materials too much and try to map the answers against PMBOK as I have found many wrong answers in the mock exams that I took and that really will have serious impact on your understanding.
• Need to understand ITTO well.

Thank You,
Prasanth

I passed the PMP on my first attempt. My scores were all moderately proficient in Initiating, Closing, Professional Responsibility & Executing. Though Below Proficient on Planning and Executing. I have about 3.5 years of Project Management experience. Prepared for 1 month in total.

I passed on my first try earlier this month. I initially tried reading the PMBOK but it just wasn’t getting through to me. Luckily I chanced upon Andy Crowe’s passing PMP on your first try. I bought both the book and the CDs. Listened to to CDs on my commute and otherwise read the book. From what I hear the PMP podcast may be a similarly good tool.

Initially I read a chapter a day. First I read the book from cover to cover and answered all the questions except the mock exam. Next, I re-read starting with the chapters I felt I was less proficient in.

After doing the above, it was so much easier reading the PMBOK. So my advice to those of you who find reading the PMBOK a drag, try reading an easier flowing book first.

Other than that, do a lot of practice exams. I literally did one mock exam a day for a week, some free, some in the books I used and some online for which I paid. So my routine for the last week before the exam (which I took off work) consisted of , studying till 3 pm, doing an exam between 4-8pm and reviewing answers from 8-however long it took. Just like an athlete, your brain also gets used to taking a 4 hour exam after a few practices. This familiarity is invaluable during your exam.

Few key points:
After doing a mock exam, review every question, not just the ones you got wrong, because invariably you have made a qualified guess on several questions and you want to see if your reasoning was correct. Even for the ones you got right and were sure of the answer, you want to verify that your reasoning was indeed accurate. I cannot stress how important this is.

Obviously you need to memorize the processes, some formulas and the ITTOs that you feel are important. But more than that, you need to get into the PMI mindset. Taking multiple exams and reviewing the answers helps you get in the mindset.

Take exams from various sources, not just from one exam bank. And be prepared for entirely different questions in the exam. However the training will benefit when you tackle those exams.

In the exam go through each question slowly and deliberately. I find it better to do a thorough first pass rather than skim through and circle back because you are less fatigued. There will be some questions you are entirely unfamiliar with, but for most based on your preparation you should be either sure or able to deduce the answer. The deliberative reading is important because I noticed while taking practice tests, too often I missed simple questions. A fast read sometimes caused me to miss a “not” or an “except” and so I gave the wrong answer.

Lastly take a break after 50 questions. Maybe after a 100 get some water and relax for a few minutes. You may not realize but you mind is getting fatigued and this gives it a chance to get a breather.

Good luck!