When you earn the PMP certification (Project Management Professional), you prove yourself to have project management experience, and to have a great ability to add value to the business or organisation you work for. One of the main thing that people struggle with when it comes to the PMP is not surviving the project management courses, but rather the exam at the end of it. It isn't easy by any means and it will take a lot of hard work and preparation to pass, but it is achievable and extremely beneficial.
Here are some tips to help you pass your PMP exam:
Are You Qualified?
It is important you are qualified to be awarded the PMP certification before you do anything else. The following are just some of the things you need to take the PMP exam:
● A secondary degree
● Five years PM experience
● 7,500 documented hours leading projects
● 35 hours PM education
OR
● A four year degree
● 3 years project management experience
● 4,500 documented hours leading projects
● 35 hours PM training
If you don't have all the necessary experience, education and project management training to take the PMP, you can take a CAPM or continue working towards having the necessary factors needed to complete the exam.
Be Honest With Yourself And Recognise What You Struggle With
If you struggle with certain concepts or items that will be part of the exam, list all of them honestly. Do this early on in your revision process so you can prioritise spending time on the parts of the exam you will struggle with.
Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help
There is nothing wrong with asking for help and support if you need it. The PMP exam is hard and plenty of people don't just sail through it first time. Find study groups, books, project management training courses and seek support from mentors and others that have passed the exam.
Perform Mock Exams
Performing mock exams will help you gain a better understanding of what is expected of you. A lot of project management training courses and study books have mock exams available to help you practice. Don't attempt the mock exam before you feel able to do the exam, as prematurely doing it could set you up for failure and cause you to lack confidence in yourself. When you complete a mock exam after adequate project management training, it will help you feel more prepared and able to revise the areas you are least confident in before the real thing. Top Tip - don't forget to time yourself!
Separate The Wheat From The Chaff
Waffling on in your PMP exam will do you no favours. Your answers need to be concise and to the point. When completing a mock exam, review your response and try to eliminate all unnecessary information you have written down. This is a good idea for time management during the exam and to ensure you're demonstrating a clear, sharp understanding of the question.
Never 'Pass' A Question
It is so important you never pass on a question. You won't get penalized for a wrong answer, but you won't get any points if you don't answer at all. Give yourself a chance of getting points in every section by answering every available question.
Additional Tips:
● Give yourself brain breaks during revision - your brain needs chance to absorb all the information you're taking in.
● Don't revise the night before the exam - relax! Your brain needs to be refreshed and ready to go - don't get stressed trying to cram even more information in.
