FAILED PMP AT THE FIRST TRY and gave it up for a month ...

someew

I did my PMP exam as the first try but did not pass. I did a lot of test questions but did not read PIMBOK thoroughly. Instead of that read the book "How to Pas your first try". I did a lot of test questions but I was struggled at the Exam since those questions are kind of tricky than what I practiced and expected. I was so frustrated and didn't even touch any thing related to the PMP Exam till yesterday. My exam window will expire 10/2016. Please give me some guidance to re generate my study style. When should I go for the next try?Thanks.

Harwinder

Hi @someew

Welcome to PM Hangout.

Sorry to hear that you didn't pass on your first try. You still have 6 months before your eligibility period expires. I suggest to go for the second attempt in 3 months from now. There are 2 obvious things I would suggest:

1. Read the PMBOK Guide and get familiar with it thoroughly.
2. Get Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep. I'm not affiliated with her company in any way, but I believe that it gives you the kind of orientation that you need for the PMP. The book itself has 400 practice questions.

I also want to know your experience in project management. Please share as much details as possible so that I can tailor the advise accordingly.

Good luck.

someew

Hi Harwinder, As you request this info..I have 15 years plus experience on Project Management arround the world though.In Canada, Its 11 plus Years now.

Harwinder

Hi,

You have plenty of PM experience. So that's not a problem. I guess you need to orient your thinking to the PMI-way. What sample exams did you attempt? And how did you feel as you were taking your (real) PMP exam? Did you feel confident or did you feel lost during the exam?

someew

I have practiced sample exams with a Practice test provider but felt lost during the exam.

Harwinder

Are you saying that you did the practice exams from a single source only?

someew

Yes. Only one source. Even all the MOK exams from that source.What should I do for the next time?

Harwinder

Putting all the eggs in one basket is not a good idea. I would recommend taking the (good quality) sample tests from multiple sources. I maintain a list of good sample questions (both free and paid) on this page:

https://www.deepfriedbrainproject.com/2009/03/pmp-certification-exam-sample-questions.html

At least try to cover all the free sources, in addition to the 2 points I mentioned in the first post.

First thing is to develop a plan for the second attempt. Take this certification as a project, use your project management skills, and drive it as a project.

A few more study resources and notes are available here:

https://www.deepfriedbrainproject.com/search/label/Study Notes?&max-results=10

And as you prepare, participate in PMP related forums (like this forum), post your questions and try to answer questions posted by other PMP aspirants.

With 2-3 months of dedicated effort, you should be able to pass it in your second attempt. Feel free to post more questions.

Good luck.

someew

Thank you Harwinder! Your help is really appreciated.