Happy and thrilled to share with all that I have passed my PMP on 6th of March on my first attempt

Chandra

I have relied mostly on my self study for 3 months by studying the following books: PMBOK(4th Ed.), HeadFirst PMP (2nd Ed.), and Rita Mulcahy (6th Ed.). Even went through Andy Crowe's book once. Andy Crowe's book is very straight word, to the point and no unnecessary talk. HeadFirst helps you to register the concepts more effectively. Though Rita's book is quite negative, I like her very detailed explanation and many pitfalls to look for. For the last 10 days before exam, I think I have taken 10 - 12 full PMP tests available at the end of the prep books and also free online simulation tests. I think I have made good preparation, as I find the actual PMP exam not that difficult. There are a few tricky and trap questions which must be watched for.

Whenever I attempt full sample tests, chapter-end tests etc., I go through explanations for all attempted questions (both correct and wrong questions) not just for wrongly answered questions. I think this has helped me fully grasp how I think differently from the author of the explanation - for each and every question attempted.

Deepfriendbrainpmp and BrainBOK have really helped me as wonderful reference sites. Infact, I have made this site as my first stop before searching others. Many thanks to Harwinder for putting up this!! And now this PM Hangout.

I am looking forward for ways to help (and also gain from) PMs and PMP aspirants; I sincerely hope and wish that PM Hangout too will become a great platform for PMs as well as PMP aspirants.

-Chandrasekhar Yechuri, PMP®

Harwinder

Chandra,

Congratulations!

Thanks for sharing your lessons learned - the very first lessons learned post on PM Hangout! Many thanks for your kind words.

I have couple of questions:

1. Which training did you take to earn your 35 contact hours?
2. Roughly how many sample questions did you attempt in total?

I wish you success in your future endeavors.

Chandra

Harwinder,
I have submitted the contact hours earned from IBM internal PM trainings (recognised by PMI).. Though during my preparation I have attended one external PMP training (StarPMO Forum of Nucleus Executive Training) . The purpose is to get refreshed and also interact with trainer and other PMP aspirants.

I think I have attempted 2500 to 3000 questions from all sources like: from chapter end questions, Book end full sample tests, online sample tests, Oliver Lehmann (75 and 175 Qs), Keith Farndale (262 Qs). Only then I think any PMP aspirants begin to understand what pitfalls to look for; man its sure like the trap movie :-)

Harwinder

Thanks for sharing the info, Chandra. I think 2500-3000 is just about ideal. I also attempted about that many before my exam, back in 2007.

Chandra

Nice to know! Btw, I mean to say 'Entrapment' movie not 'The Trap' , (musing: has PMP diluted my other knowledge)

Bhaskara

Congrats Chandra

Chandra

Thanks!

amitranjan

congrats chandra! Just wanted to know one thing. Did you got the result instantly? I have been hearing that after Aug 2011 exam has changed and now the results are sent via email after 45 days of attempting the exam.

Harwinder

@amitranjan - Let me jump in here. What you heard is a very old story now. That was the case until mid-Nov 2011. Usually when the exam changes, PMI would not deliver the results instantly for the first 8-10 weeks. During this period, they may look at the performance of the test takers, tweak the exam and/or passing score.

Now it's back to normal and you'll get the result instantly.

amitranjan

Thanks alot for the clarification. I am appearing for the exam on 27 March. Will share my experience.

Harwinder

Sure, looking forward. Good luck for the exam.

Chandra

And all this (current exam format) would remain only for another year or so. As PMBOK 5 is going to arrive next year.