Regardless of the industry, getting the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification by the Project Management Institute (PMI) is a great career milestone. The course enables project managers to learn to handle different organizational scenarios. With these skills, project managers can complete projects on time, within the budget, and meet the set goals.
Contents
- 1 Tips For Completing Final Prep For PMP
- 1.1 Formulate Your Own Custom Study Plan
- 1.2 Conquer the PMBOK Guide
- 1.3 Use a Good PMP Prep Book
- 1.4 Try PMP Exam Prep Workshops
- 1.5 Do Less Memorizing & More Understanding
- 1.6 Get to Know Your Exam
- 1.7 Leverage Free Exam-Prep Resources
- 1.8 Sign Up for an Exam Prep Course
- 1.9 Take Practice Exams
- 1.10 Join an Online Community
- 2 Must Dos to Pass the PMP Exam
- 3 Review of the PMI Authorized On-demand PMP Exam Prep Course
- 4 Review of The Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Prep Course by devimpactinstitute.com
- 5 Review of the PMP Exam Prep by Boise State University
Tips For Completing Final Prep For PMP
Since the PMP course is intensive, candidates need a workable strategy to pass the PMP exam. Consider the following tips during your PMP final preparations:
- Formulate Your Own Custom Study Plan
- Conquer the PMBOK Guide
- Use a Good PMP Prep Book
- Try PMP Exam Prep Workshops
- Do Less Memorizing & More Understanding
- Get to Know Your Exam
- Leverage Free Exam-Prep Resources
- Sign Up for an Exam Prep Course
- Take Practice Exams
- Join an Online Community
Formulate Your Own Custom Study Plan
Creating a study plan that fits your needs and capitalizes on your strengths is essential. Understand that the PMP exam covers three domains:
- People – 42%
- Process – 50%
- Business environment – 8%
Ensure you review all the domains, take mock exams and work on areas you need to improve. Proper planning will enable you to succeed. Some questions to ask yourself include:
- How soon is the exam? Once you visit the Pearson VUE website, you can schedule your online exam at a time that suits you. The website allows you to find a location that’s near you.
- How much time can you allocate to studying? Balancing work and studying can be challenging, but you must reserve time for your PMP exam preparation. Allocate sufficient time to study all the topics, take mock exams, and conduct reviews.
- Can you allocate money for study material? Find official, certified study material and purchase it. Enroll in certified training courses and focus on understanding the concepts.
- Can you find a training method that suits you? If you can study by yourself, find material and read. If you prefer being in the classroom, sign up for training classes.
- Are you already acquainted with any of the concepts? Sometimes your experience can help you pass the exam. However, aim to understand what the examiners look for and how deep the answers should be.
Conquer the PMBOK Guide
Use the PMBOK® Guide to provide a framework for your studies. Start with the guide before other material to better understand the concepts. As you tackle the knowledge areas, cover each process within a single day. You will have clear daily and weekly milestones for the studies.
Remember to aim at understanding the concepts, not just memorizing them. The exam tests how you can apply them and may contain irrelevant information that may throw you off. Proper mastery of content will help you handle any scenarios the questions depict.
Ensure that you have the latest version of the PMBOK Guide and go through it severally. You’ll understand concepts better as you read through again. Check for any changes in project management concepts and understand them.
Use a Good PMP Prep Book
A good PMP textbook covers all the critical knowledge areas and concepts. You do not want to read a book that doesn’t cover concepts in detail. Read the book and aim to understand how to apply the concepts. Many exam questions may test how you apply the knowledge in real-life scenarios.
Try PMP Exam Prep Workshops
PMP exam prep workshops are essential for people who love being in a classroom setting. Physical interaction with other aspiring project management professionals may help you understand concepts further. You can also create meaningful connections with professionals in your area through PMI membership.
One of the prerequisites to take the PMP exam is 35 training hours, and workshops enable you to fulfill this.
Do Less Memorizing & More Understanding
The PMP exam wants candidates to apply concepts in real-life scenarios. It won’t be easy to apply if you only memorize the inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs (ITTOs). Understand how you can apply them in real life.
Internalize the concepts and know the scenarios that will need you to apply them. Remember to memorize the formulas and knowledge areas as well.
Get to Know Your Exam
Review the outline provided for exam content. You want to know areas that examiners may test and what exactly the areas of interest will be. Visit the PMI website and view the information on PMP certification exams. The website also links training providers and how you can sign up with them.
Check sample practice questions and exam topics to familiarize yourself with the exam.
Leverage Free Exam-Prep Resources
The PMI website has many resources you can access for free. You can download the PMP Handbook and study materials and also check out sample questions. The website also contains an exam content outline which can be helpful as you study.
Download the PMP Final Quizlet and gauge your understanding of the concepts. You can also visit sites like PM Zilla and download the PMZilla final PMP exam pin pdf format.
You don’t want to dwell on areas with the least chance of application in real-life. The materials on the PMI website will help you understand the three domains of PMP exams.
Sign Up for an Exam Prep Course
A self-study program may enable you to cover the concepts faster, but it may not be the best decision. You may miss out on important factors that contribute to exam success. You may have years of experience in project management, but PMI’s approach can be different.
That is why training with an instructor is essential. Instructors have years of experience and will make you understand every concept. You can also ask questions and get them answered in real-time. The PMI website lists authorized training partners to help you out.
Take Practice Exams
Practice exams set the mood and help you understand how much time you need to allocate to every question. The test duration is 230 minutes, and you are required to answer 180 questions. They give a clear picture of the exam, with various question categories, including multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and multiple responses.
These exams can help you identify areas that need more attention and concepts you need to clarify. Although they seem to give you the PMP final report, please don’t dwell on the scores; use them to identify what you would work on.
Join an Online Community
Be part of a community that discusses issues concerning PMP exams and how to improve your chances of passing. You will get various groups you can join if you search the internet. These groups contain candidates and professionals with diverse experiences that can give you a different approach to PMP exams.
Be wary of disappointed individuals who join online communities to vent their frustrations. They can discourage you.
Must Dos to Pass the PMP Exam
The PMP exam is comprehensive and requires a proper understanding of knowledge areas and concepts. Here is what you must do for a better chance of passing the exam:
- Get An Authorized Training Partner (ATP)
- Boost Your PMP Prep Plan with PMI Study Hall
Get an Authorized Training Partner (ATP)
When preparing for the PMP exam, it’s important to have someone who can help you understand and apply the knowledge you’re learning. Authorized Training Partners have years of experience in project management and PMP examinations and will help you understand concepts clearly.
The advantages of getting a training partner include:
- Get concepts explained clearly—You’ll be working with a team of people who are also passionate about project management. They’ll use their years of experience to help you through the material and practice tests.
- Get instant feedback from experienced professionals—Trainers allow you to ask questions, and they respond to clear any doubts. They equip you with the confidence to face the exam. The practice tests they administer will help you understand concepts, and the trainer will help with any areas that need extra work.
Boost Your PMP Prep Plan with PMI Study Hall
Study Hall is a mobile app you can use to pass your PMP exams. With the app, you can read different materials and take on practice exams and quizzes to get you ready for the real PMP exam. Use the app to track your performance and set milestones as you move towards taking the PMP exam.
Review of the PMI Authorized On-demand PMP Exam Prep Course
The PMI developed the PMI Authorized On-demand PMP Exam Prep course. The course allows you to prepare for the PMP exam at your own pace, equipping you with skills and knowledge about project management. Learn about real-life scenarios and how you can apply the concepts to project management.
Features
- Self-study – The course suits people who like studying on their own. You can allocate time to go through concepts at your own pace and take the necessary tests.
- 35 training hours – Taking the course ensures you meet the prerequisite 35 training hours necessary before applying for PMP certification.
- Set your own schedule – Set your own pace as you take the course. You can design a schedule that works best for you.
Price
The PMI Authorized On-demand PMP Exam Prep costs $699 for PMI members and $799 for non-members.
Review of The Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Prep Course by devimpactinstitute.com
Devimpact Institute provides training on the PMBOK and prepares candidates to take the PMP exam. The comprehensive course ensures candidates understand ten knowledge areas and five process groups before the PMP exam. They also provide participants with a copy of the PMBOK Guide (latest edition).
Features
- Certified Instructors – You get trained by certified instructors who ensure you understand every concept. You can ask questions and get instant responses. Instructors use their knowledge and experience to help candidates.
- Practice Test – Devimpact administers mock exams to prepare you for the PMP exam. Practice questions are also available at the end of every module to help master the concepts.
- Course duration – Devimpact offers both classroom-based and online training. The classroom-based training takes ten days, while the online training takes 14 days. This satisfies the minimum 35-hour training requirement by PMI.
Price
The cost depends on whether you want classroom-based or online training. Classroom-based training costs $1900 and is set to increase to $2000 in 2023. Online training costs $1200.
Review of the PMP Exam Prep by Boise State University
The comprehensive course by Boise State University takes four days. Qualified instructors conduct the training in a classroom. Once you enroll, you will receive printed study materials, flashcards, practice exams, and online quizzes. Participants in this PMP certification final exam prep class are also given online access to study tools for an entire year.
Features
- 35 hours of training – It meets this prerequisite set by PMI.
- Course duration – The course takes only four days of intensive training and review.
- Certified instructors – Boise University instructors are certified project management professionals who use their knowledge and experience to help you understand concepts.
Price
Boise State University charges $1,299 for the four-day course. Late registrations pay an additional $50.
Comparing the Best PMP Exam Prep Courses
| Feature | PMI Authorized On-demand PMP Exam Prep Course | Devimpact | Boise State University |
| Cost | PMI Members -$699Non-members- $799 | Online – $1200Classroom – $1900 ($2000 from 2023) | $1299Additional $50 for late registration |
| Lectures | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Practice Questions | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 35-hour training | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Course duration | Own schedule | Classroom – 10 daysOnline – 14 days | 4 days – in class |
| Access Period | Over 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Whether you enroll for online or physical classes, the PMP certification is a must-have for all project managers. Getting the certification opens you up to new opportunities. Project managers will also excel in their current positions.
