Cleared PMP on 21 Sept 2019 – First Attempt, Thx WinningPMPlan

Hi All,

I am happy to announce that now i am a Project Management Professional. Cleared exam on 21st September’2019. Over Target in all process group except Closing.

My journey started in April this year when i choose carrier path of Project Manager from Test Manager. Earlier intention was to get knowledge so that i can plan and execute projects in better and efficient way but then decided to appear for exam.

If you are bachelor then you have to manage only office/business work and PMP preparation but married with kids have another world. Earlier it was really difficult to find time for PMP but then i created preparation plan.

Here are important milestones in my preparation

Started Project Manager Role on 1st April’2019.
In April, watched Cert Prep: Project Management Professional (PMP)® by Sandra M Mitchell on LinkedIn Learning.
June – 5 days Class room training on PMP Preparation
July – Got PMI membership and ordered hard copy of PMBOK and RITA.
August and till 20th September – full focus on PMP.
Purchased PrepCast on 1st September. Appeared 5 full mock tests from 2nd to 20th September with 57%, 70%, 75%, 65% and 76%.

Learning plan and Strategy

First read chapter X of PMBOK and then same chapter in RITA.
Solved exercise from RITA and free mock test.
Ensure minimum 2 hrs daily reading and solve questions posted on WhatsApp in tea/Lunch break or whenever get time.

Tips for selecting right option while answering questions:

Read last line of question first, it will give you idea what to look for in the rest of the question text.
Look for keywords in question i.e. whether asking for tools/techniques or process or documents.
Look for keywords least likely or would not be.
Look for keywords “not”
Always follow the process no matter what. If a choice tells to skip a step, it is wrong.
Always communicate directly and ASAP.
Remember, as a Project Manager you are responsible. Don’t pass the blame to others.
Always select the option that seeks to problem solving.
Remember to document first before taking any actions

PMP exam:

Most of questions were only 3-4 liner.
I got ~30-40 questions on Change requests.
3-4 questions from critical path.
Many questions which expect PM next action based on current situation.
Understanding difference and significance of Business Case, Benefit Management Plan and Project Charter is important. I got some question from them.

Finally i would like to thank Sandip sir, Vidhi madam, Vidyesh sir and watsapp group WinningPMPlan for helping me in this journey and best of luck to PMP aspirants.