Hi Folks,
I am happy to announce that now I am a certified Project Management Professional. I cleared the exam on 25th September 2020
Yes, you read it right and I achieved my PMP in 1st Attempt. 🙂
When did I start…?
“When the STAY HOME slogan took over the world due to COVID”, I felt it’s the right time to accomplish this certification which I had wished for a long time”
I started my journey in Feb 2020 when I completed 35 PDU contact hours from Udemy.
Through LinkedIn I found “WinningPMPlan” WhatsApp group which really boosted my energy from just passing the exam to clearing “Above Target”
I personally thank Vidhi and Vidyesh for their personal commitment towards developing upcoming project managers with this wonderful WinningPMPlan whatsApp group.
This really helped me to be active during my preparation and it gave the chance to learn loads by analyzing & interpreting all the questions floated in the group. A big shout out to all active group members for making me realize my knowledge gaps.
How to fill the gap…?
Again Thanks to Vidhi & Vidyesh to suggest a road map to pass my PMP exam. I would actually have brief discussions on the group to discuss topics and this interaction really lead to better understanding. The best part is there are aspirants from across the globe and no one here is gonna judge you. Everyone is here to learn.
What Materials should be used…?
· PMBOK 6th Edition
· Rita Mulcahy 9th Edition
Special note: I did not touch any book other than the above for my preparation
About my preparation
I started initially by getting PDU’s in Feb but due to COVID situation and other constraints the biggest challenge was to concentrate on studying, finally I got on my study calendar from Aug’20 and Sept’20, 2 months I feel is enough time to pass PMP exam. Daily 2 hours of study and 4 to 5 hours on weekend / holidays.
I recommend preparing with right study partners will reduce your preparation duration.
Below is my step for PMP preparation;
· Read PMBOK and RITA parallel (back to back)
· Read RITA second time (Glance)
· Read PMBOK second time (Clear Gaps)
Review ITTO sheet, processes interlinked with key concepts which helped me improve a lot in conceptual understanding.
Booked my exam Date and TIME, I choose the most suitable time where I feel more comfortable in analyzing the questions which further helps me a lot in choosing the Right answers.
Mock test (simulator)
· PREPCAST Mock test – Average 79%
· PMP Free/sample Questions – got 79.5%
· Oliverleman – got 81%
The person who supported me to get my PMP on my 1st attempt, His guidance and explanation helps to understand concepts and to clear knowledge gaps.
On Exam Day (Online Proctored Test)
· I was stressed a little bit due to lack of sleep and exam stress
· I worked half day and 2nd half took permission to write exam
· A Black Coffee with Fruits helps me to keep calm and stay focused on exam
Conclusion
I recommend the below steps which may helpful for the future PMP aspirants to get their PMP certification.
· Join WinningPMPlan whatApp group (Be an Active Member)
· Read PMBOK twice
· Read RITA twice
· Attend mock test in Prepcast / Any Mock test to gauge your skills
· Review right as well as wrong answer with PMBOK as reference
Thanks to all & all the best.
Raghu Banasavadi, PMP, MBA, BE
+91-9972479721
WINNING PLAN FOR PMP® 