How to Pass PMP on First Try? PMP 101 for Ambitious Professionals

Project management: An introduction

Before going to learn tips to pass PMP on first try, let us discuss the project management concept first. The Project Management is managing and leading the project team for achieving the projects objective and goals by meeting the target within the stipulated time frame. Project Management Institute (PMI) is a non-profit organization for project management professionals.

It offers a wide range of certifications related to project, program and portfolio management as well as some specialized field/areas of projects. The Project Management Professional (PMP) is the flagship certification of the PMI, which is recognized internationally across the globe. The PMP exam is based on the PMI guidebook “Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).

Project Management is managing and leading the project team for achieving the projects objective and goals by meeting the target within the stipulated time frame

Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam

The PMBOK divides the project tasks and activities into five process groups or performance domains areas (share in the exam in percentage, given in parenthesis):

1. Initiating the project (13%)
2. Planning the project (24%)
3. Executing the project (31%)
4. Monitoring and controlling the project (25%)
5. Closing the project (7%)

Process Groups in Project Management

These process groups encompass the 49 processes which are mapped through the following ten knowledge areas:

1. Project Integration Management
2. Project Scope Management
3. Project Schedule Management
4. Project Cost Management
5. Project Quality Management
6. Project Resource Management
7. Project Communications Management
8. Project Risk Management
9. Project Procurement Management
10. Project Stakeholder Management

Project Management Knowledge Areas & Process Groups

Exam preparation aiming to pass PMP on first try

Now coming towards the exam preparation, first note that at least 35 hours of project management training known as the 35 PDUs (professional development units) is the key requirement along with minimum three years’ experience of working on the project. So, first, you need to get these 35 PDUs before registering for the examination. And, in my opinion, after 35 hours of training, you must prepare at least two to three months before appearing in the exams.

The best way to prepare after getting 35 PDUs you need to subscribe to some PMP exam simulator. Some Project Management Professional trainers also give complimentary access to such simulators.

For instance, my trainer gave us access to a simulator. Now, I am preparing for exams using this simulator. First, on the simulator, I try to study the concepts of some particular topic (either process group of knowledge are) using the flashcard to recall the basic concepts and definitions. Then, I go for ‘Practice Q&A’ and practice some Q&A (which include 25-40 questions on the same pattern of actual PMP). First, I try to answer the question myself.

Then I look for the answer, and PMP exam simulator answers (with the complete justification of correct option with complete reference of PMBOK along with page number). Then, I mark the page on my PMBOK and underline the complete reference to the concept under study. Now, after attempting all 23-40 questions on each knowledge area or process group, I mark all important points and concepts in PMBOK.

Then, I start studying that knowledge area in book with all the key points underlined. And, I particularly focus on studying the underline concepts.

So, I complete the study of PMBOK similarly and repeat the process for twice or thrice. Then I’ll attempt the complete simulated exam (full Project Management Professional exam rehearsal) on simulator. For example the simulator, I am using, has two simulated exams. If I get 85% in these simulated exams, then I will be safe for me to appear in the PMP exams and hopefully will pass PMP in first attempt.

Please share your views in comments and also share your experience and practices related to Project Management Professional certification.

© 2020 Dr Ghulam Mohey-ud-din, Written on 23rd July, 2020