5 Ways You Can Pass The PMP® Exam On Your First Try
Three years ago around this time, I took action to take my project management career to the next level. I had been working on projects for almost five years at the time in the construction industry. My goal was to transition into a more technical role as a project manager and I knew that having a PMP certification was a great 1st step. However, if you’re anything like me, test-taking is not your greatest strength. I also read that around 50% of 1st timers do not pass the PMP exam. With that in mind, I knew that it would take a lot of hard work to pull this off. Below are five tips that helped me pass on the first try.
Research Exam Content
Knowing exactly what you will be tested on and the weight of each section is one of the most important factors when preparing for the PMP exam. You can download the PMP exam outline from PMI for free to review all the content you’ll see on the exam. This tip is critical to effectively begin your study efforts. Although understanding all the exam content in depth is ideal - for time management purposes, focus on the largest portion.
When I took the PMP exam in 2019, Execution was the largest portion; I received an above target score in this section because of the strategy mentioned above. In the 7th edition of the PMP exam, Process is the largest portion at 50%.
Create a Study Plan
As a project manager, you already know how important a solid plan is. The success of a project depends heavily on it. I had to treat the PMP exam like a project that I wanted to complete on time. Once I set my exam date, I was able to create a plan and work backwards from that date. I set milestone dates for completing my application, scheduling the actual exam and finishing each study book. Taking an expensive exam prep course was not an option for me, so I went to Udemy.com to obtain the 35-hour training requirement for less than $20. It’s a self-paced course so if you aren’t doing a bootcamp, incorporate a similar course into your plan to complete this requirement.
If you want to pass the PMP exam on the first try, planning is the most important thing to do. Trust me, a 4-hour, 200-question exam is not something you want to attempt more than once.
Also, plan enough time for changes. All project managers know that sometimes things don’t go as planned, and adjustments have to be made. I had an extreme hiccup that forced me to pivot at the last minute, literally a few days before exam day. But because I gave myself enough time in advance, I was able to make those adjustments.
Become Laser Focused
Unless you’re a genius and you know PMI’s project management standards in and out, you will need to put in a lot of effort to pass the PMP Exam on the first try. Give yourself at least six months to prepare with two of those months dedicated to daily studying. I listened to PMP exam prep audio on my commute to and from work. After work for the two months leading up to exam day, I didn’t go one day without studying for at least two hours. I also made sure I eliminated all distractions and anything that would cause stress. Life at the time was basically work, eat, PMP, sleep and repeat.
Take Practice Exams
The PMP exam questions are something like mini novels. Meaning, some of the questions are so long that you’re going to have to read them a few times to make sure you’re answering the right question. Reading and understanding what the question is, is half the battle.
Furthermore, all of the answers could look like the right answer. Your job is to choose the best answer based on PMI standards of project management. This is why taking multiple practice exams and quizzes is so important. You’ll need to get a feel of what the questions are like and dedicate at least 25% of your study efforts on practice exams.
Create Flashcards
Don’t sleep on flashcards; they are a great way to study on the go. I depended on them heavily when I didn’t have the time to read my books or open my laptop. I’d whip them out during lunch breaks and even when I decide to “take a break” and watch TV. Flashcards were reserved for formulas and definitions. I tucked them in my purse and brought them with me everywhere.
On exam day, I arrived at the facility about 45 minutes early, listened to relaxing music and reviewed my flashcards one last time. You’d be surprised how well your brain retains the information especially if you are a visual learner.
Bonus tip: On exam day, try to relax and be confident in your ability to pass this exam on the first try. You got this!
By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae
