Failed the PMP® Exam? Here are 5 Ways to Bounce Back
If you have just failed the PMP Exam, take a moment to acknowledge your disappointment but remember that it’s not the end of the road. Look at it as a pivotal point in your career journey that will ultimately get you to where you need to be. With any challenge, it presents an opportunity for resilience and growth.
It’s important to know that around 80% of individuals who attempt the PMP exam, do not pass on their first attempt; making this one of the more difficult exams to take. This shouldn’t deter you from trying again though, because the pass rate increases for individuals on their 2nd or 3rd attempt. This is largely due to the fact that you already know what to expect and improve upon.
So, if you’ve recently failed the PMP exam, you’re not alone, and there any many ways that you can bounce back after this challenge.
Project Management Institute (PMI)
5 Ways to Bounce Back After Failing the PMP Exam:
Reflect on your journey and what led you to this moment.
The first step in bouncing back is to look back and analyze your process. Think about the reasons why you want to pass the PMP exam and what you expect to gain from earning this certification.
You also want to reflect specifically on your exam results and take note of the areas you struggled with. Taking this step will give you the opportunity to learn from your mistakes and move forward.
2. Modify your study approach.
The PMP exam is known for being a rigorous exam that requires extensive preparation. Lucky for you though, you’ve already taken it and have feedback on the specific areas of improvement.
With that, tailor your study plan to focus on those areas that address the weak points. You can also alter the way you study; like, engaging in hands-on activities, using flash cards, mnemonics, or anything that more closely aligns with your learning style.
3. Seek support from a professional community.
The best thing you can do to bounce back from a failed PMP attempt is to join a community of individuals who are also working towards the same goal to work in the project management profession.
It could be a group of people who have already taken and passed the exam or a group who are preparing to take the exam or both! Having a community to walk beside you in your professional journey can make all the difference in your success with this exam.
You can find communities by attending summits, networking events, or conferences like the annual Women of Project Management Conference.
4. Consider seeking guidance from a professional coach.
Self-study isn’t for everyone. If you know your learning style requires a more guided approach, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional.
There are PMP exam coaches inside of the Women of Project Management membership that are willing to help you through the process.
There are also many online resources and bootcamps you can enroll in that are led by experienced instructors.
5. Develop a positive mindset.
I was scrolling through Facebook a few days ago and came across a post where a woman who had just failed the PMP exam expressed her gratitude and excitement for the future. She had such a positive attitude towards this challenging event that sparked a realization: success is born from the resilience of an individual and their ability to maintain a positive mindset.
Join.
Join the full discussion inside the Women Of Project Management Membership. Listen to part of our conversation on the Women Of Project Management Podcast.
If you're new to our community, Women Of Project Management is the only community created to support & amplify the voices of women & women of color in every specialty of the project management industry worldwide. We support women in every stage of their career, learn more at Women Of Project Management.
By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae
