I finally passed the PMP exam on Oct. 11, 2012!

I have been a visitor to this great site since July 2011, and have gained so much from the lessons learned posted by other members.  So, after my exam failure in July 2012, and  my current success, I decided that I would post my experience briefly (leaving out the crying parts!) so that others would not lose hope!

Several stops and starts with the training due to work load, and before I knew it, my year grace period was coming to a close.  So I crammed in several on line classes and stuffed Rita into my tired brain for what I thought would be my winning performance at the Prometric Center...NOT!  BP's in 3 areas, and 2 MP's=FAIL!

So, while waiting for the elevator to leave that terrible place...I was encouraged by a young man who had also failed 2 months prior and had just passed his exam on my  fateful day.  He suggested that I ramp up, try a better/different study approach, and to think of this experience as a 'dry run' to get familiar with the PMP exam.  Soon after, I learned that my company was starting an in house PMP BootCamp and my boss approved my attendance.

In the meantime, I devoured the PMBOK, spent a bit more time with Rita, and totally went 'Heck for Leather' with Cornelius Fitchner!  The company bootcamp trainer was EXCELLENT!  She showed us ways of using mnemonics for memorizing the 42 processes(ISTCQHCRP) and by the 3rd day, I had it so that I could write them all!  By adding formulas to our list everyday, at the end of the week we had those down and knew how to use ETC/EAC/SV/CPI to solve sample questions.  

I finally had a 'Brain Dump'! The PM Prep Cast was beneficial for me since I'm an 'Audio' learner, and he stays very close to PMBOK while using everyday situations.  (Great delivery of the material,and you can select different knowledge areas for special attention)  I also took many practice exams, most selected from this site, and my company offers a 200/4hrs practice exam that I took the day before my actual exam.

Well, yesterday,  traffic was really bad, and I arrived at the test site with only 10mins to review my notes...I signed in, got the security  'wand/pat down', and sat down at the desk.  I offered up the 30th prayer of that morning, and started the tutuorial and the Brain Dump.  Completed writing it out with 1 minute to spare!

I had questions in all Knowledge areas, and thought it strange that I didn't see any questions related to professional ethics and accepting gifts.  Had at least 12 questions relating to EVM and Network Diagrams/Schedule.  Many Quality, Scope, Risk, and Time questions. 

I was strangely relaxed this time,  and felt that I really understood what the question/scenario wanted to know.  This exam is really all about the PMBOK and knowing PMBOK will certainly help you answer the exam questions.  Also taking practice exams is key to question type/variety.  I believe it was how I was able to answer all the questions, and only marked about 10 for review.  I wound down the clock until I only had 15 minutes left to review the marked questions, and complete the survey. 

Took the survey, closed my eyes and said yet another prayer...opened my eyes and saw those beautiful words..."Congratulations! You have passed the PMP certification exam!" I yelped/gasped so loudly (from surprise and joy) that a couple test takers shushed me!  What a feeling!  (1BP-Initiating, P-Planning, MP-Executing, M&C, Closing)

To sum up...if you have previously failed this exam, read the lessons learned posted on this site, try a new study approach, don't give up...and...Practice Practice Practice!  I gained so much encouragement from  the members of this site posting their experiences, and really never gave up!  Now I'm a PMI Certified PMP!  Wow!

I certainly Thank the Good Lord, my Wonderful Husband, and the many friends and family that supported me through this long journey of ups and way downs, and PM Zilla members, moderators, and The Lurkers!  I especially want  to Thank my company BootCamp trainer, Kathleen Y., who helped me make sense of it all with my Brain Dump!

Don't Give UP! AG a PMP