"Dont loose your grip on the dreams of your past, you must fight just to keep them alive"....

I have been a silent bystander on this forum for last couple of months, gathered a lot of knowledge, read a lot of success stories and equally heartbreaking instances.

Little background: Got 6 years of PM experience, Six Sigma GB certified, married and got a kid who is 3 years old.

Started my preparation couple of months back.....initally the test was scheduled for 29th April but then I somehow got restless and preponed it to 16th April.

Books i reffered:

1) Andy Crowe - 1 Reading (Awesome book, simplifies the PMBOK)

2) PMBOK - 1 Reading (Very well written guide, but Andy's book made it look much more interesting)

3) Rajesh's Notes (hats off to you sir!!!!)

Gave around 15 mock tests, failed in 5 of them (never passed a single test from PMPSure and PMStudy) but scored 90% on Oliver Lehmann (175 and 75), 85% on Scordo and some 90 odd in exam central etc. However, something told me that I was ready to take the plunge.

Well...that was the plan...and then it happened, on 12th had a heatstroke, fever of 102, and all sorts of things. Had a superdose of medicines, was able to standup (still weak) on my exam day. No revision, nothing, went to the center with fever and weakness...completed the test in 1.5 hours....got the following result:

1) P, 1) BP, rest all MP.

Cost of exam: 30k (roughly); satisfaction after passing: Priceless!!!!!

Key to success:

1) Its an exam on common sense and basic PM skills and NOT on how to build a NASA rocket hence prepare accordingly.

2) Have a study plan and stay true to yourself.

3) Have immense respect for PMBOK.

4) Know the PMBOK Page 43, all the formulas, I got hell loads of them...and scored on all of them (I think :))

5) Dont go for an overdose of study, stay sharp, and give your best.

I would recommend watching The Persuit of Happyness.....just to pep you up. Remember, its a test, not the end of the world, there is always a second chance.

Thanks

Shantanu Banerjee, PMP