I have been a project manager for 8 years and my company follows some of PMIs recommended practices but not all.  I enrolled for a one week prep class in February 2013.  In the class we got a copy of Rita's book and went over the highlights, way too much material to cram in one week... I do not recommend taking a one week class to begin with, it could be of some value to take once you have studied thoroughly and just need to fill in the gaps.

After the class I began studying for about 2 hours per day three days each week.  I started taking practice exams in late March and began scoring in the 60s as I studied more I was consistently scoring in the mid 80s.  I took practice exams from Head First Labs primarily as I was told by several co-workers who passed the PMP exam that Head First questions were similar to the exam.

I began studying 3 hours per day 4 days each week in late May and decided to schedule my exam in mid July.  I felt very comfortable with all the material but the math was always difficult for me. 

By the end of June I felt more than prepared for the exam and could not wait to take it as I knew I would pass after reading Rita's book three times, taking countless practice exams (Head First Labs) and memorizing the process chart, all the formulas, and various other key items.  What gave me the most confidence was scoring consistently in the mid 80s on the Head First full practice exam.

When my exam time came I did a memory dump the first 15 minutes and began the exam.  The first question was a situational question and really confused me.  I read through it many times and finally figured out what it was really asking and marked the answer.  The first 8 questions all were very difficult and nowhere near the Head First Labs test. 

At question 25 or so I hit a rhythm and started answering questions easily, many questions I could tell were trying to get you to choose the incorrect answer but I was confident I knew the right answer.

Long story short I finished question 200 with 10 minutes to go.  I reviewed the questions I marked and ended the exam.  I felt like I definitely passed, it was agony to get the screen with "sorry you did not pass."

When I went through the office they had the print out saying 'fail' and the office worker told me more people fail the PMP exam than any other exam they administer.

I am now studying to take the exam for the second time.  I would give advice to anyone that the PMP exam is VERY difficult.  So many people told me oh you have been a PM for years you will pass with no problem.  PM experience means nothing for the exam.  It is all about knowing PMI's way of managing projects only.

DO NOT rely on Head First Labs practice exams.  They are 50% easier than the real PMP exam and it gave me a tremendous sense of false confidence.

Sorry for such a long post I got carried away.  Thanks if you read this far, I am open for any and all advice plus would love to answer any questions.  - I took my exam July 19.