Hi all,

I initially took the PMP in October 2010 in the US and did not receive a passing score.  I felt confident going into the test and there were not many questions that were completely foreign.  However, when I hit that final submit button, I learned otherwise.  My preparation for the test was based primarily on the Andy Crowe book and practice exams.

On my second attempt, I expanded my studying.  I studied about 1-2 hrs per night (or 1 chapters worth) and then more on the weekends.  The whole process was about 4-5 months.  Here's what worked for me-

Proposed Study Plan

1) Read "Head First PMP" and complete all study questions (hold off on the sample exams).  This book is very easy to read and is good for someone completely new to the concepts.  Of all the resources I felt it did the best explaining CPI and SPI and the Forward and Backward Pass.

2) Read "The PMP Exam - How To Pass On Your First Try" by Andy Crowe and complete all study questions (hold off on the sample exams).  This is a good intermediary book.  It puts everything in a organized format and off all the books, I feel it has the most complete listing of Inputs and Outputs for all processes.

3) Read "PMP Exam Prep" by Rita Mulcahy's and complete all study questions.  This book is a more advanced book.  I think it does the best on addressing key points to know for the exam.  There is also one practice exercise in there that is a must - The Process Game.  Do this exercise until you have it down.  This really ties everything together.  Otherwise I feel this book is largely rude and insensitive to its readers.

The purpose of reading all three books is because I feel no one book covers all the material in the same way or is completely comprehensive.  Some briefly mention some concepts, while others give more detail. 

4) Read the PMBOK.  (Optional)

5) Complete several practice exams - 5 or more and get an exam of at least 80.  For maximum cost effectiveness, I suggest-

-Simplilearn - 1 test is free, and then 4 tests for $50 dollars for 12 days

-HeadFirst Labs - 1 free test

-Make sure to study all the questions you got wrong

 6) Prepare your study sheet - you can work on this as your reading the chapters and as you do the practice exams.  Include anything you are not sure of.  You must know these concepts-

-Memorize all Cost Management formulas

-Know what CPI and SPI are and what the values mean (<1, 1, >1) for each.  THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT

-Know all the tools of Plan Quality

-Know how to Calculate Float, Determine the Critical Path, Backward and Forward Pass

7) Look at the areas you did the worst in (take the 3 worst).  Go back and read those chapters.

Taking the Exam

One note, the second time you take the exam is less expensive than the first ($400 vs $275) so at least that's something.  I took the exam on a Monday, giving myself the weekend to study.  As soon as you sit down, do the sample quiz.  During this time WRITE DOWN ALL THE FORMULAS.  You will now have them down, out of your head, and read to reference during the exam.  Then start the exam.  Answer the questions and mark any you are uncertain of.  TAKE YOUR TIME.  I felt I was speeding through, and tried to slow myself down.  After about 100 questions, take a break.  I believe you are allowed an unlimited number of breaks, but the clock does not stop on your exam during the break.  You are not allowed to get anything from your locker, so leave your snacks out before going in.  Also, when you are ready for your break, simply get up (take your id with you) and sign out.  Even if you think you don't need it, take your break.  Then go back to the test.  Finish all the questions, then take another break.  After then review all your marked questions, then all your questions.  Hit submit.

Hope this helps.  Good luck!