Few Basic questions about the PMP Exam

Submitted by Aditya Mishra on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 02:55

Hello Folks,

I have started my preparation from today and have booked exam date in 20 days time. I did some quick overview of the PmBOK and have a few basic questions for you learned souls;

1. I see each of the 42 processes have a Data flow diagram and input/technique/output diagram. My question is do we get a direct question in the actual exam for these data flow diagrams, eg: an incomplete diagram is asked to be completed and so on. I say so because the input/output diagrams are ok to memorise but the DFDs are kinda confusing to remember precisely as few of them are very common.

2. I have decided to stick to PmBOK only and wuld not be taking any coaching classes. Just before the exam I will do some mock tests to get a feel of it. Do you think this would be sufficient or should I take Rita's books.

 

PS - I know that if I search through the threads I might find answers (maybe historic) to my questions. But I wanted to know based on people experience on pmBok 4th edition. I apologize for asking these again,

 

Thanks,

Aditya

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rishiarien

Wed, 06/29/2011 - 05:51

Hi Aditya


Generally, the PMBOK is not sufficient to pass the exam. I would recommend Rita's book along with the PMBOK. There may be a few direct questions from the PMBOK but most of the questions will be situational and would require the knowledge and experience. Most of us do not have experience in all the knowledge areas in Project Management and Rita's book comes in handy to help overcome this handicap.


 

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RP

Wed, 06/29/2011 - 12:54

Yes, that is what I have heard as well. Infact, I know people who say that they deem the PMBOK only as support material in reference to Rita's 6th edition.


 

Aditya Mishra

Thu, 06/30/2011 - 23:25

thanks Rishi and RP.

Thanks,

Aditya

rahultoraskar

Thu, 06/30/2011 - 06:41

I'll agree with earlier 2 replies that you may not want to depend 'only'  on PMBOK 4 though it is an authentic book. Rita's book speaks a lot about real life project management problems and helps you to understand PMI's perspective (Book calls it as PMI-ism).

As far as answers to your first 2 questions, following are my inputs:

1] You possibly will not have questions about half complete DFDs however those process and their ITTOs are essential to 'undertstand' the sequence and their usage during different process groups.

2] As stated earlier, there are lot of resources to prepare for PMP however Rita's book really gives a different perspective.

All the best for your exam.

 

Aditya Mishra

Thu, 06/30/2011 - 23:23

Hi Rahul,

Thanks for your reply.

So, are we saying they do not have questions directly about the DFDs in the exam?

 

Thanks

Aditya

rahultoraskar

Fri, 07/01/2011 - 06:27

Yes, to best of my knowledge the question does not have pattern to complete the half complete DFD however understanding of DFD helps to answer questions about the specific process area.

-Rahul

 

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RP

Fri, 07/01/2011 - 07:53

I'm practicing what I'm about to preach btw - do not memorise as very few questions would test your memory rather understand and comprehend. Also in response to your first question, most questions are situational and would require you to respond as such.