PMP Exam Preparation Steps
Hello All
I just registered myself on this forum today and this is my first post to get some suggestions as to where to begin for my PMP Certification. Sorry for the long post below, but these were some initial queries I had before beginning... So kindly bear with me !
So far what I know of is, I need to fill out the application online, which in itself is a project since I have to review and note down all my project management experience leading upto 4500 hours and which covers the 5 basic processes.
In regards to that my queries are:
(1) Do I have to provide previce technical details describing some of the work? Or should I just mention the work / task title, hours and explain in a few lines using the PM terms as to what was done in that project?
(2) Any examples of descriptions that are relevant to each of the 5 processes?
Further, in regards to the 35 contact hours which I need to achieve, I understand that could be obtained by registering for a classroom training for PMP certification.
In regards to that my queries are:
(3) I was thinking of filing out my application completely, but leaving out the 35 contact hours details part, and submitting the application to PMI. The reason being, while they are reviewing the application, I would like to start studying, register for the classroom training, and immediately sit for the exam after that. But it seems that won't be possible as per the application rules? Is that so?
(4) If so, that means, I have to start studying, register for the classroom training, get my 35 contact hours certificate, and then fill out the PMP application and submit for review? But don't we lose the advantage of the training since the review might take some time, and you do not even know when your exam can be scheduled until the review gets over? So the training is done let's say in April, and the review and audit (if any), takes quite some time, and you sit for the exam in June!
So once I get feedback on this, I would like to get some pointers on how to start preparing for the exams, what material to review and study, and to layout a decent enough plan to follow if any.
Looking forward to some inputs on the above queries.
Best Regards
S.
crushPMP
Thu, 03/07/2013 - 21:11
Permalink
All valid questions. I just
All valid questions. I just went through the process so glad to help.
Ideally you need to start filling the application form and document the 4500 hours of PM experience - This should not take more than couple of hours. There are 5 Process groups where the application form asks you the document the hours - Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Control and Closing. It's not necessary that you have to work in all the 5 groups for each and every project you mentioned. Like for example - In one of the project you needed - you just worked with Stakeholders to gather requirements (like a Business Analysts) then just document that - by having the appropriate hours in the Initiating & Planning group.
As far as the description details are concerned - you do not have to mention all the details. I just wrote say 2 to 3 lines about the project and role I played and that's about it. Technical details are not at all necessary, just high level description will do. Example - Project-1: OTC Derivatives electronic trading platform and your role write-up can be - "Was responsible for gathering requirements, managing stakeholder expectations, scheduling and verifying deliverables". Then go on to fill the respective hours in the process groups spent and move onto the next project.
I just did it this way and got the application accepted and approved (with no audit) in 5 business days. I also received the PMP Eligibility ID after paying the exam fees, which I could use to schedule the exam at any Prometric Centre.
For the 35 hours of training - You need to fill that in before you submit the PMP application, there is no way you can submit your "Partial" application w/o the hours and have that added later on. The application goes as a "whole" and the eligibility is determined looking at the 35 training hours and the 4500 document project management experience.
To overcome the dilemma, what I did was paid these simplilearn folks some $100 odd bucks and got the 35 hours using the online 30-day course. I managed to accumulate 35 hours in 4 days and then went ahead and added their REP ID in the application form, which is all what you need. You do not have to document what all did you learn in those 35 hours (I actually learnt nothing). Just telling you a quick way to go over things :-)
From the time you submit your application and pay the exam fee - it will take around 5 to 10 days max and you are ready to start preparing for the exam.
One caveat though, if your application is in the unlucky 10% of the application then you need to spend few more hours to collect proof for the 4500 document PM hours and 35 training credits.
Regarding preparation - I just purchased and started with Rita's book and planning to take the exam before 31st July 2013, that's when the PMBOK 5 kicks in and I don't want to be the gunny pig there.
I can never read the dry PMBOK, so just planning to do Rita and give it a try. Otherwise, I am a smart test-taker so minimalistic studying works for me.
Cheers,
CrushPMP
samyshah
Thu, 03/07/2013 - 23:09
Permalink
Thanks a lot
Thanks a lot for your valuable insight. Pretty much clears up all my doubts to at-least get my application going and getting it accepted. Once that is out of the way and I have an exam date setup (definitely before the 31st July 2013 deadline), I would know better how to plan my course of action for preparation.
I was thinking of starting with Rita's book too (6th edition) and then will go over the PMBOK (4th edition).
Good luck to you !
S.
mercurie
Mon, 03/11/2013 - 07:35
Permalink
A word of caution-
A word of caution- attempting the exam without going thru the PMBOK is not recommended. Go thru it at least once. Rita does not cover 100% of the PMBOK. IMO, Rita is a guide, PMBOK is the textbook.
Like somebody commented on another site, Rita is the tourist guide to New York city, and PMBOK IS New York city. Use the guide to explore the city. Do not read the tourist guide, and go back home believing that you have seen all of NYC.