Too Much Information?

Another Perspective on How to Prepare for the PMP Exam

Are you overwhelmed, thinking about how to prepare for your exam?  Flash cards, videos, online tests, transcender, text books, PMPBOK, etc.,?  I call it “information paralysis”! STOP!  You need to first assess your knowledge base to know what tools you should use.  Why pull out the jack hammer when a rubber mallet will work.  It is NOT a one size fits all.

In order to assess baseline of knowledge, I found the best tool to be the Transcender exam.  (Note:  this is your “initiate” phase.)  Take the test first but do not be discouraged at the results.  Use these results to map out your study strategy.  (Note: this is your “planning” phase.)

Next, based on the weakest and strongest knowledge areas, use the transcender exam tool that allows you to select only questions from these two knowledge areas. (Note: this is your “execute” phase.)  When doing these questions, check your answers as you move through each question.  Based on your response, use your tools to STUDY the materials.  I found that the transcender referenced the PMPBOK very nicely and it was the best source.  However, the Phillips book explains things better if you are stuck on a concept.

Based on your learning habits, create notes, flash cards, audio tapes, etc.,.  My method was to create a spreadsheet of what I needed to reinforce as well as highlighting the PMPBOK.

Make certain that you are tracking your progress with the test scores! (Note: this is your “monitor & control” phase.)  Once you are confident in these two areas, choose the next two knowledge areas and repeat the process – just like on a project! Retake the same exam you took to be pleasantly surprised at your results!

BEST KEPT SECRET – Personally for me, I mainly used the PMPBOK to study.  I found it easy to cross-reference the transcender exam questions to the PMPBOK.  I used the charts from each BOK area to learn the inputs, outputs and tools/techniques.  In fact, join PMI and then you get an electronic version free – download it to your Kindle for ease of use!

I should stress that knowing the BOK matrix is VERY IMPORTANT to help you in both studying and exam prep.  I again found the PMPBOK to be the best resource of information.

So, there you have it!  A process to eliminate the “information paralysis” and to focus on a methodology you can tailor to your study habits.  Next time, I will share what I would not have done and what I would have done differently to prepare for taking the exam.

Oh, almost forgot, you will need to go into the exam with confidence.  Your goal is to pass the exam. (Note: this is your “close” phase.)  You adopted a strategy, made a plan, executed the plan and  monitored your progress and controlled distractions.  Hmmmm, sounds like a project plan to me!

Cheryl Pavlacka, PMP

Note:  Cheryl is a certified Project Management Professional whom I had the pleasure of teaching in a PMP Certification prep class.  Transcender is an online certification preparation software application produced by KAPLAN IT Learning.

Will Any Road Get You There?

"If You Don't Know Where You're Going, Any Road Will Get You There." --The Cheshire Cat, Alice In Wonderland

But you know where you're going and this strategy will help to get you there.

Greetings PMP candidates! I hope that you’ve taken the first step towards earning the PMP certification.  Specifically I’m referring to a written plan.  The benefits of committing your study plan to a written document are so significant it is critical that you do so as soon as possible. Consider a few of the benefits of a written study plan:

1.   A written plan provides clarity. Writing down your plan forces you to think about how, when and where you will study for the PMP certification exam.

2.   It will motivate you to take action. Articulating your intention is important, but it is not enough. Writing down your plan and reviewing it regularly encourages you to take the next step.

3.   A written plan will help you overcome disruptions (PMBOK constraints). Every meaningful project or goal encounters disruption(s). From the moment you commit your plan to paper, you will begin to experience disruptions. I often describe this phenomenon as “life getting in the way”. If you focus on the disruption, it will only get stronger. The way to overcome it is to focus on the goal…PMP certification.

4.   It will enable you to track your progress. As you reach milestones (do you remember that term) you will be able to see how far you have come and how far you need to go. And don’t forget, a written plan provides opportunities to celebrate along the way toward attaining your goal, PMP certification. 

Okay, I know what you are thinking…why be so formal.  I have a plan “in my head”.  Ask yourself one question, would you manage an important project on the job using a plan that’s only “in your head”.  The obvious answer is NO! This plan is for an important project that will impact your career. It deserves the same if not MORE attention than a project on your job.

An example of a written plan schedule is in the Joseph Phillips Book - ALL-IN-ONE CAPM/PMP Project Management Certification Page 12.  Use it as a template, a starting point and create a plan that works for you. Remember that you need to commit to a designated time and location as well. So get busy and put pen to paper and don't stop until you have a plan.

I welcome you comments.

Ed Green, PMP

PS – Don’t forget to incorporate time to apply for the exam into your plan.