Passing the PMP exam is an important step for many project management professionals and managers to prove their competency in the field. It requires a great deal of study and dedication, especially when it comes to understanding complex concepts and processes.
This article provides 10 essential tips on how to pass the PMP Exam by 2023.
1. Set Weekly Study Milestones And Create Your Own Custom Study Plan
Recent studies have found that the average time spent studying and exam prep for the PMP exam is around 200 hours. This equates to 5 full weeks of studying before exam day, an extensive preparation which can be intimidating to any test taker.
To ensure success on the PMP Exam, it is essential to create a structured study plan and stick with it throughout your whole PMP exam preparation. It’s recommended to set aside 4-6 hours each week devoted solely to studying for the PMP examination.
Starting your exam prep early will help you adequately cover all topics and get familiar with different kinds of questions so that when taking the actual exam you are confident about what is expected from you as a project manager.
Your custom study plan should include time for completing practice questions and making sure that you understand the answers for both correct and incorrect responses. Spend more time on areas where mistakes were made in order to build up your knowledge base and prevent similar errors from occurring again.
Additionally, use resources such as online courses or tutors if needed, depending on how well you understand certain concepts or topics related to Project Management Professional (PMP).
You can start with our free webinar to learn how you can get PMP certified in as little as 2 weeks.
Furthermore, connect with fellow peers who are also preparing for their own certification exam and based off their own experience they may be able to provide valuable advice and support during your journey.
2. Brush Up On The PMBOK Guide + Know Your PMP Formulas
With an effective strategy in place, one must next brush up on knowledge area the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) which provides comprehensive knowledge about project management standards accepted worldwide. Understanding core terms used within this guide will be essential for passing the exam.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. Each process group consists of several processes that must be understood in order to successfully complete projects. There are 49 processes in total. Make sure you understand which tools and techniques belong to each process and which process belongs in which process group.
Additionally, take some time to review the ten knowledge areas covered in the PMBOK Guide—Project Integration Management, Scope Management, Schedule Management, Cost Management, Quality Management, Resource Management, Communications Management, Risk Management, Procurement Management and Stakeholder Management. Being able to recall these concepts quickly during your exam will help you earn those extra points needed for a passing score!
Test-takers should also spend time studying PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct as well as their Tripartite structure (Competence Triangle). These principles provide insight into what project managers should strive for when managing projects professionally; understanding them will demonstrate your commitment to ethical behavior while working as a project manager.
Types of PMP Exam Questions
There are different types of questions that you may encounter on the PMP exam. The 3 main categories are: formula based questions, scenario based questions, and knowledge based questions.
Formula based questions
Formula-based questions can be found on the PMP Exam, and they are used to test a candidate’s knowledge of mathematical formulas and calculations related to project management. These questions require an understanding of key concepts such as earned value, expected value, critical path, cost variance, schedule variance and more.
As with any other type of question on this exam, it is important for candidates to understand each concept in detail before attempting these formula-based questions. Calculators are allowed on the PMP exam, however, you are not allowed to bring your own. You will be provided with one during your exam.
Scenario based questions / Situational questions
Scenario based situational questions on the PMP Exam are designed to assess your ability to apply project management principles in various situations. These types of questions will typically provide a scenario with background information and ask you to analyze the situation and select an appropriate course of action or solution.
Knowledge based questions
On the PMP Exam, there are also some knowledge-based questions that assess your understanding of project management terminology and processes. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of concepts related to planning, scheduling, resource allocation, monitoring and controlling projects and other aspects associated with project management.
3. Do Less Memorizing And More Understanding
Studying for the PMP exam can be like a marathon. Memorizing facts about project management concepts may not be enough to pass the exam. Instead, aspiring test takers should strive to understand the material in order to gain true mastery of the subject matter.
Doing so requires a comprehensive plan which includes reviewing all sections of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide and other project managers’ resources recommended by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Additionally, each section should be studied in depth as an effort to comprehend how concepts fit together and determine where they are applicable in real-world scenarios. It is important for project managers not only know what could happen but also why it might occur and when certain actions would prove beneficial or detrimental to their projects.
4. Take PMP Certification Practice Tests
Taking practice exams provides multiple benefits that are beneficial, and some of these include:
* Identifying areas of weakness: Practice tests provide a comprehensive view of your current level of knowledge on various topics related to project management principles and techniques. These write practice exams will allow you to identify which areas require further study and attention before taking the actual exam.
* Developing test-taking strategies: Through repeated exposure, you can develop specific strategies that help build confidence when it comes to taking exams. Additionally, practice exams also give you insight into what types of questions will be asked on the actual exam, so that you can familiarize yourself with them ahead of exam time itself.
* Building endurance: The duration of the exam necessitates mental stamina and focus throughout its entirety. Taking numerous practice exams and tests helps condition your mind to maintain concentration during long periods without exhaustion or distraction. Furthermore, this builds resilience over time as you become more accustomed to lengthy examinations.
5. Simulate The Exam Environment
As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” Taking practice tests is essential for success on the PMP exam. It allows you to familiarize yourself first and last elements, with both the types of exam questions and the content and preparation material that will be tested. Moreover, it provides a measure of how well you understand the material and what areas need further review or study.
In order to replicate test conditions as accurately as possible in simulated tests, it is important to simulate the actual exam environment when taking practice tests. To do this effectively:
- Set aside dedicated time each day for studying/reviewing course materials
- Allows you to develop an effective study routine while ensuring you have enough time available to adequately prepare
- Make sure distractions are minimized during your testing and your own study session. sessions and your study session. (turn off phone notifications, etc.)
- Prevents mental fatigue from multitasking which can lead to lower accuracy in answering questions
- Take timed tests under realistic exam conditions
- Helps build confidence by getting familiar with pace required for completing all tasks within allotted time frame
6. Use Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic devices are strategies used to remember information more easily. These techniques can be particularly beneficial, as they can help to recall and understand difficult concepts quickly and efficiently.
The following list of sample questions and exam questions is a guide of mnemonic devices that may useful:
1. Acronyms: An acronym is an abbreviation created from the initials of each word within a phrase or sentence. Examples include “SWOT” (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).
2. Rhymes: This method associates words with rhymes which makes them easier to remember. For example, ‘PMI stands for Project Management Institute’ could become ‘PMI rhymes with try.’
3. Chunking: Chunking breaks down information into smaller chunks which makes it easier to process and retain larger amounts of data at the same format at once. For instance, if you need to memorize the 8 steps in project initiation they could be broken up into two parts — steps 1-4 & 5-8.
4. Visualization: Using visual images such as diagrams or charts helps to associate abstract topics with physical representations which increases understanding and retention of material. A common example would be using a mind map to summarize large amounts of information into one image that illustrates key points and relationships between ideas.
These mnemonic devices will enable project managers to effectively learn complex concepts quickly by providing helpful tools for organization, comprehension, storage and retrieval of information in preparation for their upcoming exam date in 2023.
7. Prioritize And Manage Your Time
To help you make the most of your study time in pursuit of passing the PMP certification exam, it’s important to understand how to balance studying with other life commitments.
Creating a balanced schedule that includes regular breaks is key to managing your time effectively when preparing for the actual PMP exam. A great way to get started is by creating a schedule like the one that follows:
Morning: Study – Read Ch 1
Noon: Lunch & Relax – Take break
Evening: Exercise – Go for run!
Having this type of visual representation helps ensure that you are making progress while also giving yourself plenty of opportunities to take care of yourself physically and mentally.
8. Join An Online Community
It’s also beneficial to join an online community where you can interact with other test takers who are going through similar experiences. These people may provide invaluable support throughout your preparation process by offering advice on topics ranging from tips for passing the PMP exam.
Joining an online community is a great way to help one prepare for the PMP certification exam. It offers interactive learning opportunities, as well as access to resources and doing study sessions and materials together. Additionally, it provides peer support from other professionals who are also studying for the test.
The benefits of joining an online community include:
* Accessing study tips and advice from experienced professionals
* Practicing problem-solving skills with sample questions, problems and tests
* Connecting with peers who are in similar situations
* Joining forums to ask and answer questions, and interact with others
* Receiving feedback on practice exams or assessments
An online community can provide more comprehensive knowledge than what may be found through books or other traditional forms of training alone. This type of collaboration gives testers a better understanding of how the exam works, which will increase their chances of success when they sit down to take the real thing.
9. Have A Positive Attitude
Passing the PMP exam all starts with having a positive attitude. Being optimistic about your studies will allow you to enjoy learning new study material instead of feeling overwhelmed by all the information you must process in order to pass the exam. Additionally, maintaining a positive outlook will help motivate you to keep going even when things get tough or seem overwhelming at times.
Having support from family and friends also plays an important role in helping maintain a positive attitude while preparing for the PMP exam. Building up a network of like-minded individuals who are also working towards achieving their PMP certification can provide invaluable advice during moments of self-doubt or discouragement.
At times, celebrating small victories along the way may be just as important as establishing milestones leading up to taking the actual test. Acknowledging progress keeps morale high and prevents burnout from occurring too soon before reaching the ultimate goal: becoming a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
10. Prepare For The Final Push – Know the PMP Exam Content Outline
Developing a study plan that allows for enough time to study course review all material is essential.
It is important to break up studying into smaller blocks so you can focus on each topic individually without feeling overwhelmed. Regularly taking practice tests can help build confidence and familiarize yourself with what kind of questions you are likely to encounter on the actual test day.
Time management during the exam itself is also key, as answering most questions correctly within the allotted time frame will be necessary in order to pass the test.
During your preparation period, practice pacing yourself through mock exams, tests, exams, tests, exams, tests and exams so that by the time of your real exam date, you have become accustomed to working quickly while still maintaining accuracy.
Additionally, create some cheat sheets or flashcards with key concepts and formulas which could potentially save precious minutes when navigating the test.
It is vital not to underestimate just how many hours and much effort goes into preparing for this important, certification exam; however, if approached strategically and consistently, passing the PMP Exam should be achievable in 2023. Make sure you sign up for our free training here to get started and learn how you can get certified in as little as 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The PMP Exam Offered In Other Languages?
The exam is offered in multiple languages, allowing prospective project managers to take the test in their native language.
Allusion can be made to this fact by noting that the PMP is an internationally recognized credential and as such, it stands to reason that it would be available for those who do not have English as a first language.
The variety of languages includes Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Japanese among others; thus providing a wider range of options for those taking the exam from around the world.
What Type Of Score Do I Need To Pass The PMP Exam?
In order to pass the PMP exam, candidates must score at least a minimum passing grade of 61%, as determined by the number of correct answers provided on each of the 200 multiple choice questions asked during the exam.
Candidates should allocate adequate time for preparation and be familiar with all the knowledge areas and topics covered in the PMBOK Guide, which outlines all core knowledge area concepts associated with the test.
Additionally, several other practice questions and tests are available to help aspirants prepare for their upcoming examination.
How Much Does It Cost To Take The PMP Exam?
The cost of taking the PMP Exam in 2023 will depend on a number of factors, such as your geographical location and whether or not you are a PMI member.
Generally speaking, for non-members within the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the fee to take the exam is $555 USD.
For members within these areas, the fee is typically $405 USD.
Additionally, those outside of North America may pay slightly more depending on their region.
It should also be noted that there may be additional costs associated with registering for the test which could include taxes or late fees.
Are There Any Online Resources Available To Help Me Prepare For The PMP Exam?
There are a variety of online resources available to help individuals prepare for the PMP exam. These study resources may include exam simulators, study guides, and PMP exam prep. You can find more info here and get started with our free course.
Is There A Time Limit To Complete The PMP Exam?
The PMP certification exam is a timed test that is four hours and 10 minutes long. This time includes 2 scheduled breaks.
The PMP Exam contains 180 questions designed to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of project management principles, processes, and best project management training practices.
The exam is computer-based and administered at Pearson Vue Centers worldwide.
Conclusion
The PMP Exam is a challenging test and requires proper preparation. With these ten tips, any individual can become better equipped to face the exam with confidence.
Imagery of success should be used as motivation throughout this process; envisioning the feeling of accomplishment that comes along with passing the PMP Exam will help keep you motivated.
With dedication, hard work and determination it is possible to pass the exam in 2023 and achieve your dream of becoming a project manager.
The journey may not always be easy but by following these guidelines, you can feel assured that you have done everything necessary to maximize your chances for success on the PMP Exam and move closer toward achieving your goals.