After working for 12+ years, the thought of returning to books and reading thick PMP books gave me the frights. I decided to take baby-steps.
Get trained
Use the lessons in whatever form you can.
Clear doubts
You must study hard (must have focus and commitment).
Clear doubts (repeat as needed)
Mock tests
You can enrol for the terrible PMP Examination (depending upon mock test results).
Let me begin by thanking Mr. Ashish Sadekar, our trainer and motivator. He taught us not only what was required from a exam standpoint, but also showed us how to manage Projects from the end. His real-life examples helped me to understand a lot more concepts. The pace of the training was perfect for someone just starting in Project Management.
ProThoughts scheduled the PMP training for me in April 2017. Before the training, I had some reservations and self-limiting beliefs. These beliefs seemed to have transformed into confidence and certainty towards the end. Below is the path that I chose to pursue PMP Certification.
Month 1 – April
Participated in the training program.
Month 2 & 3, May & June
I read Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep several times. Some concepts were not clear even after several readings. I began to email my questions and doubts toMr. Ashish Sadekar was quick to respond and clear my doubts, allowing me move on to the next hurdle.
Although many people may disagree with my approach, I decided to stay away from the PMBOK. Although I tried to read it, I found the readings didn’t help me much. I opted for Rita Mulcahy book instead.
The questions at the end each chapter of the prep book were a blessing. I used it as an instant evaluation of how well I understood the subject. I tried those 400 questions multiple time and kept track of my scores on an Excel sheet.
I didn’t attempt to memorize or parrot concepts/subjects during my learning. I tried my best to understand them, and to imagine how I would implement them in an idealistic world.
As part of the learning process, I attempted multiple mock exams (freely accessible on the internet).
I took the mock tests to build my ProThoughts. Despite the hours I spent learning, I scored very low on the first test. However, it gave me the opportunity to reflect on my learning habits and boost my confidence.
I continued to learn from books and online content. I sought clarification from Mr. Ashish Sadekar, and after seeing the results of the second mock test, I felt confident enough to register for the PMP Examination.
I chose the morning slot for the exam 3rd July 2017.
Month 4 – July, Days around “D-Day”,
We didn’t explore any new concepts.
Refused to seek advice from multiple people and stayed true to Rita’s book, as well as the learnings from the training.
Before the exams, Shivers
I finished the exam on time and had enough time to review the answers that I marked before submitting.
Modified some of the marks answers and completed the exam
It said, “PASSED!” !