Tips and tricks for PMP exam

The Project Management Professional exam is a very popular certification, and for a good reason! It's a great way to prove your project management skills to employers and get to know other professionals in the field. This post will guide you through several tips and tricks before taking your PMP exam.

Know the format of the exam and what to expect.

The format of the exam is essential. It would help if you avoided surprises by ensuring you know the information to be covered on the exam, how it will be administered, and how long it will last. Most importantly, you must ensure that you are prepared for the exam format to test your strengths.

Different exams are their "elements" in common - no matter the subject. If you know what to expect and the format, you'll be better prepared to take on the challenge and put your best foot forward. It also helps to take a deep breath and remember that test-taking skills can be acquired through practice, so keep at it!

Become familiar with the PMBOK, Sixth Edition.

PMI has released the "Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Sixth Edition" (PMBOK Guide) along with a companion website. This new publication and accompanying resource site have been created to support project management professionals at all experience levels seeking a common understanding of project management concepts and terminology, best practices, processes, and knowledge areas.

While this new edition is very similar in appearance to the previous edition, there are significant changes made in the PMBOK Guide that you need to be aware of when using this new edition.

Don't trivialize the practice exams.

Test yourself. You're going to be nervous when you take the actual exam, so at least take a few practice tests to prepare yourself for what is likely to be your most significant area of weakness. Focus on time management and eliminating additional answers, and remember that all of the questions on the real test will be multiple choice. After that, formulate a solution for every question on your practice exams, even if it's just "I don't know" or jotting down the correct answer for later review. If you keep these things in mind, you can focus on keeping calm and answering the questions on your test. Practice makes perfect!

Take a mock exam under exam conditions.

To simulate exam conditions, identify 2 or 3 questions you did not answer in the study session. Then, go back to your lecture notes and review the material until you can answer these questions correctly. The goal of these review sessions is to build your confidence so that you do not feel panicked when you sit down for an exam and see a question slightly different from any others you have seen during your study.

It's important to be testing your knowledge every week. This will allow you to spot gaps in your knowledge that can be filled by more studying or from additional resources. If there was only one thing you could change about your exam-taking experience that would dramatically improve your score, this could be it.

Do not cram.

It might seem counterintuitive that cramming is not a good idea, but it is. Cramming will not prepare you for the test. It's ineffective, and in the long run, it doesn't teach you anything.

 Instead of trying to learn everything at once, lean on your course notes as a study guide. Go over each chapter as much as possible. Then, a few days before the test, look up summaries and outlines for the material you will be covering, particularly things that you still struggle with. In essence: use your head for something other than housing beer.

Lastly, remember that the only way to retain the information in a textbook and increase your learning is by actually reading it. That's right, you've heard me. I said "read," not "skim." Skimming might make you wise, but it won't help you learn the material. Instead, make sure, wherever possible, to consolidate your notes as you go along, ideally in your own words. This will make recalling information easier in study sessions later on!

Connect with Project Managers and become a member of PMI

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is an organization for professional project managers. Becoming a member of PMI before taking the exam will give you many benefits. First, PMI offers lower test fees for folks who are members of their organization.

Second, being in touch with other project managers can help you network and find growth opportunities professionally.

Third, group study has many benefits that help you prepare for the exam.

If you're unsure about how to approach a specific question on the test, another person in your group might be able to explain it to you in terms that make more sense. Finally, studying with others can encourage you to stay focused on your preparation plan and meet your study goals more quickly than if you were learning alone.

Conclusion

Taking the PMP exam is an enormous task, and you must be prepared. The more knowledge we have on various topics, the better we can handle unexpected situations during the exam. It takes time and effort, but if you want to pass the exam and get the certification, it's worth spending some time preparing.

Remember that the exam is a challenge, but you can surely pass. If all things are prepared, the chances of getting PMI accreditation are higher. Good luck, guys!