After months of study, you failed your PMP(r). Although it may feel terrible at the time you can use these 13 tips to help you pass your next exam.
The difference between successful and unsuccessful candidates lies in the fact that successful ones don’t spend much time mourning their “failure”, but instead focus on what went right and take the exam again within 2-3 week. It can be frustrating, but don’t lose heart. Here are the steps to succeed on your second attempt.
1) Identify the areas that were not well-mastered and focus your attention on them.
PMI will not give you your test scores but they will tell you if you are below proficient or moderately proficient in each of the five process groups + ethics. Below is an example of PMI’s test score results.
Focus on the process groups you didn’t score well in when you are studying for the second attempt. If necessary, go back to the PMBOK(r), and practice a lot of questions.
2. Make a study plan
You all know the old saying: “Slow and steady wins” instead of studying in a rush to get ready for your exam. Instead, do a little work each day.
Make a study plan that is realistic and manageable. You should have a schedule that includes both reading study guides and answering practice questions. Keep your focus on the areas you are not proficient in.
3. Studying can be integrated into your daily life
It is a good idea to fit studying into your daily life. You can read or watch lectures while you commute to work. Listen to podcasts while you wait in line or at the gym. There are many creative ways to squeeze in a few extra minutes of study.
4. Join an accountability group
Research shows that accountability partners are one of the best ways for you to achieve your goals. You will be more motivated to reach your goals if you surround yourself with people who share the same goal.
Here’s the link to ExamsPM’s LinkedIn PMP(r) study group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8287715
5. Practice, practice, practice
Practice questions are the best substitute for live trainings, as I have stressed many times.
Here’s why PMI is such a large organization. This organization is made up of many departments: customer support, marketing and sponsorship. Test development, PMBOK(r), creation, and maintenance are just a few examples. The PMP(r), which is the certification, is created by a different department than the PMBOK(r), which is responsible for maintaining and updating it.
The team responsible for developing PMP (r) questions interprets the PMBOK (r) guide just as you!
This concept is crucial because it reveals the disconnect between the PMP (r) exam and PMBOK (r) guide. It means that practice questions are the only way to prepare for the PMP (r) exam.
The passing score for PMP(r) is still a mystery. We don’t know the exact passing score for PMP(r), but we can guess that it is somewhere between 61-68%. Learn more about the PMP(r), scoring here.
To determine if you are ready for your PMP(r), a good rule of thumb is to score 80%+ on your 3 full length exams (200 question each) on your first attempt.
6. Take a PMP(r), certification course
Perhaps you need to be taught things in a different manner. Perhaps you didn’t get the proper PMP(r), study material your first time. ExamsPM offers a free 1-hour live class that you can attend if you’re looking for a PMP (r) certification course. It is held once per month.
7. Don’t use past experience
Many candidates who have worked as project managers for decades believe they can draw on their past experience to help them pass the PMP(r). This is false.
PMI has its own way of managing projects. (See: What’s PMI-ism? ), and candidates who use real life experiences to answer PMP(r).
