5 STUDY TIPS FOR THE PMP CERTIFICATION EXAM

PMP Certification Exam Study Tips

• Come Up With a Schedule and Commit to It
• Understand What is Covered
• Find Motivation
• Join a Study Group
• Simulate the Test

Passing the PMP exam can be a stepping stone towards great career opportunities and advancement. The PMP is a globally recognized certification with a coursework wide enough to help individuals apply project management skills in almost all industries. It has been classified by CIO Magazine as a top IT certification that attracts higher salaries and delivers great career advancements. Here are the top five study tips you can apply to help you pass the PMP certification exam.

Come Up With a Schedule and Commit to It

Everyone who studies for the PMP test encounter several topics for the first time. Preparing for these topics require adequate allocation of time and commitment. One must obtain a contact time of at least 35 hours of project management training from approved sources. It is also advisable to spend more time reviewing the official course outline and the framework on which the exam is based on.

Most people study for the PMP exam one year before the actual date. One year is very convenient, as you have enough time to prepare. Other people choose to study a few months before the exams. This is not recommended for those who do not have the necessary experience and are not able to commit themselves to a rigorous study schedule.

Understand What is Covered

The best way to prepare for a PMP certification exam is to understand the items that will be tested. The contents of the exam are articulated in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). Make sure you get a copy of this guide and read, study and understand it. It offers guidance on how to prepare for the exam and the scope of the materials that will be covered. You can also use published books and online resources to obtain some helpful insights on the items tested.

Find Motivation

You need to build the right mindset before you begin to study by finding your motivation. Figure out what you want to read. If your plan consists of study goals you want to achieve, then read them first. This will help you know where you are headed and whether you need to make some adjustments.

Join a Study Group

You need to team up with people who are preparing for the same exam and form a study group. Being in a study group provides you with an excellent platform to review the terms and concepts and decipher intricate issues that might not be easy to understand on your own. You can register for a PMI membership and access your local study groups. Many PMP chapters hold study groups for new members and have local experts who may help with complex topics.

Simulate the Test

Never rely on sample papers alone when handling practice problems in the test. Instead, incorporate comprehensive and computer-based tests when studying. The exam contains 200 questions, and this may be difficult to complete effectively within the allocated time. Simulating enables you to handle the questions properly without running out of time or panicking. For instance, you can tackle the practice questions at the same time as your exam appointment day. Create a quiet environment with limited access to study materials for effective results.

A PMP certification is an important professional document that could open new and lucrative career opportunities. You need to make sure you prepare for the exam adequately so that you get the certificate on the first trial. The study tips discussed above will help you establish an effective strategy for passing the PMP exam.

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