If you will be taking the PMP exam in the future, please read on. This is my story with regards to my pursuit of the PMP Certification.
General Test Tips
- Many questions involved picking the “best” of several correct answers
- The technique of eliminating 2 answers first didn’t work in some cases…for many there were 3 correct answers to choose the “best” one from
- I don’t remember any questions that involved picking which answer is NOT correct
- There was a calculator program built into the CBT software, was not allowed to bring in my own calculator (it may be different for you, I suggest you check with your examination place beforehand)
- I brought bottled water and some light snacks, and took a break at least every 45 minutes. It was good to just stare out the window and clear my mind of PMP-related thoughts for 5-10 minutes.
- It took me only 2 1/2 hours, but I could see how if you are not a native english-speaker it may take longer to interpret the questions properly.
My Preparation
- PM Prepcast (comes with some sample questions, study guide, etc. and gives you the required 35 contact hours of education)
- PMBoK Guide (reference only, I never read through it)
- Using the concepts whenever possible on my project
- 2 weeks before the test, no more studying. Only sample questions. All the free sample questions I could find plus the ones I got with the PM Prepcast
My Favorite Tool
I listened to the PM Prepcast on drives to and from work, and because he gives so many examples of real-world situations it helped me “internalize” the concepts so I really understood them.
I didn’t spend any time trying to memorize inputs and outputs, etc. If there was something I needed to see, I made a mental note and then when I got to work or home I’d pull out the PMBoK guide and reference the section in question to better understand it. For the most part, I just used the graphics and flowcharts in the PMBok guide for reference.
Another great feature of the PM Prepcast is the dilligence with which the company keeps the training up to date when anything changes. When PMI moved to the PMBOK Guide 4th edition, the training was revamped. When updates were made to the exam on August 31, 2011 there were a host of new tutorial videos specifically addressing the update.
Why Did I Pursue The PMP?
The primary reason I did the PMP was so I can have it on my resume and not get it thrown in the trash before a potential employer even talks to me. The PMBoK is a standard, not best practices. It’s a framework, not a methodology for how you should actually manage a project. I know some have said that some firms actually screen out people if they have a PMP certification. That is a very small number indeed, and truthfully I wouldn’t want to work with them anyway. If someone ASSUMES incompetence on the basis of having earned a certification, then they are more consumed with their own ideological stance on the matter than hiring a qualified candidate.
No, the majority of employers who know anything about what the PMP is are screening for it, not against it. Therefore, it is important to me from a pragmatic standpoint that I put myself in a position to best support my family with the value I bring to the firms I work with. The PMP is but one of many things I’ve done and continue to do in order to market my skills and value effectively. I understand that this certification does not certify me as a project manager, nor does it certify any level of competency. I think it’s a signal that I have a minimum level of knowledge about project management and have some familiarity with formal practices laid out in the PMBoK standard.
The REAL Benefit
Now, the primary benefit I’ve received was NOT as a result of earning the certification. It was during the process of studying for it and applying the concepts in my day job, alongside other frameworks and methodologies and specific processes necessary for my project’s situation. When I wrote a management plan that was not in line with the PMBoK, I understood exactly how and why, and that there’s nothing wrong with that. I can’t stress enough the value I received from the PM Prepcast. It’s worth 10 times what I paid for it. It was so much better than any boot camp, training class, or prep book. I wasn’t about to pay upwards of $1,000 for a boot camp or training class. Those things mostly focus on memorization or take a lot of time and money. I studied while I was driving and got lots of real-world examples to bring the concepts to life. I’m confident that if I took the PMP exam again a year from now, I’d pass it with no problem because I know this stuff, I didn’t just memorize it.
No related posts.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Congradulations Josh,
I’m taking the PMP-Risk Management exam in 2009. No PMP for me though. There are yet to be discovered benefits. Most of our staff are PMP’s and while some need a “refresher” it becomes a basis of common understanding. If only to bring people back to reality when a client or another partner does some “bone headed” activity around the PM aspects of the project.
Great job Josh! You are my inspiration, as the PMP Certification is my next hurdle to jump, as I just recently became CAPM certified.
I am curious, how long did it take you to study to prepare yourself to sit of the PMP exam using PM Prepcast? I don’t have a lot of extra time on my hands to study, and I have been researching my options, and I have found an accelerated exam prep course that stands out.
Cheetah Learning offers an exam prep that gets you through the exam Prep course in 4 days, and you take the Test on your 5th day, and are guaranteed to pass the test or you get your money back (they will pay for you to take the test a few more times, and if you don’t pass, you don’t pay). That combined with the fact that they received the Provider of the Year Award by PMI gives me faith that they know their stuff. So I planning on going that route, as I was successful with them taking their CAPM online Prep course and obtaining my CAPM certification.
Thanks for sharing your success story with us!
Kristen Kent
kristenkent123@gmail.com
Congratulations, Josh,
As you know, I am no fan of either PMI or the PMP, but I’d say your perspective is a fair and realistic one and I wish you luck.
As I believe I stated before, if you are serious about project management as a career path, then I would urge you to fore go the certifications and get a Master’s degree in project management, specializing in your area of expertise.
People can say what they want, and I am sure my opinions will raise the ire of a few, but if you want to be perceived as a professional anything, the underlying degree is essential. (If you don’t believe me, look at nursing)
What I would urge you to look at instead of just IPMA and PRINCE2 would be the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering’s (AACE) credentials. http://www.aacei.org/certification/certExplained
While these credentials are mostly knowledge based, AACE has been around longer than PMI and despite a rather abysmal choice of names, and a TERRIBLE job marketing, are essentially the people who staff most project management offices. (PMO) The reason I tout AACE is their focus on the TECHNICAL aspects of project management (quantitative based credentials as opposed to PMI’s vocabulary based approach)
Bottom line remains- when all is said and done, certifications and degrees mean nothing, if you are unable/incapable of delivering successful projects, and the real obstacle to me seems to be companies who don’t really understand project management and what it can and cannot do.
BR,
Dr. PDG, watching the snow fly near Boston.
Congratulations, Josh. Professional Certifications serve as proof that you take your profession seriously and that you have strength of purpose sufficient to set a goal, plan your approach, do the work, and reach the goal. That is precisely what many of us do in our lives.
Chet,
Am I correct in understanding that you are claiming project management to be a “profession”? If yes, I am curious to learn on what basis are you make this claim?
We do not control the body of knowledge;
We do not have financial accountability for our decisions;
We do not have a fiduciary obligation to put the “safety, health and welfare” of the client above those of our bosses, employers and clients;
We (generally) do not have control over the decisions pertaining to how the projects are planned, executed and controlled;
In short, there are some 22 intrinsic and extrinsic attributes necessary to have an occupation recognized and accepted as a “profession”, and project management meets NONE of them.
NOW, having explained that, are there PROFESSIONAL project managers? Yes, of course. But just because there are professionals doing what we do for a living, does not mean that what we do is a profession. To conflate the two is false logic and is an embarrassment, especially given the rather abysmal track record of so many project managers to deliver on time, within budget, substantially conforming to specifications, while substantially meeting or exceeding the purpose for which the project was undertaken.
BR,
Dr. PDG, watching the snow fall west of Boston
Kristen, I bought the PrepCast a while ago, but didn’t really start listening to it regularly until probably about August or September of this year. I listened only while in the car, so no extra time there. I did start spending a few hours on the weekends and weekdays here and there to review pages in the PMBoK guide I needed to reference based on the audio lectures if I didn’t fully understand something. Within 2 weeks of the test I spent probably 10-15 hours total doing sample questions.
I believe you could pass with Cheetah, but personally I frown on “boot camps” because they are designed to have you memorize info and take the test immediately. I feel like I really know the PMBoK framework well and understand whether something I’m doing in my day job is in line with, or deviates from, that standard. (I have no problem deviating from PMBoK)
To me, a boot camp is like training someone to memorize questions to get a piece of paper that doesn’t mean anything when you are through. It is important to me to understand the concepts at a gut level so that I can use them.
As an indicator (not a goal) I could probably brush up with a few sample questions and pass it again a year from now, but only because I focused on the knowledge and concepts, not memorization.
Kristen,
Look at what you and Josh have written and ask yourself “How much credibility should anyone put in ANY credential that you can earn by taking a 4 day “boot camp” course OR by listening to a 35 hour podcast?”
We gotta be real here!! Chet is calling what we do a “profession” yet, PMI does not even require that the 4500/7500 hours were spent working on projects that were “successful”.
Would you get open heart surgery knowing your cardiologist had never operated successfully on a live patient? Would you get on the next commercial airliner knowing that the pilot had never actually taken off and landed a real airliner? Yet I see people like you getting all excited about taking a 4 hour, multiple choice examination, (which only requires ~62% to pass!!) after taking a 4 day boot camp or 35 hour podcast? Gimme a break, folks!!!
IF we want project managers to earn the right for what we do to be considered a “profession”, (or even an evolving or emerging profession!!) then we need to lose our mindless pursuit of empty certifications and focus more on delivering projects on time, within budget in substantial conformance to specifications.
BR,
Dr. PDG snowbound in Boston
WOW DR PDG
I am a former Marine.
You probably get a lot of hate mail because of your candid comments but I understand your passion.
I thought I would just stop by this site and ask a few questions about my interest in the PMP.
I think I’ll stay now. I like hearing different points of view so I can make my own decision.
In my case, I have been studing my butt of since I retired from the Marine Corps. I received my Bachelors in Information Technology and my Masters in Project Management.
Every posting on this site has information the writer feels improves their intellect as a project manager. A profession or a professional; from my standpoint if the PMP improves your quality of performance, good on you for taking the exam.
Dr. PDG you are right in your assertions of quality project managers not being identified by the PMP Cert only. Maybe your even right in saying not at all.
I will finish by saying, 98% of my projects are finished on time and within budget. I balance life and work but most of all I understand dealing with people and understanding the most arragant and strait forward people bring the most to the table.
Hope Josh and you spend some time helping me with the decision point; Will the PMP Cert benifit me?
Congratulations Josh.
And nice post.
Dr. PDG, if someone claims it is more than it is, you are justified in your criticism. If someone supports or earns the PMP for what it is, and no more, I think your criticism is unwarranted. All major standards and methodologies are worth learning about, including the PMBoK. The PMP certifies knowledge of one particular standard and some basic project experience. It does have value, insofar as it certifies this.
I agree that the PMP is not a certification of competence. That doesn’t mean it’s worthless, even if you think so. I agree it’s been over-marketed, and I know quite a few PMP’s who are completely useless as project managers. Many of them memorized instead of understood the standard. It’s not that understanding the standard would have suddenly made them great project managers; it’s the attitude in general the led them to seek a certification for the piece of paper instead of the knowledge gained along the journey. The same thing can happen with college degrees.
I have an undergraduate degree in project management, and it was well worth the investment because I learned so much along the way. Education is great, but getting a degree in business or anything else doesn’t mean a graduate is someone you want to have working for you. Even a professional degree in medicine or law just means someone has been through a more rigorous path whereby a greater percentage will be competent and successful. The institutions still turn out crappy lawyers and doctors too, mostly because of the attitude or ethics of the individual. There are many factors at play.
An advanced certification is great too. I wish IPMA had more clout in the US so that employers recognized what the heck it is. In addition, I just started at a new company last year, and although I retained descriptions of projects I managed at my last employer, I didn’t keep proprietary things like project plans and schedules. I also highly doubt my past employer would allow asapm/IPMA access to project artifacts from my past projects since I no longer work for them, and my direct manager left the company around the same time I did. As far as I can tell, I have to start from scratch with my present employer, and if I’m with them long enough perhaps I can get them to allow asapm/IPMA to come in with NDA’s and view federal government artifacts that are source selection sensitive, etc.
Kristen, I bought the PrepCast a while ago, but didn’t really start listening to it regularly until probably about August or September of this year. I listened only while in the car, so no extra time there. I did start spending a few hours on the weekends and weekdays here and there to review pages in the PMBoK guide I needed to reference based on the audio lectures if I didn’t fully understand something. Within 2 weeks of the test I spent probably 10-15 hours total doing sample questions.
I believe you could pass with Cheetah, but personally I frown on “boot camps” because they are designed to have you memorize info and take the test immediately. I feel like I really know the PMBoK framework well and understand whether something I’m doing in my day job is in line with, or deviates from, that standard. (I have no problem deviating from PMBoK)
To me, a boot camp is like training someone to memorize questions to get a piece of paper that doesn’t mean anything when you are through. It is important to me to understand the concepts at a gut level so that I can use them.
As an indicator (not a goal) I could probably brush up with a few sample questions and pass it again a year from now, but only because I focused on the knowledge and concepts, not memorization.
Hi Josh,
Unfortunately, not everyone is as well versed in project management as you are, nor are they as objective. As I noted in a previous post, your assessment of the PMP was a realistic and appropriate one. But let me assure you, that insight and perspective is not shared by everyone.
Worse yet, PMI has implicitly if not explicitly encouraged the over valuing of the PMP. I have an article (written in Mandarin) from around 2000, that the PMP in China was considered to be equal to having an MBA or MPA!!! One of the reasons I dropped out of PMI and did not renew my PMP had to do with the fact that since 1998 or thereabouts, the organization no longer shared my beliefs and values as a life long, professional project manager.
As for the issues concerning degrees, I would tend to partially disagree with you. IF you hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in Project Management is says you are committed to the practice. Now, you may or may not be GOOD at project management, but having a degree in the field at least says you are not an “accidental” project manager- that project management was a conscious career path choice. As one of the 22 attributes of a profession is lifetime or at least long term commitment, holding a degrees in a field of expertise stands as evidence of that.
Lastly, regarding competency based credentialing, AACE has taken a somewhat different approach than IPMA has. Under AACE’s “C3PM” (Certified Portfolio, Program and Project Manager) credential, you have to maintain and submit a log book, much the same as a commercial pilot or SCUBA diver does. This logbook is signed off “as you go” by at least three witnesses, one of which must be the client or customer, a peer and a superior or boss. This eliminates the need for the assessors to actually see examples of your work. AACE also recognizes the PMP and other knowledge based certifications, including their own to address the knowledge component.
Bottom line- I believe it is our professional obligation to stand up and offer information to counter the marketing hype which has built the PMP into something much, much larger than what it was originally intended to be. For in the end, those who got their PMP via memorization, then don’t have a clue as to how to plan, execute or control projects, stand to hurt the image of people like you and I, who have chosen project management as a career path. Now that you have your PMP, are you willing to tolerate those who denigrate or destroy the value of what you have just earned? Of your chosen career path?
Happy Holidays!!!
BR,
Dr. PDG, getting ready to shovel out in Boston
Dr.,
I cannot say I fully agree with you doc. PMP as a qualification is not only a route to become a project manager but it also broadens your knowledge level. PMP helps you think systematically and make you focus on key issues and helps you manage risk proficiently to complete any work at hand not necessarily a project.
Well, I just joined this community. Josh has certainly done a good job marketing this site in Twitter and elsewhere, and kudos for fronting another community. Having just stepped in, and clicking the first article to browse (this one), I became intrigued with the comments in this article, and felt compelled to make a post.
First off, I haven’t read anything other than this article thus far on this site, but Dr. PDG shares my sentiments on this topic almost precisely, with the key being that Project Management is a discipline, not a career. On the contrary, people seem to be making a career out of pushing the PMI as the Messiah.
As it pertains to software development, the Project Manager is typically one of two things in small to medium orgs – there’s a third thing, but that represents the population of folks with no business managing projects. The first is a resource who’s technically savvy, couragous, able to spot good architecture from bad architecture…the second is a resource with strong business sense, understands project management’s 3-legged stool, and is a strong customer facing persona. The former could be described as a Team Lead, while the latter fits the mold of an Account Manager. I wrote a similar comment earlier today about the beauty of having both sets of qualities in a single individual. Rare on the street today, but if you find someone like this, he should be picked up immediately. Mold this person, and s/he could probably be one of your best assets. Consider propelling your career by attaining a Grad level degree to refine, polish, and round out your resume. If you plan to stay in a position utilizing project management for your life, then by all means get a Master in Project Management. But, a quality MBA can be more powerful because it shows employers that you’re not trained in a hard coded discpline and it can boost your career path if upper mgmt is your focal point. I guess I’m just saying that a well rounded Grad degree gives you more options in terms of long term career goals. I certainly don’t mean to belittle our discpline or suggest that a PM role is a stepping stone to greener pastures. I just wanted to put a twist on this topic.
Loads of snow/ice in the NW,
-Paul
Congratulations, Josh. I have had the personal pleasure of learning about project management practices in the same undergrad program with Josh. He has always been an inspiration to me and is a consistent leader who adds tremendous value to those around him. Great job.
I had a dream once. That dream was to become a project manager. Not just any project manager, I wanted to be the best project manager. So I started down the path of obtaining a B.S. degree in project management. The thought was that this was a growing “profession” and good project managers were in demand. Part way through my academic experience, I learned of this thing called a PMP. If I got the PMP, the clouds would part, the angles would sing, and the rays of heaven’s goodness would rain down upon me. Project managers were not considered real project managers unless they could put the three little letters of PMP behind their name. Come hell or high water, I had to become a PMP.
Now I am a little older, a little wiser, and more experienced by working in a project management environment. The PMP does not make the project manager. The project manager makes the project manager. It is about attitude, as Josh stated. The journey of obtaining a PMP is well worth it. I do not condone the PMI nor the PMP certification. Any learning experience is worth the journey. The PMP to me helps unify project stakeholders by presenting a common understanding of best PM practices. Like this website for example.
Project management is absolutely not a profession. It is, however, a practice of art and science in a organization. Great project managers must strike a balance between management and leadership. We lead from the middle, we continuously improve ourselves and those around us, we communicate often and provide direction, we take risk and offer solutions, we choose to make a difference, and most of all we are of our own creation through our choices. Choosing to obtain the PMP does not make you a better PM, but it does make you a better person for trying.
Possessing a M.B.A has also lost value, but that has not stopped me from obtaining the degree. The M.B.A will not make me a better business man, but the journey of learning about best business practices is worth it. The journey of learning is not just about obtaining knowledge, it is about doing with what you know that makes the difference. Sharing our individual experiences through the responses on these PMstudent posts is a great example of this. Some of us are PMP certified, some of us are doctors, some of us are consultants, and some of us are just starting our journey of learning about project management. With the certifications, degrees, and personal bias aside, we are a community of PMStudents. Thanks to Josh for this experience. Congratulations again to Josh for making a difference.
Just a quick comment as I was reading over the comments on this post from the past few days.
I agree, the PMP Certification is not the end all in proving your worth as a project manager. Cheetah has encouraged me to continue to develop and demonstrate my capabilities with a pmscorecard – so I couldn’t agree more with the sentiments below. Its about demonstrating performance over time – the CAPM and PMP certifications just prove that you are comitted to improving your knowledge and shows you have some initiative, which is always a plus to incorporate something tangible and quantifiable to the skills required to be an effective project manager.
Just my two cents,
Soaking up the sun on a much needed Hawaiian vacation.
Kristen Kent
Hi everybody,
Congratulation Josh!
I just finished university and started a job as a PM. FYI it is an economic degree with a specialisation in Project Management and my masterthesis was about PM. I’am thinking about getting certified for some time now and I’m not sure if I should do it or not. From your discussion here I think I will be fine with my university studies, since my specialisation was bulit on IPMA standards. Although our professor is licensed to certify us he unfortunately didn’t do so… From that point of view and with those things you wrote down here I’m not sure if a certification is necessary for me. Nevertheless a certification is a nice thing to have and I probably could learn new things. What to do now …
Hi Henning,
Given you are EU based and already hold a Masters related to PM, my best recommendation to you would be to seek out IPMA’s Level C or B. As they are not just knowledge based (as is the PMP) but COMPETENCY based, while the IPMA credentials are not quite as well known, they do carry more credibility, at least in the EU.
Best of luck to you regardless of which path you choose…..
BR,
Dr. PDG, Jakarta
Hi Dr. PDG,
thank you for the advise. I’ll see what to do.
Happy planning!
Henning
Congrats on passing the exam. Funny how the different test centers have different rules, the one I went to had no trouble with providing me a calculator when I asked for one. It seems the rules about what to bring to the PMP exam vary by test center. Why are you planning on tackling the IPMA/asapm certification next if you have the PMP?
Congrats ! i just passed mine on last Jan 29th. I did it in the 1st try but I started studying 3 months earlier. Just logon to dpmethods.wordpress.com for my own way of passing the PMP exam.
I am based in JKT and KL and english is not my native language anyway I guess i was fortunate enough to pass and feel relieved.
Josh, thank you for adding value to my social media experience – glad to have connected with you on twitter – Congratulations on passing the PMP, and guess what…
I’m next!!
Thanks for your encouragement – I just shared this on my facebook page – more social media value! Hope it helps you.
Vickie
@Vickie_Smith
Josh,
Thanks for all the useful information. Your efforts show in the work so as your passion of PM.
I had already purchased PM-PrepCast and listening to it on my way to work and home. I’ve downloaded the episodes on my iPhone.
I know this is not right question for this forum, but I was hoping if you can help me, since you have used Podcast from PM-Prep.
My problem is the episodes are not sorted in right order, so when I play the podcast while driving, I have to pick up the iphone and search for next episode to play, otherwise it plays some random episode.
I tried everything I found on itune help groups, to no avail. Just curious if you faced same issue and fixed it.
Your help is appreciated.
Warm Regards,
Tejashree
Congratulations! Great article, Josh. I enjoyed reading it. Welcome to club of PMPs. Employers are increasingly asking for PMP certification for project management positions. And, I can totally understand why. The amount of knowledge and information you gain for practicing PM is invaluable.
As for the PMP certification training, I think there are some excellent resources available. For my personal taste, I prefer live training. If you’re in bay area (CA), I highly recommend ultimateinsuccess. They are fabulous and have great track record.
Regards,
_Kuntal
http://twitter.com/KuntalThakore – My PM blog
Josh/Dr. PDG/Others,
I was just going through the internet and since I am already involved in projects in my various roles during my 9+yrs of being in the IT/ITES industry, I thought it was time to get myself an industry recognised certification. I have a MA in Arts (history at that) and have been working with Mainframes, AIX, Project Mangement, Infrastructure Management etc.
What I have gleaned is that you still need an industry certification if you are still climbing. For those of you who have already done their certification and have the knowledge, it doesnt matter. But for those of us who are still to get industry recognition, it still is a valid certification and worth pursuing. I am in total agreement that having a piece of paper does nothing to your career or earning potential. My MA in History is a proof of that. But things would have been entirely different if I did NOT have that certification.
Just saying.
George
@George,
The ethical and moral question we need to be asking ourselves is whether the PMP (or any other credential for that matter) is or should effectively be allowed to become a LICENSE to practice?
I have no problem with this if people who held their PMP (or any other credential) could demonstrably lay claim to the fact by holding that credential, they are in fact, more COMPETENT practitioners.
But I have yet to see ANY credible research showing that people who have their PMP are in fact more competent. And if you look at the latest (2009) Standish Chaos Report, once could certainly infer that despite ~500,000 PMP’s that project management is in fact getting WORSE, not better?
So forget the marketing hype that PMI, APM, IPMA or any other organization pushes or encourages- as PRACTITIONERS, should we be allowing these professional organizations to be inferring or implying that people who hold these credentials are somehow more competent, without validated research to prove it? Isn’t allowing this to happen a violation of most professional codes of ethics/code of conduct?
It is up to US as practitioners to tell our management, our HR departments and anyone else who will listen that the emperor is naked….
To do less is to be abdicating our responsibilities as professional practitioners….
BR,
Dr. PDG, Jakarta
http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
{ 7 trackbacks }