Project Management Professional (PMP) is one of the highly recognised and desirable certifications in the world of project management. The PMP is a valuable addition to the resume of anyone who is working in Dubai or is thinking of working in the city. Huge projects related to construction, technology, finance and other aspects exist in Dubai. However, visibility into the job market shows that having a PMP certification can help make you unique in this competition.
However, PMP certification is not easy to achieve as it requires passing an examination first. It is a difficult one that one has to take his or her time with. In this blog, you are going to learn the steps and the approaches to use so that you can pass your PMP certification exam Dubai.
Why PMP Certification Matters in Dubai
Dubai is recognized as the city of tall towers and big construction projects which are under construction or are planned to be constructed. Hence, the job is in high demand and more so individuals who are skilled project managers. PMP certification is known all around the world and can prove that you have the ability and the knowledge to manage projects effectively.
It is revealed that in fact, PMP certified professionals are paid significantly more โ about 20% more โ than those individuals who are not PMP-certified. This salary increase is considerable, especially in Dubai where the overall cost of living can be considerably high.
Understanding the PMP Exam Structure
It is crucial to grasp the format of the PMP examination before considering preparation. There are 180 questions that should be answered in 230 minutes; these questions compose the PMP exam. The questions are divided into three main domains:The questions are divided into three main domains:
1. People (42%): This section highlights various aspects of people management that pertain to the management and leadership of a project team.
2. Process (50%): This includes planning and executing, monitoring and controlling projects as well as all other technical issues regarding projects.
3. Business Environment (8%): This area brings out your ability to correlate projects with business objectives besides managing change within organizational projects.
The questions include multiple choice, multiple response, match the following, drag and drop, and fill in the blanks with some words provided.
Steps to follow for preparing PMP exam
1. Examine the Exam Content Outline
The PMI offers an exam content outline; it is a comprehensive roadmap of what is going to be included in the exam. It is therefore important that you download and go through this outline properly. It will assist you to pay much attention to the essential areas as you study.
2. Do a PMP Training Course
It is desirable to take formal training for the PMP examination, but it is advisable to take at least some kind of preparation course. These courses offer you 35 contact hours on project management that is required for the exam. In Dubai, there are several reputable training providers, such as:
– PMI UAE Chapter: Teaches PMP exam preparation courses in the current format of the exam.
ย – ZOC Learnings: Which is famous for offering all round PMP certification courses with all kinds of suitable timetable options.ย
Many of these courses offer courseware, practice tests and tips and tricks from instructors who have already taught them.
3. Use PMP Study Materials
Purchase good quality notes and any other materials that the student will be using for his or her studies. Some of the most popular and reliable ones include:
– PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge): This is one of the best reference materials you will need to use for this examination and it is an official publication of PMI.
– ZOC PMP Exam Prep: As is well recognized, having the capability of breaking down the concepts into easier and providing insights on how to handle the exam.
– Head First PMP: More informative and appealing to the student learning PMP concepts.
Do not forget to also get access to practice questions. Taking practice questions is useful because it prepares one to the specific exam format and the time taken.
4. Create a Study Plan
ย Due to the comprehensive syllabus of the PMP exam, a candidate must set a study schedule. Hereโs a simple plan you can follow:ย
– Week 1-4: Read through the PMBOK and identify the Five process groups and Ten knowledge areas.
– Week 5-6: Spend more time on People and Process domains to study more about the areas that are most weighted.
– Week 7-8: Business Environment domain; listening/quiz questions answers review and difficult lessons.
– Week 9: Begin using full length sample exams LSAT to try assess and evaluate your preparedness.
– Week 10: Topics with lower memory retention, reviewing flashcards, and practice in additional tests.
It is important to maintain the schedule and work, and study systematically at least for some time every day.
5. Join a Study Group
It will be very advantageous to join a PMP study group. It enables you to talk about some issues with other students and know their view. In Dubai, you can find study groups through:
– LinkedIn: Join forums where PMP study groups convene or associate with other workers in the same process of preparing for the exam.
– Meetup: Search for PMP meetups specifically for Dubai where you can attend meetings and participate in discussions, share and trade knowledge and resources.
6. Take Practice Exams
The further examination is a valuable outcome of your training. They accustom you to the exam structure, teach you time utilisation, and expose you to areas you have not mastered. Ideally, it is advised to attempt as many as 3-4 full-length mock exams before the actual examination.
7. Review Exam Strategies
It makes a lot of sense to figure out how to go about the PMP Exam. It is one thing to prepare for the exam, and it is another to prepare with knowledge of how to work the system. Here are a few strategies:
– Time Management: You have approximately one. 3 minutes per question. Donโt invest a lot of time on any question. In case you are unsure of what to do, flag it as such and come back to it later.
– Eliminate Wrong Answers: This means that you need to apply the principle of elimination to make the decision easier to make.
– Stay Calm: It is a lengthy test and the candidate will require a lot of energy and concentration to complete it. Ensure that one practices relaxation and takes a rest during the exam if one needs to.
Exam Day Tips
When the big day arrives, hereโs how to ensure everything goes smoothly:
– Arrive Early: Make sure to arrive at the test center half an hour before the start of the exam to eliminate a chance of stress.
– Bring Required Identification: It is also important to make sure that you carry the relevant identification which the test center might consider.
– Take Breaks: During the exam, there is a possibility to have two 10-minute breaks. Use them to take a break, get your thoughts together and prepare for the rest of the work.
– Read Questions Carefully: Do not be in a rush when going through the questions. Each should be read with special attention in order not to perceive the information distorted.
After the Exam
Upon the completion of the examination, the results are provided to the candidate on the same day that the examination was taken. If you pass, congratulations! You will graduate as a holder of a PMP qualification that acts as evidence that you are a competent project manager. If you fail an exam, donโt be too downcast. Assess your Weaknesses, difficulties, and plan to do the second try.
Conclusion
Gaining your PMP certification in Dubai can make you more employable and can also give you a better paying job. The concept for success is preparation. Know what to expect in the exam as it pertains to the layout, how to come up with the right study schedule, and take advantage of what is offered. But having a good plan and appropriate work, any candidate can easily pass the exam and raise the level of project management competencies. Good luck!
