Have you lately filled Project Management Professional (PMP) application and wish to prepare for the PMP exam? Great career move! The PMP Certificate is a highly sought-after career demarcation in both prosperous and challenging economic times. It is the recognition of “demonstrated knowledge and skill in leading and directing project teams and in delivering project results within the constraints of schedule, plan, and resources” (Project Management Institute) Each candidate submits past project management history in an application process, and then must pass a 4 hour / 200-question PMP exam. If you’re planning for effective project management professional exam preparation, keep reading the blog; you are on the right track.
How to begin your PMP Exam Journey?
Aside from the fact that you’ll need to attend 35 contact hours to sit for the exam, studying for the PMP exam itself is a project unto itself. Just like most certification exams, you have three basic ways of preparing for the exam: classroom-training, online courses and self study. But don’t feel limited to just one. Many people who have passed the exam have used a combination of these. Project Management Professional Exam preparation strategies by Zoc Learnings can make it more structured.
Option 1:Classroom-Based PMP Certification Training
It requires the least amount of self-discipline and comes in a variety of flavors. Your local Project Management Institute (PMI) chapters and PMI “Registered Education Providers” (REPs) offer workshops, boot camps and classes specifically designed to teach not only what you must know, but how you will be asked to demonstrate it. Make sure your trainer is a PMP; taking the exam is an experience unto itself, and you want to know that your instructor has “been there/done that.” Classroom-based training can account for all or part of your 35 contact hours required to sit for the PMP exam.
Option 2: PMP Certification Online
Online courses are great for people on the go and are usually less expensive than classroom training because of the course provider’s lower overhead. They are usually much cheaper than instructor-led classroom courses. This option requires a medium amount of self-discipline in that you have the flexibility of studying within your schedule. Online courses usually offer a combination of webinars that you watch, web pages that you read, and documents/PDF sample tests that you download or print to study.
Some have deadlines, and some do not, so though you have the freedom to complete sections on your own, you’ll need a medium amount of self-discipline to ensure that you finish within the time allowed by you or the requirements of the course itself. Like the Classroom-Based Training, online courses can account for all or part of your thirty-five (35) contact hours required to sit for the PMP exam. If this is important in your plan, be sure to confirm before you sign on the dotted line.
Option 3:Self Study for PMP Exam
It is the least expensive and therefore the most common way that people study for the PMP Exam, and requires the most self-discipline. The good things about this method are that you’ll save money and you can prepare on your own time. That also means you’ll need to be motivated.
The biggest PMP exam myth is you’ll face using this method are that you’ll have to create your lesson plan and schedule, and you’ll have to evaluate and buy your materials. If you’re dedicated and focused, this is a great way to prepare. Furthermore, self-study cannot be counted towards the 35 contact hour requirement. You must use classroom or online training for that.
Regardless of which method you choose, most successful people who pass the PMP exam supplement self-study preparation with at least a classroom and/or an online course. With the introduction of portable media players such as the iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, and Zune, many choose a combination of online training and self-study: Downloadable videocast and/or podcast courses allowing you to take the material with you and study anywhere and anytime. It’s a very powerful, cost-effective, time-saving, and goal-oriented solution.
Project Management Professional Exam Preparation: Manage The Time During Your PMP® Exam
One important suggestion I have for those taking the Project Management Professional (PMP)® Exam training is that to manage the time allotted to answer each question on the exam. Call it budgeting, call it time management, call it whatever you want; but do it! You need to walk into the examination room with a clear plan on how many questions you will answer per hour, when you plan on taking a break, and what you will do if time seems to be running out.
But that’s just one of many possible approaches, and you should define your own. And by having a plan and implementing it, you will relieve a lot of the exam pressure. So, plan well and budget your time wisely to succeed.
But that’s just one of many possible approaches and you should define your own. And by having a plan and implementing it you will relieve a lot of the exam pressure. So plan well, and budget your time wisely to succeed.
Project Management Professional Exam Preparation: Final Thoughts
Project Management Professional Exam Prep is time-intensive-it includes an analytical and strategic approach. With so many paths available, like project management professional PMP certification online classes, self-study, and classroom training, you can select whatever aligns with your goal. However, at Zoc Learnings we provide you with project management pmp certification online to accelerate your career. Contact us to begin your PMP exam journey.
Project Management Professional Exam Preparation FAQ
Q1: How to prepare for PMP certification?
A: Check out the eligibility criteria and enroll for the 35-hour PMP Certification Online course offered by Zoc Learnings, use the PMBOK Guide, and take the PMP mock exam to reinforce your learning.
Q2: Is the PMP exam hard?
A: Because of its intricacy and practical application of project management concepts, the PMP exam is indeed difficult. It requires conceptual understanding, in-depth education, and critical thinking skills. Preparation is the key to success.
Q3: How to study for PMP?
A: To study for the PMP exam; create a structured approach. For example, you can join PMP certification online training, learn from forums, and review the content.
Q4: How long does PMP certification last?
A: PMP certification expires after 3 years. To maintain it, you need to earn 60 (Professional Development Units) within that time.
Q5: Is the PMP exam open book?
A: No, the PMP certification exam is not open book. You need to prepare well for the PMP Exam test.
Q6: Tell some PMP Exam Tips
Here, are some PMP Exam Preparation tips that can help you succeed
1- Stay calm even when you feel overwhelmed with PMP Syllabus
2-Practice Time Management Techniques
3- Use PMBOK Guide for the PMP mock exam
4-Understand the concepts rather than learning them.
Q7- What is the project management professional exam cost?
The PMP exam cost breakdown is as follow
For PMI Members-$405
For Non PMI Members-$555
