STUDENTS AND ALUMNI STORIES
Story No. 1: SPREADSHEETS AND AUDIT
“I had been thinking about pursuing my PMP for quite some time before actually acting on it. As a first step, I got a PMI® membership and navigated the PMI® website through all the available resources. Finally, I started the PMP registration process and realized it was quite the task, declaring and documenting previous project management experience I’d gained over the last 8 years and 15+ projects. It took no time for me to decide that this was a spreadsheet task. I immediately prepared a sample template to cover the name of the project, objective, start and end dates, my manger’s contact details and most importantly, the percentage of time spent on each phase. I completed this spreadsheet and happily submitted my registration.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the end. My application was picked up in audit, but this spreadsheet came to my rescue! I sent verification forms to my managers and they returned them to me in no time. I would suggest doing plenty of homework and planning before you actually start the registration process… it will help you save lots of time later. Good luck.”
Story No. .2: PROCRASTINATION VS. GOAL SETTING
“I had procrastinated literally for a couple of years before getting serious about earning my PMP certification. The main reason for delaying was my concern over the sheer volume of information I would be required to absorb and then remember for the exam. It finally took a job opportunity that required me to be certified within the first 6 months before I got serious. The submission process for me was very straightforward and not difficult at all. I had several years of practical Project Management experience, easily applied and was accepted to sit for the exam. I used MS Project and a Gantt chart diagram to manage my experience inventory and time frame.
Once I was able to take the mock exams comfortably, I registered for my exam date. At that point I was still nervous about passing but there was no sense in cowering, knowing the amount of work I had done to prepare. ”
Story No. 3: MY PMP PROCESS
“In my opinion, the key to studying for the PMP is to strategically use a variety of resources in conjunction with the PMBOK. I used Rita’s book (and her electronic exam simulations), A 4-day boot camp (this is expensive, but worth it for those where cost is less of an issue), YouTube and Slideshare presentations, podcasts, and many other free (or low-cost) sources for mock exams.
At first glance this may seem to be too much, but I personally believe no one source will prepare you sufficiently. The trick is to know enough before you choose to find the “sweet-spot” combination, and I digested all the material with a view towards what did I know, and what did I need to focus on more. I also recommend you get your application going/out of the way. Once the application is out of the way, you are free to study unburdened by that process. I think this timing can be shortened or lengthened given your availability. I wouldn’t stretch it too long, however, lest you lose focus.
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