PMP® EXAM STUDY PLAN

According to research performed by the Project Management Institute, in order to pass the Project Management Professional Examination, it was determined that on average an additional 67 hours of ancillary study is needed. The following has been prepared by 20/20 Solutions, Inc. to assist you on your professional project management journey.

  1. Read each section of the PMBOK® Guide. This provides a framework for study. Review each module overview chart, inputs, tools and techniques and outputs. These charts illustrate the flow of information and the systems approach to project management. The charts also include many of the key terms and phrases that will be found on the exam as well as in your course material.
  1. Study the PMBOK® Glossary.
  1. Review the PMI® Certification Blueprint at
  1. Review the five processes:
  1. Initiating
  2. Planning
  3. Executing
  4. Controlling
  5. Closing

Emphasis should be placed in the areas of planning, executing, and controlling. These processes represent about 90% of the exam coverage. Also remember that each industry may have different terms for these five processes--you must translate for yourself, i.e., in the IS field, the Planning Phase may also be referred to as Conceptual Development.

  1. Read the Real World Project Management course material and study your course notes and handouts—particularly the costing and scheduling case studies.
  1. Read Project and Program Risk Management—A Guide to Managing Project Risks and Opportunities. Make sure and understand the four risk processes, estimated value principles and rules of probability.
  1. Read Quality Management for Projects and Programs. Understand what the quality tools are used for—you do not need to construct them.
  1. Read the PMP Exam® Practice Test and Study Guide. Complete all of the practice tests and perform a self-analysis of your weaknesses and strengths.
  1. The PMP® is an integrated exam. It covers all elements of project management. Study by knowledge areas but focus on how each knowledge area is inter-related in the entire project management process, i.e.:
  1. Understand how Scope Management and WBS Development are related to cost and time estimating.
  1. Understand why a WBS is an important communications tool.
  1. Identify subject areas and topics that are not fully understood and require additional study and review. Tag subjects that are difficult and utilize all textbook examples. Discuss these topics with other project managers and look for actual project applications. For example, while learning your cost formulas, the key is to fully understand the use of each formula. Pronounce the words not the formula. Be able to answer questions such as:
  1. How can I use the Budgeted Cost of Work Performed results to defend my project brilliantly?
  2. Why is the term Budgeted Cost of Work Performed also referred to as earned value?
  3. Can I associate a project objective and deliverable for every task identified in the Work Breakdown Structure?
  1. Practice using all of your formulas on your current project.
  1. Refer back to a project that is completed and extract earned value reports and see if you are able to present the data relative to money to another project manager.
  1. Form a study group.
  1. Use the PMI® chat room on the Internet.
  2. Start your own chat room on the Internet.
  3. Write out your own questions and quiz other test candidates.
  4. Test yourself frequently.
  1. Contact your local PMI® Chapter
  1. Utilize the Chapter Library if it’s available.
  2. Network with Subject matter Experts.
  3. Talk with others who have successfully taken the exam.
  4. Obtain new study techniques
  1. When you are ready:
  1. Do not study the day prior to taking the exam.
  2. Get a good night’s sleep.
  3. Eat protein instead of carbohydrates.
  4. If you are a morning person schedule your exam in the morning.
  5. If you are a night person, schedule your exam in the afternoon..

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