Extra References: 1. 2. 3.

Global Knowledge Institutes Reading Material (Click Here) Global Knowledge Institutes Flash Cards Abhisheks version of Rajesh Nair PMP Notes (To request these please send an email to thewisdompearls@yahoo.com)

Tests: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Rita Mulcahys Fast Track, Super PMP Test Rita Mulcahys Fast Track, 9 Knowledge Areas Test + 5 Global Knowledge, 200Q Book Test Global Knowledge, 200Q Mock Test PMStudy 200Q Mock Test (Click Here) PMPForSure 100Q Test (Click Here) ` Groups Test

How to Pass the PMP Exam

My free eBook the PMP Exam Master Class which you can download from www.pm-mentor.com contains much more details about what you will need and how to prepare for the PMP test. Study Resources You will need at least the following study resources. The PMBOK Guide - Third Edition is obviously the basis of your study but it cannot be your only resource - it does not cover the entire exam, the material is dry, impersonal and difficult to digest (almost like a dictionary), a tool in your learning of a language, but it can never be the only one. You can order the PMBOK Guide from www.pmi.org . When you join PMI (which I strongly encourage and recommend) you will get your own copy free of charge. You can also order it from www.amazon.com just do a search for PMBOK Third Edition from the Amazon home page. Exam Study Guide You will need a good study guide that covers all knowledge areas and process groups. A good study guide will help you to make sense of the PMBOK and focus your attention on the important aspects to study. Exam Preparation Questions You will need lots of good quality questions. Again make sure the questions cover all exam topics and the 11 knowledge areas in detail.

Please note: When you sign up for my PMP course at www.pm-mentor.com you will get the following:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Comprehensive Exam Study Guide 1,400 Exam Preparation Questions with explanations Flashcards - a summary of all the important concepts Brain Dumps -all the information which you have to memorize for the exam. Certificate of Education - covering the required 35 Hours of Education. Exam Readiness Indicator - this will tell you when you are reday to sit the exam

How much time do I need to prepare for the exam?

In general (if you genuinely have the required experience) it should take you no more than 200 hours and no less than 40 hours to prepare for this exam. However preparation time differs and depends on skills and experience as well as learning styles.

The factors which influence your preparation time varies i.e. study resources, prior knowledge and experience, free time available to study, self discipline and learning style.

Set realistic expectations for yourself. If you have a fulltime day job and/or family commitments it might be difficult to spend more than 10 hours per week on studies. I suggest you set aside 10 to 20 weeks to get yourself prepared if you will be studying on your own.

What Method?

Different people have different learning styles. The following are however common to all styles:

You and your books have to be together in the same place at the same time! Repetition works for every learning style. There are a number of formulas, rules, procedures which you have to memorize. My Exam Readiness Indicator will tell you when you are reday to sit the exam.

Over the years I have developed the PM-Mentor Study Method which has worked best for all of our students. This method places less stress on the students and allow them to work through the material in a structured and planned fashion, acknowledging the fact that almost all of them have to do this part time (after hours).

After all they are all project managers!

See the PM-Mentor Exam Master Class for a detailed discussion of our unique study method.

A Study Group

Many people find it beneficial to form a study group with 1 or more people (usually not more than 5). The study group will then meet once or twice per week for 1-2 hours.

It is very important to note that study groups don't work for all people all the time. It must be managed properly therefore it is strongly recommended that a study group coordinator is appointed to manage the activities rules etc within the group.

It is also important to note that study group members sometimes find it very easy to share copy righted information with each other. Read the professional responsibility area of the study guide very carefully before you start a group.

Study groups enable you to study together and the "peer pressure" would help people to focus on their preparation and motivate them to keep up with the rest.

Make sure you have solid commitments from your fellow study group members because many people enrolling for a study group nev er sit the exam. Many of the "dropouts" could just be so afraid that they will fail the exam they rather give up.

Doing it this way (in stead of attending an expensive class room course) can save you and/or your company a lot of time and money.

The PM-Mentor Study Materials are ideally suited and affordable for a study group environment. Please visit http://www.pm-mentor.com/ for more information.

The Value of PMP Certification

Ranked no 4 out of the 10 hottest certifications PMP has reached the No. 4 position in CertCities 10 Hottest Certifications for 2006. (Source: Certcities). The PMP qualification:

Demonstrates that you have a solid foundation of experience and education in project management.

Is used by companies as a screening tool to fill their Project Management positions.

Demonstrates that you know the best project management practices and methodologies on the face of the earth.

The PMP credential received ISO 17024 accreditation:

It raises the status of holders of the PMP qualification globally

It is an indicator of competence and capability of PMP qualified project managers

And assures that PMP certification is recognized in the global business community

PMI says: "Top executives report that project management is becoming increasingly important to their companies, and that project managers can improve business performance in any industry. From agriculture to healthcare, urban development to travel and tourism, government to real estate, organizations are realizing the importance of project management."

Microsoft says: "We were in need of an internationally recognized project management certification that would support the professional development of our Services personnel," said Joe Austin, Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft Services. "PMI's credentials parallel our own ongoing commitment to quality aimed at customer, partner and employee satisfaction."

Whizlabs says: "Employers are willing to pay more money for a PMP certified professional"

Do you qualify to sit the PMP exam?

In order to qualify to sit the exam you need to fulfill the prerequisites of one of the following: If you hold a Degree - For applicants with a Baccalaureate/global equivalent university degree;

1.

a minimum of 3 years (36 months) unique and non overlapping professionalproject management experience,

2.

of which 4,500 hours must have been spent leading and directing project tasks,

3.

The 3 years must have been gained over the past eight years prior to the exam application

4.

35 hours of project management education.

OR

If you don't hold a Degree - For candidates with a High school diploma or Associates Degree /global equivalent secondary school diploma;

1.

a minimum of 5 years (60 months) unique and non overlapping professional project management experience,

2.

of which 7,500 hours must have been spent leading and directing project tasks

3.

The 5 years must have been gained over the past eight years prior to the exam application

4.

35 hours of project management education.

PMI says: Within the total hours of project management experience, experience in all five-process groups is required. However, on a single project, you do not need to have experience in all five-process groups.

Also please note that:

1.

"Unique and non overlapping"- means that you cannot claim double time if you were working on 2 projects at the same time!

2.

The 3/5 years experience does not have to be continuous but means that you should demonstrate 3/5 years of experience over a period of 8 years prior to the date of your application.

You can download the PMP Credential Handbook from the link below. It contains all the details you need.

http://www.pmi.org/CareerDevelopment/Pages/Obtaining-Credential.aspx

PMP Exam - Overview

www.pm-mentor.com contains much more details about what to expect on the PMP test, the types of questions and tips on how to answer those questions. Below is somebackground information.

Expect to be Surprised Candidates study hard and diligently and practiced with many practice exam questions but still they get out of the exam room and say they were surprised by the difficulty. Even if this was an open book exam it would make no difference - it would still be very hard to pass.

It is a very good idea to work through as many practice questions as you can lay your hands on. However be aware that very few if any of those will be on your exam - they are merely part of the preparation tools. They are intended to help reinforce critical concepts, terms and definitions and prepare you for the manner in which questions are asked.

Remember on the exam day you are not tested on your mastery of practice questions. You are tested on your ability to demonstrate a deeper understanding of modern project management methodology and principals.So expect to be surprised on exam day.

200 Multiple Choice Questions

200 Multiple Choice Questions in 4 hours.

One question and 4 possible answers -select only one. 4 hours to complete the exam in other words 1 minute 12 seconds per question. 25 questions not taken into consideration to calculate your final score. But you don't know which questions are not scored. You must correctly answer 106/175 questions or 60.6% to pass. Correct answers are counted as 1 point. Incorrect answers are counted as 0 - no negative marking There is no penalty for incorrect answers.

Therefore you MUST answer all questions you have a 25% chance of getting it right!

Difficult but Do-Able

Many experienced project managers believe their experience will carry them through the exam, they are wrong. You need a combination of experience, knowledge dedication and self discipline to pass. If you are not prepared you will find the exam environment and process intimidating and very stressful.

106/175 or 60.6% is not easy to achieve don't make that mistake!

You need to be thoroughly prepared. It is do-able if you are prepared.

Many candidates are genuinely shaken by the experience.

30% of candiadtes fail on their first attempt.

The most common reason for failure is inadequate preparation.

Success rate increases dramatically to 85% with preparation.

Ironically more than 90% of candidates who re-take the exam achieve a passing score!

PMP Exam - Contents by Process Groups

At http://www.pm-mentor.com/ you will find a comprehensive study guide, 1,400 questions and other materials that covers all the exam topics below in detail. Initiating the Project - 11% - 19/200

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Conducting project selection methods Defining the scope Documenting project risks, assumptions, and constraints Identifying and performing stakeholder analysis Developing the project charter Obtaining project charter approval

Planning the Project - 23% - 40/200

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Defining and recording requirements, constraints, and assumptions Identifying the project team and defining the roles and responsibilities Creating the WBS Developing the change management plan Identifying risks and defining risk strategies Obtaining plan approval Conducting the kick-off meeting

Executing the Project - 27% - 47/200

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Executing the tasks defined in the project plan Ensuring common understanding and set expectations Implementing the procurement of project resources Managing resource allocation Implementing the quality management plan Implementing the approved changes Implementing the approved actions and workarounds Improving the team performance

Monitor $ Control the Project - 21% - 37/200

1. 2. 3. 4.

Measuring project performance Verifying and managing changes to the project Ensuring project deliverables conform to quality standards Monitoring all possible risks

Closing the Project - 9% - 16/200

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Obtaining final acceptance for the project Obtaining financial, legal, and administrative closure Releasing project resources Identifying, documenting, and communicating "lessons learned" Creating and distributing the final report Archiving and retaining project records Measuring customer satisfaction

Professional Responsibility - 9% - 16/200

1. 2. 3. 4.

Ensuring individual integrity Contributing to the project management knowledge base Enhancing personal professional competence Promoting interaction among stakeholders

PMP Verification - Exam Aplication - Part 1

From www.pm-mentor.com you can download a free PMP Exam Master Class eBook which contains a detailed discussion of the exam application process with templates which could be used to create the required experience verification before completing the application. If you meet the criteria noted before you can proceed with your application to PMI to take the PMP test. The exam application is completed online

During the application you will be required to provide contact information for each project undertaken by you.

In case your application is selected for audit, PMI will contact manager(s) whose names are indicated on the application, to validate the documented experience.

All applications will go through a review process.

The applicants, who are chosen for audit, will be notified through an e-mail from PMI.

Follow-up reminder e-mail notifications are used throughout the audit process.

Applicants have 1 year to take the exam from the date when the application is approved.

If approved the applicant need to contact the nearest Prometric center in his/her city and book a desired date for their PMP test.

Visit this site to get the contact information www.prometric.com/PMI/default.htm

Candidates can take and retake the exam up to three times within the one year of eligibility.

If the applicant fails the exam after the third attempt, there is a waiting period of one year before he/she are permitted to retake the exam.

PMP Verification - Exam Application - Part 2

The application can be completed online or on paper. Unfortunately the exam application is not an easy process. You will have to spend quite a bit of time gathering all the information and completing the application. The PM-Mentor Master Class contains mored detailed information and a template which you can use to help you complete the application. We strongly recommend you to apply for PMI membership first!! This will save you $150 when you apply for the exam. Follow this link to join PMI: http://www.pmi.org/GetInvolved/Pages/Why-Join-PMI.aspx You will be required to provide all of the following information during the application:

1.

Personal Information - home, work and mobile telephone numbers, email, address

2.

Education Details - level of education, year awarded, name of school or university, city, state, countryand field of study

3.

Project Management Education Information confirmation that you have completed 35 hours or more of project management education prior to your application.

4.

Payment Information you can pay by credit card online

5.

Experience Verification for each project where you are claiming hours:

employer, address, country, city/territory, post code

project start and end date, project title, your role

hours spent in each of Initiation, Planning, Execution, Control and Closeout

total hours for each project, Industry for project and project deliverables

NOTE: Use the templates in Annexure A, of the PM-Mentor Master Class to specify the details for each project included in your exam application.

You do not need to have experience leading and directing across all domain areas on one project but must, in the total number of hours submitted, demonstrate that you have led and directed some of the specified tasks inall domain areas.

It is not necessary to have hours allocated against every task, just against some of the tasks in each domain - at least one task in each domain.

The Professional Responsibility Domain does not appear on the application form as this is considered to be applicable to all the actions of a project manager.

If you have been working on more than one project at the same time you cannot claim double time. A good guideline is to not claim more than 2,000 hours per year with 1,850 being the norm. Dont raise unnecessary flags with your hours!

Evaluation Process. All applications submitted go through a review process, which usually takes about five working days. You will be notified of the outcome once they have reviewed your application.

Audit selection. Please remember that PMI audits a significant percentage of applications. Audits are usually selected randomly but they reserve the right to manually select specific applications for audit. Its in your best interest to assume that your application will be audited.

During the audit process, PMI requires formal verification of all information you have provided, from your nominated employer(s), project referees, training organisations and schools. This is a very formal process designed to maintain quality in the Certification Program. If incorrect information is found during the audit process, you will have your certification or eligibility revoked.

Audit Notification. Applicants selected for audit will be notified electronically. Automated follow-up reminder notifications will be issued to candidates electronically throughout the audit process.

One-Year Eligibility Period. All candidates will be given one year to take the examination. This one-year eligibility period begins when a candidates application is approved.

Online Application. We recommend that you use the online application process. The forms in the handbook below provide a useful reference before making your application. You can find the online application here:http://www.pmi.org/info/PDC_CertificationsOverview.asp?nav=0401

You can use the templates in Annexure A of the PM-Mentor Master Class to design your own experience verification forms to help complete your application.

How to Pass the PMP Exam

My free eBook the PMP Exam Master Class which you can download from www.pm-mentor.com contains much more details about what you will need and how to prepare for the PMP test. Study Resources You will need at least the following study resources. The PMBOK Guide - Third Edition is obviously the basis of your study but it cannot be your only resource - it does not cover the entire exam, the material is dry, impersonal and difficult to digest (almost like a dictionary), a tool in your learning of a language, but it can never be the only one. You can order the PMBOK Guide from www.pmi.org . When you join PMI (which I strongly encourage and recommend) you will get your own copy free of charge. You can also order it from www.amazon.com just do a search for PMBOK Third Edition from the Amazon home page. Exam Study Guide You will need a good study guide that covers all knowledge areas and process groups. A good study guide will help you to make sense of the PMBOK and focus your attention on the important aspects to study. Exam Preparation Questions You will need lots of good quality questions. Again make sure the questions cover all exam topics and the 11 knowledge areas in detail.

Please note: When you sign up for my PMP course at www.pm-mentor.com you will get the following:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Comprehensive Exam Study Guide 1,400 Exam Preparation Questions with explanations Flashcards - a summary of all the important concepts Brain Dumps -all the information which you have to memorize for the exam. Certificate of Education - covering the required 35 Hours of Education. Exam Readiness Indicator - this will tell you when you are reday to sit the exam

How much time do I need to prepare for the exam?

In general (if you genuinely have the required experience) it should take you no more than 200 hours and no less than 40 hours to prepare for this exam. However preparation time differs and depends on skills and experience as well as learning styles.

The factors which influence your preparation time varies i.e. study resources, prior knowledge and experience, free time available to study, self discipline and learning style.

Set realistic expectations for yourself. If you have a fulltime day job and/or family commitments it might be difficult to spend more than 10 hours per week on studies. I suggest you set aside 10 to 20 weeks to get yourself prepared if you will be studying on your own.

What Method?

Different people have different learning styles. The following are however common to all styles:

You and your books have to be together in the same place at the same time! Repetition works for every learning style. There are a number of formulas, rules, procedures which you have to memorize. My Exam Readiness Indicator will tell you when you are reday to sit the exam.

Over the years I have developed the PM-Mentor Study Method which has worked best for all of our students. This method places less stress on the students and allow them to work through the material in a structured and planned fashion, acknowledging the fact that almost all of them have to do this part time (after hours).

After all they are all project managers!

See the PM-Mentor Exam Master Class for a detailed discussion of our unique study method.

A Study Group

Many people find it beneficial to form a study group with 1 or more people (usually not more than 5). The study group will then meet once or twice per week for 1-2 hours.

It is very important to note that study groups don't work for all people all the time. It must be managed properly therefore it is strongly recommended that a study group coordinator is appointed to manage the activities rules etc within the group.

It is also important to note that study group members sometimes find it very easy to share copy righted information with each other. Read the professional responsibility area of the study guide very carefully before you start a group.

Study groups enable you to study together and the "peer pressure" would help people to focus on their preparation and motivate them to keep up with the rest.

Make sure you have solid commitments from your fellow study group members because many people enrolling for a study group never sit the exam. Many of the "dropouts" could just be so afraid that they will fail the exam they rather give up.

Doing it this way (in stead of attending an expensive class room course) can save you and/or your company a lot of time and money.

The PM-Mentor Study Materials are ideally suited and affordable for a study group environment. Please visit http://www.pm-mentor.com/ for more information

PMP Exam Prep - A Study Plan

Set realistic expectations for yourself. If you have a fulltime day job and/or family commitments it might be difficult to spend more than 10 hours per week study time.

Below is a high level outline of a study roster for getting you certified in 16 weeks. Adapt this to your own needs and circumstances.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

First, work through the 11 knowledge areas (Week 1-5) Second, study 11 knowledge areas in detail (Week 6-10) Third, working on weak areas & brain dump (Week 11-12) Fourth, map to the 5 Process Groups (Week 13) Fifth, first attempt at all full exams (Week 14) Sixth, second attempt at all full exams (Week 15) Sit exam (Week 16)

This method places less stress on students and allow you to work through the material in a structured and planned fashion, acknowledging the fact that almost all of you will have to do this part time (after hours). After all you are all project managers!

First, just read through the material make sure that you understand everything. In other words understand the scope of the work. Second, now study the material in detail chapter by chapter and attempt the chapter questions in study mode at the end of each chapter. Third, read through each chapter again make notes and attempt the chapter questions in study mode again. Fourth, map your knowledge to the 5 Project Management Process Groups i.e. Initiation, Planning, Executing Controlling and Closing. Fifth, finalize your brain dump, put the study materials except for the brain dump away and now attempt the first full exam. Book your exam! Sixth, put the brain dump away and attempt the full exams. Once you score 85% or more on 2 or more of the full exams you are ready for the exam. Practice a few times before the exam to create the brain dump without the use of your books. See the PM-Mentor Exam Master Class for a detailed discussion of our unique study method.

The PMP Exam Questions - Part 1 - Types of Questions

Below is a brief overview of how PMI likes to present some of the questions which you can expect in this exam. See the PM-Mentor Exam Master Class for a detailed discussion of the types of questions.

Best, Worst, Least, Most, First, Next

Be on the look out for those adjectives! They are the guideline to the correct answer.

Double Reverse Logic

The wrong answer is actually the correct one which will score you the points!

Situational

You need experience, careful reading and solid knowledge

Long

Long questions may take 3-4 minutes to answer.

Short

Relatively short questions can be answered in just 10-15 seconds.

Alternate Terms

Some questions use project management terms that may be interchangeable with others.

PMBOK Guide Third Edition Standards

Most (but not all) questions and answers are closely aligned with the PMBOK Guide.

Impossible

A handful of questions will be impossible for you to answer with confidence.

Calculation

There will be a few questions that require you to perform simple mathcalculations.

Diagram

You will be required to interpret graphs or diagrams on some questions.

The PMP Exam Questions - Part 2 - Strategy to Answer Questions

Here is a strategy which you can follow to answer those scenario questions. Question 1: What has the project manager FORGOTTEN to do? Determine what process they are referring to.

Most people who took the exam complained bitterly about the scenario/situational type questions. The better your preparation, the better your chances of passing those questions as well. While you are preparing, you should be thinking about scenarios. For each new concept or idea think about scenarios and how you can apply the knowledge.

Question 2:What is the BEST thing to do? The correct answer should resolve the underlying problem. Question 3: The project manager must be MOST careful to / which is the MOST important? Look for the choice that will have the highest impact on the project. Always pick the one that answers the question. Remember the problem solving processes. Also remember that not all questions are from the PMBOK! Read and understand the question fully. In the PM-Mentor Master Class you will find more details.

The PMP Exam Questions - Part 3 - Overall Guidelines for Answering Questions
Below are a number of important rules to remember for this exam. We suggest that you copy these over to a piece of paper and read it regularly. Make sure with each question that you think or refer back to these rules and the ones in Part 1 and 2.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.

The project manager is empowered and has ultimate authority and accountability for a project. Projects should be strategically aligned with the high-level strategic objectives of the organization. The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) forms the basis of all estimating and project planning. Project Managers spend 90% of their time communicating. Planning is the most important of all the Project Management processes. Projects dont fail at the end, they fail at the beginning. The Project Team must be involved early in the Planning process and in all major decisions. Lessons Learned and Historical Records are essential inputs to just about every Project Management process especially Planning. Project Stakeholders and their needs/expectations are very important and should be well managed and balanced. Administrative closure and Scope Verification are essential considerations with just about every project management process. Adding out-of-scope extras (also called gold plating) to please project stakeholders adds no value and is strongly discouraged. The Project Manager and Team should be pro-active, monitoring risk events, looking for difficulties early-on in the process and be on the lookout for new risks and manage them appropriately. Quality is planned in and not inspected in i.e. more inspections do not solve quality issues. The closer to the beginning of a project, the more influence management (not the project manager) has on the project scope and changes. The project team must be involved in almost all problem solving and planning decisions. Administrative closeout must be performed at the end of each project life cycle phase. Project changes should be expected, planned for and well-managed. Estimating must be done by the people who will do the work. Project baselines must be saved for performance assessments during execution. Problem solving should be handled by the project manager and team. Issues should be elevated to Senior Management only when they cannot be resolved within the team. Effective project communication is all important!

In the PM-Mentor Master Class you will find more details.

PMP Exam Questions - Part 4 - Self Score the Exam before You End It
Here is a method which you can follow to give you a bit more comfort. Self score your exam as follows:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Add together all questions which you are 100% (or almost) sure you have given the right answer and give yourself 90% for those. Add together all questions where you could eliminate 2 incorrect answers and give yourself 45% for those. Add together all questions which you are unsure about and give yourself 25% (make sure you have answered all questions!). Add them all up and see if you have more than 122 (which equates to 61%) remember you have answered 200 questions and you dont know which 25 has not been taken into consideration so you need 122/200.

A good indicator (that you might be passing) at this stage is that if the unsure category is bet ween 30 and 40 questions. In the PM-Mentor Master Class you will find more details.