How to pass the PMP test and get certified in 2 months or less, an easy guide.

When I got my PMP in less than 2 months

many of my friends and colleagues were surprised. Some of them had spent many months if not years taking courses and trying for the exam.

This is my experience and suggestions for anyone wishes to be PMP certified in very short period of time. I have also a spreadsheet that I can share with anyone interested which covers most of the major items in the PMBOK, please message me and I will be more than happy to email it to you.

This article will cover:

1. Researching institute, learning partners and teachers (and what is my recommendation for GTA area)
2. What to do during the class, and between class days, especially if you are working
3. Preparing your own summary
4. Hints for the exam

  

1)      Researching institutes and teachers

For institutes:

• Do visit the center before your final decision
• Ensure course includes practice questions which simulate the latest PMP tests. Aim for at least 3 simulation tests.
• Ensure you will be provided by a summary/ Digest of the PMBOK.
• Do not go for the intensive one-week course, rather spread the classes over one class per week, this will give you a chance to go over the material.

 

For teacher:

• Do ensure teacher is local which will make it easier to refer to
• Choose one teacher for the whole duration rather than several teachers
• Ensure teacher will provide help:

o   During PMP application preparation

o   For any question during simulation test

o   After hours to answer questions if any

o   Can can be contacted by email

• Do meet the teacher before your final decision
• Don’t go for teacher that is difficult to talk to or sound too busy

My pick for the GTA area:

I researched many and this is what I choose. It was great pick and I believe this is one of the best choices if you are in the GTA.

            Institute

·         Can-Consult Services

·         http://www.canconsultprojects.com/

·         416-801-4452

Teacher

·         Mannan Mohammed

·         https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamannan

·         416-801-4452

2) What to do during the class and between class days

During the class:

• Have a note pad ready to jot down quick notes and ideas.
• Bring the PMBOK with you
• Highlight sections discussed in the PMBOK (to start getting familiar with its contents)
• Refer to the summary provided by the teacher

When you are back at home

• Read the area discussed from PMBOK
• Highlight any questions for the teacher
• Start making your own summary

3)      Preparing your own summary

• Summary to be as short and as intensive as possible
• Bullets with highlighted key words
• ·         Don’t miss any section of the PMBOK
  
  4) Hints for the exam
   Registering for the exam
  
  
  

  •       Visit the center you choose before the exam

  •       Familiarize yourself with the papers/notepads that will be provided during the test and what are the latest regulations.

  •       Book the test in advance as seats get filled up quickly
• Book the test about 1 month after last day of course
• 
  
  

  Simulation tests

  o   Take the simulation tests as many times as you can

  o   Must score at least 85% on each

  o   Take at least 3

  
  
  

  Go over your summary

  o   This is the summary you created during the course

  o   Go over it until ingrained in your brain

  
  
  

  The day of the exam

  o   Exam is very long and intensive, so don’t drink any coffee and limit beverages before the test

  o   Visit the washroom just before the test starts

  o   Go over your summary and the teacher's summary at the morning of the exam

  During the exam

  o   If a question seems long, just pick best answer and go on. In general allow for maximum 2 minutes per questions.

  o   Take deep breather every once in a while and enjoy it as long as it lasts. 
• 
  

  When you are seconds from finishing the test, just quickly pick what is left as there are no penalties for choosing wrong answer