My PMP report

It was 2002 when I opened the PMBoK first time. Since there I was carrying out the idea of becoming a professional project manager. Most of my job was projects - marketing research, strategic planning, feasibility studies, business plan developments etc. And finally I've got a raise and started managing projects of that type.

A year ago, mid-spring 2009 I decided to apply for a PMP credential. I've passed three courses to get necessary PDU units, bought Rita Mulcahy's book, became a PMI member and downloaded the new 4th Edition of Project Management Body of Knowledge book. The last point was rather important, because most of courses were not adopted to the 4th Edition of PMBoK.

It took me about a week to remember my project management experience and go through the archives to find out what I did, and how much time did it take. For some old projects I was not able to find the detailed information, and  I was only able to put down approximate figures of  my workload. After I've completed with the application, I've scheduled the exam to the end of December 2009. But as it came closely to this date, I realized I am not ready for the exam, and re-scheduled the date to March 25, 2010.

I've started taking small tests almost everyday tracking my scores and putting more attention to the topics previously ommited. Last two weeks I ordered tests at pmperfect.com and answered 50-100 questions daily. I've googled some topics missed in Rita and PMBok (e.g. "Journey to Abilene"), and find some extremely useful videos about EVM and calculations on YouTube.

Last week I scored around 80% at pmperfect, that was below my expectations, but enough to hope to pass the exam.

First thing I did when I sat down in the testing center - I began to write the 'recall sheet' during 15 minutes of testing tutorial - all formulas, figures, process map (knowledge area/process group), lists like forming-norming-storming-performing-adjourning. That was to unload my memory and my attention, to stop any possible anxiety.

On the exam I was strongly overwhelmed after reading first five questions - they seemed me much more difficult than those at pmperfect. Thanks God, I did not lose my heart. I decided to answer easy questions first, marking for review and skipping any long or tough questions. On the first pass I skipped about 35% of questions. After first hundred I made a break and had a glass of water. Then I continued with the rest, marking hard questions. My goal was not to be anxious about time. If I answer 50% of questions quickly, I can afford spending much time to hard questions. I don't have to answer all questions.  So this tactics was robust.  And I've completed my first pass in 1.5 hour period, having 2.5 hrs time available and around 60 unanswered questions. I spent about an hour to answer marked questions and 40 minutes to check all the questions. The third pass was necessary - I've changed my mind in about 10 questions. After 3 hours and 15 minutes of test I realized I cannot re-read all of this anymore and finished the exam, praying with eyes closed. When I opened my eyes I saw last questions about Prometric service and "Congratulation" word afterwards.

P.S. I was expected much more questions about network calculations, EVM,  and less questions considering procurement, risk. These expectations were wrong.

Finally joined the PMP community

Thanks God I've done my PMP exam in Prometric and now open to all the new opportunities arise.

My exam is tomorrow. Make your bets.

Me on formspring