PMP Materials

I am often asked, “what materials do you need to pass the PMP Exam?” I believe that passing the exam requires a three fold approach. First: Focus on the PMI-isms. The Project Management Institute (PMI) devised the PMP certification and the exam. If you want to pass the exam, you are going to have to see Project Management in the same light that the PMI sees it. You absolutely need some PMI approved training. Rita Mulcahy, a prominent PMP and Project Management author, explains that 50% of those that fail the PMP exam fail it because they have not had project management training that uses PMI terminology. The bottom line, you need to see the terms the way the PMI sees them to pass the PMP exam. About the only way to get that knowledge is through some PMI approved training.

Now you have a number of options:

You can attend a 4-7 day training course held by MosaicProjects or GlobalKnowledge. The rates vary, but will cost between $1500 and $2000. The actual number of contact hours awarded from the class depends on the number of classroom hours you attend, but they vary between 21 and 25.

There are some online classes Point Advantage, Online Training or Simplilearn online training. Either one will cost between $699 and $999.

However, the very best value will be the The PM-Prepcast.

The PM-Prepcast gives you:
40 hours of PMI approved PMP training in a podcast.
35 contact hours recognized by the PMI.
Exclusive tips and tricks for taking the PMP exam.
Sample test questions and more. For a one time fee of about $99.

Check out the PM-Prepcast and start preparing for the PMP exam in the PMI way today!.

Second: You really need some great visual and hands-on type of reference materials. There are some great manuals at different levels and at different price points.

PMP Exam Prep, Sixth Edition: Rita’s Course in a Book for Passing the PMP Exam

and The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try

Are probably the best texts for an in-depth study. However, I have found that the entertaining and visually stimulating approach of Head First PMP: A Brain-Friendly Guide to Passing the Project Management Professional Exam to be a real advantage to learning and remembering the materials. Take the time to look any of these texts on the Amazon links provided (click on the link above the picture that says, “Look Inside”), you will get a feel for how the material is laid out. Rita’s book is the most popular and is very good, but I feel Andy Crowe’s book is more closely related to the PMBOK guide, and the Head First book is much more interesting and fun. By the way the A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: (Pmbok Guide) (Paperback) is indispensable! It is dry reading and almost repetitive in its precise and methodical approach, but the commercial study guides will make much more sense if you spend the time with the PMBOK guide and understand where the PMI is coming from.

Finally, after you have mastered the principles and how to apply them, it is time for the third fold of this study method, you are going to need a lot of practice with sample exam questions. The PMP training classes, the study materials, and any helps you might find will have sample questions. Make complete use of those sample questions first. They come with your materials, be sure to get your money’s worth, but don’t underestimate the value of a really good sample test program. Rita Mulcahy’s PM Fastrack Exam Simulation Software for the PMP Exam: Version 6 is a great companion to the materials that you have acquired thus far. Simulation software will help you get used to the types of questions that will be asked on the exam and in the same format on the computer. Rita has done a great job at this simulation–but the cost is quite high. A second alternative is the PMP Exam Simulator. For about $49 you get 6000 sample questions. The exam Simulator is, by far, the best value in simulation software. Get the demo now, Download a Free 50 PMP Question Demo Now.

With a great PMI approved, PMP training course, a really good PMP prep manual, and PMP exam simulation software, you will pass the PMP exam. It is all in getting the best materials and assimilating the information provided in them.

Elroy King

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