Learn the techniques I used to pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam.

Some Background and a Truth

I’ve studied project management for years. I wrote Project Management for Information Professionals and Demystifying Archival Projects: Five Essentials for Success. I also teach a graduate-level project management course for librarians, archivists, and other information professionals. I’ve read hundreds of books on project management.

That knowledge alone is not enough to pass the PMP exam. The exam, instead, tests how much you know about how the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) define project management. Put aside your experience and knowledge and keep this in mind as you study.

The PMP Exam Boot camp

To qualify for the test, you need education hours. I took a 4-day PMP certification training course hosted by the Project Management Academy. I was impressed by the training, the study materials, and the phenomenal instructor.

As part of the boot camp, I received several study books, along with the latest PMBOK. I also accessed a wealth of online resources from the Project Management Academy, including test questions and weekly review meetings. They provided helpful tools to track the project management hours that you must submit to take the test.

I attended the boot camp in March 2019, submitted my application to take the test in May 2019, and took the exam in October 2019. Completing these steps in a tighter timeline would’ve been better, but I had to work around a busy consulting schedule.

Study for Free

The exam is challenging, but it’s not as hard as people selling expensive exam prep services make it out to be. You can pass the test with free resources available online and through your library. There is no need to invest in anything beyond the mandatory education component. You must, however, become obsessed with studying for the PMP exam to cover everything that you’ll need to know to pass.

Strategies for Success

Every day, no matter what, I devoted at least 30 minutes to studying. On many days, I studied more. Like any type of learning and memorizing, you develop knowledge over time; you cannot cram for this exam.

I read the PMBOK. Some sources advise to read it twice, which is unnecessary. Reading it helped me understand everything that could potentially be on the test.

I watched all the Project Management Academy recordings online, usually on the elliptical machine at the gym.

I downloaded resources related to project management on my Google Play, YouTube, and podcast apps to listen to during pockets of time. I remember listening to a YouTube video on the critical path on my walk back and forth to CrossFit and thinking, “I’m a weirdo!” But that constant influx of information soaks in everything you need to know.

I also downloaded free PMP Exam apps. I studied between seeing bands at Gonerfest in Memphis, a fun music festival. It was 1 am, and I had been drinking whiskey straight, but I was still studying!

Answer as Many Sample Questions as Possible

What most contributed to my success was answering sample questions—a lot of them. At first, I was disheartened by how much I got wrong. I slowly saw my correct answers increase.

I used PMP: Project Management Professional Practice Tests by Kim Heldman and Vanina Mangano for my practice questions. Why? Because it was available from the New York Public Library. The answer key explained why the answers were correct, which was helpful.

I also answered sample questions available through the Project Management Academy. I searched Google for additional questions.

I answered over 1,100 questions to prepare. When I got a question wrong, I would take notes on the correct answer in a self-created study guide.

Many complete a practice exam before test day. I did one during the PMP bootcamp class, but not on my own. Life’s too short! I found that when I took the exam, I was so used to answering questions that I was not overwhelmed.

Exam Day

On the day of the exam, I wore comfortable clothes and arrived early at the test site. I caffeinated myself and used my time before the exam to review my study guide.  

I first went through the exam answering every question unless it required extra time for a math problem. Anything I was unsure of, I marked for review. After completing the first pass, I reviewed the questions that I marked. Then I went through the questions marked for review a third time. I spent the rest of my time reviewing from beginning to end until I ran down the clock.

Spend all the time you’re given to take the exam. Reviewing questions multiple times highlights your errors.

I sat for the whole time without a break. This may be difficult for some, but I was in the zone—a realm of calmness and timelessness—where I logically picked the answers.

The result? I passed! I got Above Target on most of the domains.

My Gifts to You

The biggest help I received was from Project Management Academy. When you register for a live or virtual course, use the coupon code REF100 to get a $100 instant discount. Enter my email (margotnote@gmail.com) into the Referral Email Address field on the last step during the checkout process. I’ll receive a referral bonus too. In other words, you’ll help us both for free.

The PMP Exam is challenging but possible, and you can pass it if you’re smart about your study strategy.

If you’re interested in project management, you may also enjoy my books on the subject:

Check out some of my favorite project management books: