By Vinny Dsilva, PMP
I was introduced to the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification by one of my friends who was aspiring to take up the certification. After doing a bit of research myself, I was clear that I wanted to get certified as a PMP.
Having around 10 years of experience back then, I knew that PMP certification would really help me have an edge to my career. Without much delay, I registered for the classroom training sessions in March 2018.
First PMP Learning Experience
The decision was made; however, I was not completely aware of the hard work, dedication and the amount of time it will consume. Add to that, I have a full-time corporate job!
Own Study
I planned to spend a minimum of four hours every day. I would spend two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening, with some additional hours during weekends. Believe me, four hours a day with a full-time job, is not easy but fear of failing again, was the only driving factor that pushed me to work harder.
I referred the below materials for my preparation;
- PMP Live lessons–Guaranteed Pass, by Satya Narayan Dash
- I Want To Be A PMP book, 2nd Edition, by Satya Narayan Dash
- PMBOK® guide 6th edition, by Project Management Institute (PMI®)
Review – PMP Live Lessons
I gave my first attempt for the exam in October 2019 and did not qualify. Right then, I knew that the exam is not going to be easy. But I never wanted to give up. I immediately reached out to Satya sir.
I followed this approach while going through the Live Lessons:
- I would start every chapter by going through the videos from the PMP live lesson and simultaneously make my own pointers/notes.
- I check and go through the PMBOK guide after each video lesson.
- I kept repeating this until I got familiar with each topic.
The smart cards, ITTO video exercises at the end of each chapter would test your knowledge on each chapter.
PMP Exam Experience
I scheduled my exam for 21st October, 2020. I opted for the centre-based testing and booked my slot at 8:00 AM. I reached the venue by 7:00 AM, however, due to COVID-19 precautions, I was only allowed to enter the premises by 7:30 AM. After completing all the formalities, I was allowed to start my exam. The entire experience was smooth and hassle free.
I planned this thing first: NOT to spend more than a minute on each question.
Types of Questions Faced
- I was expecting any direct questions. And yes, very few questions were direct. However, most of the questions were situational, context based or indirect.
- I also wasn’t expecting mathematical questions, however I got three problem solving questions from Cost management, which took some time and eventually I was running behind time.
- Most of the questions were on:
- Change Management
- Risk Management and
- Communications Management.
- Make sure you read the question thoroughly and under it first. The answers can be tricky at times.
As I mentioned earlier, the biggest challenge I faced during the exam is keeping up with the time. I was left with only two seconds after I clicked the option for the last question. So please make sure you keep a close watch on the time.
When you see that Congratulations pops up on the screen, you realise that your hard work has paid off. There’s nothing more satisfying than that. You have to go through the process and earn the credential to feel and believe it.
Suggestions for PMP Aspirants
Dos
- Plan well and make sure you adhere to the plan.
- Revise and practice as much as you can.
- Attempt full length questions. These will help you to plan your timings while attempting the exam.
Don’ts
- Do not be take the examination and your preparation lightly. The exam is of high standard and the questions are tough.
Conclusion
The entire journey has been long. I would say perseverance is the key. As I wrote in the beginning: Never give up. If you believe you can, you will.
Brief Profile:
Vinny Dsilva, Senior Manager, PMP
I work as a Senior Manager, Clinical Data Management with close to 13 year of experience in Pharmaceutical sector.
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