There are several ways to study for the PMP exam. Here are a few of them: the top-down approach, Using a PMBOK guide, and Using a PM Exam simulator.
All of these will help you learn more about the test and prepare for the exam. Using a PM Exam simulator is very helpful, and you should use it to help you get a feel for the type of questions you’ll be asked.
Table of Contents
Top-Down Approach
Using a top-down approach to studying PMP can help you keep track of your progress and estimate the time you need to complete your studies. This approach will allow you to study the PMBOK Guide in stages.
Each stage will cover a different area of knowledge, such as processes or concepts.
This approach is a lot more practical, and the learning curve is low. You can easily adapt to it and train team members to do the same. It’s also not as time-consuming, and problems can be solved and conclusions reached much faster than with a bottom-up approach.
Regardless of which approach you choose, you will need a great deal of dedication and perseverance to prepare for the PMP exam. Knowing your learning style will help you determine which study methods are best for you.
For example, you may learn best with audio or visuals, while other people learn best with reading. Once you have your preferences, you can design a study plan that fits your learning style.
A top-down approach to studying PMP can be helpful if you are unable to write down all of the information you’ve learned.
If you have written down formulas and charts, you can easily refer to these before taking the exam. This way, you can test your memory recall and focus on understanding the questions.
Studying for the PMP exam can take two or three months. The time required depends on your study habits, how many study sessions you want to have each week, and the number of practice exams you take.
To make studying for the PMP exam easier, divide the syllabus into smaller tasks.
There are two main approaches to studying the PMP: the top-down approach and the bottom-up approach. Top-down approaches are generally easier to understand than bottom-up approaches.
The top-down approach starts with the general, and the bottom-up approach is much more specific. Both approaches are valid and will help you succeed with your studies.
When choosing a study guide, you should choose one that aligns with the latest edition of the PMBOK. It should be updated and contain examples of key concepts and process groups.
It should also include a quick reference guide. Use this before the exam to ensure you understand key concepts.
Using a PM Exam Simulator
Using a PM Exam Simulator is a great way to study the PMP exam effectively. PMI updates the exam specs frequently and your PMP simulator should reflect the latest content outline and question formats.
This is especially important as the next PMP exam will be centered around the project performance domains in 2021. If you are unsure whether your simulator will be a good fit, consider requesting a free trial.
If you’ve tried studying using traditional methods without much success, you should try using a PM Exam Simulator.
This will help you prepare for the exam more efficiently because it will test your knowledge of different concepts. The simulations will help you focus on the most important topics.
You’ll also be able to get practice exams and test your understanding of project management concepts. While project management test questions can be tricky, you can pass them with the right strategy and determination.
Brain Sensei offers randomized practice exams that are pulled from a full question bank.
PM Exam Simulators are available in a variety of different formats. You can choose a free demo or a 90-day access for $149. Velociteach also offers a free three-day trial.
The practice tests are based on the sixth edition of the PMP exam. They also provide four contact hours and a certificate of completion.
A PM Exam Simulator is a great way to practice the concepts you learned during formal training for the PMP exam.
However, you should make sure that the training provider you choose is an official authorized PMI Training Provider. These providers will provide you with quality instruction and mock tests online.
The PMP exam is not a test to take lightly, so you must dedicate time to your studies. The more you study, the better your chances of success.
When you use a PM Exam Simulator to study the PMP exam, you’ll have the best chance to pass the exam.
An excellent PMP exam simulator will provide a realistic simulation of the actual exam. It will allow you to practice the scenario-based questions and see if you have mastered the topics.
The simulator will also give you an accurate idea of your progress.
Using a PMBOK Guide
If you are trying to pass the PMP exam, you will need to make sure that you have the proper reference materials.
A PMBOK guide is one of the best ways to study for the exam. It is an extensive book, which can take up a month to complete. You need to study a chapter at a time to ensure that you learn the information well.
Studying the entire book at once can cause you to lose interest and motivation. A study guide helps you learn the material more efficiently. There are many online study aids available for you to use for this purpose.
These materials are easy to understand, contain vivid illustrations and math, and include practice questions to help you pass the exam.
When you are studying for the PMP exam, it is important to make sure you spend enough time on it. The more you study, the less you will have to re-read.
A good study strategy is to approach the PMBOK Guide as a project and treat it as one of the phases. As you study for the exam, define milestones that you need to reach to pass it.
A good study guide will help you review key concepts and eliminate pitfalls. You should treat your PMP exam study like a project, and set goals for each unit.
Moreover, you should break the syllabus down into smaller tasks and allocate timelines. Monitor your progress and try mock tests so that you can gauge your performance. This way, you can become more confident and prepared for the exam.
While studying for the PMP exam, it is important to keep in mind that it requires dedication and perseverance. Understanding your preferred learning style will help you prepare for the exam effectively.
For example, some people learn better through reading while others learn better with visuals and audio. This information will help you design a study plan for the PMP exam that is tailored to your personal learning style.
You can use a study guide to study for the PMP exam, or make your own flashcards. Flashcards are compact and easy-to-use study aids that can help you learn new concepts quickly and easily.
They usually cover one concept or formula per card. Some of them even include practice questions.
Knowledge-Based Questions
The knowledge-based questions on the PMP examination to test your knowledge of project management principles, terminology, and other information.
Depending on the type of question, you may have to apply knowledge you have gained from the PMBOK(r) Guide to specific situations. These questions are typically lengthy and may require you to read a lot of information.
Some can be difficult to answer, because they may include facts and unfamiliar terminology.
In addition to content-based questions, there are scenarios questions, which test the applicant’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world project management scenarios.
These questions may be long, and vague, but they will test the PMP candidate’s ability to identify relevant information and ignore irrelevant data while addressing a real-world problem.
While there are many ways to answer the knowledge-based questions on the PMP exam, it is a good idea to practice answering them as much as possible.
This way, you won’t be caught off-guard by a difficult question. Instead, try to focus on the right information by reading the question as carefully as you can.
Avoid answers that are blatantly wrong or extremely extreme. Instead, try to narrow down the choices you feel are the most relevant and accurate.
Knowledge-based questions are often referred to as ITTO questions. They are based on the PMBOK(r) Guide, and they test your understanding of concepts and processes.
Questions on these areas usually involve analyzing data and identifying the meaning of a situation. Examples of these questions may include “What is an exception?” Or “What is a chart, graph, or variable?”
PMP exam questions may also contain questions on processes, and tools, as well as knowledge of the PMBOK(r) Guide.
Typically, knowledge-based questions comprise about 40% of the exam, and you should read the PMBOK(r) Guide twice before taking the exam. This is the minimum foundation for success in the PMP exam.
Taking the exam is a rigorous process and requires ample time and practice. Fortunately, there are free resources online that offer practice tests to help you prepare for the exam.
Using free resources on the PMBOK will give you a good foundation to study for the PMP exam.
