Mistakes Candidates make while preparing for #PMP Exams

#pmpExamprepmistakes

Recently I made multiple posts on LinkedIn on the Mistakes that PMP Aspirants make during the preparation of Exam. Many requested to make it as a single post, so here is it;

1. • Choosing cheap sources to obtain ‘high level’ PMP Training: LinkedIn

     1. Using ‘price’ as a factor to decide where to train is by far the biggest and stupidest mistake having disastrous effects
     2. Low-cost training providers simply teach low-quality material which is taught by a person who has agreed to do the job for such a short fee meaning they aren’t very good at the job in the first place.
     3. The material is not up to the mark, does not have the coverage nor authenticity.

1. • Many of us try to pass without focused and discipline study approach.LinkedIn

     PMP Exam is a professional certification which tests your ability, knowledge and experience. So the study patterns we used in schools and universities will not work for us in the long run.

1. • Relying solely or majorly on free resources: LinkedIn  

     1. The thrill of getting free stuff is a universal occurrence but something candidates need to understand that there is nothing in the world as Free Lunch.
     2. Another important factor which makes them dangerous for your journey is that they could be provided as either illegal or outdated material.
     3. There is some good free material, but they are largely part of the full campaign or the package and therefore doesn’t prepare you for the difficulty level of the exam.
     4. Free resources many times makes you overconfident for reasons mentioned above and has become by far the largest reason for candidates failing the exam.

1. • Referring to Multiple Resources: LinkedIn

     I have been training PMP aspirants for more than 12 years and suggest that we need to avoid;

     1. Google Apocalypse where 500 hours of videos are uploaded on YouTube EVERY SINGLE MINUTE.
     2. Overload! When you join a new Course or Bootcamp and are overloaded right at the gate with PDFs, presentations and videos
     3. Overwhelm! Lots of tasks, hours of videos, reading book.

     You cannot cram for the exam. Multiple resources are required for preparations, but what are those? In my experience following three will definitely help you pass the exam without much hassle;

     A. PMBOK ver 6
     B. One Exam Guide with Simulator
     C. The Coach

     Referring to multiple resources at the same time, thinking you able to cover everything is not a good mindset. All writers and sources have different ideas for passing the exams.

• Attempting questions immediately with the start of preparation: LinkedIn

  Testing yourself before the exam is very important, but don’t start this too early in your preparation. My advice

  1. Finish and understand the subject end to end from the PMBOK perspective.
  2. Don’t start logging time from day one. At the beginning of preparation, you need to spend time to understand the construct of the questions and learn to identify the real question inside story and scenario.
  3. We have already talked about how free resources can give you a false sense of accomplishment with excessively easy and feel-good questions.
  4. At least go through 100-200 questions with your coach to understand the concepts behind the questions. This is a real good way of reviewing the concepts quickly.

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