How I Passed the PMP Exam - #3 Study Materials
November last year kicked off with a resounding success! I conquered the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, securing an 'Above Target' score (Yay, Alhamdulillah!) on my very first attempt after just four months of preparation. It's a journey that demanded strategic planning and dedication, especially while juggling a full-time job, like me.
As I reflect on my adventure, I realize that there was a careful strategy that I have planned and applied throughout my learning journey. So here’s my personal insights as we explore each chapter together.
To make this blogpost easier to digest, I am dividing this blogpost into few small chapters of 0-7 :
Chapter 0 : An Overview of PMP Journey (Read here)
Chapter 1 : Study Strategy (Read here)
Chapter 2 : Study Schedule (Read here)
Chapter 3 : Study Materials (Current blogpost)
Chapter 4 : Study Progress (Read here)
Chapter 5 : Study Tips (Read here)
Chapter 6 : Exam Prep (Read here)
Now, let’s dive in to an overview of the PMP exam preparations.
# How I Passed the PMP Exam - #3 Study Materials
Selecting the right study materials is crucial for effective PMP exam preparation. In this chapter, I'll share my personal insights and tips on choosing quality resources that align with your learning style and preferences.
Diversifying Your Resources
#1 Live Training/ Course Materials
Whether attending live training or online courses, leverage the provided materials as they're your cornerstone for acing the exam! Here are a few courses I found invaluable:
Live Training with MC Leong: Engaging with experienced instructors like MC Leong offers valuable insights and clarification on complex topics. Interactive sessions, Q&A opportunities, and real-world examples enhance understanding. If you are based in Asia and interested, contact Iverson Training and specifically asked to enroll to his class. I find Dr. Leong’s class is engaging with his real life examples and generous commitment to mentor me through out my learning journey! Or you can connect with him on Linkedin
Andrew Ramdayal’s Udemy Course
Online Courses with Andrew Ramdayal:
Youtube Live Sessions : I used to hang out with Andrew Ramdayal on his YouTube live sessions every Wednesday at 7am MYT. These sessions were buzzing with over 200 of us, diving into questions, swapping exam tips, catching up on PMP updates, and even tackling quizzes. It wasn't just about learning from Andrew; it was about connecting with fellow PMP hopefuls and hearing from those who'd aced the exam. That connection made me less lonely in my study!
Udemy Courses: Andrew Ramdayal's Udemy courses cover the exam syllabus comprehensively and engagingly. Although I have attended live class with Dr. Leong, I still find Andrew’s material complement the notes that I already had. I watched Andrew’s video in X2 speed, and returning to the topic whenever I felt needed to revise.
TIA Simulator: Utilize the TIA Simulator to practice PMP-style questions under exam-like conditions, improving test-taking skills.
Ricardo Vargas on YouTube
Ricardo Vargas: Watch Ricardo Vargas's videos for practical perspectives on project management methodologies. I like his free resources which he created in a simple diagram and easy to understand
Alvin the PM on Youtube
Gain valuable tips, study strategies, and exam insights from Alvin the PM specifically for PMBOK 7. It’s a 4 hours videos that summarises the book.
Book Resource
"PMP Project Management Professional Practice Tests, 2nd Edition" by Kim Heldman. The book simulate the actual exam environment, aiding readiness assessment. 🛒 Get A Copy
PMBOK Guide - This is usually provided when you signup for live training. If you plan to study on your own, you should consider PMBOK 6th and 7th Ed (This series is updated each 4-5 years). So check from PMI Website before you purchase. 🛒 Get A Copy
Brain Exercise
Engage in interactive learning through PMP games designed to reinforce concepts and improve retention.
I usually spent time playing these game at least 30 mins per day!
Flashcards (Make Your Own)
Create personalized flashcards to reinforce important PMP terms, formulas, and concepts, enhancing retention and focusing on areas needing practice. I created mine on Notion (did it on a physical flash card before, it did not work for me!)
My Flash Card On Notion
Create your own flash card to customise it to your own learning needs, don’t buy them!
Lesson Learned Log (Correct & Error Log)
Snippet of my version of Lesson Learned Log
Maintaining a correct and error log is crucial for effective revision. Here’s why:
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: Documenting and tracking answers helps identify areas of proficiency and areas requiring improvement.
Spotting Patterns: Recognizing question patterns aids in pinpointing areas needing more attention.
Tracking Progress : Regular monitoring tracks progress, guiding focus on areas needing improvement.
Building Confidence: Progressively increasing correct answers boosts confidence and indicates overcoming initial challenges.
Prepare Your Stationery and Note-Taking Systems
Preparing your stationery and note-taking systems in advance streamlines your study process and maximizes efficiency. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth and productive study experience.
Physical Note-Taking: Use high-quality notebooks with tabbing systems. Print materials in advance and organize them systematically. You know the drill, prepare pens, highlighters etc! It’s like back to school 😁
Digital Note-Taking: Utilize apps like Notion for comprehensive note-taking and organization. Use Google Excel sheets for progress tracking and store files on platforms like OneDrive for easy access.
My Tips:
Evaluate Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews from other PMP aspirants to gauge study materials' effectiveness and suitability.
Stay Updated: Keep abreast of PMP exam syllabus updates to ensure alignment with study materials.
Interactive Learning: Choose materials offering interactive components like quizzes and simulations to enhance engagement and retention.
That's it for this week, folks. Catch you in the next chapter of #WawaPMPJourney!
Catch you later, and remember, “Everything is Workable!”"