How I Passed the PMP Exam - #7 Post Exam
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 (Read here)
Chapter 4 : Study Progress (Read here)
Chapter 5 : Study Tips (Read here)
Chapter 6 : Exam Prep (Read here)
Chapter 7 : Post Exam (Current Post)
Now, let’s dive in to an overview of the PMP exam preparations.
Post Exam (What's Next)
Assuming you've passed the exam, congratulations on earning your PMP certification!
Whatever the result may be for you, please make sure you celebrate this milestone with a piece of cake and your favourite beverage! Enjoy and relax, it’s time to rest. Yay!
This is a significant milestone, and now it's time to focus on what comes next to maintain your certification, continue your professional development, and stay engaged in the project management community.
# 1. Maintain Your PMP Certification
Maintaining your PMP certification requires fulfilling the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) set by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Here's how I did it:
Earn Professional Development Units (PDUs): You need 60 PDUs every three years to renew your certification. PDUs can be earned through various activities like continuing education, professional training, volunteer work, and attending industry conferences. I found lots of tips on earning and collecting PDUs from articles and Udemy courses.
Utilize Diverse Learning Opportunities: Engage in a variety of learning activities to earn PDUs. This includes workshops, webinars, seminars, advanced certifications, online courses, and volunteering for project management-related activities.
Track and Report PDUs: Keep track of your PDUs using the PMI Continuing Certification Tracker. Report your earned PDUs online through the PMI website to maintain your certification status. Remember, you have to be logged in to your PMI dashboard to do this.
# 2. Continue Learning and Skill Development
Project management is always evolving, so continuous learning is essential for staying up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. Here’s how I kept learning:
Stay Updated: I kept myself informed about the latest developments in project management by reading industry publications, blogs, and research papers. Following thought leaders and influencers in the field gave me insights into current trends and practices.
Attend Training and Workshops: I enrolled in training programs, workshops, and seminars to deepen my knowledge and skills in specific areas of project management. I looked for opportunities to expand my expertise in areas like Agile methodologies, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and leadership.
Pursue Advanced Certifications: I considered pursuing advanced certifications or specializations to enhance my credentials and career prospects. Depending on my career goals and interests, I explored certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP), Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP), Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), or Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).
# 3. Stay Engaged in the Project Management Community
Networking and engaging with the project management community are vital for staying connected, sharing knowledge, and advancing your career. Here’s how I stayed engaged:
Join Professional Associations: I became a member of professional associations like the Project Management Institute (PMI) and local PMI chapters. Attending chapter meetings, networking events, and conferences helped me connect with fellow professionals and stay updated on industry developments.
Participate in Forums and Discussions: I joined online forums, discussion groups, and social media communities dedicated to project management. Engaging in discussions, sharing insights, and seeking advice from peers and experts in the field was incredibly valuable.
Volunteer and Mentor: Giving back to the project management community by volunteering for leadership roles in professional associations, mentoring aspiring project managers, or participating in outreach programs not only benefited others but also enhanced my leadership skills and visibility within the community.
By actively maintaining your certification, continuing your learning journey, and staying engaged in the project management community, you'll not only uphold your professional standards but also thrive and grow in your career as a certified Project Management Professional. If you love learning like me, it is easy to embrace the opportunities for growth and development that lie ahead, and continue to make a positive impact in your career!
You have come to an end of #WawaPMPJourney and #HowIPassedThePMPExam series!
Catch you later, and remember, “Everything is Workable!”"
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You can also explore my other blog post on Agile Delivery, Project Solutions, Agile Mindset and Career Bits on WorkWizard. Leave me a comment, would love to hear if we are on the same wavelength!
Read this article on medium : https://medium.com/@wawahalim