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Project management is, without a doubt of the most critical part of a business. It can improve productivity, communication, customer satisfaction, and so much more. Companies function better when project management is handled successfully. As a result, project managers are often paid well and are vital parts of their organizations. But to become a project management professional (PMP), you need to take the exam to show you are educated and knowledgeable enough. This can give you more credibility and help you land a better job and stand out above your peers.
But to pass this exam takes a lot of hard work. With that in mind, this article will go over a few preparations to make before taking the exam.
Do you want to become a Project Management Professional (PMP)? If so, follow these steps before taking the exam. They'll help you pass with flying colors!Click To TweetTake Sample PMP Exams
One of the single best ways to prepare is to take sample exams. If you simply read your notes and solve questions from a book, it doesn’t give you the same experience as taking a test. These practice exams can get you in the right headspace and prepare you for the types of problems and questions you may face during the actual exam.
There are many options out there, but ensure they are high-quality and up to date. For example, if you get prepared with PMP practice exam from PM Exam Simulator, you can instantly have access to thousands of questions and explanations to help give you the best chance of success.
Create a PMP Study Plan
Creating a study plan is another valuable thing to keep in mind. Trying to study without a plan in place can be a jumbled mess and not very effective at all. You need to break up your studying into sections. In addition, ensure you remain focused and committed during the time you set out for studying.
Your exact plan will depend on how soon you are taking the exam, what areas you feel you are weakest in, and what method of studying or training works the best for you. Of course, be sure you leave yourself enough time to cover everything and give each domain of your study enough effort and time.
Understand, Don’t Memorize
When studying and preparing for the PM exam (or any test for that matter), it is vital that you not only memorize what you study but actually understand it. When many people study, they simply read their notes and try to memorize them.
Many of these exams will provide real-world applications for the concepts you have learned, and simply memorizing terms won’t help. You need to truly understand what is being taught and covered and apply it to new and unique scenarios.
Of course, you may need to remember specific terms or rules, but much of project management is about the concepts and how to apply them.
Consider Joining an Online PMP Group or Community
Doing everything on your own can be a real challenge, and studying for something so major can be an isolating experience. Thankfully, there are groups and online communities full of other people going through exactly what you are.
Joining these groups can be a great way to get more support, ask questions and help others with their issues. This is also a great place to make personal and professional connections, share your achievements, and simply have access to like-minded individuals.
You can ensure you have the best chance of successfully taking your project management exam by making these preparations. Good luck!
Can you share your study plan for PMP with us?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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Very interesting and informative post! I had no idea what a PMP was before reading this. It definitely helps to make a study plan and be prepared, like any testing.
Yes, to pass any test or the PMP a study plan is a must!