PMP® Brain dump Strategy – now you can use this as strategy ON the exam!

PMP brain dump strategy - legally steal my own

Important Update:

PearsonVUE test centers do not allow test-takers to use the 15 min pre-exam slot for PMP brain dump strategy.

I would suggest that you practice your brain dump nevertheless – it will keep the crucial information fresh in your mind and handy when needed on the exam!

Many of my students still use the first 10 minutes of their exam time to write down brain dump and draw huge dividends. Nothing like a ready reference when you are in the flow – after all PMP exam is also a race against time.

In the previous article I explained tips, cautions, best practices, techniques and resources that help you prepare well as you get closer to the PMP exam. One of the things I talked about is PMP brain dump strategy, what does it involve and when the brain dump is created.

Also read: Read the 10-min PMP preparation tip, here.

PMP brain dump strategy is crucial for CBT (computer based test) where you get few minutes at the beginning of the exam to write down important points on paper. This allows you to legally copy. 🙂 The idea is to avoid confusion, and allow quick access to information – reducing time taken to answer questions, continue the ‘state of flow’ during the exam and answer more questions correctly.

What about Paper Based Test?

Now the test centers do not allow to jot down brain dump during 15 mins given to familiarize the test software interface. And many test-takers choose to write down the brain dump during the first 10 minutes of the exam. Thus if you are taking PBT (paper based test), you can use the same strategy too.

The exercise of pulling together important points on to a paper for ready reference – serves the purpose of revision. So my advice is not to skip this important exercise.

Is PMP brain dump strategy dead? NO! You can still use it. Even get my brain dump for free. Click to Tweet

Just to reiterate, here are few points you need to keep in mind about brain dump.

a) Brain dump may consist of the following –

  • formulas
  • list of names
  • mnemonics, doodles, or mindmap(s)
  • complete names of gurus (you may get questions with wrong first name in the options, for instance Juran)
  • any PMP exam information that you find difficult to remember

b) Write formulas even if you know them well. It just saves the time to recall them during the exam and might avoid an occasional confusionpmp brain dump

c) Write important things from PMBOK guide first, followed by points related to ‘outside areas’ discovered during your study and mock tests.

The reason being, if you are not able to complete the brain-dump in the stipulated time you’ve given yourself then you end up leaving out ‘low risk’ points. This is better than leaving out critical things, like formulas. I got to write only about 65% of my brain-dump during the 13 minutes I gave myself.

d) You don’t need to have a structure to your brain-dump. The goal is to write down as much of it as possible during the short time window of 10-12minsyou get just before the exam begins

e) Start creating your brain-dump in the last week leading up to your exam. This is when you are pretty much done with the studies and grey areas are apparent.

f) ‘Download’ brain-dump on to the scratch paper given to you at Prometric center, during the 15 minutes window you get to understand exam software interface.

PMP brain dump strategy Tip: Make sure you have enough space left on the scratch paper to do actual calculations after writing brain-dump, because if you ask for more paper PearsonVUE staff will take away the first one!

g) Most likely you will be given a ‘booklet’ of 4 A4 size sheets at your test center. But don’t take my word for this, check with your exam center (there could be different practices in different countries). Some people have got laminated sheets and erasable pens as well!

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Remember that your typical brain-dump is very terse, lot of it would make sense only to you.

Just to illustrate the point, here is my brain dump. You may have to connect dots at few places to make sense out of it, and this is how it looks. Make sure you create your own brain dump, which would be most beneficial to you.

Feel free to use this as a base for yours.

This brain dump is crudely formatted one. The reason is because that is how brain dump is.
Jotted in a matter of minutes on a piece of paper.
Since even I cannot understand my handwriting well :), I am typing my brain-dump instead of showing a picture of it written on a piece of paper.
This way you can use this as a basis for your own brain dump too.

Here we go!

Earned Value Management
———————–
EV = BAC * % complete
EV = PV * % complete (any point during project execution)

EV=BCWP (budgeted cost of work performed)
PV=BCWS (budgeted cost of work scheduled)
AC=ACWP (actual cost of work performed)

SV = EV-PV  > 0 is good
SPI = EV/PV   > 1 is ahead of schedule

CV = EV-AC  > 0 is good
CPI = EV/AC   > 1 is under budget

PV = SV/(SPI-1)
AC = CV/(CPI-1)
——

EAC = AC+bottom-up ETC : when initial estimates are flawed
EAC = AC+(BAC-EV) : when ETC is predicted to be done at budgeted rate (ATYPICAL)
EAC = BAC/CPI : when ETC is expected at current CPI (typical)
EAC = AC+(BAC-EV)/(SPI*CPI) : at current SPI, CPI

EAC=BAC-CV ?

EAC = AC/%Complete

ETC = EAC – AC :assuming work goes as per plan
ETC = BAC – EV

VAC = BAC – EAC
%VAC = VAC/BAC * 100

TCPI = (BAC-EV)/(BAC-AC) : accepting BAC value
TCPI = work remaining/funds remaining
TCPI = (BAC-EV)/(EAC-AC) : when BAC is not sufficient and EAC is calculated
TCPI > 1 is bad

————-
Expected Monitory value: EMV=Impact*Probability
————-
Communication channels = N*(N-1)/2

7% of communication message is contained in words
38% in vocal pitch
55% in body language
Albert Mehrabian’s book “Silent Message”

 

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————-

TEAM stages – Tuckman (Jensen) Ladder
forming
storming
norming
performing
adjourning

Future value & Present value
—————————-
FV = PV (1+r)^N    : r=rate of interest, N=number of time periods
PV = FV/(1+r)^N
NPV : higher the better
NPV > 0 investment will add value, accept the project

Internal rate of return, IRR  : Bigger the better
Benefit Cost Ration, BCR : Bigger the better
Payback period: Lesser the better : This is nothing but Breakeven period
Payback period=Net investment/Avg annual cash flow

————-
Probability distribution
————————
PERT: Normal:  (O+M*4+P)/6
Triangular: (O+M+P)/3
SD of activity = (P-O)/6
Variance of activity = [SD]squared
————-
Float/Slack/total slack = LS-ES = LF-EF   : =0 for activities on critical path
————-
Cost Of Quality, COQ = EFTW+COPQ = POC+PONC
Essential first time work
Cost of poor quality
Price of Conformance
Price of non-conformance
————-

Depreciation/Straight-line depreciation = Asset cost/Useful life
Double declining balance = 2x((Asset cost – Accumulated depreciation)/Useful life)
————-

Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) -25% to +75%
Budget Estimate -10% to +25%
DefinitiveEstimates -5% to +10%
————-
Remember, RETURN = Net Income Before Tax (NIBT) *or* Net Income After Tax (NIAT); & ON means ‘/’

Return on Sales, ROS = NI*T/Total Sales
Return on Assets, ROA = NI*T/Total Assets
Retrun on Investment, ROI = NI*T/Total Investment

Working Capital = Current Assets – Current Liabilities

Discounted cashflow = Cashflow * Discount factor
————-

Contract related formulas
————————-
Savings = Target cost – Actual cost
Bonus = Savings*Percentage
Contract cost = Bonus+Fees
Total cost = Actual cost + Contract cost
————-
Point of total assumption
PTA = [(Ceiling Price – Target Price)/Buyer’s Share Ratio] + Target Cost
Cost to buy = Initial cost + [#months * (monthly maintenance costs)]
lifecycle cost = total cost + maintenance and support cost for lifetime of product
————-

Normal Distribution
——————-
1 sigma = 68.26%
2 sigma = 95.46%
3 sigma = 99.73%
6 sigma = 99.999%
1 SD = 1 sigma
————-
What Five Strategic Considerations may result in authorization of a project? (MOCkTaiLS – MOCTLS)
Market demand
Organizational need
Customer request
Technological advances
Legal requirements
Social need
————-
EVA = Net Operating Profit After Tax – Cost of Capital (Revenue – Op. Exp – Taxes) – (Investment Capital X % Cost of Capital)
EVA: Economic Value Add Benefit Measurement – Bigger is better

Source Selection = (Weightage X Price) + (Weightage X Quality)
————-
Types of powers of PM:
Legitimate
Reward
Expert
Referent
Coersive/Punishment
————-
Motivational theories
———————
Hertzbergs highgyene-motivation
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
McGregor Theory X, Y;  / Z(assurance of permanent job position)
McClelland’s Need Theory
Victor Vroom Expectance theory
———————

Peter Principle=Halo effect
———————

range of variance on a budgetary estimate can be from -10% to +25%.

—————————————
Paul Hersey/Ken blanchard’s Situational continuum/leadership
change leadership style based on maturity of subbordinates/team.
S1: Telling; S2: Selling; S3: Participating; S4: Delegating;

system testing vs integration testing

Seven Quality Mgmt and Control tools(NP, MAP IT)
————————————————
Network diagram
PDPC
Matrix diagram
Affinity diagram
Prioritization Metrics
Interrelationship digraphs
Tree diagram

7 Basic Quality Tools (See See See, Husband and Father Playing Soccer)
——————————————————————
Check sheet
Control chart
Cause-and-effect diagram
Histogram
Flow chart
Pareto chart
Scatter diagram

type II error – beta risk
ACTIVITY ON ARROW/arrow diagramming method

McKinsey’s 7S’s –  Robert H. Waterman, Jr. and Tom Peters
Hard Elements
Strategy
Structure
Systems

Soft Elements
Shared Values
Skills
Style
Staff

7 reasons of conflicts on projects
———————————-
schedule
project priorities
human resources
technical opinions and performance trade-offs
administrative procedures
persnality conflict
cost and budget

Conflict management style
————————-
withdraw/avoid
compromise
smoothen/accomodate
collaborating
confront/problem solving
force

Collaborating: win/win;
Compromising: win some/lose some; >> lose/lose
Accommodating: lose/win;
Competing: win/lose;
Avoiding: no winners/no losers

Test of Normality
Paired Comparison Analysis
opm3
managemet by objective
capability maturity model
tqm
Merrill and Reid in their employee motivation theory?
personality traits: driver, expressive, amiable, and analytical.

Joseph Juran:applied the Pareto principle to quality issues
“Juran’s Trilogy”: quality planning, quality control, and quality improvement.

W. Edwards Deming
PDCA – along with Shewart

Philips Crosby – DIRFT (4 principles)
The definition of quality is conformance to requirements (requirements meaning both the product and the customer’s requirements)
The system of quality is prevention
The performance standard is zero defects (relative to requirements)
The measurement of quality is the price of nonconformance

Vilfredo Federico Damaso Pareto
80-20 principle

Kaoru Ishikawa
root-cause diagram: fishbone

KJ Diagram ()

William Ouchi (jap)
Theory Z, permament job offer

Genichi Taguchi
Design of experiments

F.C. Moore
“Delegation means assigning work to the others and giving them authority to do so”

Overlapping relationship
Sequential relationship
Multi-phase relationship
Iterative relationship

Predictive/plan-driven
Iterative and Incremental
Adaptive/Agile

NPV is defined as: The difference between the present value of cash inflows and the present value of cash outflows.

critical chain methd by Eliyahu M. Goldratt
The critical path method (CPM) is a project modeling technique developed in the late 1950s by Morgan R. Walker (of DuPont) and James E. Kelley
Parkinson’s law is the adage which states that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion”.
Student’s syndrom – work is done at the last moment before deadline

Group decision making criteria (BINAM)
——————————
Brainstorming
Idea/mind mapping
Nominal technique
Affinity diagrams
Multi-criteria decision analysis

Failure mode and effect analysis – FMEA
QFD – quality function deployment (type of Facilitated workshops)

Discrete, Apportioned, Level of Effort – EMV effort types

marginal analysis
lifecycle costing
deming’s 14 points?
ARMA>
zero sum processing
issue log

shannon-weaver model of communication

code of ethics: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Fairness  >>>> Aspirational and Mandatory

direct, indirect, fixed, variable costs

———————

That’s about PMP brain dump strategy, and of course my own brain dump.

This may look a lengthy one, but when you write one for yourself it certainly doesn’t feel long. Moreover, you write even briefly on paper. The only point to keep in mind is to practice the brain-dump couple of times a day during the last week leading up to your PMP exam. The more you practice, the easier it is to write on paper in shortest time, and more confident you will feel during the exam!

Here’s a bonus PMP brain dump strategy tip- write the points in descending order of importance to you (ideally all formulas should be written down first), so if you end up not being able to put down everything on paper, you’ll miss only least important points.

So, that’s the secret to feel good and do good during the exam!

Now you can get more such useful techniques, brain-friendly study resources created using research based techniques, and a complete end-to-end PMP prep program. Check out the sample training videos and the entire Curriculum section on this page – PMP Last Mile Prep Program.

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If you need any help with your PMP preparation (prep strategy or any question with PMP content) write to me at shiv-at-pmexamsmartnotes-dot-com

Good luck!

-Shiv

 

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{ 194 comments… add one }
  • Silicia Letia Washington March 18, 2020, 5:24 am

    I plan to take the exam in May. Any additional resources you can provide? Thanks.

  • Shikha Gautam August 1, 2019, 12:33 pm

    Thank you so much for helping me Shiv…. 🙂 Bless you!

  • Shikha Gautam July 27, 2019, 1:22 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    Do I have to memorize all the project documents which are mentioned in inputs and outputs in PMBOK6? If yes, then how do I memorize it… because each project document is different for each itto, for instance issue log, resource breakdown structure, project schedule.. and it is very difficult to make connection between each of the project document in 49 processes. Is there any trick?

  • Ezekiel June 25, 2019, 12:24 pm

    Hi, how long did you prepare for the test?

  • Narasimha June 13, 2019, 7:50 pm

    Hi Shiv, I am planning for PMP certification within 2 months. Could you please share the Road Map, Plan and any relevant material to start with and practice.

    Thank you in advance

  • Ahmed Niushad June 7, 2019, 7:51 pm

    Could you provide me a final preparation notes and your valuable suggestions

    • Shiv Shenoy June 10, 2019, 1:24 pm

      Ahmed Niushad, please take a look at couple of articles under ‘Important Posts’ section on right sidebar, that talks about prep points in the last week and on the day of exam, and also the brain-dump.
      Best,
      Shiv

  • Neelika Malaviya November 29, 2018, 1:06 am

    Hi Shiv,
    I took PMP exam this month on Nov. 6th 2018 and failed in the first attempt despite all my best efforts. I also attended the boot camp by Velociteach, did simulator exams and went over more than 2500 questions before taking the test. On my actual exam, I had just 3 formula based questions, all others were subjective ones and quite confusing. No amount of hard work and sacrifice paid off. Right now, I am clueless as to how to prepare for it in my second try.
    Can you please suggest some websites where I can find good practice questions/ answers with explanations or question bank such as brain dumps and any other strategy which can be helpful.

    Thanks,
    Neelika

    • Shiv Shenoy December 5, 2018, 1:58 pm

      Hi Neelika, I’ve sent you some information by email.
      Let’s get you the PMP certification! 🙂

      • Sarvesh November 1, 2019, 3:10 pm

        I am looking to take the exam in the first week of December. Date not finalized yet. I would like to know the best way to prepare in 30 days and pass in the first attempt.
        Thank you

  • Janic March 2, 2018, 7:39 am

    Hi Shiv,

    thanks for sharing the brain dump, what edition of the pmbok is this based on? i see some items that are not in the current version ie mckinsey’s 7s or order of conflict. thanks!

    • Shiv Shenoy March 15, 2018, 12:17 pm

      Janic, PMBOK is just one of the references to ‘PMP Examination Content Outline’, the syllabus on which PMP exam is based on. You should expect things on the exam that are not part of PMBOK guide too.

  • Sandeep January 14, 2018, 11:22 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    I started preparing for PMP and want to appear for exam before Apr’18. Can you please share the plan so that I can prepare accordingly? That would be really helpful.

    Regards
    Sandeep

    • Shiv Shenoy January 16, 2018, 3:23 pm

      Hi Sandeep, please check out the START menu page to know how to get started creating a plan that suits your schedule.
      Good luck!

  • Johnny July 29, 2017, 7:30 pm

    I plan to take the exam in a few months. What tips are useful and practice exams? Thanks

    • Shiv Shenoy July 30, 2017, 8:15 am

      Hi Johnny, please take a look at START option from the menu above. Also, there is a study plan article on the right sidebar under Important Posts that you may find useful. You may want to get your PMP before PMBOK-6 turns up. Reach out to me if you need any help.
      Good luck!
      Shiv

  • Sammy July 4, 2017, 11:01 pm

    Hello Shiv,
    Thank you for the useful hints on your site. Please I’m taking my PMP exam in 2 weeks. I need help on useful exam simulator and any other useful material that can help.in such a short time.

    I have been preparing for some time now but i get scared when i see some sample questions on the internet that are confusing.

  • Kritika March 13, 2017, 10:17 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    I am planning to appear for the PMP exam in 2nd week of April. I have just started off with the preparation. I am juggling between RMC and PMBOK and not able to understand how should I focus on these two books and complete them and practice questions as well within a short time frame. Please guide me.

    Thanks & best regards,
    Kritika

    • Shiv Shenoy March 21, 2017, 12:14 pm

      Hi Kritika, it is best to come up with a milestone based plan. For instance, you may want to give yourself one day per KA (I’m assuming you have enough time to put in as the overall duration is pretty small) so first end-to-end study is completed in 10 days. Then take a 4-hr step (second milestone), and treat this as a means of understanding concepts. Then it could be second round of end-to-end study and so on.

      There’s an article showing 5 things successful PMPs are doing in the week before exam here – http://www.pmexamsmartnotes.com/1-week-away-from-pmp-exam-what-should-i-do-to-increase-my-chances-of-passing-exam/

      If you use a video course, you’ll be able to run thru at 1.5X speed and possible complete entire course under 2 days, as a means of revision. Just make sure you take enough 4hr mock tests from a good Simulator.

      Good luck,
      Shiv

  • Khurram Ilyas November 29, 2016, 10:03 pm

    Hello Shiv,

    I am planning to attempt PMP exam within a couple of months.

    Would you please share the exam preparation plan.

    Thank you.

    • Shiv Shenoy December 16, 2016, 6:48 am

      Hi Khurram, please visit the START menu page above to get started. Good luck!
      Cheers,
      Shiv

  • Muhammad Arsalan November 21, 2016, 7:05 am

    Hi Shiv,

    I have an exam next month, please help me with the notes.

    BR,
    Arsalan

    • Shiv Shenoy December 16, 2016, 7:24 am

      Hi Arsalan,

      Everything you need to start from the scratch till getting the certification is available on this blog. A good place to start is the START page linked from the menu above.
      Good luck!
      Shiv

  • Pranay Shankar November 16, 2016, 9:22 pm

    Hey Shiv. Very helpful tips. I just cleared my PMP. Appreciate all the help.
    Just to let everyone know, Our test center received instructions, apparently from PMI, that dumps shouldn’t be written at the time of tutorial. I was allowed to start writing only when the exam commenced. Really good practice. But, a bit unfair to the people taking the exam now since you’ll lose your valuable 15 minutes of time.

    • Shiv Shenoy November 20, 2016, 9:13 pm

      Hearty congratulations Pranay! Thanks for sharing the news. This will help people better prepared.
      Best,
      Shiv

  • Hitesh October 19, 2016, 4:40 pm

    Hello Shiv,

    I’m planning to give my PMP certification exam in 2 months, I would really appreciate if you could share some notes and exam preparation plan.

    Thanks,
    Hitesh

  • Manjunath June 13, 2016, 9:00 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    Can you please send me exam preparation plan.
    I would like to take the exam in next 2 months.
    Thanks in advance.

    Thanks,
    /Manjunath

  • Neeraj Singh June 12, 2016, 2:03 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    I am planning to have PMP exam in next 3-4 months as I am getting opportunity in project management profile within the company.

    Would you please share the exam preparation plan for the same.

    thank you.

  • Arun June 4, 2016, 6:13 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    I am supposed to appear in July 2016. Is it possible to crack it in 45 days. I work as well.

    Please help.

    Arun

    • Shiv Shenoy June 24, 2016, 11:32 am

      Definitely possible, Arun. Pls start with the START menu page to know how you can plan.

      Best,
      Shiv

  • Vidya May 18, 2016, 2:31 am

    Can you please send me study plan

    • Shiv Shenoy May 29, 2016, 7:15 am

      Hi Vidya, please visit Start menu page to sign up for PMP Study Blueprint email course. It will help you come up with study plan, and everything you need to get started in the simplest possible way.
      -Shiv

  • Sam April 26, 2016, 10:54 pm

    Hi Shiv, I am planning to give PMP exam in another 2 months, can you please help me with the plan and any other tips ?

    • Shiv Shenoy April 30, 2016, 9:49 am

      Hi Sam, the best way is to start at ‘Start Here’ page from menu. That should help you come up with the study plan. Pls feel free to write to me if you need any help.
      Best regards,
      Shiv

  • Dipesh April 8, 2016, 7:29 am

    Hi Shiv,

    I am planning to give PMP exam and I have around 2 months of time. Can you please share your plan?

    Regards,
    Dipesh

    • Shiv Shenoy April 19, 2016, 12:35 pm

      Hi Dipesh,
      I’d suggest starting with Start Here menu page, to know how you can get the best and most out of this blog.
      Do write to me directly if you need any help.
      Best,
      Shiv

  • Aparna March 27, 2016, 11:08 pm

    Hi Shiv –

    I am working women and planning to appear for PMP exam this year. I had gone once through Andy Cowell book once and now going through Ritas book. However the struggle I am having is that when I am going through any of the books or online content everything seems logical but later I am not able to recollect them. It is the case with simple definition , activity in any knowledge area etc. Can you please provide some tips to have better recollection and hence feel confident to appear for exam. Its too confusing for me when I tried sample questions. So need your help.

    Thanks

    • Shiv Shenoy March 29, 2016, 4:09 pm

      Hi Aparna,
      Thanks for your message. The feeling of ‘not being able to remember’ is quite common among PMP students, I remember getting frustrated with this. So please don’t bother about it. But the fact is that once you go over your study resources couple of times it all starts to make sense.

      The idea is to make sure you have 2-3 GOOD study resources to study from. Since PMBOK is what PMI uses to prepare questions, that has to be one of the study resources. The other 1-2 should be the ones that you ENJOY studying from.

      For instance if you are a visual learner pick a video course like PM PrepCast and a book like HeadFirst PMP. If you enjoy studying from text books, you sure would like PMBOK, and may consider a book like Rita’s.

      Next, here’s a technique you may want to give a try –
      Pick one KA and go across all of your chosen study resources studying the same KA. This approach brings to fore the ‘implicit’ assumptions our brain makes while studying a new concept, and also studying same concept through different mechanisms makes it easier on the brain. It understands faster and recalls quicker.

      You may want to check out my Kindle book for a complete list of study techniques and tips, along with a proven, popular 4-wk plan. It is not a PMP study guide, rather a blueprint that makes the PMP journey easy and enjoyable.
      Please feel free to write to me if you needed any other help.

      Good luck!
      Shiv

  • Achal March 8, 2016, 8:00 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    I’m planning to give PMP exam, Can you please share your plan ?

    Thanks,

    Achal

    • Shiv Shenoy March 29, 2016, 5:30 pm

      Hi Achal,
      The best way is to visit the Start Here page from menu. I’ll also go ahead and send you few important links you can start with.

      Best of luck,
      Shiv

  • Joseph Palumbo February 11, 2016, 2:23 am

    Hi Shiv, I am planning on taking the PMP exam sometime in March. I understand the content has changed as of 2/11. Is it possible to forward me the dump of the latest exam or some pointed reference material.

    Thanks Joe

  • Nabin January 17, 2016, 1:26 am

    Hi Shiv,

    I’m planning to give PMP exam on 21 Jan. I need your valuable suggestions. Please.

  • Naresh December 28, 2015, 2:44 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    I am taking PMP on 31st dec, i had failed the first one though.
    Can you give me few tips to remember?

    Thanks,
    Naresh

  • Vijay December 26, 2015, 12:41 am

    I have failed the PMP exam first time. I request you to provide your plans for way to prepare for the exam at the earliest. I am planning to re-appear before 11th Jan.

    • Shiv Shenoy December 29, 2015, 11:33 pm

      Hi Vijay,
      Please reach me on Skype (use the button from bottom of this page).

      Best,
      Shiv

  • Kelvin December 18, 2015, 8:54 am

    Hi Shiv,

    I’m intending to take my PMP exam early in Jan. Can you advise how I can pass the exam?

    Thanks.

  • Nurunnubi November 29, 2015, 5:06 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    This is Nurunnubi. I have attended PMP exam on 19th October, 2015 but I failed. I am
    I am very frustrated though I took very good preparation. Again I registered for the date of 4-Jan-2016.
    Last exam I got, Initiating-Proficient, Planning-Below proficient, Executing- Below proficient, Monitoring- Below proficient, Closing- Below proficient.
    I am studying PMP book and Rita for preparation.
    Please advise me.

  • Ravi November 28, 2015, 3:25 pm

    I am Planning to appear the PMP exam in Feb,2016. Can you suggest the best way to catch up this. Thanks for all your support in advance.

    Shiv Shenoy:
    Ravi,
    Please go over ‘Start Here’ menu on this blog and reach out to me if you need any other help.
    Best,
    Shiv

  • Jeevan November 11, 2015, 3:45 pm

    Hi Shiv
    I have my pmp exam in one month. Please guide me for preparation..

    • Shiv Shenoy November 18, 2015, 9:57 am

      Hi Jeevan,
      I’ve mailed you. Please visit ‘Start Here’ page from menu to know how to get the best from this blog.

      Best,
      Shiv

  • radheya Kahat November 6, 2015, 12:49 am

    Hi Shiv,

    It would be valued help to me if you could share notes ,exam simulator link as well as plan on my email id.

    Thanks 🙂

    Regards
    Radheya kahat
    [email protected]

    • Shiv Shenoy November 6, 2015, 11:47 pm

      Mailed you, Radheya.
      Best,
      Shiv

      • Vivek Nagpal November 12, 2015, 10:46 am

        Hi Shiv, Can you share your material (notes ,exam simulator link as well as plan); I shall be obliged.
        My email – [email protected]

        • Shiv Shenoy November 18, 2015, 9:57 am

          Hi Vivek,
          Please visit ‘Start Here’ page from menu to know how to get the best from this blog.

          Best,
          Shiv

  • Yvonne October 3, 2015, 1:15 am

    Hi Shiv,

    I’m having a hard time remembering the many formulas. Any suggestions?

    Thank you,
    Yvonne

    • Shiv Shenoy October 3, 2015, 10:58 pm

      Hi Yvonne, one way is to practice as many formula based questions as possible along with the concepts. Please see if my formula based ebook helps.

      Best,
      Shiv

      • Sachin Chourasiya October 12, 2015, 1:04 pm

        Hello Shiv,
        I am newbie to PMP and started readig PMBOK. Could you please help me in stufy material or questions? I read PMBOK v 5 and Rita Mulchays 8th Edition.

        • Shiv Shenoy October 12, 2015, 6:11 pm

          Hi Sachin, please start with ‘Start Here’ menu page above and feel free to schedule a free exam planning Skype call with me.
          Best,
          Shiv

    • Shiv Shenoy November 18, 2015, 9:55 am

      Hi Yvonne, I’ve mailed you. Updating here for the benefits of people.
      There are bunch of formulas (some from PMBOK, some from other sources) that are in the scope of PMP exam. You can find these from my book ‘the complete PMP formula guide’, from this page.
      You can also find list of formulas from my brain dump, linked under ‘Popular Posts’ section on the right sidebar on this blog.

      Best,
      Shiv

  • Mohanohan September 26, 2015, 1:52 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    I just started taking the PMP course in a good PMI. I wanted to know the strategy to more efficient in PMP techniques to give an exam. could you please help me.
    1) Preparation
    2) Techniques
    3) Test
    4) Final step to give exam.

    Thanks in Advance!

    • Shiv Shenoy September 27, 2015, 12:47 pm

      Thanks for your msg! You can find all the information on this blog – start with Start Here menu – it’s the best place to begin.
      Good luck!

  • Rekha September 25, 2015, 2:21 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    Hope you and your family are doing great.
    I was asked by my manager to complete PMP, few days back. If I start preparing now; do you think I can finish before the next edition release(Jan 2016).
    Should I start now.. and take time and finish after 6 months – write the 6th edition???

    Thanks & Regards,
    Rekha

    • Shiv Shenoy September 25, 2015, 6:13 pm

      Hi Rekha,

      PMI is not moving over to PMBOK-6th edition with Jan-16 exam update. In fact, as I found talking to their support group – there are no changes to PMBOK at all. This makes it a bit uncertain and that’s why I feel it is better to complete your PMP before the new exam format rolls in.

      If is definitely possible to get your PMP by Dec 15, if you can make a study plan and stick to it. This is what this blog helps you with. Please visit Start Here page from the menu to understand how you can go about this.

      Feel free to schedule for a free Skype consultation call to discuss your preparation strategy.

      Best wishes,
      Shiv

  • Prakash September 22, 2015, 12:04 am

    Hi Shiv,

    Thanks for your site. Your suggestion to use Cornelius Fletcher’s Exam simulator was helpful. I also utilized your brain dump and passed my PMP exam on my first attempt. It took me about 6 weeks of intense preparation to pass the exam. (Exam Simulator, Head First PMP, Passionate PM Series, PocketPrep IOS App). Prior to that, I was reading Rita’s book at a leisurely pace for about 2 months.

    Thanks,
    Prakash

  • venkateswarulu Kaisetty September 16, 2015, 3:02 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    How are you? I am planning to write my PMP exam in November 1st week me. Please advise me.

    Best regrds
    Venkat

    • Shiv Shenoy September 18, 2015, 1:57 pm

      Hi Venkat,
      Please refer to the Start Here page from the menu above. It explains exactly how you can get the best PMP material from this blog and accompanying Facebook community.

      Good luck!
      Shiv

  • Swati August 12, 2015, 8:27 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    I am preparing for PMP and have scheduled exam for next month. Got 4 weeks for study. Kindly guide how do i go about the preparations.

    Regards,
    Swati

    • Shiv Shenoy August 13, 2015, 8:39 am

      Hi Swati,
      Please schedule a free Skype session with me (use the green button at the bottom of this blog) to discuss your exam prep strategy.

      Best,
      Shiv

    • Rekha September 25, 2015, 2:24 pm

      Hi Swati,

      In 4 weeks of time, were you able to complete studying and exam?

      Regs,
      Rekha

  • SBManoj August 5, 2015, 10:49 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    I intend to take PMP exam by mid-September and would appreciate if you could share your plan and notes that would help me prepare and (hopefully) pass the exam in less than 6 weeks. If you think this it seems like a long-shot, then please let me know.

    Thank you.
    SBM

    • Shiv Shenoy August 7, 2015, 9:37 am

      Hi Manoj,
      6 weeks window is definitely possible. Please visit the page lined to Start Here menu above to understand how you can get most value from this blog and PMESN Facebook community. Wish you good luck!

      Best,
      Shiv

  • Amber Bales July 27, 2015, 5:16 am

    Thank you so much for sharing your braindump! Taking the exam on 8/8 and I feel much more confident armed with this secret weapon!

    • Shiv Shenoy July 27, 2015, 5:42 pm

      Hi Amber,

      Glad to know it helped you! Good luck with the exam. Looking forward to hear about your results.

      Best,
      Shiv

  • KK June 16, 2015, 7:49 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    Thanks a lot for help other PMP aspirants with this blog. Can you please share the exam preparation plan?

    • Shiv Shenoy June 20, 2015, 11:16 pm

      Hi Kaushal,
      Please feel free to sign up for a free Skype consultation call.

      Regards,
      Shiv

  • reda June 15, 2015, 3:52 pm

    Thanks

  • AHMED ABBAS June 15, 2015, 2:38 pm

    Like many others already mentioned above, I am also about to sit my PMP in 3 weeks time. Can you please forward me relevant resources that will aid in my attempt to hopefully pass first time.

    Thank you for your support and guidance.

    • Shiv Shenoy June 20, 2015, 11:20 pm

      Hi Ahmed,
      All my PMP resources are available on this blog itself. Trust you have the PMBOK-5 Simulator – make sure you take as many tests as you can. Click here for a quick review, if you haven’t already.
      These ‘PMP last mile’ books might help you at this point.

      Regards,
      Shiv

      Regards,
      Shiv

  • shyam June 10, 2015, 6:50 pm

    Hello Shiv,

    You are really great in helping PMP aspirants …my sincere heartfelt thanks for that. I would like to prepare for PMP certificaiton and i had gone through the links you had provided and they are excellent resource to prepare. Request you to please email me the preparation plan which will be more useful in preparation.

    Regards,
    Shyam

    • Shiv Shenoy June 10, 2015, 9:18 pm

      Thanks Shyam! Please feel free to schedule a free Skype call for examination planning.

      Regards,
      Shiv

  • Hardeep June 9, 2015, 6:45 am

    Hi Shiv,

    Went through your sheet.. it looks good.

    I have 20 days to give PMP exam.. Can you send me important details for quick work for exam ?

    Also, can you suggest how can i get mindmaps, i heared they are useful.

    Regards,
    Hardeep Singh

    • Shiv Shenoy June 9, 2015, 1:13 pm

      Hi Hardeep,
      Thanks for your message. I hope you have 2-3 study resources and are making notes. I would suggest keep last one week just for 4hr mock tests, revising your notes, practicing all formulas and creating your braindump.

      Please make sure you can reproduce the table in page 61 of PMBOK and understand the DFDs for each process – to understand how they are interrelated.

      Good luck!
      Shiv

  • Bhavesh Patel June 1, 2015, 6:13 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    I have gone through’ your brain dump and other pages.. and got very useful information.
    Let me give little background about myself:
    I am full time working professional (as many of us are) – with 15+ years of working experience/Project Management experience and full family man. I have joined one of good REP and faculty was really very good (where I earned 35 PDUs) . I have prepared for about 2 months and got confident to appear in PMP exam… I have appeared last week but could not pass. [ Result ‘Moderately Proficient’ in four Knowledge Domains and ‘Below Proficient’ in ‘Monitoring and Controlling’ one].
    Now, I could not wait much before i reappear and pass PMP.
    Can not I can wait much longer – due to 2 reasons: 1) Personal + Work load related 2) wait may ‘dilute’ my learning so far..

    Can you advice me what is best for me at this point?

    Thanks in advance,
    Best Regards,
    Bhavesh Patel.

    • Shiv Shenoy June 2, 2015, 2:21 pm

      Hi Bhavesh,
      Thanks for your message.

      I’m sorry about the result, but don’t lose heart – it can help you really master the subject and ace the exam now.
      Since you have not mentioned about which study resources you have used, I’ll outline here an approach that has worked for me and many of my coaching students.

      1. Prepare a good study plan and get into a study schedule that suits you. This builds momentum – which is so important for exam success. If not already, sign up for PMP Study Blueprint on the sidebar – this helps get over ‘starting trouble’, and gives a top-down approach to study. It’s good also as a revision material right before the exam.

      2. If possible find someone who is preparing for PMP exam – this can be invaluable help.

      3. Get 2-3 best study resources – and stick to this during majority of your study time. PMBOK without a doubt should be one of them. I chose PMP HeadFirst and PM PrepCast as the other two (read my review here).

      4. Make sure you use a good exam simulator (stay away from those containing PMBOK-4 based questions, they can cause serious confusion). This helps you to,
      (a) identify gaps in your understanding of subject
      (b) identify areas outside of what’s covered in your study resources
      (c) strategize your 4hr exam in order to get most of the questions

      Cornelius’s PMP Exam Simulator is one of the good ones out there (review here).

      5. Lastly, run through articles for PMP study tips and techniques on this page

      Hope this helps!

      Best,
      Shiv

  • Joaquim Cardozo May 24, 2015, 4:42 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    Thank you for the good work you are doing.
    May god bless you.
    I am preparing for the PMP exam please help me to answer the exam in the shortest possible time.
    Thanks
    Joaquim

    • Shiv Shenoy May 25, 2015, 12:29 pm

      Hi Joaquim,
      Thanks for your kind words. Please visit the Start Here page to understand how you can get the most out of this blog. Please feel free to schedule a free Skype session with me to discuss your exam prep strategy.

      Best,
      Shiv

  • Imaya May 22, 2015, 8:56 am

    Hi Shiv, Im just about a week away from my PMP exam. I have studied the PMBOK content well. But as you said somethings weren’t discussed in detail in PMBOK and i find it difficult to answer questions related to those. Could you please share some insight as to what those could be? And any materials you could share would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks!

    • Shiv Shenoy May 25, 2015, 12:33 pm

      Hi Imaya,
      The best way is to take as many mock tests as possible. Please make sure to avoid the ones that contain PMBOK-4 based questions. Check out Cornelius’s PMP Exam Simulator – this is THE best simulator in my view, and many people have reported this being VERY useful in answering questions on their PMP exam.

      Good luck!
      Shiv

  • smita May 20, 2015, 3:57 pm

    Hi Shiv, I am planning to appear for the exam next month. Please suggest me whether it could be possible to take the exam within one month. Also, I would need your help for my exam preparation in the shortest time.
    Please help me. Also, send me your contact details if possible.

  • Anita May 7, 2015, 4:33 pm

    Hello Shiv,

    Many thanks for your content. Kindly share your plan with me, as I intend writing the exams pretty soon.

  • Dicky May 6, 2015, 2:11 pm

    Wish to complete PMP exam and found your site useful especially the 10 KA and just 5 minutes I remember it….

    Integrating scope and time cost our quality human resources to communicate with the risk of procuring stakeholders.

    Cheers

    • Shiv Shenoy May 7, 2015, 2:30 pm

      🙂 Glad to see you liked this. Trust you are enjoying more such mnemonics in the notes on this blog and my mails (if not already, you can sign up on the sidebar).

      Cheers,
      Shiv

  • Ahmed El-Antably April 7, 2015, 6:06 pm

    Can you please send me exam preparation notes

    • Shiv Shenoy April 9, 2015, 1:35 pm

      Hi Ahmed,
      My notes are shared on this blog under *PMP SmartNotes* menu. You can sign up for 11-day free email course called PMP Study Blueprint from the sidebar.
      Good luck,
      Shiv

  • Vishal April 7, 2015, 6:13 am

    Hello Shiv,
    I looked at the brain dump. Looks very good.
    I was preparing my own braindump.

    Regarding putting down the braindump on paper you have mentioned 13 mins during the exam. Is that the only allowed timelimit. Or we could go over few minutes more to write down our braindump.

    Regards,
    Vishal

    • Shiv Shenoy April 7, 2015, 9:23 am

      Hi Vishal,

      If you are taking CBT (computer based test) you will get 15 minutes before the exam begins, to familiarize yourself with the exam interface. The interface is pretty easy to understand, with buttons like next/previous and to mark questions to be answered later. You can even find YouTube videos explaining the same.

      Although you are familiar with the interface you will spend quick 2 minutes to look at the interface controls and remaining 13 minutes you use to write down braindump.

      If you are taking PBT (paper based test) this privilege is not available 🙂
      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Shiv

  • Dev April 4, 2015, 7:40 am

    It is great to share your experience and tips

  • Mushfiqur Rahman April 1, 2015, 10:38 am

    Hello Shiv, I passed my pmp exam today and the list was very helpful for me. In fact, I went through it again and again in the last few minutes before the exam. Thank you very much.

    Rahman

  • Hetal March 25, 2015, 12:04 am

    Hi Shiv,
    I am planning to take the test in next 3 or four months. Would request you to mail me a plan.

    TIA

    Regards,
    Hetal

    • Shiv Shenoy March 25, 2015, 11:07 am

      Hi Hetal, You can do one or all of the following –
      1. Sign up for free 11-day PMP Study Blueprint on the sidebar of this blog
      2. Visit ‘Start Here’ menu page to understand how you can get most out of the blog to help with PMP study
      3. Schedule a free Skype exam strategy session using the green button at the bottom of this blog

      Good luck!
      Cheers,
      Shiv

  • Mahmoud February 20, 2015, 12:24 am

    Hi Shiv;

    My problem summered as the following:
    – I’ve Read the PMBOK
    – I’ve Read Rita Book
    – I’m Reading -what I believe is- your Very Valuable site ( by the way this is Not a compliment ).
    – I registered at PMI.

    Now guess what ?! I did not schedule my Exam yet ! I believe i’m not ready.

    So, I’m asking for a study Plan.

    Regards,

    • Shiv Shenoy February 20, 2015, 9:18 am

      Hi Mahmoud, please schedule a free Skype session with me (look for green button at the bottom of this page) to discuss the plan.
      Cheers,
      Shiv

  • Anita February 5, 2015, 9:46 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    Am planning for PMP it would be great if you Could fwd your plan to my email id.

  • kunal January 12, 2015, 2:31 pm

    Hi Mr. Shiv,

    Wth two year of planning engineer (Constro industry) , is it good enough to start preparing the PMP exam . I mean with this exp can i see myself successfully application appearing for PMP exam

    • Shiv Shenoy January 20, 2015, 12:48 pm

      Hi Kunal, if you fulfill PMI’s eligibility criteria to appear for the exam you can very well appear for PMP. Please find more information from the article under ‘PMP Guide’ menu.

  • thiyagarajan December 26, 2014, 2:54 pm

    Hi Shiv

    i wanna take PMP EXAM very soon.I had completed the application form processes and same is approved.Just waiting to go for the payment and then to plan for exam.So need your kind advise how to plan and get through PMP exam by end of January 2015.

    Thanks
    ThiyagarajanRS

  • randy December 26, 2014, 9:02 am

    Hi can you share your prep. I am planning on taking the exam soon.

  • Leonardo December 22, 2014, 4:23 pm

    Shiv, excellent source of material and a good review web page.
    Just to make a point, I have earn the PMP credential last week, my exam was paper based test, and we were not given any time for a brain dump…. Watch out for this the ones with PBT.
    My memory was good enough for the formulas and I spend some Exam time at the start to do a little brain dump.

    • Shiv Shenoy December 22, 2014, 4:51 pm

      Hi Leonardo, hearty congratulations on getting your PMP! Thank you for your feedback and the word of caution you’ve given for PBT takers. I am sure they will do well to keep this point in mind.
      Cheers,
      Shiv

  • Ganapathy Suresh December 18, 2014, 9:09 pm

    Gr8 one. easy to remember.
    Pls pass on any more such tips.
    Planning to appear by Feb first week. kindly help me. Thanks for your Noble service!!

  • Ibrahim December 11, 2014, 4:15 am

    Hi Shenoy

    Love to see your effort. Hats off to you man for giving your precious time.

    I am planning to take the PMP exam in about 15-20 days. Can you guide me through?
    My application has been accepted and i am ready to schedule my test.
    so the preliminary juggling is over.
    I have already subscribed to your PMP study blueprint and received the first email in my inbox.
    I would highly appreciate if you could suggest any extensive plan to clear the PMP exam in 15-20 days.

    Many thanks

    Regards

    Ibrahim

    • Shiv Shenoy December 16, 2014, 11:49 pm

      Hi Ibrahim, in the interest of time my suggestion is make sure you get through end-to-end study at least twice. In the last week take as many 4hr mock tests as possible and work on optimizing 4hrs to answer max number of questions (refer to my book on identifying question types and knock them off under 30sec each). If you already don’t have I’d suggest to invest in PM Prepcast and Simulator products. They’ve proven to be life-savers for many. Check out http://bit.ly/pmp-discount-bonus
      Good luck and do not hesitate to write to me in case you need any help.

  • Santosh M December 9, 2014, 10:31 pm

    Hi,

    Planning to appear PMP exam in 20 days. Please guide me.

    Thank you.

  • Arjun December 5, 2014, 1:52 am

    Hi Shiv,
    It’s been 2 years, I have been thinking to write PMP, but it never happened.
    Need your help in planning, notes, PMP dump in PDF would be much helpful.
    Will you please share these, thanks much.
    Best regards,
    /Arjun

    • Shiv Shenoy December 9, 2014, 2:00 pm

      Hi Arjun,
      Years ago I was in the exact same situation as you, the biggest block is getting started. And then it is about maintaining momentum. It’s Physics, right? 🙂
      That’s why I created this blog, which now has become a PMP eco-system (along with PMP Blueprint, Fb community, Job board, Presentations, Articles, Study notes, PMP complementary books and my Skype sessions). This enables anyone looking to take PMP exam to do so in a matter of weeks!
      Please feel free to sign up for the PMP Blueprint, better still, start from ‘Start Here’ menu above.
      Let me know if you need any help.
      Good luck,
      Shiv

  • Sheikh Ali December 4, 2014, 4:32 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    Good to see you are making a positive difference so many’s career path.
    I also need your help in preparing a study plan. I plan to appear in Jan 2015.

    Many Thanks in advance.

    Sheikh

    • Shiv Shenoy December 4, 2014, 5:57 pm

      Thanks Sheikh! Please start with ‘Start Here’ link above, and write to me (mail or Skype) in case you need any help.
      Good luck!

  • Salauddin Ahmed December 3, 2014, 6:49 am

    Shiv,

    Like many others already mentioned above, I am also about to sit my PMP in 2 weeks time. Can you please forward me relevant resources that will aid in my attempt to hopefully pass first time.

    Thank you for your support and guidance.

    Regards,
    Salauddin.

  • Santhosh November 21, 2014, 12:15 am

    Hi Shiv,

    I will be taking my exam end dec, please help me with brain dump and quick plan.

    Thanks much !
    Santhosh

    • Shiv Shenoy November 21, 2014, 10:31 am

      Hi Santhosh, please take a look at Start Here page linked from the menu above. Do ping me if you need any help with your preparation.

      Regards,
      Shiv

  • Subrato November 18, 2014, 2:56 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    Thank you for the write up. I am planning to take the PMP exam in the second week of February. Please let me know good dumps to prepare for the same.

    Regards
    Subrato

    • Shiv Shenoy November 18, 2014, 9:32 pm

      Hi Subrato,
      The best place to start is the Start Here menu item above. Please feel free to write to me if you need any help at all.

      Cheers,
      Shiv

  • Karun November 13, 2014, 10:47 am

    Hi – Planning on taking an exam Feb 2015.. can you help me with a plan?

  • Shiv Shenoy November 5, 2014, 9:43 am

    Bhaskar, Sundar, Vicky, Mallyn,

    Thanks for writing. Since you have pretty less time for the exam, here’re the resources I’d recommend for quick results, if you already don’t have them. Spend a min on Start Here menu first.

    1. Get my Free 11day PMP Study Blueprint. I use top-down approach to study here.
    Sign up here: http://www.pmexamsmartnotes.com/get-your-free-11-day-pmp-study-blueprint-course-by-email/

    2. PM Prepcast & Exam Simulator – Great resource for quick video based learning, finding the gaps and strategizing optimized use of 4hrs on the exam (get my 5 PMP books that help in clearing the last mile easily, for Free) – read review here: http://www.pmexamsmartnotes.com/review-pm-prepcast-coupon-gift-certificate-free-bonuses-and-discount/

    3. *PMP SmartNotes* menu on this blog.

    4. MORE! menu section on the blog for study tips, last min preps, getting most out of PMBOK and others. Glance through the list of post titles here and dip into what make sense to you.

    Good luck and let me know if I can help in any way.
    Best,
    Shiv

  • Bhaskar November 5, 2014, 2:05 am

    HI Shiv,

    Same here, I have just one month away from exam..can you please see if you can fwd me the plan ?

    Thanks,
    B

  • Sundar November 4, 2014, 6:30 pm

    I am planning to appear for pmp exam in 2nd week of december & need your help in the schedule I should go through for successfully passing the exam. Let me know which dumps I can refer to for the preperation.

  • Vicky November 3, 2014, 9:37 pm

    Hello Shiv,

    Can you please send me the details.
    I am planning for the exam in around 2nd week of January, Around 30 days of study should be good?

    Regards,
    Vicky

  • Mallyn October 31, 2014, 10:08 am

    Hi Shiv,
    I am planning to take the PMP exam 3 week of December. I have read Rita’s book and the PMBOK. I need to begin filling in my gaps on the areas that I scored low on during my knowledge area exams, and begin creating a brain dump, etc. Can you send me a study plan. Much appreciated 🙂

  • Nilu October 28, 2014, 11:52 am

    Hi Shiv,
    I am planning to appear for the exam next month (Dec 1st). Please suggest me whether it could be possible to take the exam within one month. There is limited time and have to do studies with doing a job. It is really hard and please help me. I already got ur 11 days study pack. please help me to schedule my studies and I want to pass the exam in this attempt.
    Thanks
    Nilu

    • Shiv Shenoy October 28, 2014, 1:48 pm

      Hey Nilu, mailed you the plan.

      Cheers,
      Shiv

      • Nadeem Abbasi November 2, 2014, 11:29 am

        Hi Shiv,

        I am also planning to appear in exam by end of December. It’s obvious that the most of us need to manage it with the job.
        I will highly appropriate your guide to plan my exam. Thanks in advance.

  • Indu October 20, 2014, 5:08 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    I am planning to take the exam in December 2nd week. Please guide me to plan my schedule and also the questionnaires I need to attempt for.
    Thanks
    Indu

  • Daman October 13, 2014, 1:43 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    I am planning to apppear for pmp exam in 2nd week of december & need your help in the schedule I should go through for successfully passing the exam. Let me know which dumps I can refer to for the preperation.

    Thanks
    Daman

  • manmohan October 1, 2014, 2:20 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    I am planning to take up exam next month, and is preparing since last 2mths. I appreciate your notes, apart from above notes anything else you have to share.
    is it important to buy pmp dumps latest available on various sites to pass the exam?
    If yes, then which pmp dump are most reliable, I saw most of them looks fake.
    Looking forward for your reply. Manmohan

    • Shiv Shenoy October 4, 2014, 11:57 am

      Hi Manmohan,
      By PMP dumps if you meant notes, I would not recommend any of them. The only ones I am recommending are the video course and Exam simulator by Cornelius, as I have used them myself and attribute good amount of my exam success to them.
      This is a good place to start to get all the exam materials from the blog – http://www.pmexamsmartnotes.com/start-here-with-pmp-study-material/

      Good luck and do not hesitate to contact me if you need any help with your exam preparation.
      Regards,
      Shiv

  • Durga September 30, 2014, 7:57 pm

    Hi shiv,

    I am planning to take pmp asap.
    Please send me the plan ,notes,tips , reference material.

    Thanks ,
    Durga

  • muath September 26, 2014, 4:20 am

    hi
    first of all thank u
    may u send to me also your assist to pass the exam at my email my exam next monday
    thank you
    BR

  • Sundaram September 25, 2014, 1:58 pm

    I would like to take the exams .
    Please assist me with my exam preparation

    • Shiv Shenoy September 27, 2014, 9:34 am

      Hi Sudaram, mailed you details.

      Regards
      Shiv

      • Frank Owens November 26, 2014, 1:42 am

        Hello, I am planning to sit for the exam in 3 weeks. Can you please forward your plan? I appreciate it. Thanks much.

  • Indu September 24, 2014, 12:34 pm

    Hi Shiv,

    Can you please send me exam preparation notes 🙂

    Thanks in advance !

  • Manoj September 20, 2014, 4:13 pm

    Hi Shiv,
    I have a target to appear for PMP exam in 20 Days time. Any short preparation plan. Thanks and Regards Manoj

    • Shiv Shenoy September 27, 2014, 9:18 am

      hi Manoj, this is definitely possible. I’ve sent you a mail.
      Regards,
      Shiv

      • Sudeesh Jain January 28, 2015, 12:36 pm

        Hi Shiv,

        Can you please share the plan for PMP preparation and other useful tips which would help in clearing the exam in first go.

        TIA

        thanks
        Sudeesh Jain

        • Shiv Shenoy January 30, 2015, 1:33 pm

          Hi Sudeesh,
          The best place to start is the ‘Start Here’ menu item above. Please feel free to schedule a free exam strategy session with me (green button on the bottom of the page) in case you want to discuss and plan out your PMP study.
          Good luck,
          Shiv

  • Ali August 28, 2014, 9:22 pm

    I would like to take the exams within a month Please assist me with my exam preparation

  • abbien August 27, 2014, 10:00 pm

    Shiv,

    I took the exams and did not not pass — I appreciate the details you have shared and was wondering if you can forward me a copy of your plan.

    Thanks in advance!
    Abbien

  • dhana August 5, 2014, 5:33 am

    HI,
    Nice Guide, I just started preparing for PMP, The above guide is excellent. Please forward the Plan. I would like to appear exam as early as possible

    thanks
    dhana

  • Prabhu July 18, 2014, 4:51 pm

    Hi Shiv, I am planning to appear for the exam next month. Please suggest me whether it could be possible to take the exam within one month. Also, I would need your help for my exam preparation in the shortest time. Please help me. Also, send me your contact details if possible.

    • Shivshanker Shenoy July 20, 2014, 1:55 pm

      Hi Prabhu,
      I’ve emailed you the plan.

      Good luck,
      Shiv

      • Safiyyu June 23, 2015, 3:04 am

        Kindly send me the plan also.

        • Shiv Shenoy June 24, 2015, 2:07 pm

          Please sign up for the free PMP Study Blueprint email course on the sidebar. Feel free to schedule a free Skype call if you’d like to plan for the exam.
          Good luck!
          Shiv

  • Praful July 3, 2014, 9:50 am

    Thanks Shiv for your valuable Output in the form of Brain Dump. I have decided to appear for the exam in Aug 2014.

    • Shivshanker Shenoy July 3, 2014, 9:22 pm

      That is cool, Praful. Good luck with the preparation. Feel free to ping me if you needed any help!

      Cheers,
      Shiv

  • Nagesh June 28, 2014, 9:14 am

    Hi Shiv, i used your notes as one of my reference study. I am happy to inform you that i successfully completed my PMP certification on my first attempt, your notes is a good reason for that. Thank you so much.

    • Shivshanker Shenoy June 30, 2014, 1:59 pm

      A Big congratulations on cracking your PMP, Nagesh!
      I am glad to hear what you had to say, and thank you for that. Also, welcome to the exclusive club of people who have used PMESN smartnotes as one of their PMP study reference. May be I should offer something to them to show my gratitude. 🙂 Will do something, soon.

      Wish you stupendous success in your career,
      Shiv

  • Nat Kuhn June 9, 2014, 8:26 am

    Thank you for the sample brain dump information. I find it extremely valuable!

    • Shivshanker Shenoy June 10, 2014, 8:47 am

      Hi Nat, I am glad to see you are finding the information useful. 🙂

  • Nat Kuhn June 9, 2014, 8:25 am

    Hi!
    Your text states “complete names of gurus (you may get questions with wrong first name in the options, for instance John Juran).” Is this representative of any of the test questions we may face or anyone has previously faced?

    Please tell me this is an off-the-cuff example and that the test would not stoop so low as to test your knowledge of the first names of famous people.

    • Shivshanker Shenoy June 10, 2014, 8:50 am

      Hi Nat,
      I remember coming across one such sample question out of the few thousands I fished across the internet. It may or may not appear on the exam, there is no certain way to say either way.

  • syed ali February 28, 2014, 9:59 am

    Hi Shiv
    I have just passed pmp today , just want to acknowledge that I have used your notes and found them useful.
    thank you.

    • Shivshanker Shenoy March 3, 2014, 1:19 pm

      Hi Syed,
      Big Congratulations to you on achieving your PMP certification. Am so glad to hear you are able to use these lessons in your PMP preparations.

      Best of luck!
      -Shiv

      • Jim January 5, 2017, 11:55 am

        Hi Shiv
        Can i have access to your notes as well , It’ll be a great favor
        Regards -Jim

        • Shiv Shenoy January 6, 2017, 12:30 am

          Hi Jim,
          Yes, you can access all my notes from the top menu under ‘SmartNotes..’

          Best,
          Shiv