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PMP Exam Study in 2023: Here are The 5 Traps You Must Avoid

Consider this also as the guide to your overall PMP study strategy, preparation approach, and study plan.

Just what the doctor ordered.

James always wanted to be PMP certified.

He’d seen a former colleague being awarded on a project well-delivered and heard him crediting his success to PMP certification.

Soon after that, one of his friends got promoted after passing the PMP exam.

He’d also seen job profiles explicitly calling out for PMP-certified project managers.

Moreover, when he went over the Examination Content Outline document (download here), he was convinced that PMP will give him the necessary knowledge to develop skills in all aspects of managing a project.

But somehow he wasn’t able to begin the study.

In fact, one time when he did get around to starting, a production issue on the project made him put the PMP preparation on the back burner.

What James experienced is a ‘False Start’. The #1 reason why people are not able to commit to the study and take the exam.

If you think that the PMP exam is hard, think again.

From my experience of working 1-1 with over 7673+ PMP students since 2013, and having interviewed over 412+ fresh PMPs (at the time of this writing), I can tell you this with confidence: PMP is easier than you think.

However, even when you begin the preparation in earnest, there are a few things you need to know that might keep you away from taking the exam successfully.

These are the traps you must avoid at all costs.

Make a note of these, guard against them using techniques I share in this article, and you are on your way to getting PMP certified.

Sooner than you think possible.

I am sharing 5 such traps you must avoid while studying for the PMP exam. More important now than ever, because of the recent changes to the exam, given that PMBOK-7 is out and soon will be part of the PMP exam.

But don’t worry, I have also given you the ways to get past these traps and accelerate your PMP study.

Keep in mind that the best PMP study approach is a combination of multiple factors. Although these are traps, the steps I am taking to avoid these are part of a complete preparation strategy. So I tend to repeat some of the hacks or techniques multiple times in the context of each of the traps.

This redundancy is good because it helps you arrive at your overall strategy as well.

Psst.. I also have a bonus strategy for you at the end. It is guaranteed to reduce your exam anxiety.

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PMP Trap #1: False Starts!

False Start, as you know now, is the most common reason why people drop their PMP dream. [continue reading…]

Imagine if you were not worried about the PMP exam, nor weighed down by the enormity of it.

If you didn’t have to bother about sitting for 4 long hours, struggling to maintain focus throughout.

Imagine how it would feel if you actually enjoyed taking the PMP exam, to the extent that you would not even opt for both the optional breaks.

Sounds hard to believe?

That’s exactly the experience that Roopa went through.

And in this interview, she tells you exactly how she did it.

Roopa Desu has 16+ years of rich experience in Quality Assurance in Network and Telecom domains. She’s aspiring to be a  technical manager. As a first step, she decided to educate herself, and took up PMP. 

Roopa also shares a few free online resources (videos, reddit, and more) that helped her tremendously.

Get ready to make some notes, let’s start.

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What made you take up PMP?

My manager always said that I would make a good project manager, due to my methodical approach towards finding solutions. Hence, I started thinking about taking my career path that way.

As I grew in my career, I began to realize how project management aspects are seamlessly integrated into a Quality Assurance manager role. Plus, there is a unique advantage to becoming a project manager with QA background.

All these made me realize how PMP can add value to my resume, and pave a path for my career growth.

I did not consider any other certification, to be honest. Now that I’m PMP certified, maybe I will start thinking now. Possibly an agile certification. 🙂

According to you, what’s the one thing a PMP aspirant must have?

A thorough understanding of the flow of information throughout the project phases via various processes.

This understanding helps you know the nuances around each process. This is exactly what the PMP exam tests you on. Thus, this is essential.

Do not base your answers on your own experience!

This may come across as a surprise, but according to PMI, there is an ideal way to deal with any project scenario. When it comes to the exam, this way of thinking helps you answer questions successfully.

Think like an ideal manager. See things from the customer’s perspective. Management’s perspective. Team members’ perspective. How should the manager motivate them, support them to work efficiently, and so on.

To get to understand more scenarios and practice better, consciously inculcate this way of thinking while taking mock tests.

Also read:

• Find out how the new Talent Triangle by PMP impacts you.
• Don’t miss this week’s special offers on top PMP resources for you.
• Did you miss PMI’s 2022 Salary survey? See how much you’re expected to earn!
• Hashiru Newland shows how to balance work AND PMP preparation!

Which study resources did you use?

I started with Joseph Phillips Udemy course.

In addition, I took training from a local trainer. This helped me understand the way I have to prepare for my exam. [continue reading…]

“Balance prep for PMP exam with your work”, says Hashiru after passing his PMP, “and you will enjoy the whole journey”.

Hashiru Newland lives in Maryland, USA, and currently working for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

When not working, he likes to watch soccer and basketball, or simply go for a run.

This week he would be sharing the whole process of choosing PMP as a goal, all the way till passing it. All the challenges and insights, of course.

I’m impressed with how he has simplified the entire process, focusing on what really matters for the preparation.

In that context, I consider his very first advice about getting started invaluable. Simply because it keeps you away from so many of the possible challenges later into your preparation.

Let’s understand how he did it.

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What made you take up PMP?

I am a contractor working in a compliance environment dealing with capital projects contracts, project documents etc. My employer encouraged me to take the PMP certification exam.

I did consider other certifications, and I do hold other certifications.

Since project compliance environment is a step away from core project management, I’m thrilled to be a full-fledged project manager now.

Also read:

• Find out how the new Talent Triangle by PMP impacts you.
• Don’t miss this week’s special offers on top PMP resources for you.
• Did you miss PMI’s 2022 Salary survey? See how much you’re expected to earn!
• Learn secrets of this US military veteran to simplify prep for PMP exam

According to you, what’s the one thing needed ace the exam?

PMP exam preparation takes time. And you would be, most likely, doing this while spending long hours at the day job.

Thus, time is of essence. And you can’t afford to lose it by a half-hearted start.

Get the right mix first.

As a PMP aspirant, you will do well to first lock down the right set of materials, training, and practice tests to simplify your certification journey.

Do your research. Ask around. Talk to people that are PMP certified.

But don’t just get them because someone recommended. Make sure you do like that resource.

This is an important step. Do not ignore this. Saves you a lot of sleepless nights.

1-2 study material, and good simulator before you begin to study. Once you have these, do not do any more research about study materials and such. You will start second guessing your decisions, or get too many study materials. Both are not good.

Also, an inquisitive personality trait will help.

The one that is always seeking to understand the why, what, and how of project management activities.

When you approach your study this way, you will begin to naturally enjoy what you are learning.

Which study resources did you use?

I just went with Aileen Ellis’s PMP study materials.

Keeping it simple! How did you approach the study?

[continue reading…]

First, the PMP Examination Content Outline (ECO doc) changed, then PMP exam changed, and now PMI Talent Triangle is changing.

I’m sure you have many questions, such as –

• How does this impact my PMP preparation?
• How does this change the way I report PDUs after attaining PMP?

We shall answer these questions in a bit.

First, let’s understand what’s going on.

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Get my course for free!

What is PMI Talent Triangle^®?

The world is constantly changing. New industries, new types of projects, new methodologies, new approaches.

This means that the project managers need to constantly upgrade their skills to learn the newer ways of managing projects.

One of PMI’s goals for PMP certification is to keep it updated with the latest and evolving best practices of project management. So the PMP professionals have the knowledge to prepare themselves for the industry demand.

PMI understood that the industry demanded more from a project manager than just the ability to manage projects.

Hence, in December 2015, they introduced a new concept: PMI Talent Triangle.

Let’s call it PMI Talent Triangle^® 1.0, now that we have a new version.

PMI Talent Triangle 1.0 introduced in 2015

It shows the 3 key areas (Image courtesy PMI.org) where the project manager is expected to contribute to the organization, including areas beyond the strict boundary of project execution.

1. Technical Project Management

[continue reading…]

If you thought having all the necessary study resources for the PMP exam is enough, this article may surprise you.

With over 15 years of experience as an IT specialist working in the Information Technology & Service Industry, Emma Oguda recently got PMP certified.

Emma is from Nairobi. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology.

I had a chance to talk to her and understand how she prepared for this exam and got all 3 Above Target results.

She had all the hesitations and issues you and I typically face preparing for PMP. And she had creative ways to overcome them.

What was impressive in the discussion was how she understood the basic traits required for PMP. When I asked about one thing necessary to succeed with PMP, she didn’t mention anything related to studying at all.

And what she suggested was indeed the common factor I’d seen in most of my students that worked hard for their PMP.

What I discovered was pretty interesting. And I’m sure you’ll have something to take away if you are gunning for PMP.

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What made you take the PMP? Did you consider any other certification?

I needed to stand out and set myself apart from the crowd as a qualified project manager.

Also, I wanted to learn critical management skills that could help me with my projects.

The only way was to train hard and pass the PMP exam.

As you know, PMP is Industry recognized and gives you credibility in the market. Also, most companies require PMP credentials for the project manager post.

Last but not least, PMP would give me larger networking opportunities, and an opportunity to earn more.

Apart from PMP, I did consider PRINCE2.

But then I realized it’s only a project methodology and may not help me with my goal of becoming a well-rounded Project Manager.

Get my course for free!

Now that you are certified, how do you see PMP helping you?

Industry recognition, increased credibility and a higher pay, definitely.

The process of preparing for PMP exam has increased my knowledge as well as confidence. It has widened my general corporate outlook as well, I can see my career going to greater heights.

And my professional network is expanding!

I view this as the starting point as I look to the career goals such as learning Program and Portfolio management.

To maintain my PMP certification, I have to earn PDUs (Professional Development Units). Meaning, I have to attend webinars, read, volunteer and give back to society. All these are the natural ways of keeping myself up-to-date with the new developments in the project management field.

These are all benefits that have come with my PMP certification.

Also read:

• Learn how easily this US military veteran aced PMP exam
• LaKeevia reveals how planning can get you Above Target result
• Joshua reveals his simple strategy to pass PMP with Above Target score
• Did you miss PMI’s 2022 Salary survey? See how much you’re expected to earn!

According to you, what is the one thing that a PMP aspirant should have to prepare well and pass the exam?

A must-have personality trait, I would say,  is discipline & focus. [continue reading…]