On this page:

• PMP^® Credential Handbook
• Time
• A Study Plan and Schedule
• Training Course/Intensive 2 Day Bootcamp
• Use the FREE Resources provided by Velopi
• Exam Practice on Exam Simulator – Questions. Questions. Questions.

The Project Management Institute (PMI)^® has developed a set of criteria and credentials for recognising Project Management Professionals (PMP^®s) worldwide. The credentialing process is rigorous, including: three to five documented years of work experience in project management, 35 hours of project management related training, and successful completion of the multiple-choice PMP^® Exam. The amount of material on the PMP^® Exam is vast and can seem overwhelming, but don’t be intimidated! Having and using the 6 items in this article will ensure you are prepared for and achieve optimal results in your exam.

1. PMP^® Credential Handbook

Including everything from an overview of the PMI^® certification program to exam policies and procedures, the PMP^® Credential Handbook is available for free online here. The first 20 pages of the handbook cover many exam basics and are a must-read for every potential examinee. Becoming familiar with the application process, payment policy, and examination administration rules will go a long way to making the actual exam day less stressful.

2. Time

The material on the PMP^® Exam is vast and detailed. This is not an examination you can “cram” for in a couple of weekends. Plan to take the exam after spending 10-12 solid weeks of studying for an hour or two nearly every day. Naturally, this schedule will have to be flexible enough to fit in with the rest of your responsibilities and commitments.

3. A Study Plan and Schedule

As project managers, we are well aware of the importance of a plan and schedule. Create a study schedule over 10-12 weeks that fits with the rest of your responsibilities. Depending on your job and household commitments, you may need more or less time. Take a practice exam to evaluate your weaknesses and consider spending more time on those areas. Be realistic in how much material you can cover each day and set weekly goals to track your progress. Don’t forget to include time for refreshing breaks and activities that you enjoy.

4. Training Course/Intensive 2 Day Bootcamp

It bears repeating: The PMP^® Exam covers a large amount of material in a relatively short period of time. Don’t be discouraged! While many project managers are able to successfully schedule their time to achieve optimal results, almost everyone can benefit from a training or intensive course.
It is highly recommended to participate in a training course or intensive bootcamp (revision) course in order to clarify any questions you may have, to focus your studies and also to get in touch with other people who are studying for the PMP^® exam. PMP^® Certified trainers also provide clarity and support, and have the experience of sitting the exam so are there to listen and help each individual candidate. Velopi provides support by email, phone and in person after the training courses as well as FREE unlimited access to the online exam simulator, until certification.
Our PMP^® Certified Trainers help divide the material into manageable portions and assist you in developing a successful schedule. Focused instruction over a specific timeline will help you meet your study goals and satisfies the required 35 hours of project management instruction.

5. Use the FREE Resources provided by Velopi

There are a number of areas in the PMP^® Exam where questions are based on mathematical equations. To succeed in these question areas, all you need is to know the formulas and understand their application. Velopi’s PMP^® Formulas Cheat Sheet provides a quick visual reference of all of the key formulas required for the PMP^® Exam. 

Would you like to apply for PMP^® Certification? Do you need help filling out the PMP^® application form? This can be a daunting task, especially as PMI^® request that the majority of applications are processed online. Unless you are properly prepared, it can take a lot of time and effort to collate and organize the information required. Consequently, mistakes are easily made and often result in applications being audited. This article will explain how to fill out a PMP^® application form correctly.
One solution to this is to use a PMP^® sample application form. Velopi’s PMP® Experience calculator is an excellent tool to help organise, prepare and edit your project management experience. It guides you through the PMP^® application process ensuring that the data you enter into the online PMP^® application form makes sense. 

6. Exam Practice on Exam Simulator – Questions. Questions. Questions.

A large number of free PMP^® Exam sample questions are available from hundreds of resources on the internet. These free mock exams are a good start, but because they are free they will only go so far for you. You will also want to subscribe to an online PMP Exam Simulator to have access to the highest possible quality of samples.
Your study plan must include answering as many practice questions as possible including at least seven to eight complete 200-question practice exams. This type of preparation will help gauge your study progress and prepare you for the format of the real thing. You will be nervous on exam day, but becoming intimately familiar with types and formats of questions will help reduce anxiety and prepare you for success.

To sum up, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure you are prepared for the PMP^® Exam. Including these 6 items in your studies will reduce anxiety and eliminate stress associated with the exam day. Study hard and good luck!

If you would like to book a training course, or get support from one of our experienced PMP^® certified trainers, feel free to contact us.