PM Center Insider
– Interview with Fahad Usmani, PMP®, PMI-RMP®, contributing blogger
By Emad Rahim, Kotouc Endowed Chair of PM Center of Excellence
Fahad Usmani, PMP®, PMI-RMP®, is founder of PMstudycircle.com and the author of A2Z of PMP Cert Exam. He has over 10 years of global portfolio management experience, specializing in leading complex corporate projects. He current serve as an Inspection Engineer in Kuwait and facilitates project management training programs throughout the Middle-East.
When did you earn your PMP credential?
I passed my PMP exam on Dec. 13, 2010.
How did you prepare for the exam?
I began the PMP certification process without ever having referenced a sample PMP preparation book or the PMBOK® guide. I was starting from ground zero. So in December 2009, I attended live classroom training to earn the 35 contact hours training program certificate.
Did that adequately prepare you to take the PMP exam?
No, it did not. My lack of preparation was embarrassing. It was difficult for me to absorb the concepts being presented and there were also instances when I couldn’t participate in the discussion because I just didn’t have enough baseline knowledge.
So, you recommend students do some advance preparation before attending a live training program?
Yes, otherwise you will not get much out of the training and may feel uncomfortable.
How do you suggest students prepare?
During the training program I was given the Head First PMP Exam preparation books. Initially, I did not like the book; however, as I started reading it, I found its approach to be very easy and engaging. I strongly suggest getting the book to understand basic project management concepts.
Beyond this, it’s important to make time to prepare for the exam. I personally experienced a few ups and downs during my preparation. There was a time when I lost my enthusiasm, which paralyzed my studying. But the clock was ticking. There are time-sensitive eligibility requirements so you can’t procrastinate.
Finally, I got serious. I scheduled the exam and gave myself three months to prepare. Putting a date on my calendar was like a spark. I became more enthusiastic about my preparation and that momentum helped me tremendously.
What was it like on exam day?
On my scheduled exam date, I reached the Prometric Test Center half an hour early. Do this! It takes about 15-20 minutes to check-in and you want to avoid being rushed or stressed during that time. After check-in you’re allowed to enter the testing room.
It took me 2-1/2 hours to complete the exam, and I used the remaining time to review my answers. Once I submitted the answers, I was asked to complete a brief survey about my test-taking experience and then… Congratulations! I was able to see immediately that I passed the PMP exam.
What were your favorite study books?
- Head First PMP
- PMP Exam Preparation Book by Rita Mulcahy
- PMP Final Exam Review Book by Kim Heldmen
- The PMBOK® Guide
Any final advice?
Yes. Here is a quick checklist of things to do before taking the exam:
- Become a member of PMI and actively seek out other PMP’s so you can learn from them.
- Buy any two good PMP exam reference books to study so you can learn from different perspectives.
- Read the PMBOK® Guide, at least three times.
- Get 35 contact hours from any registered training provider.
- Apply for the exam, schedule it, and then develop a study plan.
- Rather than attempt to memorize everything, like the Input, Tools & Technique and Output (ITTOs) in the PMBOK® Guide, focus on understanding the logic behind the project management principles.
- Pay special attention to Initiating and Closing Process Groups. These are the smallest groups and each group contains only two processes.
- Don’t over study by trying to answer every sample question you may find on the Internet. Only rely on authentic sources for sample questions and exams, like your reference books or samples taken directly from the PMI website.
I hope these insights are useful as you work toward earning your PMP credential. To learn more about Fahad Usmani, visit his blog.
Hey there! I just finished reading your article on PMP exam tips and preparation, and I couldn’t resist leaving a comment. First of all, let me say how much I appreciate the valuable insights you shared. As someone who is considering taking the PMP exam in the near future, your article came at the perfect time for me.
Your tips and recommendations for studying effectively and maximizing preparation are spot on. I particularly found your advice on creating a study schedule and breaking down the content into manageable chunks incredibly helpful. It can be quite overwhelming to tackle such a comprehensive exam, but your approach of focusing on one knowledge area at a time and allocating dedicated study sessions makes a lot of sense.
Moreover, your emphasis on taking practice exams and familiarizing oneself with the exam format is something I’ll definitely take to heart. The idea of simulating real exam conditions and identifying areas of weakness through mock tests is a fantastic strategy. It not only builds confidence but also helps in identifying the topics that require additional focus and revision.
All in all, your article has given me a clearer roadmap for my PMP exam preparation. Your writing style is engaging and your tips are practical and actionable. Thank you for sharing your expertise and providing guidance to aspiring PMP candidates like me. I’ll be sure to implement your suggestions and keep your advice in mind as I embark on my PMP journey. Looking forward to reading more of your insightful articles in the future. Keep up the great work!
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Thank you for reviewing our interview and for your feedback We appreciate your time and support.
Hello, author! I just finished reading your article on PMP exam tips and preparation, and I wanted to drop a comment to express my gratitude for the valuable insights and advice you shared. As someone who is currently studying for the PMP exam, your article came at the perfect time and provided me with some excellent guidance.
Your tips on creating a study plan and establishing a dedicated study schedule were particularly helpful. It’s true that effective time management and consistency in studying are key factors in achieving success on the PMP exam. Your emphasis on understanding the exam structure, domains, and question types was also crucial in helping me develop a strategic approach to my preparation.
I found your suggestions on using various study resources, such as PMP prep books, practice exams, and online forums, to be extremely valuable. It’s reassuring to know that there are plenty of quality resources available to help me reinforce my understanding of the PMBOK Guide and practice applying my knowledge through sample questions.
Thank you for sharing your personal experiences and insights on tackling the PMP exam. Your practical tips and words of encouragement have motivated me to stay focused and committed to my exam preparation. I truly appreciate your contribution to the project management community and the support you provide to aspiring PMP-certified professionals. Keep up the great work!
For More Information Please Visit: https://pmaspire.com/pmp-exam-practice/