Project Management Professional (PMP) (2021 Version)

Discussion in 'Business and MBA degrees' started by TEKMAN, May 17, 2021.

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  1. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I just passed the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, and now I know why some colleges offer a full Master's degree in Project Management. The in-depth knowledge is no joke, the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) version 6 is about 1,000 pages plus about 3,00 plus pages of Agile Methodologies in the 2021 version. It took me 20 days, 200+ hours of self-studies, and 1,800 practice exam questions.

    I think it worth the effort over a Master in Project Management.
     
  2. Seylan

    Seylan New Member

    Congrats :). Where did you get 1800 practice exam questions from? Any other resources that you would recommend?
     
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  3. Vonnegut

    Vonnegut Well-Known Member

    Congrats! PMP is a great credential to have!
     
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  4. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I recommend you to use the following materials. If you have money, you can spend it on Cornelius Fischer PMP's Podcast. Otherwise, use the following steps.
    1. Watch PMBOK Guide Version by Ricard Vargas. Ensure to practice how the 49 processes connecting each other within the 5 process groups. (I watched this video at least 5 times).
    URL:
    2. Use the PMP Simplified by Andrew Ramndayal (if you purchase on Amazon, you'll receive 35 hours of instructional course via his website), which you can use as a required educational training requirement.
    If you have the money you can use Cornelious Fischer's PMP's podcast; I did not use it, but I heard it was a positive result.
    3. Sign up to be PMP member, which you have to download the PMBOK for Free plus cheaper for the exam fee for members.
    4. Read the PMBOK (Version 6) and the Agile Guide at least once. About 1,400 pages...(don't have to understand deeply, but getting the idea about project management and references)
    5. Spend about 2 weeks (if you work full-time) on Cornelius Fischer's Project Management Simulator (about 2,150 questions) <---- this is the golden source if you want to pass the exam because the simulation questions are scenario-based. Don't waste your time take practice question on direct knowledge because you won't see any in the exam.
    - Don't schedule the exam until you feel you are ready.
    Do memorize theories, formulas, processes, and project documents.
    Do not memorize the ITTO's because there are over 600 of them, just know where they are and why they are there.
     
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  5. smartdegree

    smartdegree Active Member

    Congrats!
     
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  6. Dustin

    Dustin Well-Known Member

    I'm coming up on 2 years as a Business Analyst and have considered a BA credential but the PMP is much more well known. Do I need to have work experience as a PM to take on the PMP?
     
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  7. Vonnegut

    Vonnegut Well-Known Member

    Yes, it’s notoriously loosely defined though. May want to look at the PMAssociate.
     
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  8. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Yes, you do. Here are the requirements. You have to apply and get accepted before you can take the exam.

    • A four-year degree
    • 36 months leading projects
    • 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification
    — OR —

    • A high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent)
    • 60 months leading projects
    • 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification

    If you don't have experience, you can take the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) as Vonegut mentioned above, then you earn your experiences to upgrade to PMP.
     
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  9. Marcus Aurelius

    Marcus Aurelius Active Member

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  10. Dustin

    Dustin Well-Known Member

    Since this thread was posted I've actually been approved to take the PMP (I used 3 years experience from before I became a BA.) You inspire me Tekman!

    I'm targeting May 2022 to take the exam.
     
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  11. felderga

    felderga Active Member

    I did a six-course academic certificate program at UCLA with the intention of someday taking the PMP but pursued Lean Six Sigma, MBA, and eventually a DHA instead. Since then my company is fully into Agile and Scrum so I might revisit certification for this area may be (but most likely opt to do coursework or a certificate program). However, I do see great value in the academic programs in project management and earning a graduate certificate or masters in this area as one is not required to maintain certification especially if project management isn't your main career objective but instead just wanting the knowledge in leading and managing others.

    https://www.uclaextension.edu/business-management/project-management/certificate/project-management

    https://www.uclaextension.edu/business-management/project-management/specialization/agile-methodologies-management
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2023
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  12. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I was a PMP for years. I can attest to the difficulty and thoroughness of the process. The was both the hardest and easiest certification I've ever taken. (I'm a PCC, CPTD, and SPHR, also.)

    It was the hardest because of the technical nature of the test and how complicated the PM process is. This is key: You must learn project management the PMI way. It is almost cult-like in its depth and insularity. Don't think you can just waltz in with your extensive project management experience and knock out an easy multiple-choice test. You will fail. It took a huge amount of time to prepare for the exam and I was really concerned about passing it.

    Yet, it was also the easiest because there was very little subtlety in the questions, very little nuance. You either know this stuff or you don't. You don't have to get into the mind of the test-maker and there's little room for ambiguity. I still remember looking at the first question and having no idea of the answer. For the first time ever, I used the "Save" function and skipped the question. Worried, I proceeded to blast through the test. When I came back to the first question the answer was obvious. Even though I felt I'd nailed it, pressing "Submit" (or whatever) to quit the test was nerve-wracking. You get the results instantly, and let's just say it was a joyful ride home from the testing center.

    I finally gave up the PMP designation when I reconfigured my professional life--when I was considering leaving the federal government to return to the private sector. I did some alignment and matching exercises and came to the conclusion that the PMP was superfluous to what I wanted to be and do going forward, so I dropped it (having gone through the renewal process). That same analysis showed me I needed to become a certified coach, which I did. I'm now a PCC with nearly 1,000 hours of coaching experience (since graduating from school--prior coaching experience doesn't count).

    There's a lot of good information about schooling, test-prepping, and the like. The credential itself can be a powerful addition to your resume. Or, like in my case, it can be useless and distracting. Because I was a PMP with a PhD, I got several direct offers to teach project management at universities, something I had no desire to do. Considering and rejecting them helped me come to my personal conclusions about the PMP. But if you're diligent in your planning and are convinced the PMP is right for you--and you have the requisite experience--go for it.
     
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  13. SweetSecret

    SweetSecret Well-Known Member

    Congratulations!

    I bought access to a PMP course a few years back but I haven't actually accessed it yet because it seems like I'm always busy doing it's something else or studying for something else.
     
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  14. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Maybe if you sat down and made a project of it.... :)
     
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  15. SweetSecret

    SweetSecret Well-Known Member

    I totally laughed at this! Honestly though, I need more hours in a week and a boost of energy. The things I am currently involved in are draining on all levels.
     
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  16. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Yes, DI can certainly be draining, on many levels... :)

    Seriously, I can understand this, completely. Been there. As I go along, I've tried to concentrate on, and get deeply involved with things I feel build me and nourish me, rather than drain me. Yes, doing things takes lots of effort and energy But if something really drives you - - it can be MUCH easier. You get automatically re-charged, it seems.

    The trick is finding what does it. I've been lucky more than once. Music, photography, writing -- and now, fashion. All four were complete accidents - and revelations. I hope SweetSecret finds her "sweet spot" - in things that will interest and inspire her, and do better than just drain energy... she deserves them. :)
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2023
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  17. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Is there a Gantt chart for this?
     
  18. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    This is exactly what the Gallup strengths movement is all about.
     

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