Passing the PMP exam is challenging, but several hundred
thousand people have done it! What is the secret? One of
the keys is to put into practice the discipline, practices,
tools, and frameworks that are the subject of the exam!
Make a plan based upon the many structures, terms and
concepts that are part of the Project Management Body of
Knowledge (PMBOK). These are the things that experienced
Project Managers will learn that takes them beyond their
project management experience base. This article discusses
some keys for building an effective project plan to pass
the PMP exam.

8 Points for Building an Effective Project Plan to Pass the
PMP exam

1. Writing down the goal, which presumably is to pass the
PMP exam, is a great first step.

2. Putting together a Project Charter for the objective of
passing the PMP exam is the next step. This Project Charter
is an opportunity to think through many of the aspects of
project management as per the PMI and PMBOK Guide.

3. As part of the plan, any aspirant should join the PMI.
It is actually less expensive to join the PMI and take the
exam, than to simply pay the exam fee without joining the
PMI. In addition, Project Managers will get "plugged in" to
the network of Project Managers, including selecting and
joining a local chapter, networking, a great deal of
information that can help with the plan, and opportunities
to find potential study groups. A pdf version of the PMBOK
will also become available for free. Joining simply
involves going to pmi.org and following the steps.

4. One decision to make is to determine what study
materials are needed. This is a personal decision, and
involves thinking about learning style, learning
preferences, hardware, learning environment, time
available, and budget. Training runs the gamut, including
CD's, audio programs, books, exam simulations, two day
classroom training, full week fast track training,
instructor-lead e-learning, and online training.

5. Now, with a little background and "lay of the land",
there should be enough information to begin to build a
schedule. It is highly recommended that aspirants set a
goal to pass the PMP exam within 2 to 4 months of starting
to study. Doing so will allow the material to be fresh in
mind. In addition, it will promote a high level of
involvement and activity in pursuit of this shorter term
goal. This is usually not the case when a longer timeframe
is selected.

6. Using practice exam questions is an important component
of the study plan. There are many free exam question
resources available, and they can be very beneficial.
However, a much more organized approach and comprehensive
set of materials are usually provided with purchased an
exam simulation, and they are not all that expensive. In
either case this should be a regular activity in the exam
preparation routine. Most students will find that they need
to take a minimum of two full length PMP exams prior to
actually taking the exam, and that they need to strive for
score of at least 80% on those exams. This highlights any
weaknesses and focuses continued study. Once the desired
scores are reached, candidates grow in confidence and feel
prepared to walk into the exam.

7. Students should construct their own brain dump for the
exam. In course of studying, students will come across
certain concepts - mostly formulas - that simply need to be
memorized. Students who consistently build this "cheat
sheet" as they progress in their studies are not only
learning these materials, but are removing a great deal of
pressure from themselves. Once it is well-constructed and
memorized, the recommended strategy is to rapidly write it
all down in the first few minutes in the test room before
beginning the exam. This again is a great pressure
reliever.

8. Students need to exercise discipline and stick to the
set schedule. 2 hours of study per day, Monday through
Friday, is a good starting point and is usually what it
takes for most people.

Passing the PMP exam is hard work but like many challenging
accomplishments it takes a plan and strong execution. Many
people have passed, so it is within reach of most who try.
Given that it is all about project management, it makes
great sense to take advantage of the challenge of this
personal project to put into practice the best principles
of Project management. This will greatly enhance chances
of success and help to solidify the PMI PMBOK framework for
project management.

----------------------------------------------------
John Reiling, PMP, PE, MBA is an experienced Project
Manager and certified Project Management Professional.
John's web site, Project Management Training Online
(http://www.pmtrainingonline.com ) provides online project
management training for PMP exam prep. John also writes
regularly in his blog, http://PMcrunch.com .

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