How I passed the PMP…

I started training for the PMPin January of 2006.

I attended 99 hours of instructorled training.

It took me about 1 month to complete my application.

I studied seriously hard for about 3 months using a test engine.

I passed the first time!This presentation online at:crjones.com/PmpMyWay.ppt

Training on a test engine was critical for success…Rita Mulcahey’s test engine is the best, but is about $210 on Amazon.

If you get the trainer, you also need her book.The trainer sometimes references Rita’s book in its answers, sometimes the PBMOK as well…

I do agree that Rita’s trainer is expensive, but it is the best… A quick search of ebay did find a cheaper alternative, it’s cheap, but may be overload!

I also found it useful to combine all the formulas into one sheet. I’ve posted this sheet as:http://crjones.com/PMIFormulas.PDF

Don’t underestimate the application!

Start today online!You can stop and continue any time.Don’t bother with the paper app, web is easier!

You have to complete your application,Wait 2 weeks for approval,Then you can schedule your test.The entire process took me 2 months!

Don’t underestimate the application!

If your application is challenged in any way…It could take another 2-4 months!

In a room of 14 PMPs,2 applications were challenged!Appears to be a random QA selection.

Ability to prove experience may be difficult if your company is defunct!

(Especially if you worked for Dot Coms!)

The test is also expensive…$555

Paper based testing is not available in Las Vegas.

Save $150 on test fee by joining PMI.Retest fees are also $100 cheaper…

PMP Applicaton starts from Certification Page at PMI.ORG. Drill down to How to Apply from Exam Info, and click apply online…

Membership Applicaton starts from the membership page at PMI.ORG

Did I mention that I’m also VP of Membership for PMI-SNC (Southern Nevada Chapter)? ;-)

Total fees are about $154…

From experience:

I know that you must to bill the initial membership to a credit card. Billing to company is not allowed.

Renewal letter will come a year later. This can be paid by company check.

Testing is through Prometric Academic Services.

This is different from regular Prometric Technical.

There is only one academic site in Las Vegas, and that’s around Russel & Valley View.

That’s one reason why it takes a month to actually book your test date…

When testing, you need to be as quiet as a mouse. One PMP noted that he was asked to stop tapping his foot during the computer exam…

Anyhow,

Thanks for watching!Good luck with your exam.

I look forward to seeing you at the Chapter meetings!

-Charley Jones, PMP

This presentation online at:http://crjones.com/PmpMyWay.ppt