PMBOK Study Guide and Other Tools You Need Before the Exam
There are many incentives for you to get your Project Management Professional or PMP certification. However, you need to prepare yourself for the exam and the preparation would involve using several tools, such as the PMBOK Study Guide. This is only one of the study materials that you need to invest in while studying for the exam.
Despite what you might have heard from your classmates or colleagues about their review materials, not all of these things may work for you. It is important that you choose the ones that you are comfortable with. Think about the learning style that you prefer and your budget for the exam preparations. You don’t need to buy expensive study materials when you can find more affordable but still effective resources online, such as a PMP Study Guide.
To start your exam preparation right, here are the most common tools that you need:
PMBOK Guide. This is considered as the foundation of the exam, which is why it is the number one study material used by the candidates. It is a must-have reading while preparing for the exam.
Study guides. These are exam preparation books that almost have the same content as the PMBOK but they use laymen’s terms. They explain concepts in simple ways.
Exam courses. There are classes or online courses that you can register in. You may choose between studying with an instructor and doing the courses alone. It would be best if you can find a course that has at least 35 contact hours.
Exam stimulators. Taking a PMP Mock Exam and doing it repeatedly would let you know what your weakest areas are. Find an exam simulator designed by professionals or experts in the field.
Flash cards. These can help you memorize formulas and concepts for the exam. You can quiz yourself during your free time.
Podcasts. These are available in video or audio format. You can listen to them on the go so you can still have time for your review despite your hectic schedule.
Applications. Studying can be fun if you have the right apps. There are apps for games, practice questions, and mnemonics. You can take a PMP Practice Exam wherever you are.
Formula study guides. Formulas have to be memorized and there are study guides that can help you do that. These guides can help you recall the formulas even during your exam while you are under pressure.
Brain dump sheets. These can help you recall important information that may become answers during the exams using the exam type method. You can write key information on a sheet of paper and continue rewriting them until they become easy for you to recall what they are about.
Peer assistance. Find a local chapter of PMI that offers a study group. You may also get to talk to those PM certified members so you would know what to expect from the exam.
Online forums. Ask your questions about the exam in online forums. There are forums that offer free membership.