Sample Material - Not for Reprint. Project Management Professional (PMP ) Exam Preparation Course release PARTICIPANT Handbook

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1 Project and Program Management Project Management Professional (PMP ) Exam Preparation Course release PARTICIPANT Handbook

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4 Copyright PMP Exam Preparation Course, release Copyright and Trademark Information for Partners/Stakeholders. PMP is a registered trademark of Project Management Institute Inc. PMI is a service and trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc. which is registered in the United States and other nations. PMP and the PMP logo are certification marks of the Project Management Institute which are registered in the United States and other nations PMBOK" is a trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc. which is registered in the United States and other nations. More on: Copyright 2013 ITpreneurs. All rights reserved. Please note that the information contained in this material is subject to change without notice. Furthermore, this material contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. No part of this material may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior consent of ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. The language used in this course is US English. Our sources of reference for grammar, syntax, and mechanics are from The Chicago Manual of Style, The American Heritage Dictionary, and the Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications. Copyright 2013 ITpreneurs. All rights reserved

5 Contents LIST OF ICONS LIST OF ACTIVITIES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FOLLOW US MODULE 1: COURSE INTRODUCTION 1 Introduction to the Session 2 Course Learning Objectives 3 Module Objectives 4 Modules Covered in the Course 5 Course Agenda 6 Module Summary 14 MODULE 2: GUIDELINES FOR THE PMP EXAM PREPARATION 15 Let s Get Started 16 Module Learning Objectives Exam Prerequisites Exam Details Application Procedures Tips to Prepare for the PMP Exam Tips to Take the PMP Exam Tips to Prepare for the Exam Recommended Books 27 Module Summary 28 MODULE 3: PROJECT MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 29 Let s Get Started 30 Module Learning Objectives Project Overview The Project Life Cycle Introduction to Project Management Organizational Influence on Projects 61 Check your Understanding 70 Module Summary 71 MODULE 4: PROJECT INTEGRATION MANAGEMENT 73 Let s Get Started 74 Module Learning Objectives 75 Overview 76 Processes 77 VII VIII IX XI i

6 4.1 Develop Project Charter Develop Project Management Plan Direct and Manage Project Work Monitor and Control Project Work Perform Integrated Change Control Close Project or Phase 136 Case Study Connect 146 Check Your Understanding 148 Module Summary 151 MODULE 5: PROJECT SCOPE MANAGEMENT 153 Let s Get Started 154 Module Learning Objectives 155 Definition of Scope 156 Product Scope Versus Project Scope 157 Triple Constraint 158 Overview 159 Processes Plan Scope Management Collect Requirements Define Scope Create WBS Process Validate Scope Control Scope 217 Case Study Connect 229 Check your understanding 231 Module Summary 232 MODULE 6: PROJECT TIME MANAGEMENT 233 Let s Get Started! 234 Module Learning Objectives 235 Overview 236 Processes Plan Schedule Management Define Activities Sequence Activities Estimate Activity Resources Estimate Activity Durations Develop Schedule Control Schedule 315 Case Study Connect 327 Module Summary 330 ii

7 MODULE 7: PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT 331 Let s Get Started 332 Module Learning Objectives 333 Overview 334 Processes Plan Cost Management Estimate Costs Determine Budget Control Costs 374 Case Study Connect 392 Check Your Understanding 395 Module Summary 399 MODULE 8: PROJECT QUALITY MANAGEMENT 401 Let s Get Started 402 Module Learning Objectives 403 Overview 404 Processes Plan Quality Management Perform Quality Assurance Control Quality 437 Case Study connect 448 Check your understanding 452 Module Summary 458 MODULE 9: PROJECT HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 459 Let s Get Started 460 Module Learning Objectives 461 Overview 462 Processes Plan Human Resource management Acquire Project Team Develop Project Team Manage Project Team 499 Case Study Connect 510 Check Your Understanding 513 Module Summary 518 MODULE 10: PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT 519 Let s get Started 520 Module Learning Objectives 521 Overview 522 Processes Plan Communications Management Manage Communications Control Communications 549 iii

8 Case Study Connect 559 Check your understanding 561 Module Summary 565 MODULE 11: PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT 567 Let s Get Started 568 Module Learning Objectives 569 Overview 570 Processes Plan Risk Management Identify Risks Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis Plan Risk Responses Control Risks 636 Case Study Connect 647 Check Your Understanding 649 Module Summary 651 MODULE 12: PROJECT PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT 653 Let s Get Started 654 Module Learning Objectives 655 Overview 656 Processes Plan Procurement Management Conduct Procurements Control Procurements Close Procurements 698 Case Study Connect 708 Module Summary 711 MODULE 13: PROJECT STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT 713 Let s Get Started 714 Module Learning Objectives 715 Overview 716 Processes Identify Stakeholders Plan Stakeholder Management Manage Stakeholder Engagement Control Stakeholder Engagement 748 Case Study Connect 758 Check Your Understanding 760 Module Summary 764 iv

9 MODULE 14: PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY 765 Let s Get Started 766 Module Learning Objectives PMI S Code of Conduct Maintaining Certification and PDUs Cultural Awareness Ethics in Project Management 780 Module Summary 783 APPENDIX A: CASE STUDY 785 APPENDIX B: GLOSSARY 789 APPENDIX C: ANSWERS 805 APPENDIX D: RELEASE NOTES 853 INSTRUCTOR FEEDBACK FORM 855 v

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11 LIST OF ICONS Refers to content that is meant for the instructor to lecture in class Refers to content that is meant for the student to read on his/her own in class or at home Refers to information items that are not covered by the instructor in class but help the student understand a particular topic in detail Refers to a Scenario-Based Activity that the student must do in class or as homework after the completion of a topic or in between a topic Refers to an important snippet of information that the instructors should remember to touch upon while conducting an activity or during a lecture Refers to an extra piece of information that is not very important but still good to know Refers to space for the students to take notes Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. vii

12 LIST OF ACTIVITIES This course uses a variety of delivery techniques. Each of these techniques is designed to help students not only learn the material but also apply the information. The various techniques used are: ICON NAME Activity Time Critical Thinking Activity Brainstorm Activity Teach Back Round-Robin Discussion viii Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

13 Acknowledgements We would like to sincerely thank the experts who have contributed to the development of the ITpreneurs PMP products. Author Douglas W. Bowers Douglas W. Bowers lives in Seattle, Washington with his wife and son. He received an MBA from Indiana University in 2005 and earned his PMP certification in He has been a project manager for Regence Blue Shield, Group Health Cooperative, and Premer Blue Cross. Prior to earning his MBA, he participated in many projects at Kaplan Financial where he began learning project management skills. In his spare time, he enjoys writing fiction and hiking in the mountains. Co Author Neal Rowland Neal Rowland has been a Project Management Professional (PMP ) for over seven years. He began instructing others immediately after. Holding Bachelor s and Master s degrees in Educational Leadership and conducting doctoral work in Educational Technology, Neal also holds certifications in IT Service Management (ITIL) to the Expert level and Agile Project Management (PMI-ACP ). Beyond instructing PMP courses worldwide, Neal is a presenter, instructional designer, app designer, and project manager. Most of his recent project management consulting has been at Microsoft and Qwizdom Interactive Technology. He has lived in Seattle for the past 8 years, but recently relocated to Detroit, Michigan, USA. Alpha Reviewer Christine Aykac Christine Aykac is PMP, PMI-RMP, PMI-ACP Certified. Christine Aykac has 10 years of experience in developing and delivering Project Management and PDU courses, including PMP, PMI-RMP, and PMI-ACP exam preparation. Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. ix

14 Review Board Members Zachy Olorunojowon Information Systems Governance Training & Consulting Klaus Nielsen GBD June Folk Computer Sciences Corporation Gloria Quintanilla Osorio Actio Tecnología SC x Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

15 Follow us Before you start the course, please take a moment to: Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter "Add us in your circle" on Google Plus "Link with us" on Linkedin "Watch us" on YouTube Copyright 2013 ITpreneurs. All rights reserved Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. xi

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17 Module1 Course Introduction Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 1

18 PMP Exam Preparation Course INTRODUCTION TO THE SESSION PMP Exam Course Introduction Preparation Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Preparation Course Welcome! Share with the class: Your name Your profession Your role Your background in project management Your familiarity with PMI s PMP Certification Your expectation from the course 1 2 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

19 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Course Introduction COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES PMP Exam Preparation At the end of this course, you will be able to: Course Introduction Introduction to the Session: Course Learning Objectives Explain the key features of the PMP exam. Identify the steps for gaining approval from PMI and preparing for the exam. Describe the fundamentals of project management. Implement the project management practices related to project management processes. Define the goals, tools, and techniques of the ten Project Management Knowledge Areas. Practice answering PMP-style exam questions based on the covered topics. My Notes 2 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 3

20 PMP Exam Preparation Course MODULE OBJECTIVES PMP Exam Course Introduction Preparation Introduction to the Session: Module Objectives At the end of this module, you will be able to: Identify the PMP knowledge areas. Define the course structure. Use the Participant Handbook to enhance learning. Understand the course mock exam process. 3 4 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

21 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Course Introduction MODULES COVERED IN THE COURSE PMP Exam Preparation Course Introduction Introduction to the Session: Modules Covered Modules covered in the course: 1. Course Introduction 2. Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation 3. Project Management Framework 4. Project Integration Management 5. Project Scope Management 6. Project Time Management 7. Project Cost Management 8. Project Quality Management 9. Project Human Resource Management 10. Project Communications Management 11. Project Risk Management 12. Project Procurement Management 13. Project Stakeholder Management 14. Professional Responsibility My Notes 4 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 5

22 PMP Exam Preparation Course COURSE AGENDA PMP Exam Course Introduction Preparation Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda Pre-Course Self Study Module Module Name Start End Total Time (in hours) Online Assessment Pre-Course Mock Exam 01: Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

23 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Course Introduction PMP Exam Preparation Course Introduction Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda Day One Day 1 Module Module Name Start End Total Time (in hours) Morning Refreshment 8:00 8:15 0:15 Module 1 Course Intro 8:15 8:30 0:15 Module 2 Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation 8:30 9:00 0:30 Module 3 Project Management Framework 9:00 11:30 2:30 Case Study Discussion 11:30 12:00 0:30 Lunch 12:00 1:00 1:00 Module 4 Project Integration Management 1:00 3:00 2:00 Module 5 Project Scope Management 3:00 4:00 1:00 Evening Refreshment 4:00 4:15 0:15 Module 5 Project Scope Management 4:15 5:30 1:15 PMP Exam Preparation Day 2 Effective Classroom Learning Hours 8:00 Course Introduction Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda Day Two Module Module Name Start End Total Time (in hours) Morning Refreshment 8:00 8:15 0:15 Module 6 Project Time Management 8:15 12:00 3:45 Lunch 12:00 1:00 1:00 Module 7 Project Cost Management 1:00 3:15 2:15 Module 8 Project Quality Management 3:15 4:00 0:45 Evening Refreshment 4:00 4:15 0:15 Module 8 Project Quality Management 4:15 4:45 0:30 Effective Classroom Learning Hours 7: Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 7

24 PMP Exam Preparation Course PMP Exam Preparation Course Introduction Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda Day Three Day 3 Module Module Name Start End Total Time (in hours) Morning Refreshment 8:00 8:15 0:15 Module 8 Project Quality Management 8:15 9:15 1:00 Module 9 Project Human Resource Management 9:15 12:00 2:45 Lunch 12:00 1:00 1:00 Module 10 Project Communications Management 1:00 4:00 3:00 PMP Exam Preparation Day 4 Evening Refreshment 4:00 4:15 0:15 Effective Classroom Learning Hours 7:45 Course Introduction Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda Day Four Module Module Name Start End Total Time (in hours) Morning Refreshment 8:00 8:15 0:15 Module 11 Project Risk Management 8:15 10:15 2:00 Module 12 Project Procurement Management 10:15 12:15 2:00 LUNCH 12:15 1:00 0:45 Module 13 Project Stakeholder Management 1:00 3:30 2:30 Module 14 Professional Responsibility 3:30 4:00 0:30 Evening Refreshment 4:00 4:15 0:15 Effective Classroom Learning Hours 7: Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

25 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Course Introduction PMP Exam Preparation Course Introduction Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda Post-Course Self Study Module Module Name Start End Total Time (in hours) Online Assessment 1 Post-Course Mock Exam 4:00 Online Assessment 2 Post-Course Mock Exam 4:00 My Notes 10 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 9

26 PMP Exam Preparation Course Overview PMP Exam Preparation Project Management Process Groups Course Introduction Introduction to the Session: Overview Initiating Closing Planning Executing Monitoring and Controlling Through these 14 modules, this Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Preparation Course will assist you in acquiring the knowledge required for passing the exam. You will understand and implement the project management practices related to project management processes. These processes are categorized into five groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing Process Groups. This course also covers the fundamental principles of project management, project organization, and the project life cycle Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

27 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Course Introduction PMP Exam Preparation Course Introduction Introduction to the Session: Overview Project Management Knowledge Areas Time Quality Communication Stakeholder Management Integration Scope Cost Human Resources Risk Procurement My Notes 12 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 11

28 PMP Exam Preparation Course Student Reference Material and Student PMP Exam Preparation Course Introduction Introduction to the Session: Student Reference Material Student Reference Material contains the concepts that are covered in the class Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

29 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Course Introduction Mock Exams PMP Exam Preparation Pre-Course Mock Exam: 40 multiple-choice online exam questions. These 40 questions check the current level of knowledge of the participants and recommend focus areas for the course. Participants can take the online pre-test from any location. 2 Post-Course Mock Exam each having: Course Introduction Introduction to the Session: Mock Exam 200 PMP-style, multiple-choice exam questions. These are also an online exam. There are two sample exam sets associated with this course, Pre-Course Mock Exam and Post-Course Mock Exam. These are provided as self-study kits. Through these exams, you will become familiar with the format and strategy of PMP exam questions and will be well prepared for the exam. You would have already taken the Pre-Course Mock Exam. The Pre- Course Mock Exam, as you noticed, contains a set of 40 multiple-choice exam questions and includes a rationale with each correct answer. These 40 questions check your current level of knowledge and recommend focus areas for the course. You can take the online pre-test from any location. The Post-Course Mock Exam contains two sets, each of 200 PMP-style multiple-choice questions with correct answers and rationale. On the last day of this classroom training, you will have the opportunity to attempt the Post-Course Mock Exam questions. This is also an online exam. My Notes 14 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 13

30 PMP Exam Preparation Course MODULE SUMMARY PMP Exam Course Introduction Preparation Module Summary Introduction to the Session: This course covers the project management process groups and project management knowledge areas through 14 modules. There are two sample exam sets associated with this course, Pre-Course Mock Exam and two sets of Post-Course Mock Exam. Here are the concepts that we covered in this module Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

31 Module2 Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 15

32 PMP Exam Preparation Course LET S GET STARTED PMP Exam Preparation Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Let s Get Started! Let s go through the PMP exam preparation guidelines for preparing and taking the PMP exam! 1 16 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

33 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES PMP Exam Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Preparation Module Learning Objectives At the end of this module, you will be able to: Identify the prerequisites of the exam and exam details. Identify the steps required to enroll for the PMP exam. Practice applying the exam tips. Identify the recommended books for taking the exam. My Notes 2 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 17

34 PMP Exam Preparation Course 2.1 EXAM PREREQUISITES PMP Exam Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Preparation Exam Prerequisites Official approval from PMI for taking the exam is based on: Education Four-year bachelor s or global equivalent degree Secondary high school or global equivalent diploma Project Management Education Thirty-five hours Thirty-five hours Project Management Experience 4,500 hours of leading or directing projects 7,500 hours of leading or directing projects For further details, refer to the following website: Experience Three years Five years Exam Prerequisites To take the PMP exam through the Project Management Institute (PMI), you must gain official approval from PMI. Approval is based on a set number of documented professional experience hours and verification of your formal education. You need thirty-five hours of project management education. This course satisfies this requirement. For further details, refer to the following website: This course assumes that you have some project management work experience. T R A N S I T I O N Just Concluded Coming Up Exam Prerequisites Exam Details 3 18 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

35 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation 2.2 EXAM DETAILS PMP Exam Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Preparation Exam Details Duration: Four hours Questions: 200 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four answer options. Scoring scheme: One point for every correct answer Initiating 13 percent Planning 24 percent Executing 30 percent Monitoring and controlling 25 percent Closing 8 percent Total number of scored questions 175 Total number of unscored questions 25 Overall score Pass or fail Format: Online and paper format Domain knowledge ranking: Proficient, Moderately Proficient, and Below Proficient Contact hours: Thirty-five hours formal training with Accredited Training Organization (ATO) Personal study hours by PMI: Twelve hours T R A N S I T I O N Just Concluded Coming Up Exam Details Application Procedures My Notes 4 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 19

36 PMP Exam Preparation Course 2.3 APPLICATION PROCEDURES PMP Exam Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Preparation Application Procedures The PMI paper-based application process The PMI online application process Applying through the PMI online process helps you check your status throughout the process of earning and maintaining the PMP certification. The processing of paper-based application takes days while online application processing takes around 5 days. Submit the fee only after the application is approved by PMI. In case of filling the online application form, pay the fee through credit card. Fill the application form in English only. You can fill the PMP application either on paper or online. Applying through the PMI online process helps you check your status throughout the process of earning and maintaining the PMP certification. Each participant has to sign in the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct program and agree to adhere to a high standard of ethical behavior. For details on the PMP Certification, fee structure, and application procedures, refer to: Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

37 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation PMP Exam Preparation Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Application Procedures The Experience Verification Form The Experience Verification form indicates the number of hours the participant has worked in each of the five process areas: initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing. Each candidate has to document and report the project management experience in the Verification Form for each project. The form should be filled accurately and submitted within the required timeframe. The following documents should be entered on the application: 1. A copy of degree or diploma certificate. 2. Proof of completing a PM education class. It is only required if audited. Each participant has to document the experience in leading or handling projects in all domains within 200 words or less. The following documents should be entered on the application: 1. A copy of degree or diploma certificate. 2. Proof of completing a PM education class. It is only required if audited. For electronic submissions of the application, your documents may be audited at two predetermined junctures: first, immediately after submitting your application and second, after PMI s approval of the application on the basis of payment for the exam. A minority of applicants are randomly audited. In case your application is rejected, provide hard copies of your experience declarations signed by the sponsor or supervisor. T R A N S I T I O N Just Concluded Coming Up Application Procedures Tips to Prepare for the PMP Exam My Notes 6 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 21

38 PMP Exam Preparation Course 2.4 TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE PMP EXAM PMP Exam Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Preparation Tips to Prepare for the PMP Exam Study tips Plan a study schedule that includes practice test time for each day. Familiarize yourself with the content outline for the PMP exam. Read the PMBOK and additional books recommended in this module. Create Learning Maps by drawing pictures you can easily remember for each knowledge area. Devote time in group study along with your friends and colleagues who are preparing for the PMP exam. Solve as many possible PMP sample questions as you can. Here are the points you should keep in mind while preparing for the PMP exam. T R A N S I T I O N Just Concluded Coming Up Tips to Prepare for the PMP Tips to Take the PMP Exam Exam 7 22 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

39 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation 2.5 TIPS TO TAKE THE PMP EXAM PMP Exam Preparation Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Tips to Take the PMP Exam Here are the points you should keep in mind while taking the PMP exam: Read each question thoroughly before answering it. Remember that there will be qualifiers such as NOT and BEST. Skip the questions that you are not sure of and review them later. Time should be monitored as you have to complete all questions in four hours. Here are the points you should keep in mind while taking the PMP exam: Read all answer options even if you see the correct answer. Identify and eliminate the distracter options. Use your PMBOK knowledge in selecting the best answers. When in doubt, listen to your gut feeling and mark the best option. You will not lose points for providing the wrong answer. Create a brain dump sheet consisting of formulas, theories, knowledge areas, processes, and so on. During the first 15 minutes of PMP exam, create a brain dump sheet consisting of formulas, theories, knowledge areas, processes, and so on. You can quickly refer to this sheet during the exam and efficiently manage your time. My Notes This will not count towards the 4 hours you have to take the test. Read each question thoroughly before answering it. Do not assume that you know what is being asked. Remember that there will be qualifiers such as NOT and BEST. Read all the answer options even if you see the correct answer while attempting the questions. There could be more correct answers available. Identify and eliminate the distracter options. Skip the questions that you don t have answers for right away and come back to them later. However, you can also mark or flag such a question with an answer, so that you can revisit the same before the final submission of the exam. This will help you give the potential answer as per the current thought process and revisit it later to check and validate the thought process. Use your PMBOK knowledge in selecting the best answers. When in doubt, listen to your gut feeling and mark the best option. You will not lose points for providing the wrong answer. Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 23 8

40 PMP Exam Preparation Course The PMP exam is about problem solving. The questions are worded as you are a PM, your project is broken, fix it. The key to fixing the problem in a project is always applying a PMP tool or ethical concept. You have to know the model, the tools and rules, and how to apply them. Time should be monitored as you have to complete all questions in four hours. PMP Exam Preparation Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Question Strategies The PMP exam tests your ability to apply knowledge and skills for analyzing different situations. Here are some of the strategies for understanding the types of question: Situation-based questions Questions with nonrelevant information Questions that have more than one correct answer Questions based on a known topic but with a new approach Lengthy questions filled with jargon The PMP exam will not test your memory, but your ability to apply your knowledge and skills to analyze different situations. Most of the PMP exam questions are situation-based, taking clues from the real world. Tips Use your analytical skills in answering the questions. Recall lessons learned from your projects and real-life experiences. Do not overstrain yourself by memorizing all the information in the books at one time, though it is useful to memorize definitions and concepts. Expect around questions based on definitions, concepts, and general management knowledge Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

41 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Learn the formulas properly because 8-10 questions are formula-based. Seek out and remove distracters. You can expect 4 8 earned-value questions that could include some degree of calculation. The exam will spell out all acronyms to avoid confusion. T R A N S I T I O N Just Concluded Coming Up Tips to Take the PMP Exam Tips to Prepare for the Exam My Notes Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 25

42 PMP Exam Preparation Course 2.6 TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAM PMP Exam Preparation Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Here are some important tips for the exam: Tips to Prepare for the Exam Schedule time to study and review the study material. Schedule an exam date and commit to it. Review the syllabus in your course material. Use the syllabus to focus on the corresponding chapters in PMBOK. Make note of the unique business situation presented. Here are some useful tips for the exam: Schedule time to study and review the study material to prepare for the final exam. The PMI recommends twelve hours of personal study time in addition to the assigned classroom study time. The content to support such personal study for this course has been provided in the Student Reference Material. Schedule an exam date and commit to it. Participants who have a predetermined date to sit for the exam, even if they change it later, are more likely to take and pass the exam than those with no clear target or commit date. Review the syllabus in your course material. Use the syllabus to focus on the corresponding chapters in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). Make note of the unique business situation presented. This business situation or the scenario may point you in the direction of the best answer from the list. T R A N S I T I O N Just Concluded Coming Up Tips to Prepare for the Exam Recommended Books Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.

43 Participant Handbook PMP Exam Preparation Course Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation 2.7 RECOMMENDED BOOKS PMP Exam Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation Preparation Recommended Books The recommended books for the PMP exam preparation are: PMBOK Guide, Fifth Edition, by Project Management Institute The PMP Exam: How to Pass On Your First Try, by Andy Crowe PMP Exam Prep, Eighth Edition, by Rita Mulcahy PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide by Kim Heldman Head First PMP: A Brain-Friendly Guide to Passing the Project Management Professional Exam by Andrew Stellman and Jennifer Greene For preparing for the examination, it is necessary to know about the recommended books and reading materials that you should read before appearing for the examination. T R A N S I T I O N Just Concluded Coming Up Recommended Books Module Summary My Notes 11 Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 27

44 PMP Exam Preparation Course MODULE SUMMARY PMP Exam Preparation Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation In this module, we covered the following concepts: Module Summary Prerequisites of the exam and exam details Guidelines for filling out the PMP exam application form Study plan for covering maximum content in a stipulated time Exam tips for preparing and taking the PMP exam Recommended books and reading materials This module has covered the prerequisites of the exam and exam details along with the steps for filling out the PMP exam application form. The module also covered the tips for preparing and taking the PMP exam and the recommended books for the exam preparation Copyright 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.