You’re registered for the PMP exam, and then the questions start. The PMBOK Guide is a large book – there’s so much to learn! That’s not all. You might be wondering how you’re going to fit studying into your already full schedule. Take a deep breath. You can do this!
Follow these steps to put the odds of success in your favor.
Step 1: Know Your Personal Why
Before getting into the exam itself, take a few minutes for introspection. Ask yourself why exactly you are interested in this certification. You might be excited by the power of projects – the novelty and excitement of creating something different in the world. You might also be excited about the potential of earning a higher income – many project managers earn six-figure salaries. Or you might want to boost your professional confidence through learning and earning the PMP credential.
There is no wrong answer, except, “my boss told me to earn the PMP.” To stay motivated through your exam preparation studies, it is vital to have your source of motivation.
Step 2: Make a Plan
You will need to schedule time to study for the exam proactively. Review your calendar and even tell your manager, colleagues, and family members when you will be studying so they know what to expect and can even help encourage you.
Expert Tip: You don’t have to study alone. Reach out to other project managers you know at your company via LinkedIn or through your local Project Management Institute chapter. Finding one or two friends to join you in virtual study groups makes the process much more comfortable.
Step 3: Build Your Toolbox of PMP Exam Prep Resources
When preparing for the exam, you will be splitting your time between high leverage activities and low leverage activities High leverage activities might include completing practice questions and mock exams. Such activities almost directly improve your chances of passing. On the other hand, low leverage activities might include passively reading a project management book and failing to take notes or engage with the material.
As you build your toolbox, it is crucial to have a variety of resources. When you’re tired and only have a few minutes, that might be a good time to read part of the PMBOK Guide. In other cases, working through practice questions and other active learning efforts will help you to learn more effectively.
6 Reasons Why Wiley is the Best PMP Exam Prep
Alongside the PMBOK Guide, choosing Wiley’s PMP Exam Review Course is the right choice.
1. Up to Date for 2021
In January 2021, the Project Management Institute updated the PMP exam. That means that exam preparation guides produced in 2020 or earlier will not align with the new exam. Fortunately, Wiley’s PMP Exam Review Course has been fully updated based upon PMI’s new exam requirements. That means you don’t have to worry about surprises when you write your exam.
2. Fulfill the PMI Contact Hours Requirement Online
PMI requires you to complete 25 hours of formal study to prepare for the exam. With Wiley, you can complete that requirement from home. There’s no need to go to an in-person class. You also get more than ten hours of lecture videos where expert instructors walk you through critical concepts you need to know.
3. Self Paced Learning That Fits Your Schedule
Traditional PMP exam preparation courses unfold on a fixed schedule. If you’re busy one week and can’t attend class, you will fall behind. Wiley’s exam preparation product is self-paced, so you can start studying whenever you have time. You can study in the mornings, review flashcards during lunch, or focus your efforts on evenings and weekends.
4. Reduce Exam Day Anxiety Through Practice
Starting the PMP exam can be nerve-wracking. Fortunately, you can use simple resources to prepare yourself: practice questions and mock exams. With Wiley, you receive more than one thousand practice questions covering every topic in the exam. With more than 1,000 study questions, you practice key concepts several times.
For example, let’s say your PMP exam is three months away. You could do 5-10 questions every day to practice your knowledge leading up to the exam. By practicing regularly, you will quickly find out which areas you need to study further.
Unlike other test question systems, Wiley’s PMP test questions measure your learning progress. You’ll know which areas you know already and where you have weaknesses. That tracking feature means that you can focus your limited study time on the right topics. The system also shows you the correct answer so you can see where you went wrong.
5. Flexible Study With the Mobile App
The Wiley mobile app empowers you to study on the go. If you have a few minutes waiting for somebody else, you can study a few flashcards. You can also watch all of your lecture videos through the mobile app.
By the way, the mobile app works offline or online, so you can keep studying even if your internet connection goes down for a time.
6. Peace of Mind for Your Studies
Wiley has developed professional test prep resources for multiple professions such as finance, law, and admissions. That means we’ve learned a lot about how to prepare busy people for challenging exams. That’s why Wiley products are designed to fit with multiple learning styles with lecture videos, written materials, flashcards, and practice questions.
Equip Yourself to Pass the First Time
Ultimately, whether you pass the PMP exam or not depends on the quality of the focus and preparation you put in. Using Wiley’s exam prep products, you will know exactly where to focus your study time. You will have practice questions, a mobile app, flashcards, and more to help you get ready.
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