Want to Learn from a Global Leader of Project Management?

Published: Sun, 12/04/11

 
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In this issue...

Cornelius Fichtner, PMPHello ,

One of the best sources of information you currently have at your disposal is the use of an internet forum. The opinions and information available on these forums can be extremely valuable and they often provide specific examples and personal experiences to help guide you in your quest for knowledge and instruction. Read on and learn more about how participating in PM exam preparation forums can help boost you PMP exam studies.

This week we are featuring Simplilearn's PM Classroom Training as this week's Recommended Study Material. If you're looking for the right classroom course that will pave the way for your PMP certification, this is the right choice for you. It will provide you with a proven study methodology that will increase your chances of passing the challenging 4-hour exam on your first try. Learn from a Global Leader of Project Management today. Read more below..
 
Enjoy!
 
Until Next Time,

Cornelius Fichtner, PMP
President, OSP International LLC

Recommended Study Materials
The Ultimate Classroom Training for PMP Exam Success

Simplilearn's PM Classroom Training

Learn from a global leader of project management and pass your PMP Exam on your first attempt! Join Simplilearn's PM Classroom Training (Disclosure: Compensated Affiliate). Simplilearn's programs have helped more than 8000 PMP aspirants from all over the world achieve successful exam results.

If you're looking for the right classroom course that will pave the way for your PMP certification, this is the right choice for you. It will provide you with a proven study methodology that will increase your chances of passing the challenging 4-hour exam on your first try.

Simplilearn's PM Classroom Training has pioneered the Blended Model to offer a balanced way of reviewing and learning more about project management and the PMP Exam. This is a combination of physical classroom and online training with the following features:
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  • Weekly webinar after the classroom training for continued learning and assistance with resolving queries.
  • 5 full-length (200 Questions, 4 hours) PMP Simulation Tests.
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  • Self paced study material with anytime, anywhere access to user-friendly Learning Management System.
  • PMI approved Audio-video course content and offline reference material.
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Boost your PMP Studies - Join PMP Exam Prep Internet Forums
One of the best sources of information you currently have at your disposal is the use of an internet forum. The opinions and information available on these forums can be extremely valuable and they often provide specific examples and personal experiences to help guide you in your quest for knowledge and instruction. PMP Exam prep internet forums are no exception.

You may be wondering why it would beneficial for you to spend your precious study time reading materials on internet forums. This is because these forums can actually help you prepare for your exam. If you are having trouble understanding a specific project management concept, there is probably someone on these forums who can explain it in such a way that you can better understand it. Chances are that they ran into the same problem during the course of their own studies. This will save you time and frustration and you will understand the concept, instead of just memorizing it. 

There are many ways that you can use these internet forums. The method you use will depend on the specific type of information you are looking for.  This information may include asking specific questions, using a 'search and scan' technique for more detailed information, or soliciting advice on specific PMP Exam Prep topics. Many project managers (who are Project Management Professionals in their own right) are active participants in these types of forums. They are usually open to answering your specific questions, willing to provide you with information search tips, and also enjoy sharing their experiences from their own journeys to PMP certification.

If you have a specific question that you want to ask concerning preparation for the exam, most online forums have a detailed and easy-to-follow process for you to submit your question. The beauty of this is that you will most likely receive answers to your question from many different project managers, who will offer a variety of perspectives and experiences. This will help you choose the best answer as it pertains to your specific question and/or situation. 

On the other hand, if you are a self-starter and you prefer to do your own research, internet forums can also make this very easy. Almost all of these forums include a very strong search engine so that you can quickly 'search and scan' the forum content to find the information that you are looking for. And since you will be reviewing internet forums specific to PMP Exam Prep, your search will be that much more targeted.

Most importantly, you will find participants on these forums who have already completed the entire study process for the exam, and who have successfully passed the exam. One of the main reasons these PMPs spend their time on these forums is to help aspiring PMPs become successful so that they too can use these skills to give back to their local communities. You will also find expert advice on how to properly complete the PMP application process. This can be very tedious and time-consuming and is probably the most difficult part of the entire certification. Forum members will give advice on the best way to complete the application, sometimes even providing templates and tools to make this process as easy and as painless as possible.

You will also find advice on how to study for the PMP exam. There is a wealth of information on these forums about specific study tools such as PMP Exam Prep courses, books and guides, audio/visual aids, tips and tricks, and the all-important exam simulation practice questions. You will learn exactly what happens from the moment you walk into the exam room until you leave it from the point of view of someone who has actually been there. PMPs will also suggest the best time to take the exam, as well as letting you know the specific "Do's" and "Don'ts" of effective exam preparation.

As you can see, there are many benefits to participating in PMP Exam Prep internet forums that will help you prepare for the exam, take the exam and successfully pass the exam. But how can these forums help you after you successfully pass the exam and obtain your PMP certificate from the Project Management Institute (PMI)? Well, by participating in these forums during the exam preparation stage, you will have established and grown your project management network base, which will lead to many opportunities for both your personal and professional growth in the discipline of Project Management.

There are many internet forums available that provide all the information you need to get you on your way to becoming a PMP. Following are some recommended choices:
I am certain it is obvious that by joining a PMP Exam Prep internet forum you will save both time and money, avoid frustration and counter-productive study habits, and be thoroughly prepared for successfully passing the PMP Exam. Then it will be your turn as a PMP and an internet forum participant to pass on your knowledge and experience to future generations of aspiring project managers.

The PMP Exam is a test of project management practices

Most of the questions in the PMP exam revolve around real scenarios that will test how you understand the principles of project management. Do you have what it takes to be a Certified Project Manager?

Watch this video as we give an expert PMP exam tip:
http://bit.ly/eFtxHp
Sample PMP Exam Question

This PMP exam sample question is taken from http://www.free-pm-exam- questions.com:

You are managing a construction project. You are currently estimating the duration of a very critical activity. You have gathered the following information from the experts:

Best c
ase scenario: Activity can take 3 days to complete.
Worst case scenario: Activity may take up to 12 days t
o complete.
Expected scenario: On average it takes up to 6 days to complete such activities.

What will be standard deviation of the activity?                              
                A.  1.25 days
                B.  1.5 days
                C.  1 day
                D.  Cannot be determined by the data given

HINT: Use PERT to find standard deviation. 
Exam Tip: Be a planner and practice project management in the process
If you are preparing for the PMP or CAPM exam, you need to have a study plan. As an experienced project manager you know the value of a project plan. So practice what you preach as you prepare for the exam. Be a planner, and apply good project management in the process.

An example of a study plan for the PMP Certification is as follows:

  • Go through the training in no more than 2-4 months. Set a schedule, and stick to it. Review the appropriate section of the PMBOK with every topic in the training.
  • Purchase a PMP exam prep course and include it into your plan. Print out study aids that are part of the particular training module, especially if these cover topics that you find difficult. After finishing the course, take simulated exams.
  • Find out what your strengths and weaknesses are. This will make you a little sharper and alert for information as you continue the training. You can take another full PMP or CAPM exam simulation every 2-4 weeks, and adjust your study plan based on results.
  • In the last month leading to the exam, focus work with the simulations on your trouble areas by using the flash cards and other training materials. Aim for 80-90% scores during your simulated tests as you get close to the actual exam. This will give you confidence that you are ready to pass, and if the scores are lower, will give you more impetus to work harder.
  • Read books, online materials, free templates, listen to podcasts, and any other materials that fit your learning style to see things from different angles and approaches.
The key really is to practice good project management and you will succeed. Increase your chances of project management exam success with a plan.
Solution


The correct answer is: B

Reference: PMP Study Guide 5ed - Sybex - pg:170

Explanation: Standard deviation formula for PERT (triangular distribution) is (Pessimistic-Optimistic)/6. The standard deviation of the given data, according to this formula, is 1.5 days. Hence choice B is the correct answer.  

                              

Lessons Learned From Mark Salamone
I earned my PMP certification in my initial attempt on 11/2/2011.

As background, I first started looking into the PMP certification in February, 2011. I acquired Rita Mulcahy's "PMP Exam Prep" book based on the recommendation of another PMP. I also got Andy Crowe's "The PMP Exam" and started browsing them both. I must admit that my early attempts were a bit haphazard and my efforts were somewhat arbitrary in their focus. I had a vague plan that had me reading the prep material, joining the PMI, then sitting for the exam.

In September, my role on the program I had worked on for 3 years and a half was eliminated due to budget cuts and I knew I needed to get serious. At this point, I had read through most of Mr. Crowe's book. So, I joined the PMI and looked into the requirements to take the exam. It was then that I learned of the "35 Contact Hours" requirement. After getting a couple of recommendations, I purchased The PM PrepCast. Not only did it give me the 35 hours of instruction I needed, it also had many tips to offer including creating a schedule and approaches to reading and answering the questions on the exam.

Read more here..


 
 

 
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