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In this issue... |
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 Hello ,
Your weekly dose of PMP exam tips is here again. So what's in store in this week's issue?
- Featured Article of the Week:The Day of Your PMP Exam
- Recommended PMP Exam Study Material: The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try, 4th Edition
- PMP Exam Sample Question and Answer
- PMP Exam Tip:Cost of Conformance
- PMP Exam Video of the week: 7 Criteria for Selecting Your PMP Exam Simulator
- Congratulations to this week's new PMP's! Know who they are in this week's issue.
Read on and Enjoy!
Until Next Time,
Cornelius Fichtner, PMP
President, OSP International LLC
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Recommended PMP Exam Study Material: The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try, 4th Edition by Andy Crowe
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 We recommend this book because it contains a wealth of information that a project manager needs to know to pass the PMP Exam -- the first time!
If this is your first attempt to pass the PMP exam, Andy's The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try, 4th Edition (Disclosure: Compensated Affiliate) is an essential part of your study materials. Based on the PMBOK Guide, 4th Edition, it provides 44 processes, 592 inputs, tools and outputs that will thoroughly prepare you for the exam.
It also contains insider secrets, test tricks and tips, hundreds of sample questions and intelligently created exercises to reinforce your proficiency of key concepts that will guide you to achieve a successful result.
Some highlights of this book include:
- Project Management Processes and Knowledge Areas - A detailed breakdown of all Processes and KAs with clear explanations and no extraneous information to confuse you.
- Tools, Tips and Tricks - Tools such as formulas and various project management process tables are well organized and explained and will strengthen your comprehension and retention. Insiders' tips are presented In an easy to understand style to give you an edge.
- Sample Exam Questions - Quizzes at the end of each chapter and a final exam give you a better feel of the exam. The book keeps pace with the ever-evolving PMP test and helps you understand and navigate the complex exam questions. You'll learn how to correctly answer questions on the first try.
Order The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try, 4th Edition from Barnes and Noble by clicking HERE!
Full Disclosure: The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try, 4th Edition is an affiliate product. If you click and choose to purchase the book, we will earn a commission.
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| Congratulations! |
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Our w armest congratulations go to the following students of ours who have recently passed their PMP Exam:
- Wan Mustapha Wan Ismail, PMP
- Mike Kozlowski, PMP
- Ashutosh Rath, PMP
- Hussam Elhaw, PMP
- Kaisar Afaque, PMP
Have you passed your exam as well? Then let us know by writing to examtips@pm-prepcast.com
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The Day of Your PMP Exam
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You have come this far and after weeks of study, you are now ready to take your PMP exam. You know you have prepared yourself physically and mentally and that you are ready to tackle the exam questions confidently. And that is the attitude needed to forge ahead - an attitude borne out of determination to pass this important exam, so positive that others can actually feel it from you.
But as in any endeavor, you will need to be ready for the actual battle - in this case, the PMP exam. The day before, you should have a good rest and eliminate any distractions. For instance, be sure that you take a day-off from your work on the day of the exam. The last thing you need is be concerned with issues regarding your job. Empty your mind of these kind of distractions for the exam. Rise early and have a good breakfast, avoiding anything unfamiliar, or any exotic food that would give you an upset stomach. (This actually happened to me and I was feeling quite ill throughout my 4-hour exam.)
Wear comfortable clothing. You don't know the temperature at the exam site so it is best to come prepared. Wear several layers of clothes that can easily be taken off in case it becomes warm enough for you, or you can bring a sweater or jacket just in case.
As a general rule, you must present at least two ID's to sign in. Bring your passport and Driver's License with identical information which means they have matching data such as your name, address and other information about you. Social Security ID's and work badges will not be accepted. It is also a good idea to go to the exam site early in order for you to take in the location and adjust your mind and body to the actual examination. There is nothing like getting in tune with the surroundings before an exam to help you relax. Besides, being an early bird adds to your confidence.
You will not be allowed to take anything inside the actual testing room. Everything you need for the exam is provided. You will be assigned to a locker for personal items like your wallet, cellphones, and your watch. Also put your bottled water and snacks for your break into the locker. Don't worry about a calculator or watch. You can use the computer-based calculator and tell the time from the computer you will be working on during the exam.
Before you actually start, take a little time to sit before your computer, breath deeply and absorb everything you see to help you relax. Find your rhythm before plunging in. Once you are ready, take the 5-minute guided tour to learn about the exam interface. I didn't take it and almost missed a few questions because I didn't fully understand it. Spending time on the guided tour will help you calm down and understand the interface. The tour does not count towards your exam time. Once you begin your exam, the clock starts and the four hours begin ticking. And it doesn't stop ticking should you take a breaks. But a 5-10 minute break at around half-time is recommended.
Read each question carefully and understand them before answering. If you are not sure of your answer, you can "mark" them and move on to the next question. Marking allows you to quickly find it again and come back later to check the answer. Many test takers also report that they may come across a question later on in the test that triggers a memory to correctly solve one of the questions they marked.
Do not panic when you come across series of difficult questions that you cannot answer. That happens to everyone. Mark the questions and move on. Let your subconscious work on them while you focus on other areas of the exam. Then come back and suddenly the answer seems obvious.
Throughout the exam, you will notice a lot of people coming and going. Ignore them! These are examinees who take different exams with different durations.
You can see how important it is to be prepared for the day of the exam. There is a lot to do before you actually sit down at the computer to take the test! So it's a good idea to have as many things ready the night before as possible; it will make your morning calmer, more organized and put you in the proper frame of mind to pass your exam.
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Exam Tip: Cost of Conformance
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 There are two separate components within Cost of Quality (COQ) and you must have a complete understanding of both of them for your PMP Exam. One is the Cost of Non-conformance, which is the money (and time) that will be spent due to the failure of a deliverable from your project. The other is the Cost of Conformance. This is the figure that is determined to be necessary to avoid those failures in the first place.
There are two categories within the Cost of Conformance. The prevention costs are those associated with building a quality product or service so that any errors are within the range that is considered acceptable. These usually include the elements of training and equipment. Also included in this category is the time and effort required to fully document processes and to do things the right way.
The other category within the Cost of Conformance is the appraisal costs. These are the costs associated with determining the level of quality to ensure it meets the required standards. Appraisal costs include things like inspections and various types of testing that are then evaluated to ensure the quality expectations are being met.
In our next tip, we'll take a closer look at the Cost of Non-conformance
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| Sample PMP Exam Question |
In your project, you can delay 'Activity 1' by three days without delaying its successor 'Activity 2'. However, delaying 'Activity 1' will delay the project by six days without delaying the overall project finish date. Which of the following statements is correct in this scenario?
A.) The Total Float is 6 days and the Free Float is 3 days.
B.) The Total Float is 3 days and the Free Float is 6 days.
C.) The Total Float is 3 days and the Free Float is zero.
D.) The Free Float is 3 days and the Total Float is zero.
Hint: Don't get confused with Free Float versus Total Float. Remember Total Float always applies to project and Free Float applies to individual activities.
Please click here to give your answer and see the explanation...
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7 Criteria for Selecting Your PMP Exam Simulator
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 A PMP exam simulator will help you prepare for the PMP exam by showing you what to expect on the exam day.
Here are 7 criteria to consider when choosing which PMP exam simulator to purchase.
Click here to watch a short video.
** Know anyone who is PMP certified already and would like to earn PDU's? Let them know how to earn their PDU in as easy as 1-2-3! Visit www.pducast.com. |
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Free Exam Resources
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Want access to free episodes of The PM PrepCast and other free PMP Exam resources?
Get 6 other free PMP Exam resources like worksheets, exam tip videos and an ebook called The Short Guide to Becoming a PMP.
It's absolutely free!
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