On 19 Mar 2019, I received a phone call from Venkataraghavan. Venkat attended my PMP preparation training programme in Chennai during Dec 2018/ Jan 2019. As I was in the midst of a meeting, I did not answer the call.
Within a few minutes, the phone started to vibrate again. It’s Venkat again. I answered the call and before he could say anything, I said “Venkat, I am in a meeting. Can I call you back shortly?”. He disconnected the call.
Once I became free, about an hour later, I called him and asked “Yes, Venkat. What can I do for you?”. He said in an ecstatic voice “Manick, I have a good news. I cleared the PMP exam today. Thought of sharing this news with you”.
Really a good news. I congratulated him. It was a moment of pride for Venkat and a moment of happiness for me, the trainer.
Venkat managed to pass the PMP exam in his first attempt. Let us find out how Venkataraghavan passed PMP in his first attempt …
Start of Interview
Table of Contents
Personal Details
1. Your name
Venkataraghavan
2. Your Qualification
Degree in Engineering
3. Your Industry
Oil and Gas, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)
4. Years of Experience
More than 15 years
Details of Training Attended
5. Where did you attend PMP training?
iTechGurus Education Solutions, Chennai
6. What is the mode of your training?
Class room based
Details of Exam Preparation
7. How long did you prepare for the exam?
45-90 days
8. In your opinion, which is the best book for PMP exam preparation?
Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep, Ninth Edition
9. How did you prepare for the exam? What would you like to change if you would revisit the exam preparation period?
I spent slightly over two months studying the PMBOK Guide and Rita’s book. The class room training and the instructor suggestions to understand the concepts were very useful.
I did not get too bogged down with math stuff and just limited myself to understand and practice some.
The practice tests will improve your confidence and bridge the gaps. Lesson Learned is that some of the practice tests may be demoralizing and demotivating, but should ignore them, gain confidence by continuing with other mock exams.
If I revisit the preparation period, I would focus on greater visualization of the process and tools in real projects.
Opinion on the PMP Exam Content
10. Easiest knowledge area?
Procurement Management
11. Most difficult knowledge area?
Risk Management
During the Exam
12. Time taken to complete the exam?
Time was just enough
13. Can you share few words about your experience going through the actual PMP exam?
No ambiguity in answers, but need complete process insight to comprehend the questions.
Final Word
14. One last piece of advice for candidates preparing for the exam?
Understanding over memorizing will be beneficial.
End of Interview
Why Haitham Al-Kahlani Feels the PMP Exam is Scary?
Conclusion
I thank Venkataraghavan for sharing his lessons learned. It is always motivating to hear such success stories, right?. When are you going to share your happy moment? I am sure the tips shared by Venkat and others help you in your preparation for the PMP exam.
If you need any help, please feel free to contact me.
If you are already a PMP Credential holder, please share your success story. You can use the PMP Lessons Learned form to share your lessons learned. It should not take more than 5-10 minutes, but has the potential to motivate thousands of PMP aspirants.
Certified Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)®
An enthusiastic project management practitioner and trainer.
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