PMP Exam Prep Review Notes

Ch 1 Tricks of the Trade for Studying for Exam

(p1) PMP: BS/BA + 35 contact hrs (this course) + 4500 hrs experience;
CAPM: 23 contact hrs (get to leave early) + 1500 hrs experience
(p2) Keys to success: training using PMI terms and large project experience.
Large project examples: installing SAP throughout company; WTC
(p3) Must pass exam within 1 year of receiving permission to test

(p4) Book organization: Quicktest topics in order of importance, process

chart, exercises (do together), practice questions (odd numbers only)
(p5/6) Score sheet. Use it to highlight strengths and weaknesses.

Project Training Institute

PMP Exam Prep Review Notes

Ch 1 Tricks of the Trade for Studying for Exam

(p8) PMP Exam: 200 questions (25 experimental don't count), 61% pass,
Planning, Executing, and M&C make up 71% of questions.
(p8/9) Most difficult: PM processes, Procurement and Risk knowledge areas.;
M&C process group..Least difficult: HR, Communications, Prof & Social
Responsibility; Closing process group.
(p9) Exam tests knowledge, application, and analysis. About 30 questions
related to input/output, formulas, and earned value.
(p10-12) Question types: Situational, Two or more good answers (what is
BEST thing to do next?), Extraneous information, Made up terms,
Understanding necessary, New twist, Laundry lists (use process of
elimination), Long winded
(p13) How to study: Magic Three (Read, Review, Questions)
Optional: Pre-read and/or post-read

Project Training Institute

PMP Exam Prep Review Notes

Ch 1 Tricks of the Trade for Studying for Exam

(p15) Recurring themes: (General) Large project perspective; real life

consistent with PMI's PMBOK Guide; PM assigned during project initiation
and knows why project is being undertaken; PMO exists; OPA and EEF exist;
WBS always used; PM Plan much more than a bar chart; stakeholders
involved throughout; gold plating is bad; matrix environment assumed.
(p16) Recurring themes: (Planning) All projects planned with stakeholder
input; PM decides which processes are applicable; management plans
created for each knowledge area; all stakeholders identified before project
execution; PM determines quality metrics and creates PIP; PM plans how to
reward team; roles & responsibilities clearly documented
(p16) Recurring themes: (Planning cont'd) PM focuses extensively on risk
identification and is assisted by stakeholders; risk management saves time
and money; budget and schedule cannot be finalized until risk management
completed; PM determines whether or not realistic budget and schedule can
be created given objectives and constraints; PM plans project performance
measures; PM Plan is BARF (Bought into, Approved, Realistic, Formal).
Project Training Institute

PMP Exam Prep Review Notes

Ch 1 Tricks of the Trade for Studying for Exam

(p17) Recurring themes: (Executing/Monitoring & Controlling) project

managed to and measured against the PM plan; project reestimated to
ensure schedule and cost objectives met; PM has authority and power and
can say No; change requests must be analyzed and impacts assessed; PM
manages expectations; PM does team building; PM is proactive and prevents
problems; PM has risk management plan and risk is major topic of meetings;
changes to PM plan handled by change management process; PM ensures
organizational policies followed; quality checked before completing work
package; PM works closely with Quality department; PM involved in
procurement, understands contracts and ensures all contract terms enforced.
(p17) Recurring themes: (Closing) PM archives project records; PM obtains
final acceptance from customer prior to closing project; PM produces final
report announcing achievement of project objectives.

Project Training Institute

PMP Exam Prep Review Notes

Ch 1 Tricks of the Trade for Studying for Exam

Questions?

Project Training Institute