FAQ 11 What Should I Study to Pass the PMP Exam

The PMP exam is difficult. It can be conquered on your first attempt, with the right preparation and study.

Here are the tools I used, to pass my PMP exam on the first try:

1. THE PMI PMBOK

The Project Management Body of Knowledge is the primary basis for the exam questions. It's not the only source, but it is the primary source for PMP exam questions.

2. PMP TEXTBOOKS

At the time of my PMP training in 2011, a quick Google search pointed to these authors and speakers:

Andy Crowe
Rita Mulcahy (passed away in 2010)
I purchased copies of each author's textbooks. Of the two, my personal preference was the one written by Andy Crowe.

3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT PUBLICATIONS

4. PRACTICE EXAMS

One of the best ways to ensure your PMP exam success is to take many practice exams. When you can pass three 200-question practice exams in a row, with scores of 80% or greater, then you are ready to sit for the real PMP exam. A past-president of PMI-Portland took ten practice exams. He scored high more than three times in a row. He easily passed his real PMP exam on the first try.

5. CLASSROOM LEARNING

Sign up for a live, four-day PMP exam prep boot camp, including slides, a textbook and other printed learning tools.

6. MULTI-MEDIA, BLENDED LEARNING SYSTEM

No matter how you learn best, a blended-learning system has something for everyone. Goss Consulting's "PMP for YOU" learning system includes all of them:

Online Learning Tools

Lessons and quizzes
Media center, with additional learning tools
Practice PMP exam
Printed Learning Tools

Textbook
Quick-reference guide
Flash cards
Audio CDs
Student workbook/notebook
Live Training

Kick-off meeting, prior to the live class
Four-day PMP boot camp, using the printed learning tools
CONCLUSION

The more comprehensive your training, the greater probability that you'll pass the PMP exam on your first try.

(Note: PMI and PMP are trademarks of the Project Management Institute.)