My PMP Certification

Being a software engineer for long,I always wanted to take more responsibility and lead the project.I wanted to become a Project Manager(PM).

I became a PM by experience and started sucessfull delivery of projects, also had a good learning curve.To attain PMP certification was my one of the targets in 2008.I am working as a PM in a organization and handle multiple projects,this leaves me with very less time to study.Looking at this I scheduled september end in June. So I had 3 months with me. I had a small foundation from the pre-req classes and had an idea how to start, what can expected from PMP exam etc.

I was not studing regurlarly but was studing hard when ever possible. I started with PMBOK and found that I was not able to move smoothly. Then I started reading RITA's book. This worked, things started moving.After reading each chapter did do the questions at end of the chapter and corrected the wrong ones.Then I read the whole PMBOK, understood the processes and knowledge areas. Then I listened to computer based lectures on various processes and knowledge areas.Then for two continous days did tests and reading the errors.

One other thing I was doing was thinking PMISM at work based on what ever knowledge I was gaining every day. Even though I was not able to do exactly as PMBOK, I use to tell my self I am doing worng(as PMBOK says something else). Finally reviewed all the inputs/ 'Tools and Techniques' tharoughly in PMBOK.

Initially planned for the full september as 'vacation to study', but did not work out as due to work pressure, got only 5 days vacation to study. But I utilized them very good say 14 hrs a day.I spent a relaxed day(did not study) before exam.

On the day I reached test center early settled my self. Completed verifications and sat at the terminal with the pencil and paper provided.All my things(mobile, pen, pencil, tissue paper etc).I wrote down all the formulas and the table of processes and knowledge on the paper provided. Spent 5 mins reading the tutorial. Spet 5 minutes relaxing my self. took many deep breaths, finally just before 30 secs(to finish the tutorial) started the exam. Calculator was in-built with the exam engine.

First question was a tough one, did not have a clue selected the best I thought and marked it for later review, the next two followed were also tough, took a deep breadth, answered the best and marked them for review..then got a easy one...and continued...kept a eye on timer. Did calculate early that 50 questions an hour. Kept that momemtum and never accelerated. Did have 5 minutes at end looked at a few marked ones.Exam ended.I was optimistic. Clicked end. Terminal showed processing. Finally congragulations!!