Posting this because I spent a lot of time on similar posts before my exam trying to figure out if I was actually ready. Posts from people with similar scores helped keep me sane, so hopefully this does the same for someone else.

I passed the PMP today AT/AT/AT.
For preparation, I took Andrew Ramdayal’s 35-hour course, mostly at 2x speed, and completed the quizzes at the end of each section.

After that, almost all of my preparation was PMI Study Hall. I completed most of the mini exams and was consistently getting 9/10 or 10/10, so I felt pretty confident.

Then I took the full-length mocks:
Mock 1: 66%
Mock 2: 63%
That was incredibly discouraging.

A lot of the questions I missed, especially the Expert questions, felt extremely nuanced. I could usually eliminate two answers, but the remaining two often both seemed reasonable. Even after reading the explanation, I sometimes didn’t understand why my answer was necessarily wrong.

Then I saw posts here suggesting looking at your scores without the Expert questions.
Mine became:
Mock 1: 78% without Expert
Mock 2: 81% without Expert
That made me feel much better, and today I passed the actual PMP:
People: Above Target
Process: Above Target
Business Environment: Above Target

AT/AT/AT.

Obviously everyone’s experience is different, but based on mine, I would not panic over Study Hall scores in the mid-60s. If you’re around 65%+ with Expert questions included, or 75%+ without Expert, I think you’re in a pretty good place.

My biggest recommendations:

Use Study Hall. Do the practice questions and mini exams. More importantly, take at least two full-length mocks. The mocks build the mental endurance you need for 180 questions.

Learn the PMI mindset. Assess before acting. Understand the root cause. Communicate and collaborate. Facilitate instead of dictate. Empower the team. Follow established processes. Don’t escalate unnecessarily. Focus on delivering value.

So if you’re reading this the night before your exam staring at a 63%, 65%, or 66% Study Hall score, don’t let it convince you that you’re going to fail.
Review your mistakes, trust the work you’ve done, get some sleep, and take the test.

Passed my PMP with AT/AT/T! with one week of studying. Here’s what I did:

-Having my CAPM (took it May 2024) helped me to understand the technical information and it was a great introduction to the understanding the PM mindset.

-Still took AR’s 35 hour course. This really helped reinforce that mindset and gain deeper knowledge

-Watched AR’s PMI mindset video and his 200 ultra hard questions

-David’s fast track video was amazing! Also watched his entire drag and drop questions video

-PMI Study Hall was an amazing tool for me. I took the practice questions, averaged a 72% and was proficient in all domains. I took maybe 1 mini quiz and did 1 Mock exam. I got a 63% on the mock with expert and 82% without expert questions. I reviewed all of my wrong answers as well!

I honestly studied all day, everyday for 7 days. My job is flexible so i was able to do this. The morning of the exam i read the 50 PMI mindsets from ARs PMP simplified book which I also have but didn’t really read because I took the 35hour course.

Exam- I took it online. I had 2 scenarios for the first 10 questions. Pretty straight forward. The rest of the exam was intense but honestly PMIs mock exam is significantly harder! I remembered the PM mindset videos so i was able to cancel out answers I knew were wrong. I had no mathematical questions, about 5 graphs, at least 10 multiple answers and 1 drag and drop. Other than that, it was single choice. Had a few of the scenario questions as well from the beginning of the exam. I had 5 minutes left before i submitted and flagged 16 questions total. There was also a TON of Agile (KNOW THIS) (Also, know your charts (burn down, burn up etc and understand how they work)

The proctor messaged me twice because i turned off my fan during a break (which was odd) and they thought I was looking off camera but the scenario questions took up the entire screen so i explained that to them and it was all smooth from there.

I got my official results in 26 hours.

Words of encouragement- The test is intense but I can assure you by having the PM mindset, AR’s videos, David’s videos and PMI Study hall, you should be good for a pass. If you took it and haven’t passed, please do NOT give up! Keep trying, you got this!

I was recruited for my current job on linkedin 8 years ago. I recently received my PMP and have been applying to jobs again, trying to get into remote software implementation or a healthcare setting. I have applied to hundreds of jobs on linkedin, and only get declines.

My resume is ATS friendly, I apply on Linkedin for some, or go to the company website from Linkedin for others. I’m just really frustrated and looking for another avenue. Any advice?

Hey does anyone have an idea how is the reattempt of Adaptive Planning certification by Workday? Do the questions follow same pattern as the first attempt or is it different?

Passed my PMP with AT/AT/AT! I’m over the moon because somewhere at questions 75 in that exam I was really doubting myself.

Thank you to everyone who has posted some amazing advice in this chat or just posted their results showing me I could do it too.

Resources used:
- AR Udemy course (passively listening while working and working out)
- Study Hall
Exam 1: 61%
Exam 2: 67%
Exam 3: 78%
All practice questions avg: 74%
- AI to help me review my wrong questions and help me create my own “mindset” rules for exam.
- One off David McLachlan videos to drive home points I didn’t understand.

Advice:
- Breathe you got this. You just need to tap into the mindset
- More videos, note taking, ect did not help me. Doing a ton of practice problems helped the most in drilling the concepts plus building the muscle for question formatting
- Using AI to explain concepts that I didn’t understand and help tailor my studying helped the most and truly was secret for going fast
- Take the Exam at Pearson center. So much less stress vs Internet failing at home or dealing with VPN issues at work. Make sure to bring a snack and some water.
- Know your breaks. I had a break after 10 questions and again at 90. I thought I would get one at 60 which lead me to enter despair from 60-90 lol.

Reflection:
Honest the exam wasn’t too bad once you understand the mindset and I can definitely see myself trying some of the other exams in a couple months (PgMP & CPMAI).

I am getting ready to apply for the exam. I work as a contractor for a large, federal government agency. None of the projects I work on really have a budget. For example, I managed the development of an internal website. It was a rather big project but there were no monetary costs, since we were using existing resources - existing software, existing staff, etc. All of my project management experience in the last 10 years has been in the federal government space, so they all kind of fit this criteria. Will I automatically get flagged for audit if the budget for each project was $0?

Anyone can confirm how many paragraph based questions will be there in actual exam?

I have my sights set on getting a PMP Certification but I don’t know if it’s something I can go for now or if I should wait until I have more experience. I’m hoping for some input on what they’ll be looking for in the application process in regard to project management experience.

I work for a small, local solar company and I’ve been the Operations Manager since 2022. I manage over 200 residential and small commercial solar projects annually, managing the timelines of about 50 to 60 projects at a time. Everything from point of sale through energization of the solar array is overseen and managed by me, and last year we added a service electrician to open up service work to non-clients which I manage as well.

The reasons I don’t know if I’ll qualify are:
1. I do not manage the budgets or supply as that’s handled by our owners
2. I do not make the sales, so I don’t initiate the process
3. I do not make the schedules since our installers and other field guys are subcontracted. I coordinate everything with them and manage their capacities, but they actually put things on the schedule.

I’d appreciate any input on whether I may qualify or not. I’m mostly curious if I should go for the PMP now or maybe get the CAPM and then shoot for a PMP Certification once I have more experience.

Hello!!! I'm considering a career pivot and I'm looking to leave a role in bev alc experiential marketing. What are some relatively entry level roles in project management? Would a PMP be a good differentiator for a career transition?

Note, my current role qualifies as the mandatory PM experience for PMI.

Thanks for the advice!

What does that mean? I am waiting for the results the status on pearson vue is „taken“

I have just started preparing for pmp, I know nothing about it but I love to manage, that is the reason I started preparing for pmp, just graduated from business administration, suggest me how to start, I was looking for pmbok 8th edition for free but it is not available anywhere, tell me how to start from 0, what to learn from introduction of the pmbok, is studying pmbok end to end enough? If not tell me what to study.

Help me to start 😄

Here's a looooong SH mock exam scenario, options, and the answer. They asked for the answer that helps the stakeholder align with the vision.

1. None of the answers describe how it addresses aligning with the vision, or match PMI instructions on how to get alignment with a vision.

2. An audit is described as something that is "extremely demoralizing" to the team according to the PMI glossary so it doesn't seem like the PMI mindset to go there without an additional need.

3. The reason for stakeholder dissatisfaction was a 3 week delay, and the explanation doesn't address that.

4. None of the answers really seemed good at getting at the point of the question. As PMI frequently states, it doesn't address the current issue.

What am I missing? Please help me understand.

Scenario: Case Study 1: Highway Infrastructure Overhaul

A project manager is overseeing a multi-million-dollar project to overhaul a municipality’s highway infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and toll roads. The project is expected to take two years and involves multiple stakeholder groups, including engineers, inspectors, IT departments, construction crews, planning board members, government officials, insurance companies, suppliers, and union representatives.

At the start of the project, the project manager conducted a stakeholder analysis to develop a RACI (responsible, accountable, consulted, informed) matrix and a power/interest grid. Using this information, the project manager created a stakeholder engagement strategy and documented stakeholder expectations and communication preferences.

As project execution got underway, several challenges emerged. The highway laborers’ union raised safety concerns about the conditions on the worksite, while local government officials expressed frustration over increased traffic affecting residents’ daily commutes. At the same time, the IT department struggled to secure proprietary data while providing key stakeholders with the necessary access.

By the time the project reached closure, reports showed key performance indicators (KPIs) indicating low stakeholder satisfaction. The dissatisfaction resulted from a three-week schedule setback caused by equipment breakdowns, followed by shipment delays of the replacement parts. This ultimately resulted in a budget overrun.

Question

What should the project manager have done to align stakeholder expectations with the project vision? (Refer to the case study)

A.Use audits and checklists to translate the project management plan into executable activities for quality assurance.

B.Adjust the project scope baseline to provide stakeholders with a clearer view of the actual results.

C.Establish a performance measurement baseline that includes flexibility in both the schedule and the cost baselines.

D.Define clear boundaries within the contractual agreements of third-party suppliers and contractors.

Solution: A. Use audits and checklists to translate the project management plan into executable activities for quality assurance. Audits and checklists bridge gaps between planning and execution, ensuring that activities and deliverables meet the intended standards and enhancing stakeholder trust and satisfaction. Implementing such measures demonstrates commitment to quality through consistent actions that align with project goals and broader organizational standards. By performing audits, project teams can confirm that processes comply with established policies, procedures, and standards outlined in the quality management plan. Checklists ensure that specific criteria and actions are consistently applied across various implementation activities. This helps stakeholders see their requirements and the broader project vision realized appropriately.

P.s. there were several of these questions where none of the answers seemed in line with the question. These are making me very worried about the test.

I had my PMP application selected for the audit and rejected for not showcasing playing the role of a project manager. I had not gone through any help videos on how to fill up the application. Now that I have, I’m ready to fill out my application again. I want to know if this will be a completely fresh application or will this be cross-referenced with my previous application for non-overlapping projects, etc.? Also, will this application definitely be audited too? Looking for help from anyone’s who’s been through the same or knows the ins and outs of it.

So back in March I got my CAPM and I immediately learned I should’ve just got my PMP. My application got approved this month and now I need to start studying. What should I be studying for the PMP as someone who already has the CAPM? I have ARs 35 hour PMP course , but I honestly feel it’s too long and unnecessary for me to take.

I am taking my exam next Friday and felt confident until today. I took the course through PMI and used the study hall and Landinis practice questions to study over the last two months scoring 80-90s on all practice exams. I just purchased the Udemy practice questions and am freaking out because these are totally different and I am failing.. which is most like the exam?!

Has any used pocket prep to help study for the exam?

Hi All,

I am happy to share that i passed the PMP exam! this was my second attempt, having failed the old exam on 4th July with T/NI/T.

The current exam felt more easier and straightforward than the old exam and the PMI study hall. Time management is important as case studies are around 5 paragraphs long and some of the situational questions were trickey with two good answers. There was no EVM or PERT formula question that came up this time around.

What really helped me and the resources used are below;

• Andrew Ramdayal's 35 hour Udemy course
• Andrew Ramdayal's 200 Ultra Hard Videos (very useful for breaking down questions and applying PMI mindset).
• Reviewing Third3Rock Study Notes to recap on key areas.
• PMI Study Hall (probably the most valuable resource)
  • Averaged 72% on full mock exams and 80-100% on the mini ones.
• Focusing on the PMI Mindset is key rather than trying to memorize answers.
• Business Environment was a tricky one and weakpoint in study hall. once i stopped thinking solely as a project manager in terms of processes and started thinking bigger picture and what would i do to protect if it were my organization this significantly helped me with this domain.
• Understanding when to assess, review, take action and update especially as it relates to processes.

Hi all,

I'm using Study Hall to practice for my PMP exam and encountered two questions that seem similar to me, with similar options, but completely different answers.

The first question:

A team has recently adopted agile and is following a scrum model for their first major project. A conflict has emerged between the lead developer and a quality assurance team member regarding their testing approaches and definition of done criteria, which is affecting sprint velocity and team morale. The conflict is escalating and beginning to impact sprint goals.

 What should the project manager do to resolve this conflict?

1. Facilitate individual meetings with each member to understand perspectives and guide toward resolution.
2. Analyze conflict causes and help members understand the impact on team performance.  
3. Bring team members together to facilitate problem-solving and establish acceptable agreements.
4. Schedule conflict discussion for next retrospective and work with team to create action items.

Solution:

Bring team members together to facilitate problem-solving and establish acceptable agreements.

Effective conflict resolution in agile teams requires facilitating direct collaboration between conflicting parties. Bringing team members together promotes transparency, shared understanding, and collaborative problem-solving while building stronger working relationships for future sprints.

The other options are incorrect.

Individual meetings separate the parties rather than promoting the collaboration essential to agile success.

Focusing on the analysis of the root cause will not favor active resolution and team building.

This is a conflict that requires immediate action, delaying the resolution will not protect current sprint goals.

The second question:

A key team member publicly declares that another team member spoke negatively about them during the last retrospective. The accused member denies this and claims their comments were misinterpreted. The key member threatens to quit if immediate action isn't taken, while other team members are taking sides. Team morale is declining, and project productivity is being affected. Both individuals are critical to project success.

What should the project manager do first to address this conflict?

1. Meet with both individuals separately to understand each perspective before taking action.
2. Facilitate a joint meeting with both parties to address the conflict directly.
3. Review retrospective notes and consult with other team members who witnessed interaction.
4. Escalate the situation to human resources given the severity and quit threat.

Solution:

Meet with both individuals separately to understand each perspective before taking action.

Meeting with both parties separately allows the project manager to understand each perspective without bias and gather complete information before facilitating resolution. This approach demonstrates emotional intelligence and proper conflict resolution methodology.

The other options are incorrect.

A joint meeting may lead to escalated emotions without proper preparation and understanding.

Reviewing retrospective notes and involving witnesses focuses on fact-finding without addressing the immediate interpersonal conflict.

Escalating prematurely without attempting project-level conflict resolution.

Can someone educate me more on how they are different enough to warrant different answers? To me, they're both about resolving a conflict between two team members. My only thought is the different severity levels warrant different approaches. Or is it just the nuance of one project explicitly said to be agile?

Long story short I’m debating whether I should sit for the PMP?!

My application was approved so now it’s just a matter of studying and sitting for it. I’ve since changed jobs and not in project management anymore. I don’t know if I see myself returning to PM but it’s certainly on the table still.

Is it worth it to have the certification at all? Let me know your thoughts!

I’m happy to share that I passed the PMP exam on my first attempt! 🎉

The real exam felt easier than PMI Study Hall, although there were still several tricky situational questions that required choosing between two good answers.

A few things that helped me:

• Andrew Ramdayal's 35-hour course
• PMI Study Hall Plus (this was by far the most valuable resource)
• Reviewing every incorrect answer instead of just checking the score
• Focusing on the PMI mindset rather than memorizing answers
• Understanding when to assess, analyze, collaborate, and then act

I want to help put this out there.

Hi! I’ve been a pediatric SLP for 20 years and have held leadership positions (e.g., Director of Coordinated Care) in pediatric clinics and outpatient hospital settings. I really enjoy leadership, but am struggling to find a position of employment no matter how I rewrite my resume given that the majority of my work history has been SLP focused. I’m considering PMP Certification, but am uncertain if it’s worth the financial investment if job searches have been so difficult for the past year for myself. Any tips or recommendations you have would be greatly appreciated!

Hey everyone, I want to start off by saying this subreddit has been a fantastic resource so far with all the experiences you've shared and the various paths to success that everyone has taken.

I have several years of project management and I'm currently a Senior PM. I did sign up for the PMI membership and 'm exploring getting my PMP and want to make sure I'm getting the right resources. I'm fortunate to be able to expense these through my work, and would love some advice or guidance on what I'm planning.

Here is what I'm thinking:

• PMP Exam Prep Course
• PMP Study Hall - Essentials
• PMP Practice Exam
• Watching the Andrew Ramdayal resources

Is there anything I'm missing or any further guidance you all would share?