PMP Certification Workshop and Experiences

Preparing for PMP Certification

Mark Coleman, PMP

Todays workshop will answer some common questions

What is the PMP certification and why do I want it? What are the qualification criteria for certification? Whats the test like? How do I prepare to take the test? How does the new PMBOK affect the exam? What are the key dates I need to know and what should my strategy be for taking the test now or later?

Project Management Professional Designation

Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP is the project management credential of choice for numerous industries and companies. To be eligible for the PMP certification, you must first meet specific education and experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step in becoming a PMP is passing a multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your project management knowledge. In addition, those who have been granted the PMP credential must demonstrate an ongoing professional commitment to the field of project management by satisfying PMIs Continuing Certification Requirements Program.

Certification and the Job Market

PMI administers a globally recognized professional credential program that promotes professional development and maintains an ISO 9001 certification in Quality Management Systems. It elevates the status of PMP holders on projects, within organizations and within the global project management community. PMI reports an average increase of 15% in the salaries of project managers who achieve PMP certification. Many project management organizations require the certification for all employees or vendors who manage projects.

Do I really NEED PMP Certification?

For your organization . . .
Understanding of shared language and processes required to execute projects on time, on scope, and within budget The capacity to standardize organizational project management processes and procedures Practitioners who have agreed to abide by a Professional Code of Conduct in addition to the organizations specific policy A staff who are required to continue their project management education in order to maintain their credential A worldwide community of practice growth takes place through networking A development path A standard to measure new candidates and vendors

Qualification Criteria
Criteria PMP Bachelor's degree or global H.S. Diploma, associates equivalent degree or global equivalent Minimum three years/36 months unique nonMinimum five years/60 months overlapping professional unique non-overlapping project management professional project experience during which at management experience least 4,500 hours were spent during which at least 7,500 leading and directing project hours were spent leading and tasks* directing project tasks* 35 contact hours of PM training 35 contact hours of PM training 200 questions 200 questions Score >143 Score >143

Experience

Education Exam

*Leading and directing project tasks as identified in the Project Management Professional Examination Specification. Within the total hours of project management experience, experience in all five process groups is required. However, on a single project, you do not need to have experience in all five process groups.

PMP Credential Application

Qualification Criteria
Number of Months of Project Management Experience Each month in which you worked on multiple, overlapping projects counts as one month toward the total requirement. In the following example, the project manager worked on Project 1 and Project 2 simultaneously FebruaryApril. However, the time spent on both projects counts as three, not six, months toward the total to fulfill the professional project management experience requirement.

Experience Verification Form - Part I

Experience Verification Form - Part II

Experience Verification Form - Part III

Project Management Education Form

Project Management Education Form

PMP Examination Information

Computer-based exam at a Thompson Prometric Test Center Global distribution many languages, many locations 200 questions for PMP
Of the 200 questions, 25 are considered pretest questions and are not scored.

Database of 3000+ questions Multiple choice 4 options Psychometric exam 71.5% passing score Based on the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Third Edition, and other references

PMP Examination Information

Psychometric test any standardized procedure for measuring sensitivity or memory or intelligence or aptitude or personality etc; "the test was standardized on a large sample of students"

PMP Examination Information

The allotted time to complete the computer-based examination is four hours.

Allotted Examination Time = 4 hours

The examination is preceded by a tutorial and followed by a survey, both of which are optional and both of which can take up to 15 minutes to complete. The time used to complete the tutorial and survey is not included in the examination time of four hours. PMP examination questions: Are developed and independently validated by global work groups of PMP credential holders Are referenced to at least one current project management source Are monitored through psychometric analysis Satisfy the test specifications of the Project Management Professional Examination Specification

PMP Examination Information

Initiate 11.59% Determine Project Goals Determine Deliverables Plan 22.70% Refine Project Execute 27.50% Commit Resources Monitor & Control 21.03% Measure Performance Close 8.57% Obtain Acceptance of Deliverable Document Lessons Learned Facilitate Closure Create WBS Implement Resources Refine Control Limits

Determine Process Outputs Document Constraints

Develop Resource Mgmt Plan Refine Time and Cost Estimates Establish Project Controls

Manage Progress

Take Corrective Action

Communicate Progress

Evaluate Effectiveness of Corrective Action Ensure Plan Compliance

Preserve Product Records and Tools Release Resources

Document Assumptions

Implement Quality Assurance Procedures

Define Strategy Identify Perf. Criteria

Develop Project Plan Obtain Plan Approval

Reassess Control Plans Respond to Risk Event Triggers Monitor Project Activity

Determine Resource Requirements Define Budget Produce Formal Documentation Professional Responsibility 8.61%

The New PMBOK

In the fall of 2004, PMI published the Third Edition of the PMBOK.

New structure + New graphics + New techniques = New test!

The New PMBOK

No new Knowledge Areas Third Edition changes focus on consistency. The structure of the PMBOK has changed to support a clearer organization of topics Inputs, Tools & Techniques and Outputs are consistently placed Processes are more tightly integrated across Knowledge Areas The discussion of the Project Management Processes has been expanded significantly Inputs, Tools & Techniques and Outputs are now tightly integrated Process diagrams are revamped using standard process analysis modeling techniques

Impact to the Certification Exam

Passing score raised from 68.5% (137 out of 200) to 71.5% (143 out of 200) 25 questions are included as pre-test questions not included in the pass/fail determination Fewer of the easy Professional Responsibility questions New and improved online application Collection of contact information for past projects Instant notification if you get selected for audit More stringent review by PMI to verify the experience and education of applicants

Impact to the Certification Exam

Increased emphasis on the processes, inputs, and outputs called out in the new Chapter 3, Project Management Processes Candidates will need to know all of the Processes and Subprocesses Candidates will need to understand the techniques and tools, how to use them, and when it is appropriate to use them There will be more questions on the following knowledge areas: Initiating Monitoring and Controlling You will have questions on Precedence Diagramming and Arrow Diagramming You will need to learn the new tools and techniques

The New PMBOK Again?

PMI is currently scheduled to publish the PMBOK Guide-Fourth Edition on 31 December 2008. When an update to a standard, such as the PMBOK GuideFourth Edition, is released credential exams are also updated. Credential Examination Updated PMP 30 June 2009 CAPM 31 July 2009 PMI-SPSM 31 August 2009 PMI-RMPSM 31 August 2009 PgMP 31 August 2009 *Please remember that standards are only one reference in the full project management body of knowledge, therefore a sudden change in the examination does not occur. A complete list of changes can be found in Appendix A of the Fourth Edition.

Exam Preparation Schedule

Start T-60d Activity Select an exam date Tips Stick to it there will always be something else to do Consider your learning style, test experience and content knowledge www.pmi.org dont do paper

T-60d T-30d T-30d T-30d T-14d T-3d

Decide on a study method and schedule time away from work to study Submit PMP Application online Register for a prep class, buy books and/or join a study group Ask PMPs for advice Plan to spend 40hrs min. preparing for the exam Begin preparing for the exam Schedule exam appointment www.prometric.com/pmi

T-0

Take final practice test to assess preparedness Use % to make decisions If you dont pass, dont give up. Pay the retest fee and a new study method can work Pass the PMP exam

Preparing for the Exam

Instructional Design research says that experiencing information 3 times will drastically increase retention.

Simulating an intimidating experience can eliminate the fear or uncertainty associated with it.

Read and study to understand knowledge

Solve problems and participate in activities to apply knowledge

Attend a class to listen to lecture and participate in discussion or join a study group to reinforce knowledge and teach others

Simulate the PMP exam to test knowledge retention

Study Options
Option Disadvantages Asynchronous (no teacher) Over study Procrastination PMBOK Self At your own pace Lack of focus Study Cheap Wasted personal time No lost work time No exam experience Over study Procrastination Lack of focus Wasted personal time Not all materials equal Over study Procrastination Lack of focus Wasted personal time Not all materials equal Advantages Success Rate Cost

PMBOK + Study Guide At your own pace Somewhat Cheap No lost work time

$$

E-learning Exam Sims

At your own pace Cheap No lost work time

$$

Study Options
Option Advantages Disadvantages Synchronous (teacher) Success Rate Cost Peer group provides healthy pressure and Study Group support Learn from and teach one another Network with other PMs

Procrastination Lack of focus Wasted personal time No exam experience

Peer group provides healthy pressure and support Learn from and teach one another Prep Course Network with other PMs Instructors know the test Exam simulation experience Focused, dedicated Cost time to just get it done Time away from work

$$$

Which Method Is Right for Me?

Is this you? Test anxiety Old dog needs to learn new tricks No formal PM training PMBOK methods not in use Dont retain written material Procrastinate Not a good test-taker Is this you? Experience with computerized testing Formal PM training PMBOK methods in use Retain written materials well Good at sticking to a study schedule Good test-taker Prep Class, Study Group, Study Guide, or eLearning

Prep Class

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cost of the PMP Exam?

PMI member = $405

PMI member = $275

Non-PMI member = $555

Non-PMI member = $375

If I fail the PMP, what is the cost to retake the PMP Exam? How many times can I take the PMP Exam?

You are granted a one-year eligibility period in which to pass the examination. During the eligibility period, you may take the examination up to three times because candidates do not always pass the examination on their first attempt. At a Prometric Exam Site.

Where do I take the PMP Exam? When do I learn if I passed the PMP Exam?

Upon completion of the computer-based examination, you will receive a printed copy of your test results. In addition to the overall pass/fail status, important diagnostic information on your performance is provided for each domain.

Sample PMP Exam Question

Which of the following is NOT true of obtaining project plan approval?

a.

Until you obtain plan approval, you dont need to put changes to it through change control.

b. Change control makes sure that only approved changes can make it into the approved plan.

c.

Only one person needs to approve the Project Management Plan and thats the Project Manager.

d. Its important for the entire team to buy into the Project Management Plan for it to be successful.

Sample PMP Exam Question

Which of the following is NOT true of obtaining project plan approval?

a.

Until you obtain plan approval, you dont need to put changes to it through change control.

b. Change control makes sure that only approved changes can make it into the approved plan.

c. Only one person needs to approve the Project Management Plan and thats the Project Manager.
d. Its important for the entire team to buy into the Project Management Plan for it to be successful.
Answer: C Its not enough that the Project Manager approves of the Project Management Plan; it needs to be approved by all of the stakeholders in the project. Everyone on the team should feel comfortable with the processes that are going to be used to do the work.

Sample PMP Exam Question

You are the project manager for a railroad construction project. Your sponsor has asked you for a forecast for the cost of project completion. The project has a total budget of $80,000 and CPI of .95. The project has spent $25,000 of its budget so far. How much more money do you plan to spend on the project? a. c. $59,210 $84,210 b. $80,000 d. $109,210

Sample PMP Exam Question

You are the project manager for a railroad construction project. Your sponsor has asked you for a forecast for the cost of project completion. The project has a total budget of $80,000 and CPI of .95. The project has spent $25,000 of its budget so far. How much more money do you plan to spend on the project?

a. $59,210
b. $80,000 c. $84,210 d. $109,210
Answer: A This question is asking you to create a forecast using Estimate To Complete (ETC), which uses CPI (Cost Performance Index) to project how much money is likely to be spent for the rest of the project. The first step is to plug the numbers into the formula EAC = BAC / CPI, which yields EAC = $80,000 / .95 = $84,210. Thats how much money youre likely to spend on the project. Now you can figure out ETC = EAC - AC = $84,210 - $25,000 = $59,210. [BAC = Budget at Completion, EAC = Estimate at Completion, AC = Actual Cost]

Memorize This

Ref: Head First PMP, Greene & Stellman, 2007, pg 335

Sample PMP Exam Question

Given this portion of the network diagram to the right, whats the LF of activity F? a. c. 10 16 b. 11

d. 17

Sample PMP Exam Question

Given this portion of the network diagram to the right, whats the LF of activity F?

a. 10
b. 11 c. 16

d. 17
Answer: A Its just easy to calculate the late finish (LF) of an activity in a network diagram. Look at the following activity, take its LS (late start), and subtract one. If theres more than one following activity, use the one with the lowest LS. So for activity F in the question, the following activities are G, with an LS of 17, and H, with an LS of 11. So the LF of F is 11 - 1 = 10.

Sample PMP Exam Question

There have been several rounds of layoffs at your company. Now your project team is worried about their job security, and youve noticed that their performance has decreased significantly because of it. This is predicted by which motivational theory? a. c. McGregors Theory of X and Y McLellands Achievement Theory b. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs d. Herzbergs Motivation-Hygiene Theory

Sample PMP Exam Question

There have been several rounds of layoffs at your company. Now your project team is worried about their job security, and youve noticed that their performance has decreased significantly because of it. This is predicted by which motivational theory? a. c. McGregors Theory of X and Y McLellands Achievement Theory b. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs d. Herzbergs Motivation-Hygiene Theory
Answer: B Maslows Hierarchy of Needs says that people have needs, and until the lower ones (like acceptance on the team, job safety or job security) are satisfied they wont even begin to think about the higher ones (fulfilling their potential and making a contribution).

Sample PMP Exam Question

When is the BEST time to have project kickoff meetings? a. c. At the beginning of the project At the start of each phase b. When each deliverable is created d. When the Communications Management plan is approved

Sample PMP Exam Question

When is the BEST time to have project kickoff meetings? a. c. At the beginning of the project b. When each deliverable is created

At the start of each phase

d. When the Communications Management plan is approved

Answer: C If your project is broken up into phases, you should have a Kickoff meeting at the start of each phase. You use that meeting to talk about lessons learned from past projects and establish the way people will communicate as the project work goes on.

Questions?

For More Information

If you would like more information about your study options, need assistance completing your application, or have any other questions please contact me:

Mark Coleman, PMP 805-545-3172 mdcq@pge.com

To apply for PMI membership and PMP certification: www.pmi.org Remember to join the Los Padres Chapter! Additional Exam Prep Resources: http://www.preparepm.com/index.html http://www.oliverlehmann.com/pmp-self-test/75-free-questions.htm http://www.pmpexamguide.com/index.html http://www.rmcproject.com/free/tips.aspx