PMP Certification Workshop and Experiences

Preparing for PMP® Certification

Mark Coleman, PMP

Today’s workshop will answersome common questions

• What is the PMP® certification and why do I want it?

• What are the qualification criteria for certification?

• What’s 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 PMI’s 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

*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.

Bachelor's degree or global equivalent

H.S. Diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent

Experience

Minimum three years/36 months unique non-overlapping professional project management experience during which at least 4,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks*

Minimum five years/60 months unique non-overlapping professional project management experience during which at least 7,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks*

Education35 contact hours of PM training 35 contact hours of PM training

Exam200 questionsScore >143

200 questionsScore >143

PMPCriteria

PMP Credential Application

Qualification CriteriaNumber of Months of Project Management ExperienceEach 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 February–April. 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 PMPOf the 200 questions, 25 are considered pretest questionsand 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 InformationThe 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 InformationInitiate Plan Execute Monitor & Control Close 11.59% 22.70% 27.50% 21.03% 8.57%Determine Project Refine Project Commit Resources Measure Performance Obtain Acceptance ofGoals Deliverable

Determine Deliverables Create WBS Implement Resources Refine Control Limits Document Lessons Learned

Determine Process Develop Resource Manage Progress Take Corrective Action Facilitate ClosureOutputs Mgmt Plan

Document Constraints Refine Time and Communicate Progress Evaluate Effectiveness Preserve Product Records Cost Estimates of Corrective Action and Tools

Document Assumptions Establish Project Controls Implement Quality Ensure Plan Compliance Release ResourcesAssurance Procedures

Define Strategy Develop Project Plan Reassess Control Plans

Identify Perf. Criteria Obtain Plan Approval Respond to RiskEvent Triggers

Determine Resource Monitor Project ActivityRequirements

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 Sub-processes– 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® Guide-Fourth Edition, is released credential exams are also updated.

Credential Examination UpdatedPMP® 30 June 2009CAPM® 31 July 2009PMI-SPSM 31 August 2009PMI-RMPSM 31 August 2009PgMP® 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 ScheduleStart Activity Tips

T-60d Select an exam dateStick to it – there will always be something else to do

T-60dDecide on a study method and schedule time away from work to study

Consider your learning style, test experience and content knowledge

T-30d Submit PMP Application online www.pmi.org – don’t do paper

T-30dRegister for a prep class, buy books and/or join a study group Ask PMPs for advice

T-30d Begin preparing for the examPlan to spend 40hrs min. preparing for the exam

T-14d Schedule exam appointment www.prometric.com/pmi

T-3d Take final practice test to assess preparedness Use % to make decisions

T-0 Pass the PMP exam

If you don’t pass, don’t give up. Pay the retest fee and a new study method can work

Preparing for the ExamInstructional 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 understandknowledge

Solve problemsand participate inactivities to applyknowledge

Attend a class to listen tolecture and participate indiscussion or join a studygroup to reinforceknowledge and teachothers

Simulate the PMPexam to testknowledgeretention

Study Options

Option Advantages DisadvantagesSuccess Rate Cost

PMBOK Self-Study

• At your own pace• Cheap• No lost work time

• Over study• Procrastination• Lack of focus• Wasted personal time• No exam experience

$

PMBOK + Study Guide • At your own pace

• Somewhat Cheap• No lost work time

• Over study• Procrastination• Lack of focus• Wasted personal time• Not all materials equal

$$

E-learning Exam Sims • At your own pace

• Cheap• No lost work time

• Over study• Procrastination• Lack of focus• Wasted personal time• Not all materials equal

$$

Asynchronous (no teacher)

Study OptionsOption Advantages Disadvantages

Success Rate Cost

Study Group

• Peer group provides healthy pressure and support• Learn from and teach one another• Network with other PMs

• Procrastination• Lack of focus• Wasted personal time• No exam experience

$

Prep Course

• Peer group provides healthy pressure and support• Learn from and teach one another• Network with other PMs• Instructors know the test• Exam simulationexperience• Focused, dedicated time to just get it done

• Cost• Time away from work

$$$

Synchronous (teacher)

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• Don’t retain written material• Procrastinate• Not a good test-taker

Prep Class

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cost of the PMP Exam?PMI member = $405 Non-PMI member = $555

If I fail the PMP, what is the cost to retake the PMP Exam?PMI member = $275 Non-PMI member = $375

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.

Where do I take the PMP Exam?At a Prometric Exam Site.

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 QuestionWhich of the following is NOT true of obtaining project plan

approval?

a. Until you obtain plan approval, you don’t 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 that’s the Project Manager.

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

Sample PMP Exam Question

Answer: C

It’s 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.

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

a. Until you obtain plan approval, you don’t 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 that’s the Project Manager.

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

Sample PMP Exam QuestionYou 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

Sample PMP Exam Question

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. That’s how much money you’re 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]

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

Memorize This

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

Sample PMP Exam QuestionGiven this portion of the network

diagram to the right, what’s the LF of activity F?

a. 10

b. 11

c. 16

d. 17

Sample PMP Exam Question

Answer: A

It’s 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 there’s 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.

Given this portion of the network diagram to the right, what’s the LF of activity F?

a. 10

b. 11

c. 16

d. 17

Sample PMP Exam QuestionThere have been several rounds of layoffs at your company.

Now your project team is worried about their job security, and you’ve noticed that their performance has decreased significantly because of it. This is predicted by which motivational theory?

a. McGregor’s Theory of X and Y

b. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

c. McLellands Achievement Theory

d. Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory

Sample PMP Exam QuestionThere have been several rounds of layoffs at your company.

Now your project team is worried about their job security, and you’ve noticed that their performance has decreased significantly because of it. This is predicted by which motivational theory?

a. McGregor’s Theory of X and Y

b. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

c. McLellands Achievement Theory

d. Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene TheoryAnswer: B

Maslow’s 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 won’t 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. At the beginning of the project

b. When each deliverable is created

c. At the start of each phase

d. When the Communications Management plan is approved

Sample PMP Exam Question

When is the BEST time to have project kickoff meetings?

a. At the beginning of the project

b. When each deliverable is created

c. 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, PMP805-545-3172mdcq@pge.com

To apply for PMI membership and PMP certification: www.pmi.orgRemember to join the Los Padres Chapter!

Additional Exam Prep Resources:http://www.preparepm.com/index.htmlhttp://www.oliverlehmann.com/pmp-self-test/75-free-questions.htmhttp://www.pmpexamguide.com/index.htmlhttp://www.rmcproject.com/free/tips.aspx