How long has it been since you've been 'trying' to achieve the PMP certification? Or have you been thinking about it but still haven't got to it? Maybe you took a PMP boot camp or an online course that didn't really work out as expected.
These are the usual challenges faced by thousands of PMP exam candidates every single year and there's a significant proportion of people who take some type of training for the PMP certification but end up NOT taking the exam within the one-year expiry period.
If you are one of those aspiring PMP candidates who has been yearning to acquire their PMP, getting personalized guidance and mentorship from a PMP exam tutor may benefit you in more ways than you can imagine.
Several hundred candidates have benefitted from our PMP Blended Programme, which combines the best of classroom and self-paced learning with unlimited personalized coaching and guidance with the help of a PMP tutor/coach.
However, before we dive in to explain more deeply how having a PMP tutor can fast-track your PMP preparation, let's look at some PMP exam-related stats:
Some sources have indicated that only 50% of people who take a PMP training class or a prep programme actually write the PMP exam.
The percentage of people passing the PMP exam in the first attempt is roughly between 60-70%.
It's important to note that PMI does not release any official data, but the stats provided are from sources associated with PMI for more than two decades. Also, there is empirical evidence to indicate these stats are believable, considering the effort involved in getting the PMP and the difficulty level of the exam.
Common problems faced by Project Management Professionals preparing for the PMP Exam
Although achieving the PMP certification can be highly rewarding for one's career, many exam aspirants drop off midway due to the tedious nature of the preparation process. The list of reasons why PMP exam aspirants struggle to get the certification is lengthy, but I've listed the most common ones below.
No help with the PMP Application: Numerous PMP exam candidates are not able to proceed with the exam because PMI rejects their application, and they don't have any real help who can review their professional experience in project management.
Not motivated enough to study: Several PMP exam candidates lose motivation to study along the way and completely stop studying.
Shifting life priorities: Getting sidetracked by evolving professional and personal commitments.
Lack of focus during exam preparation: Using a variety of resources and materials but not using the right resources.
Not understanding the PMP exam mindset: Candidates don't spend time with the PMBOK to understand PMI's mindset, which affects their exam performance.
Rushing to take the exam with adequate preparation: Candidates who speed through their prep usually fail due to a poor grasp of the exam content and not doing enough practice questions.
Not practising situational exam questions: The test highlights scenario-based questions that demand practical application of knowledge rather than mere memorization, which poses a challenge for many candidates.
Furthermore, there are many other reasons why someone might fail their exam or not take the PMP exam, but listing them all here would make the list too long.
Benefits of a PMP Tutor in Exam Prep
A PMP tutor is quite different from a regular PMP instructor and takes personal ownership of your success. This person can double as your guide, mentor, friend, counsellor, advocate, ally, accountability coach, motivator, and endless supporter in your journey toward PMP certification.
On the other hand, a run-of-the-mill PMP instructor will only take responsibility for delivering a course to you or teaching a class and will provide very limited post-class support. Unlike a PMP tutor, they may not offer personalized one-on-one tutoring or mentorship customized to suit your unique and individual needs.
A good PMP tutor can be transformative in your journey toward PMP certification by providing:
#1 Personalized Guidance for Exam Preparation
Every PMP exam candidate's journey to PMP certification is different and largely depends on their individual strengths, weaknesses, work experience, learning styles and daily schedules. What may work for one person may not work for another.
A PMP tutor can provide personalized guidance, such as creating a personalized PMP study plan that will cater to your individual needs. This person may design a flexible plan considering your real-world experience in project management, your current project management skills and understanding and your ability to apply the knowledge during the PMP test prep.
Additionally, a seasoned tutor can help identify your weak areas, explain complex and difficult concepts, and provide targeted advice on exam strategy.
This one-on-one approach means that you can also ask away any questions related to exam topics that you may find most challenging. Since the assistance is private and personalized, you can also discuss your fears and anxieties related to the exam. As your exam fears get alleviated, it can help you gain confidence that you can also do it.
#2 Continuous Motivation and Accountability
Preparation for the PMP exam, in its truest sense, is more like running a marathon than a sprint. It's extremely common to struggle with maintaining motivation due to the extensive and sometimes daunting study materials. In fact, 9 out of 10 aspiring project managers preparing for the PMP exam lose some or all of the momentum along the way.
Working with a PMP tutor ensures that you are brought back on track if you deviate from your preparation plan. Your PMP certification coach provides continuous motivation and holds you accountable, ensuring that you stay committed to your study schedule and maintain a steady pace toward your goal.
This personalized support ensures that you save time and consistently make progress towards preparing for the certification exam.
#3 Help with Passing the PMP Application Process
The PMP Application can be pretty complicated and, if not written correctly, can lead to rejections. Application rejections can be disheartening and demoralizing and stall or slow down your entire project management certification process.
Your PMP tutor can help you prepare your application in several ways, such as:
Determining your PMP certification eligibility for the exam.
Help you choose the right projects to show work experience for the application.
Provide guidance and even write your project descriptions for the PMP application.
Review your written PMP Application prior to submission (e.g., check for errors or inconsistencies.
Understand the PMP Audit process and be prepared for it.
Help you choose a useful and relevant PMP prep training course that would satisfy the 35-hour project management education requirements.
#4 Focused approach to exam preparation
When preparing for the PMP exam, it's more effective to adopt a focused and targeted approach by utilizing the right resources rather than relying on multiple resources that can lead to confusion.
With the assistance of a PMP tutor, you can concentrate your efforts on utilizing limited yet pertinent test preparation materials, gain understanding of the exam structure, question types, and essential project management concepts.
They can assist you in developing the appropriate "PMP exam mindset" for approaching exam questions, as this requires understanding how to analyze scenario-based questions.
Your PMP tutor can provide you with books, practice questions, smaller topic-specific tests, weekly online lessons involving Q&A and test practice and put you into study groups with other people preparing for the exam.
As part of the tutoring sessions, you would receive written analyses of your test results or strategies for improvement tailored to your practice exam performance.
Useful PMP Prep and PMP Training Questions
#1 How can I create a realistic and effective study schedule for the PMP exam?
Having a realistic and efficient study schedule and exam preparation plan can significantly reduce the overwhelming feeling that comes with preparing for the exam.
Here is a study plan strategy that has been used successfully by several PMP exam candidates.
First, spend time understanding the PMP application process and getting approval for the application from PMI.
After getting approval, plan for a 2-4 month preparation period for the exam, which is an achievable timeframe to prepare and pass the exam.
Consider setting an exam date may be a good idea to create study pressure.
Understand the PMP exam and what it tests you on, such as agile and waterfall project management concepts.
Aim for 10-12 hours per week of studying, which translates to 6-8 hours over the week and 3-4 hours over the weekend.
Create a plan for what you will achieve every week. Aim for 2-3 chapters from the PMBOK per week.
Try to study at the same time every day to establish a regular routine.
Allocate time for doing practice exams and working through various sample questions.
Review completed tests, understand the rationale and redo them if you score below 65%.
Mark the chapters in which you scored below 60% on the first attempt, and review those chapters.
Revise the materials, especially in the last few weeks of preparation.
Account for buffer time for unforeseen life events that may derail you from preparation or challenging topics that may require additional study time.
Achieving the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a significant milestone in any project manager's career. However, the journey to becoming PMP certified is often complex and challenging, requiring not only a deep understanding of project management principles but also a strategic approach to exam preparation.
This is where the role of a PMP tutor becomes crucial. Combining the benefits of personalized guidance with the comprehensive support of the CareerSprints PMP Blended Programme, candidates can navigate the PMP exam with confidence and precision.
#2 Would project management tutors provide detailed feedback on practice exams?
Getting enough practice with test questions is the most critical part of exam preparation, along with knowing the exam content. Many successful candidates emphasize the importance of learning and identifying areas for improvement.
Many individual PMP exam candidates can get additional support from expert tutors through offline or online tutoring sessions, which offer more in-depth feedback than automated online practice exams.
For instance, our PMP certification tutors offer tailored test analysis sessions, which have proven to be an absolute game-changer for candidates struggling with understanding how to solve questions correctly. This one single approach has proven to be the differentiating factor between success and failure for many PMP candidates.
#3 Do PMP coaches/tutors offer personalized feedback on project management experience descriptions?
A comprehensive coaching package should ideally provide help with the PMP application. In most cases, regular authorized training partner classes do not provide any application support, leaving students to figure out the application process on their own.
One of our past PMP exam candidates stated "DO spent thoughtful time filling out the PMI application, if you don't follow the PMI specific-guidelines, your application WILL fail"
PMP Application rejections are common since PMI is careful about what project management experience candidates are submitting to them. That is why it is always better to have someone review your PMP application and provide feedback on the application narratives.
Getting personalized feedback can help you check all the boxes that PMI is looking for in your PMP application. Our PMP Blended Programme offers complete review, feedback, and rewrite of all PMP application project descriptions as part of its package.
#4 How can one-on-one tutors assist in understanding the PMP exam format and structure?
Customized tutoring can make a significant difference to your exam prep efforts by explaining the exam breakdown, helping you focus your study efforts appropriately and familiarizing you with the different types of questions you'll encounter. Additionally, your tutor can provide advice on time management strategies, past lessons from successful students, domain-specific guidance, and walk you through the exam day process.
#5 How does the CareerSprints PMP Blended Programme solve preparation problems for professional PMP candidates?
The CareerSprints PMP Blended Programme is designed to address some of the most common challenges faced by PMP aspirants, such as:
1. Managing the Volume of PMP Exam Content: The PMP Blended Programme offers a structured and comprehensive curriculum that keeps candidates engaged and on track to complete the programme. The course contains detailed videos on all concepts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the exam topics.
2. Eliminating the Inefficiency of Multiple Resources: You don't need multiple resources to prepare for the exam, just the right ones. As part of the PMP Blended Programme, we provide you with all the necessary resources you need to prepare and pass the exam. We integrate all necessary study materials into an all-in-one solution that saves you from the hassle of navigating various books and practice tests.
3. Help you get your PMP Application approved: Before you can sit for the PMP exam, your application must be approved by PMI, the Project Management Institute. Misunderstanding the PMP application requirements can lead to rejections. The PMP Blended Programme includes a complete review and rewrite of your application to reflect your experience managing projects and ensure completeness. This part of the programme can save you several wasted hours trying to write the application on your own.
4. Guidance, Motivation, and personal accountability for success: As part of the PMP Blended Programme, our tutors will not only provide guidance and coaching but also hold you accountable for your success. This will help you stay on track and constantly make progress in your studies.
5. Help with previous exam failure: If you're a candidate who failed the exam the first time, as part of the Blended Programme, we will provide targeted assistance to help you identify and address your weak areas, what went wrong, and how to improve, giving you a much better chance of passing on your next attempt.
6. Personalized Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Throughout your preparation journey, you will receive personalized feedback on your progress. Regular assessments and reviews help you stay on track and ensure that you are continuously improving your knowledge and exam readiness.
The CareerSprints PMP Blended Programme stands out as an excellent solution for PMP exam preparation, offering a blend of structured learning and unlimited personalized support until you are fully exam-ready.
Who can benefit from the PMP Blended Programme?
The CareerSprints PMP Blended Programme has benefited hundreds of PMP exam candidates aiming to pass on their first attempt. It has already been used by a wide range of candidates, such as:
Those Seeking a Structured and Consistent Approach to Exam Preparation.
Individuals Needing Assistance with the Application Process
Individuals Seeking Expert Guidance and Continuous Support
Individuals who haven't held the formal title of a project manager but managed some projects in their working life.
Busy Professionals Looking for Flexible Study Options such as studying at their own pace with ongoing support.
Individuals who get easily distracted due to personal or work commitments and who want to stay on track to achieve the certification.
Conclusion: Achieving PMP Certification with expert tutors and the proper support
Since the path to getting the PMP can be rigorous and demanding, using a structured approach, personalized study plans, proper resources, expert guidance, and continuous support from a PMP tutor can help overcome the challenges of PMP preparation and make you feel confident about the exam.
Comments