Tag: PMP®

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5 Tips to Reduce PMP Exam Test-Taking Fear

Woman at computer studying for the PMP exam

Are you losing sleep worrying about taking the PMP exam? Is your mind flooded with all sorts of “what-ifs” related to possible exam catastrophes? Well, did you know that thoughts like these can hinder your exam performance and can cause you to waste exam prep time. Many of the fears you might be having are unrealistic and can be relieved through positive thinking and practicing your test-taking skills with an exam simulator. Consider these 5 tips to help alleviate your fear to achieve your goal of passing the exam.

1. Remember Your PMP Exam Test Taking Strategies

If you’ve used RMC exam prep products, or other study tools, you’ve developed test taking skills to boost your confidence. Focus on the test taking strategies you’ve learned, including:

  • Control the exam; do not let it control you.
  • Read the question and all four answer choices.
  • Watch for choices that are true statements but do not answer the question.
  • Be prepared for more than one “correct” answer, but there is only one “best” answer
  • Control frustration and maintain focus on each question.
  • Use the Mark for Review function on questions you struggle to answer. Return to marked questions later.

2. Keep a Positive Attitude

If you worry, you are spending time on the negative and will, in all likelihood, have a terrible experience. What can you do to change your view? Ask yourself what’s going on in your head? When taking practice exams, are you saying things to yourself like the phrases listed below?

  • I’m not fast enough
  • I will never get this
  • I will fail
  • Oh no, a formula question
  • I am sure I got that question wrong

Thoughts like these waste brain power and actually hurt you on the exam! Your strategy needs to include what you will do to stay positive before and during the exam.

Try using deep breathing techniques to help you relax and focus. Breathing techniques can be as simple as breathing deeply five times. If you have read a question more than three times, try taking a few deep breaths.

3. Dispel Common Unrealistic Fears

Your mind is a powerful tool. It can conjure up common fears or misconceptions that may not be realistic. For example:

  • Running out of time. Almost no one runs out of time. Practice your timing using PM FASTrack®.
  • Having test anxiety. Panic is a personal issue. If you think panic is a concern for you, make exam simulation core to your prep strategy. Practice taking exams in a situation similar to the actual testing environment.
  • Misunderstand PMI’s Perspective. Answer questions by applying good practices of project management from PMI’s perspective.  During the exam, rely on your exam prep training then your own project experience.
  • Remembering the formulas. Formulas may appear on the test. Thus far, test takers have not had to perform calculations during the exam.  However, you will need to know how to correctly identify key formulas.

4. Understand What to Expect

Though many fears you may have about taking the PMP exam are unrealistic, there are some things you should be prepared to expect. Doing so will also reduce your worry.

  • Follow your study plan. It is your road map and will serve you well.
  • Use exam simulation more than twice before taking the exam and achieve a score 75% or higher.
  • Use your project management knowledge — but be prepared to separate your experience from PMI’s perspective.
  • Understand your own test-taking tendencies. Pay attention to these during your prep class and practice tests.
  • Know what a project manager should do for each process. Practice Rita’s Process Chart game Track your score until you achieve 80% or higher.

5. Know Your PMP Exam Test Environment

You have the option to take your test online or in person. For in person testing, each center is different.  You will not have the exact same experience as someone else who has taken the exam before. Even in the same test center, you may experience differences. You need to eliminate as many distractions on the day of the test as possible. Read up on the test center process and their policies. PMI and your test center also have video tutorials that walk you through the experience. Consider some of these questions to reduce the unknowns about the test environment:

  • What can you bring into the test?
  • How many breaks do I get and what is the best way to use my breaks?
  • Where can I put my snacks so I can get to them when I need to?
  • What happens if the test crashes while I am taking it?”

Answers to these types of questions will give you a sense of control over the unknown. Know the process for signing in, taking the exam, and the post-test processes. Anything that might worry you, get the answers now.

For online testing, there can be a lot of technical elements to plan in advance to reduce stress and worry. Consider some of the following to set you mind at ease:

  • Make sure you are well versed in the rules of the online proctored format. Pearson Vue and PMI do a nice job provided the details of what to expect.
  • Find a quiet place away from the delivery people, pets and children. If you cannot be assured you will not be interrupted, consider scheduling a conference room at the office.
  • You will be asked to perform a system check. Try to do this beforehand so you don’t experience delays once the exam starts. This will also help you make sure your anti-virus and firewalls allow access.

Trust Your PMP Exam Testing Skills

Don’t underestimate the power of your test prep training. Studying and taking practice tests have honed your test-taking skills. You’ve tweaked your strategy until it works for you. Now you just need to follow it. Don’t do things differently when you sit for the real exam. Remember to bring a positive attitude

So, stop losing sleep and use these tips to help reduce or eliminate your worries about the exam. Good luck on your exam!  And remember if you have any questions, just contact us.  We’re here to help.

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The Project Manager’s Organizational Change Responsibilities

Middle aged project manager at computer working on organizational change

As project manager, you have organizational change responsibilities for the projects you lead.  Your business and strategic role as a project manager requires you to have the knowledge to manage change that originates from your projects.  Knowing how to deal with organization change helps you reduce the impact to existing processes and individual employees while delivering value to your organization.

Successful Change Doesn’t Just Happen – It is Planned

Change is something you encounter in your organization and on your projects. Every project you do, because of its very nature is a temporary endeavor.  The creation of a new product or service involves change.  Organizations change when adapting to market factors including technology, compliance or disruption.  However, it is important to note that successful change is not a given.  Research has shown 70% of major change efforts fail, with only 25% achieving their stated objectives.

As you look at your role as a Project Manager, it is your responsibility to help support organizational changes that result from the projects we lead.  While it is critical to meet the project objectives, as PM you need to look at the deeper influencing factors to understand stakeholder needs, wants, concerns, fears and objections.  As project manager, you also need to understand the market and industry dynamics as well the organization’s culture and its ability to accept change.

People are comfortable with what they know and there is a certain level of resistance to change.  Change can also foster a resistance to additional change. Therefore, as you plan and execute projects, your role as a leader may need to evolve. You may take on the role of a counselor, educator, coach or booster throughout the project.  Shifting roles will help you keep key stakeholders engaged and able to move through the changes resulting from a project.  Consider this list of PM responsibilities as you seek to evolve your role:

  • Identify type of change
  • Evaluate current and future states to understand results required
  • Perform ROI and business case analysis to plan future state and transitions
  • Lead delivery of future state

Business Environment in PMP Exam Content Outline

In 2021, the new PMP Exam content outline changed to 3 domains. The new domains are process, business environment and people. Processes have been a core component of the previous exam content outlines and they are still important, representing 50% of the exam content outline. The reason for this update, according to PMI’s global practice analysis, is to further improve project success and reduce failure as well as address improvements in compliance, quality, efficiencies and business satisfaction.  The ultimate goal is to realize the project benefits and value more consistently.

Within the business environment domain, there are four (4) tasks that outline core responsibilities of project managers of which support organizational change is one. For reference, here is the PMP® Exam Content Outline. These work examples show how the organization influences the project and how your effort as PM includes preparing the organization for the result of the project. The work examples include:

  • Assessing the organizational culture
  • Evaluating the impact of organizational change to project and determine required actions and
  • Evaluating the impact of the project to the organization to determine required actions

So, what are some practical tips to help make your PM change management responsibilities easier?

Tips for PMs to Support Organizational Change

1. Evaluate the organization’s change readiness.

Evaluating your organization’s change readiness is important to measure readiness. Add this assessment during the initiating phase of your project plan alongside the development of your project charter. You can continue to reference and reevaluate it throughout the planning and monitoring of the project.

To start your change readiness analysis, review RMC’s Change Management Readiness Assessment tool.  It is an excellent resource that provides you with suggested questions to assess your organization’s current and future state readiness for change.  You can change, adjust and modify this document for each project.

2. Select the appropriate tools and techniques to analyze.

For the project to succeed, you must help stakeholders understand how their beliefs and actions must adjust in order to deliver the desired results.  And this means their experience will be different after the change. Using a variety of tools and techniques will help in planning and adjusting your projects.

  • Evaluate and identify stakeholder’s experience with the organization’s culture through observation, interviews and document analysis.
  • Understand how stakeholders’ experiences influence their beliefs and actions through focus groups, surveys and root cause analyses.
  • Evaluate and plan for change by asking questions, discussing the proof that a problem exists or the impact of the problem to recommend a solution.

You can represent your findings in your WBS. Include a project management branch that shows the outcomes and artifacts you are creating as deliverables as part of your change assessment and project planning. Then analyze them as part of your risk identification efforts.

3. Develop a planning check list.

A change management checklist helps you identify the specific actions you will take to plan for change. The form can help ask questions to identify why the change is needed, what is the desired result, who will be affected by the change and how will you measure the success of the change.

Want to Learn More?

Interested in building your change management skills? Consider an additional certification such as PMI-ACP or Prosci change management certification. You can also check out our Organizational Change Management webinar recording or our Leading Change eLearning course. Deepen your practical skills to use in your current projects, within your teams and throughout your organization.

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Qualifying for Taking the PMP Exam

Close up of business woman at her desk working on PMP qualifications

Do you want to get your PMP® certification to take your project management career to the next level? You need to take and pass the PMP exam. And, to be totally prepared to pass the PMP, consider RMC’s time-tested and proven training materials. 

However, before you can even sign up to take this exam, you need to meet certain qualifications. Below is a short guide to the qualifications that need to be met before you can take the PMP® exam and get your certification. 

Eligibility

To qualify to take the PMP® Exam, you must have a secondary degree, along with 36 months of leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education. 

Alternatively, you can show that you have a four-year degree, along with 60 months of leading and directing projects, or a current CAPM Certification, and 35 hours of project management education.

You also qualify if you have a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree from an accredited GAC program, along with 24 months of professional project management experience, leading and directing projects.  You’ll also need the 35 hours of project management education.

Note: The number of months for the Experience section must total at least 60 months, and the project dates must indicate those months of project management experience within the eight-year period prior to the application.

Forward Thinking

You will need to have a registered account on PMI’s website. From there, you will be able to find the online application form for the PMP® certification under the section titled “myPMI.”

PMI requires that you provide detailed records of all of the projects that you have handled during the required project experience period, and each of them should be documented separately. You will need to calculate the time spent on the different project management process groups, and provide a detailed description of your role in the projects. 

Note: In preparation of an audit, it is always a good idea to ask consent from your place of employment to list projects, roles, and time spent before you discuss them on your application.

Required Contact Hours

For the required 35 contact hours, make sure you train with an experienced project management training company that gives a certificate of completion for your training. And it is important to make sure that the training is aligned to the current Exam Content Outline. For further details about the exam content outline, visit PMI’s website.

At RMC, we offer a variety of training modes and study materials to prepare professionals for the PMP® Exam, as well as to earn the required 35 contact hours. Check out our  virtual live class schedule, or our PMP eLearning course to get started.

Note: The current PMP® exam is changing in January 2, 2021 and it will align with a new content outline. To learn more about the expected changes, click here. RMC is working hard to make the required changes to our self-study products and exam prep classes. We’ll ensure they’ll align with the new PMP® Exam Content Outline. However, our best advice to aspiring PMPs is to plan to study and take the exam before the exam change.

Considerations

Keep in mind that just because you qualify on paper to take the exam does not mean you will be able to pass it. You must know project management and have experience applying it—this includes both managing and leading projects.

To prepare, consider taking PMI’s CAPM® exam to receive the CAPM® certification if you do not meet the requirements for the PMP® Exam at this time. 

CAPM® test takers are required to have a high school diploma and 23 hours of project management education to qualify for the CAPM® exam.

You can read more about eligibility and requirements for the CAPM® Exam in our post How to Use Rita Mulcahy’s Exam Prep Products for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Exam.

Certification: Taking a Major Step in Your Career

With the right preparation, you can qualifying for the PMP certification to differentiate you from other project managers. So, what are you waiting for? RMC can help you at every step, and you can start by browsing through our course offerings to learn more. 

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PMP® Exam Change 2021

African American PM working at her desk

Now is the time to get your PMP certification.  PMI® has announced that the PMP certification exam will change on January 2, 2021. This announcement gives you time to get your application submitted and to prepare to take the exam before the exam changes.  Stay current on the latest PMP exam information.

PMP 2021 Exam Content Outline – What’s New?

The exam change is prompted by the June 2019 release of a new PMP Exam Content Outline. The Exam Content Outline provides a basic description of the number of questions that will be on the PMP exam.  It also includes the number of domains and the percentage of questions within each domain.

A significant difference for the new exam is a change from five performance domains to just three domains. Those domains will include People, making up 42% of questions, Process with 50% of questions, and Business Environment at 8% of questions. It’s also worth noting that PMI has indicated about half the exam will represent predictive management approaches.  The other half of the exam will cover agile or hybrid approaches.

What Are the Content Outline and Exam Based On?

The content outline and exam are based on a role-delineation study of project managers.  This study is performed by PMI about every 4 years. Through this study, PMI gathers and analyzes data describing the role and work of project managers in the workplace. PMI then creates the Exam Content Outline.

The outline provides the foundation of the certification exam based on the results. It includes the percentage of questions by domain, the tasks of the project manager by domain, and the knowledge and skills associated with the project manager’s work. This is designed to keep the PMP exam consistent with the roles and responsibilities of project managers in the workplace.

Important Date to Remember

The PMP exam changes on January 2, 2021. RMC strives to provide early analysis of updates. Please visit our Exam Updates Page for the most current information we have concerning the upcoming content outline and exam changes!

You can also stay current on the exam changes by registering for one of our free webinars on Taking the PMP Exam: What You Need to Know.   Previous sessions are recorded if you cannot attend in person.

Last Content Outline Change

The last time PMI conducted a role delineation study that resulted in an exam change was 2015. At that time PMI estimated that approximately 25% of the exam content changed as the result of the study.

What Can I Do Between Now and 2021 to Get my PMP Certification?

To provide you with the most current exam preparation materials, RMC has analyzed the Exam Content Outline. RMC has fully updated our Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep Products and our Exam Prep Courses to align with the 2021 PMP exam change.

However, there is still time to take the current exam. RMC provides the most effective and innovative project management training available. Using Accelerated Learning Theory, we focus on teaching valuable, real-world skills and practical techniques to help our students learn more in less time. Rita Mulcahy started RMC with the modest idea of helping people pass the PMP exam. Her best-selling book, PMP® Exam Prep, set an industry standard for training material.

Project managers meeting the PMP exam qualifications are strongly encouraged to get certified before the exam changes. We recommend using Rita’s Way™ to complete your study and taking the exam before the January 2021 exam change. Those needing help to prepare can find all our PMP test preparation materials, or call RMC’s customer service at 952-846-4484.

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New Webinar for Project Management Professionals | RMC Learning Solutions

African American man attending project management webinar

Webinar – Taking the PMP® Exam: What You Need to Know

The PMP® certification exam changed significantly on January 2, 2021. If you are looking to become a certified project manager, you won’t want to miss this webinar.

Join us for information on preparing for the PMP® exam, the changes in the new exam, our recommended strategy to certification, and more. In this one-hour webinar we will answer the top questions professionals need to know when it comes to preparing for the PMP® exam:

  • Is the PMP® right for me?
  • What does the NEW PMP® Exam Content Outline include?
  • Why the changes?
  • What’s the latest information on new question types, exam length and breaks?
  • Should I take the new Online Proctored Exam option?

Thursday, February 4, 2021
12:00 – 1:00 PM Central Time

RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

 

Interested in Other Project Management Webinars?

If you are interested in other webinar topics from RMC Learning Solutions, we’ve got you covered.  Simply check out our previous project management webinars.

 

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Taking the PMP® Exam Online Versus Test In Person

Close up of student's hands working at the computer to choose to take the PMP online or in person

You’ve made the decision to take the PMP exam. Now you need to consider whether to take the test online or in person. Understanding the pros and the cons of each option will help you select which is best for you. You can always find the latest on the PMP exam here. As you consider your course of action, let’s start by describing what it looks like to take the PMP exam online.

What Does Online Proctoring Really Mean?

Taking the test online is a relatively new option. You should become familiar with how an online exam is executed. To take the PMP exam online, you need a quiet, private space. You should plan on having NO interruptions from colleagues, family, or pets.

No one is allowed in the room while you are taking your online test. The proctor will invalidate your exam if you are moving around or there is a lot of noise during the test. Make sure you have a strong internet connection and use a reliable and fully charged laptop or desktop computer.

During the online check-in process, your proctor will verify your identity using a current government issued ID. You will be asked to take four photos of your work area to make sure your space is in compliance. You can check-in up to 30 minutes before the exam is scheduled to get settled in.

Compliance means no materials, books, notepads, pencils, pens or other writing instruments nearby. Other electronic devices such as phones and watches (including smartwatches) must be removed and shut off. You can expect the PMP test to last for four hours. Find a space where you will be comfortable. Remember, you cannot eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum during the exam. Plan accordingly.

What are Some the of the Online Test Features?

During the exam, you will have access to some online features. You may have the option during the exam to use ONVUE’s built- in digital whiteboard for note taking. Since you are not allowed to use physical scratch paper for note boards, you can use the white board for those purposes. You are able to practice using the online white board anytime. You’ll also have access to an on-screen calculator.

Choosing the Online PMP Exam

Taking the PMP exam online is a relatively new option. It is convenient to take your test from home, but it requires a preparation, no interruptions and a strong, reliable internet connection.

Let’s look at the Online Exam PROS:

  • Avoid the risks of COVID 19. If you are worried or are high risk, this is an important health consideration.
  • Flexible times and days of the week – 24/7. This gives you more test date options, domestically and internationally, than in person.
  • Test sooner. More dates are available online compared to in person. You are also less likely to experience date and venue changes.
  • No travel During COVID, limited test center availability could mean you have to drive farther away to take your exam.
  • Test in the comfort and familiarity of your home.

Online Exam CONS:

  • Potential inability to have a quiet space free of interruptions. This may create an added level of test anxiety.
  • Risk of not being compliant. Your movements are limited. You cannot talk, even to read a question out loud.
  • Issues with technology and connectivity.  Make sure you are familiar with the system requirements,  perform a system test and a strong internet connection.
  • Delays in proctor communication online.

Why Consider the Taking the PMP In Person

The PMP test has been offered in person for decades. The process of in-person testing is known and the experience is well-documented. However, in our current environment, it can be challenging to find an in person center to sit for your exam at the time you want.

In Person PROS:

  • Known rules, environment and protocols clearly laid out by the in person test center.
  • Test centers are available around the world.
  • Ability to provide accommodations. PMI regularly handles requests for PMP test accommodations. Contact the program directly to determine your next steps.
  • Ability to use center-provided writing materials, including an erasable note board.
  • You get a 10-minute break, same as the online test, after you complete and submit Part 1 of the exam. You can also take unscheduled bathroom breaks.

In Person CONS:

  • Extended wait time to schedule your test due to lack of availability. It may take more time to find a date that works for you. We recommend you check the Pearson Vue website daily, or several times per day, to see if new dates and times open up.
  • When scheduling the test, only a few in-person locations show in the search results. The test center uses distance to display information. Consider expanding your search to a wider radius from home, to find more in-person centers.
  • Cancellation uncertainty. There is the potential that your test date could get canceled or moved because of the COVID 19 environment.
  • In person testing requires you to wear a mask the entire time, including during the test.
  • Potential exposure to COVID 19. Test centers have detailed information on their procedures.

Can I Change my PMP Exam from Online to a In Person?

You can change your test option even after you have registered to take the PMP test. To change your PMP exam from online to in person, you need to cancel your online appointment. You will receive a refund for the class. You must pay for and schedule a new exam. The same is true if you change your test from in person to online.

When changing your online class to in person, you may not find the same date you originally schedule. Dates and locations may also be limited. A word of caution: Don’t cancel your online or in-person appointment until you find a date that is a suitable replacement.

Up Next, It’s About Preparing for the Exam

Once you get your exam date schedule, you can focus on studying for the exam. To prepare for the PMP® exam, check out RMC’s training options for self-study, instructor-led virtual training, classroom training and eLearning courses.

RMC provides the most effective and innovative project management training available. we focus on teaching valuable, real-world skills and practical techniques to help you learn more in less time. Good luck!

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What to Expect from Your RMC PMP Exam Prep Course

Two men working on their computer from their desk

When you’re ready to become a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), RMC will be there to help you with our proven PMP course. What’s it all about? Well, it’s geared towards preparing you for the challenging PMP certification exam so you can pass it on your first try.  What should you expect from this course? 

The Goal of RMC’s PMP Exam Course

Our PMP course is an accelerated program that’s packed with engaging material. It will allow you to prepare for the 200-question PMP exam that takes four hours to complete. We won’t lie, this is definitely an intense test, but we take a lot of the stress out of it.

How do we do that? By showing you exactly what you need to internalize in order to answer the multiple-choice questions with greater ease. It’s that simple.

Thanks to expert instruction and high-quality materials, you’ll be able to gain a greater understanding of complex project management topics in a shorter amount of time. Of course, it’s best if you also make the effort to study more on your own to reinforce what we teach you during the class. And taking practice exams is also a smart way to fully prepare yourself to pass the exam and become certified. The idea is to use our course as your foundation and guide.

What Makes Our PMP Exam Course Different?

There are a lot of study materials and courses out there, all geared towards helping you pass the PMP exam and advance your project management career. But our course is different.

We use a wide range of tools, such as case studies, games, and various exercises, to make it easier for you to actually understand and apply what you’re learning. This is not about merely memorizing facts. If you want to pass the PMP exam, you need to know how to apply concepts and processes in real-world situations. And we show you how to do just that by using the groundbreaking Rita Mulcahy method. 

Select Your Preferred Method of Learning

At RMC, we know that, when it comes to learning, you can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we offer a PMP exam prep course online and in person. Check out our virtual class schedule and our  live class schedule to see when a PMP course meets your needs. You’ll be able to receive expert guidance from an instructor in real-time. 

As an alternative, you can also purchase self-study materials and do it all on your own, or you can opt to take an eLearning course to follow your own schedule and work at your own pace. Discover what it takes to pass the PMP exam so you can take your career to new heights.  

Enroll Today and Get Your PMP Certification

A PMP certification, which is recognized all over the world, can open up opportunities for growth in the field of project management. But, first, you need to pass PMI’s tough exam. Take the stress out of learning what’s necessary to pass this test by using our proven, time tested PMP exam prep course. And get ready to take your exam confidence! 

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Why Take the PMP Exam?

Two women working together on a project using their computer

Why take the PMP exam? This is a common question many people ask as they weigh the pros and cons of the PMP® exam. What is the purpose, what will it do for you, and is it worth it? There’s no doubt that preparing to take the PMP® exam is a journey. And, if you let it, this journey can help you enhance your project management capabilities. 

As you prepare for this exam, you will improve your project management skills. The opportunity to expand your knowledge is one of the best reasons to get your PMP® certification.

Understanding is the Key to Passing the PMP Exam

The PMP® exam is an international exam designed to prove your knowledge and experience in applying the art and science of project management. It focuses on situations you might encounter in the real world, rather than just asking you to repeat data you have learned.

Therefore, to pass the PMP® exam, you cannot simply cram a lot of information into your brain and try to retain it just long enough to get through the four-hour testing period. Instead, you’ll take your knowledge to the next level. You’ll better understand the process of project management, and the value that process can bring to your daily work on projects.

Learn without Rote Memorization

RMC’s PMP® training classes and products bring you unique games, activities, exercises, and techniques designed specifically to increase both learning and knowledge retention. 

This approach not only gives you the knowledge you need to quickly prepare for the exam, but also the knowledge to become a better project manager—without rote memorization. 

Where’s the proof? RMC has heard from students who received a bonus, a raise, or both after they passed the exam. Other students have reported that they were offered a job when hundreds of other qualified candidates had applied, simply because they were PMP® certified!

Get PMP® Certification to Set Yourself Apart

In addition to the opportunity to improve yourself and your abilities, there can be financial incentives for passing this exam. A 2015 salary survey conducted by the Project Management Institute (PMI) found that PMP® certified project managers across all countries are paid, on average, 20% more than those without this certification.

The bottom line is this: having a PMP® certification can be the reason you get a job, keep your job, or are promoted. And, with RMC’s support,  you can get started today.