Tag: PMP® Exam Prep

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What Good Are Certifications, Anyway?

African American women questions if certifications are good

Let’s face it: project management certifications can be time-consuming, mentally taxing, and sometimes expensive. So it’s fair to ask, are they really worth it? At RMC Learning Solutions, we hear this question all the time—from newcomers just starting out to experienced professionals eyeing their next big career move.

Here’s the truth: certifications aren’t just about passing an exam. They’re about signaling credibility, sharpening your skills, and unlocking new doors—both professionally and financially.

Employers Notice the Letters After Your Name

Whether it’s a CAPM®, PMP®, PMI-ACP®, or PMI-PBA®, certifications are a quick way for hiring managers and executives to understand your commitment to the profession. In a competitive job market, having a certification:

  • Moves your resume to the top of the stack
  • Demonstrates current, standardized knowledge
  • Builds trust before you even walk into the interview

Employers want to reduce risk when hiring. Certifications reduce that risk. They show you’ve met a global benchmark and can speak the same language as the teams you’ll lead.

It’s Not Just the Paper—It’s the Process

Getting certified isn’t just about the end result. The preparation itself is a growth experience.

  • You learn frameworks and practices that improve your work immediately
  • You gain confidence in terminology, stakeholder management, and planning
  • You often discover new methodologies or tools that weren’t part of your daily work

In other words, certification study doesn’t pull you away from your role—it levels you up inside of it.

Your Career Deserves Momentum

Many professionals reach a plateau and wonder how to take the next step. Certifications are one of the clearest ways to signal you’re ready for more:

  • Looking for a promotion? Certifications back your ask with evidence.
  • Changing industries? They validate transferable skills.
  • Going independent? They boost client confidence.

For some, certification leads to a title change. For others, it brings salary increases, expanded scope, or relocation opportunities. One thing is constant: it opens doors.

RMC’s Learning Plans: A Smarter Way to Certify (and Keep Growing)

At RMC, we don’t just want you to pass an exam. We want to see your whole career accelerate.

That’s why we launched our new subscription-based learning plans—to give learners at every level a structured, supported, and affordable path to certification and beyond. Whether you’re working toward your CAPM or building leadership confidence after earning your PMP, our plans:

  • Include coaching, practice exams, and tailored study paths
  • Are built to fit around busy schedules
  • Provide access to ongoing professional development

Because once you earn your credential, the journey doesn’t end. Your learning shouldn’t either.

So, What Good Are Certifications?

They set you apart. They sharpen your thinking. They move your career forward.

Certifications aren’t a shortcut. They’re a commitment. And they’re one of the most proven ways to turn experience into opportunity.

If you’re ready to make your next move, or simply want to validate the skills you already bring to the table, RMC is here to help you do it with confidence.

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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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PMP Exam Tool: Master Rita Mulcahy’s Process Chart

Image of Rita Mulcahy's Process Chart game

If you are preparing for the Project Management Professional exam, having a proven PMP Exam tool to support the learning process is key.  One such tool is Rita Mulcahy’s Process Chart game. Rita’s game is an important tool to learn the project management process in more detail, quickly and effectively.  It helps you understand what should be done when.

PMP Exam – Rita Mulcahy’s Process Chart Game

  1. An Introduction to Rita’s Process Chart
  2. The Process Domain and the PMP Exam
  3. What You Need to Understand to Pass the PMP
  4. Study for the PMP® Using Rita’s Process Chart Game
  5. Prepare for the PMP

An Introduction to Rita Mulcahy’s Process Chart

When students discover Rita’s process chart game, they often ask, “Which parts should I memorize?” It’s a simple question, right? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t so straightforward. It’s more than just memorizing―it’s realizing that to pass the exam, you need to thoroughly understand each process.

Let’s start with some basics. Understanding the overall process of project management is integral to learning the terms and concepts for the exam.

PMI® has defined five process groups in Project Management. Rita’s Process Chart is our interpretation of those groups and the associated actions that result in unique outputs attributed to each process.

Rita’s process chart game is not intended to map to other management resources. Its function is to state the efforts involved in management a project.   The game helps you learn the five process groups of Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling and Closing.

The Process Domain and the PMP Exam

Prior to January 2020, the PMP exam was generally focused on planned project management.  Planned project management revolves around five process groups and nine knowledge areas.  This is still the case; however, after January 2020, the PMP exam dramatically changed.

Now the exam is organized around three Domains. These are People, Process and Business Environment.  Planned project management is part of the Process Domain along with agile and hybrid project management methodologies.  Process represents 50% of the exam content.

Planned project management remains an important part of the Process Domain.  For this reason, you still need to understand planned aspects of project management to pass the exam and why Rita’s Process Chart Game is an important tool for passing.

What You Need to Understand to Pass the PMP

The PMP exam may ask questions that present a situation which requires you to which process group the project is in.  Rita’s process chart game lays out what specific actions are in each process group and why these actions occur.  There is no specific order for the activities in most of the process groups.  The exception is the planning process group which has a set order of actions.

Rita’s Process Chart game will solidify your understanding of the overall project management process and help you identify and focus on gaps in your knowledge.

Study for the PMP® Using Rita Mulcahy’s Process Chart Game

A typical exam question will only give you some of the information. For example: “You’ve just gained acceptance of interim deliverables from the customer.” Because you’ve done some memorization, you’ll know this action occurs in the Monitor and Control process group.

Now you know where you are within the process but that’s only half the battle. The question then asks, “What should happen next?” The exam is testing your knowledge of the process and outputs associated with the action. In this example, the process is Validate Scope, and the outputs are: work performance information, accepted deliverables, change requests, and project documents updates.

If you understand the actions associated within a process, and what process groups they primarily align with, then you can use logic to quickly analyze and select the best answer.

If you know where you are in the process and understand why processes, actions, and outputs occur you’ll be better prepared to pass the exam.

Prepare for PMP Exam

The process groups are key to planned-driven project management. Rita understood this which is why she created the process chart game to help break down each element to help you more quickly learn the process groups and actions.

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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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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.