Study method:I used the PMBOK as a guide listing the chapters I wanted to study for that time period.I determined that with 6-7 weeks of study time, I should have 168 total hours of study time available (28 hours per week).I spent 3-4 hours reading and marking each chapter in the PMBOK, the study notes from the IBM PM web site, and the class notes for the relevant chapter and then spent an additional hour taking the sample questions from the class and the study notes. Make copies of the answer sheets provided and be sure to track the time it takes to finish the questions and extrapolate your time out to 200 questions.I kept track of my answers, calculated my score and noted areas that needed more study.I did this for all of the chapters of the PMBOK.I took a two day break and then began on a second round of review where I reviewed the same materials and notes and took the exam questions a second time and recorded scores and problem areas and tracked the improvement in score and time used.The second round of study took 2-3 hours for each PMBOK chapter reviewing all of the same materials.The third round of review was a quick review of each chapter/topic and definitions and took the test questions the third time recording the resulting scores and times.By the third round, I was well within the time limits and well above the minimum scores required to pass.Where the PMBOK or class study binder or study notes referenced one of the special books in the study set, I read the appropriate passages and if needed read the entire book.Near the end of the study time frame, I took the on-line sample test made available by IBM.I passed that exam as well in the time frame required.
One week before the exam:As recommended by PMI, I traveled to the exam site and visited the site to ensure that I knew the route to the site and was familiar with the setting.I spoke to the proctors and they seemed pleased that I was checking out the location.I asked for and they verified that they had me scheduled to take the exam on the appropriate day.
Day before the exam day:I took the day off to do the third round of reviewing.I completed this by 6:00 PM, put together everything I wanted to take to the exam site, and spent the rest of the evening relaxing and got a good night s sleep.I was sure to set the alarm to wake me well ahead of the time I needed to leave.
Day of exam:I woke up early, took care of regular hygiene duties and ate a light breakfast (fruit and toast) and drove to the site.I arrived roughly 30 minutes prior to the time the exam was to begin.I had some reading material with me (Reader s Digest)and tried to relax before starting the exam.The SylvanCenter was giving other exams for other professions the same day so the place was busy and I actually started about 20 minutes late.The proctor ensured me that I still had 4.5 hours to complete the exam.
The exam:The exam terminals are modern and GUI driven and very easy to understand.Just the same, take the time to go through the exam instructions.I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the questions seemed at first ( I went in feeling pretty confident), but was soon