Preparation Process

This is based on my experience and on the experiences shared by my colleagues.

Prep Materials Required:
Guide to PMBOK
PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy Fifth Edition
PMP Project Managent Professional Study Guide by Kim Heldman Third Edition

Questions & Mock Test Materials:
Test from PMStudy.com (one free test)
Sybex CD - Tests given in CD of Kim Heldman
Questions given in Rita Mulcahy & Kim Heldman Book
PM Fasttrack Tests associated with Rita's.

As PM Fasttrack has repeat questions from Rita's Book it would be better to take the test before taking the questions at the end of each chapter in the book.

So the ideal order or preparation is:

1. Go thru PMBOK - Do a quick read. Dont worry about memorizing or understanding anything.
[6 days]

2. Go thru Kim Heldman - presentation order in this book is very good. Do a thorough read.
Take tests in the back of each chapter. Note down the questions that you answered incorrectly and analyze it. Keep an error log.
[6 days]

3. Take mock test from PM Fasttrack. Note down the questions that you answered incorrectly and analyze it. Keep an error log.
[1 day]

4. Go thru Rita Mulcahy. Take tests in the back of each chapter. Note down the questions that you answered incorrectly and analyze it. Keep an error log.
[3 days]

5. Take a mock test from Sybex CD (associated with Kim Heldman). Take tests in the back of each chapter. Note down the questions that you answered incorrectly and analyze it. Keep an error log.
[1 day]

6. Do a revision of Kim Heldman and Rita each 2 days. Read the error log.
[4 days]

7. Take mock test from PMStudy.com or PM Fasttrack Super PMP. Note down the questions that you answered incorrectly and analyze it. Keep an error log.
[1 day]

8. Do a complete revision and based on the error log strengthen the areas where you are weak.
[2 days]

9. If you are consistently scoring about 65%, you are ready to take the PMP exam. Go take it.

Note the following:
1. 2-3 mock tests are more than sufficient to pass the exam

2. Input/output/Tool & Technique - you don't have to worry about memorizing it. Use Kim Heldman and understand the flow. It would be easy to remember if you understood what is required when & why. I did not memorize this. I still managed to pass with good score.

3. There are few topics that are not covered in these 3 books but still questions are to be expected. They are very important as many questions are being asked from this areas. Will cover this in my next post.