Learn PMP Math EVM Concepts in 1 Hr to Dominate the PMP Exam

I am a PMP! (5xAT)

I just passed today! Here is what I did to prepare.

I applied last October and put off the test a couple of times due to other obligations. The fire was lit when I realized I only had a couple more months left before my year window was to expire. I planned to read a chapter from the PMBOK and then watch the corresponding section from Joseph Phillips’ Udemy course, PMP Exam Prep Seminar - PMBOK Guide 6, one chapter per two days. It didn’t go exactly as planned and it ended up taking a whole month to finish. I also took the quizzes from Udemy and took 30-40 custom exams from Pocket Prep per section.

After I completed the PMBOK and Udemy course I started reading "PMP Exam Prep Simplified" by Andrew Ramdayal. I tried to do one chapter a night along with the quizzes. Some days I just wasn’t able to fit in studying so this also took longer than anticipated. I really liked the book, it was an easy read.

I also bought an EVM course on Udemy. Learn PMP Math EVM Concepts in 1 Hr to Dominate the PMP Exam by Garrett Heath. I would highly recommend if you are worried about remembering the formulas. I also watched the Vargus video twice to help understand the correct flow of the 49 processes.

I started practice exams about a month before my exam. I had planned to use multiple sources for my practice exams, but after reading that Prepcast was the preferred choice, I stuck with Prepcast. I had also planned on taking 12 practice exams. I quickly found out I didn't have time to fit this is. It was too difficult for me to schedule 4 hours outside of work and kids. In the end I did three practice tests (74.5%, 73.5% and 83%). After getting 83% less than a week until the exam I decided I didn’t want to take anymore. My confidence was high and I didn’t want to risk getting a lower score and having my confidence decrease.

Here are some non-study exam prep that I did.

• I took 4 days off before my exam to focus on studying. I did a lot less studying than I intended, but it was nice to focus on the material in the mornings and not have work stress on top.
• The day before I did minimal studying. I got a neck and shoulder massage at the mall and drank some de-stress tea.
• I went to bed at 9:30 and took some melatonin to help me fall asleep.
• It was tempting to roll out of bed and take the test in sweatpants, but I decided to feel confident I needed to look nice. I wore jeans and a cardigan and did my hair and makeup. 
• Before I went into the building I did a power pose for two minutes. It felt silly, but anything to help me stay confident was my goal.
• I took the first 10 minutes to write down all the processes and formulas. I think the act of doing it helped my confidence level by showing myself I knew what I was doing.

I have a few items that I’m no longer using. PM if you are interested.

• PMP ExamPrep Simplified: Based on PMBOK® Guide Sixth Edition by Andrew Ramdayal – $20
• PMBOK Sixth Edition – $30
• Prep Cast Simulator (active until December 14th) - $90
• BrainBok PMP 5-Exam Pack (active until November 14th) - $40 (I took a practice exam through this when I started studying last year. I panicked and bought Prep Cast, but now looking back at the practice test I took, I think I could have continued with BrainBok.