PMP Exam Preparation: How to Study, What to Read, and Time Needed to Pass



























































Project Management

PMP Exam Preparation: How to Study, What to Read, and Time Needed to Pass

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PMP Exam Preparation – A Complete Guide for Success

Project Management Professional (PMP) is one of the most popular and recognized certification in project management field. Many professionals from different countries try to clear PMP exam to improve their career and get better job opportunities. But PMP exam is not very easy. You need good PMP exam preparation to pass it successfully.

In this article, we will explain how to study for PMP exam, what material you should use for PMP exam preparation, and how much time is needed to complete your study. 

Understand PMP Exam Structure First

Before starting PMP exam preparation, it is very important to understand the exam format. PMP exam has 180 questions. These questions are combination of multiple-choice, multiple response, matching, hotspot and fill-in-the-blank types. The total time given is 230 minutes.

The questions are based on three main domains:

  1. People – 42%

  2. Process – 50%

  3. Business Environment – 8%

You should study according to these domains because questions will test your knowledge from these areas.

How to Study for PMP Exam Preparation

To do successful PMP exam preparation, you must follow a plan. Do not study without plan because PMP syllabus is big and sometimes confusing.

1. Make a Study Plan

Start by making a weekly study schedule. Divide all topics in small parts. Give extra time to difficult topics like Risk Management or Quality Management. Try to study minimum 2 hours every day if you are working professional. Weekend you can study 4 to 5 hours.

Most people complete their PMP exam preparation in 2 to 3 months if they follow proper plan.

2. Use PMBOK Guide

The most important material for PMP exam preparation is PMBOK Guide (Project Management Body of Knowledge) published by PMI. This book is main reference for exam. It is little difficult to understand for new learners, but still very important. You should read it at least 2 times.

If you feel PMBOK is hard, try to use PMP simplified books to first understand topics, then come back to PMBOK for deep understanding.

3. Use Good PMP Preparation Books

Other than PMBOK, there are many good books available for PMP exam preparation. Some popular books are:

  • Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep – This book is very popular and easy to understand.

  • Head First PMP – It is colorful, fun and easy to read.

  • Andy Crowe’s The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try – Good for quick revision.

Use one or two books along with PMBOK to understand concepts better.

4. Join Online PMP Course

If you like structured study, you can join online PMP courses. They give video lessons, mock tests, flashcards and notes. Some popular platforms are:

  • Udemy

  • Coursera

  • LinkedIn Learning

  • Simplilearn

  • Innovegic

5. Practice with Mock Tests

Mock tests are very important part of PMP exam preparation. When you do mock tests, you learn time management and understand question pattern. Try to do at least 4-5 full mock exams before real test.

After each test, check answers and learn from mistakes. It helps to improve your weak areas.

How Much Time is Required for PMP Exam Preparation?

Time needed for PMP exam preparation is different for each person. But normally, people need 8 to 12 weeks to complete preparation.

If you study 2 hours daily and 5 hours on weekends, then in 10 weeks you can be ready. If your English is not strong, then you may need few more weeks to understand questions and concepts.

Important thing is consistency. Even if you study small time daily, but regular, you can succeed.

Tips for Non-Native English Speakers

If English is not your first language, PMP exam may look little harder. But do not worry. Many people from non-English background pass this exam every year.

Here are some tips:

  • Practice reading long questions in English.

  • Learn common project management terms.

  • Watch PMP videos with English subtitles.

  • Take help from PMP study groups online.

With regular practice, your understanding will improve.

Final Words on PMP Exam Preparation

PMP exam preparation needs time, focus and smart strategy. You should know what to study, how to study and how to practice. Use right books, attend training, and do mock tests.

Do not try to memorize everything. Understand the logic behind each process and situation. PMP exam checks your real-world thinking, not just theory.

Stay motivated and follow your plan. Thousands of people clear this exam every year – you can also do it with good preparation.