Get

PMP® Certified

The 5-week
Guaranteed-Pass
Study-Plan
List of Content
Introduction

The Challenges

Exam content and course outline

A Typical iCert Global’s 5-Week Study Plan

Step-by-step study plan

Tips and Strategies

Mistakes to Avoid

The Fifth Week

Types of Questions

Some tips when giving the exam

Summary
Introduction
Welcome to the transformative journey of the PMP Certification Course –
your gateway to mastering the art and science of effective project
management.

In today's dynamic and competitive business landscape, the ability to

skillfully lead projects from conception to completion is a defining factor in
organizational success. The Project Management Professional (PMP)
certification stands as a testament to your expertise in this realm, a
validation of your mastery of project management principles that transcend
industries and continents.

Our PMP Certification Course is more than just a pathway to passing the
PMP exam; it's a comprehensive exploration of the methodologies,
strategies, and best practices that underpin successful project execution.
Led by experienced industry practitioners, this course delves deep into the
core facets of project management, empowering you with the knowledge
and skills to confidently steer projects towards accomplishment,
irrespective of their scale or complexity.

Throughout this journey, you will gain insights into project initiation,
planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. You will discover how to
deftly navigate challenges, allocate resources judiciously, and align project
outcomes with organizational objectives. Beyond theory, our interactive
approach equips you with practical tools, real-world case studies, and
collaborative exercises that simulate the complexities of actual project
scenarios.

The PMP Certification Course isn't just about acquiring a credential; it's
about honing your leadership capabilities, refining your problem-solving
acumen, and expanding your professional horizons. Whether you're an
aspiring project manager or a seasoned professional seeking to elevate
your career, this course equips you with the expertise to drive projects to
success in any context.

As you embark on this educational voyage, be prepared to challenge

yourself, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and gain insights that
will shape your approach to project management. Your journey towards
becoming a certified Project Management Professional starts now, and
we're honored to accompany you every step of the way.
 The Challenges
In the pursuit of project management excellence, professionals often
encounter a diverse array of challenges that demand strategic thinking,
adaptability, and effective problem-solving. As you embark on the journey
of mastering the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
Course, it's crucial to recognize and understand these challenges:

1. Scope Management: Clearly defining and controlling the scope of a

project is a perennial challenge. Balancing client expectations, changing
requirements, and evolving project objectives requires constant vigilance to
prevent scope creep and ensure project alignment.
2. Resource Constraints: Managing projects within limited resources,
including time, budget, and human resources, necessitates careful
allocation and optimization to prevent overruns and delays.
3. Risk Mitigation: Anticipating and mitigating potential risks is a critical
aspect of project management. Identifying vulnerabilities and implementing
proactive strategies to minimize their impact is a continuous process that
demands a comprehensive risk management approach.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Effectively communicating and engaging with
stakeholders with diverse interests and expectations can be complex.
Balancing the needs of clients, team members, sponsors, and other
stakeholders requires skillful communication and negotiation.
5. Change Management: In an ever-evolving landscape, projects often
encounter changes in requirements, scope, or objectives. Managing these
changes while maintaining project integrity and minimizing disruption
requires a flexible approach and strong change management skills.
6. Team Dynamics: Leading a diverse team, often comprised of individuals
with varying skill sets, backgrounds, and personalities, presents challenges
in terms of collaboration, motivation, and conflict resolution.
7. Time Management: Meeting project milestones and deadlines can be
demanding, especially when facing unexpected obstacles. Efficiently
managing time, prioritizing tasks, and adapting schedules are key to
successful project delivery.
8. Quality Assurance: Ensuring the deliverables meet the desired quality
standards is an ongoing challenge. Balancing quality assurance efforts with
other project constraints requires careful planning and execution.
9. Communication Complexity: Communicating project status, updates, and
challenges across different stakeholders, often with varying levels of
 technical knowledge, demands clear and effective communication
strategies.
10. Integration of Technologies: In the digital age, integrating new
technologies into projects can be both advantageous and complex.
Overcoming technical challenges and ensuring seamless integration are
crucial for success.
11. Globalization and Cultural Diversity: Managing projects across
geographic locations and diverse cultural backgrounds adds an extra layer
of complexity to project management, necessitating cultural sensitivity and
adaptability.

While these challenges may seem daunting, they also offer opportunities
for growth and development. The PMP Certification Course equips you with
the knowledge, tools, and strategies to navigate these challenges with
confidence, enhancing your ability to lead successful projects in an ever-
changing environment.

PMI PMP Exam

Course Content and
Exam Content Outline
Here's a brief overview of the PMP exam curriculum, outlining what you can
expect to find on the exam.

Deconstructing the material without the guidance of an expert can consume

precious weeks. Facing the task of repeatedly reading through the content
without gaining comprehension can be an overwhelming challenge.

Module 1 - The Business Environment

Module 2 - Start the Project

Module 3 - Plan the Project

Module 4 - Lead the Team

Module 5 - Support the project team

Module 6 - Close the project

A Typical
iCertGlobal’s 5-Week
Study Plan
 Study or Review Plan: Dedicate 2.5 hours each day for studying or
reviewing the course content provided by iCert Global and PMI. Stick
to the weekly schedule that corresponds with the exam content
outline. Additionally, make effective use of iCert Global PMP Online
Learning Course (OLC), which serves as a valuable supplementary
resource.
 Incorporate Flashcards and Document Review: Allocate 3 hours
weekly to utilize iCert Global Flash Cards (optional) and engage in
reviewing relevant course materials, including the iCert Global Test
Theme Document.
 Engage with Recorded Videos: Dedicate 1 hour each week to watch
recorded videos that align with the weekly assigned Course Content.
 Weekly Clarification Meeting: Plan a 1-hour session every week for
addressing doubts and questions with a iCert Global coach or
mentor. These professionals possess extensive expertise and are
committed to supporting your success.
 Progress Assessment Test: Complete a weekly Progress
Assessment Test that evaluates the content covered during that
week. Your performance on this test will guide mentors in deciding
whether you're prepared to advance to the next week. This
assessment aligns with ICert Global’s goal of maintaining an
outcome-focused approach to all activities.
Note
 No Minimum Passing Score: The exam does not have a specified
minimum passing score or grade.
 Three Domains Breakdown: The exam is categorized into three
domains.
o People Domain Emphasis: The people domain concentrates on
leadership and comprises 42% of the total questions.
o Process Domain Focus: The process domain addresses
technical skills and accounts for 50% of the exam's 180
questions.
o Business Domain Coverage: The business domain
encompasses aspects like business acumen, compliance, and
organizational change management, contributing to the
remaining 8% of the exam.
 Scoring in Domains: Proficiency is assessed within each domain
using four levels: above target, proficient, below target, and needs
improvement, which signifies a failure.
 Application Assistance Importance: The application assistance phase
holds substantial significance, almost equivalent to the exam itself.
Failing at this stage could render your efforts futile.

Step-by-Step
Study Plan
This plan is designed to comprehensively address all essential components
of the PMP curriculum, effectively preparing you for the exam—even if
you're pursuing your studies independently. While some of the numerical
values might appear conservative, rest assured that the plan is strategically
structured to ensure your thorough readiness.
Day 1-3 (6 hours):
Familiarize Yourself with the PMP Certification Handbook: Begin by
thoroughly reading the PMP Certification Handbook to gain a deep
understanding of the exam's structure and requirements. Access this
valuable resource from the official PMI website by downloading the PMP
Handbook. Immerse yourself in the PMP concepts as presented by PMI to
establish a strong foundation.

Day 8-14 (~14 hours):

Commence the Exploration of Project Management Concepts: Initiate your

journey by engaging with the free video series on Project Management
concepts by Aileen Ellis, available on YouTube. Prioritize comprehension
over rote memorization. Do not be concerned if certain concepts elude you
initially; remember that you can revisit and review the material for deeper
understanding.

Day 15-20 (~10 hours):

Persist in the Project Management Video Series: Progress through the
video series on Project Management diligently. Ensure that you cover all
ten knowledge areas, as these crucial aspects are expertly explained by
Aileen Ellis in the videos.

Day 21-23 (6 hours):

Start solving questions from free question banks. Again – be careful what
you chose to study. You can find free mock exams at Oliver Lehmann's
website (https://www.oliverlehmann.com/) or Exam Central
(https://www.examcentral.net/pmp/pmp-exam-questions). Look for your
weaknesses and once you find them go back and fix those

Day 24-26 (6 hours):

Sustained Question Practice: Maintain your question-solving regimen.
Strive to accomplish a minimum of 1,000 questions prior to your exam date.
Consistent practice will fortify your preparation and bolster your confidence.

Day 27-29 (6 hours):

Pinpoint Challenging Areas: Analyze your performance in the question

banks to identify areas where you face difficulty. Target these specific
topics for further attention. Revisit these challenging concepts in the
PMBOK Guide or review relevant videos to reinforce your understanding
and resolve any lingering doubts. This approach will help solidify your
grasp on these challenging areas.

Day 32-35 (8 hours):

In preparation for the exam, meticulously review all knowledge areas and
utilize the glossary in the PMBOK Guide to deepen your comprehension of
project management terminology.

Day 36-38 (12 hours):

Complete Additional Simulation Tests: Prior to the exam, complete a

minimum of two more full-length simulation tests. Analyze your errors and
revisit challenging topics to enhance your understanding. This approach
will help you acclimate to the process of sitting down and concentrating,
preparing you for the 3-4 hour duration of the actual exam.

Day 39 (4 hours):

Conduct a Swift Recap: Prior to the exam, conduct a rapid review of

essential formulas, process groups, and knowledge areas. Note that the
process domain constitutes 50% of the exam questions, necessitating
focused attention in your preparation.

And finally - Day 40

Take a Moment to Unwind: In the final stretch, engage in light revision,

particularly for areas where you feel less confident. Remember not to
overly stress yourself. You've diligently prepared and given your best effort.
Trust in your preparation and approach the exam with confidence.

Important Note: This study plan is designed for independent preparation.

With commitment and self-discipline, success in passing the exam and
obtaining certification is well within your reach. Stick to this plan, and you'll
be on your way to achieving your goal.

The Fifth Week

This week serves as supplementary support if required.

Use this time for tasks such as refining your application and putting the
finishing touches on your exam preparation, ensuring that all details are
meticulously addressed.

Tips and Strategies

Understand, don't memorize:

The PMP exam doesn't hinge on memorization; it centers on

comprehending processes, tools, and techniques. Focus on grasping the
rationale behind each concept, as understanding is key to success.
Practice by answering a lot of questions:

Engage with questions to boost familiarity with the exam format. Strive to
solve a substantial number—aim for at least 1,000 questions—before your
exam. This practice will enhance your confidence and readiness.

Review incorrect answers:

Avoid simply marking questions and proceeding. Instead, thoroughly

analyze why you answered a question incorrectly. This process is where
the most valuable learning occurs, helping you understand and rectify
mistakes effectively.

Manage your time:

The PMP exam spans 230 minutes and features 180 questions. During
your mock tests, focus on time management to avoid rushing on the actual
exam day. Divide the exam into four segments. After completing one
segment, take a moment to catch your breath before proceeding. This
strategy will help you manage time effectively and maintain composure.

Exercise mark for review option:

You have the ability to mark questions for later review, which is crucial
since some questions might be perplexing. This feature allows you to revisit
those questions after your initial run-through of the exam, providing a
chance to reconsider and refine your answers.

Focus on key areas:

Certain areas carry greater significance in the exam, including risk

management, scope management, cost management, time management,
and change management. Prioritize developing a robust understanding of
these topics, as they hold considerable weight in the exam's content.

Take care of yourself:

Ensure Adequate Rest, Exercise, and Nutrition: Prioritize sufficient sleep,

maintain a regular exercise routine, and consume a balanced diet. Effective
studying is hindered by exhaustion or poor health. Keep in mind that the
exam doesn't only test your mental stamina but also your physical
endurance.

Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid last-minute cramming:

PMP exam assesses comprehension, not memorization. Last-minute

cramming could lead to more confusion than clarity. The vast amount of
information covered is challenging to absorb in a short time. Focus on
understanding rather than rote learning.

Don’t miss a day:

Even a single misstep, despite following our program, can feel like a
setback, potentially necessitating a reset or even a restart of your
preparation journey. Consistency and attention to detail are paramount for
a successful outcome.

Don't underestimate the exam:

The PMP exam is indeed rigorous and demanding, reflecting the

responsibilities of a Project Manager. Approach this challenge with due
respect and prepare yourself adequately to meet its demands.

Don't skip mock tests:

Mock tests play a pivotal role in comprehending the exam format,

enhancing time management, and boosting your confidence. Skipping
these tests is not advisable; aim to undertake multiple full-length mock
exams to solidify your readiness.

Don't ignore your weak areas:

While the inclination is natural to concentrate on your strengths, the PMP

exam demands attention to your weaknesses. Addressing these areas not
only strengthens your overall knowledge but can also transform them into
your strengths over time.

Avoid distractors:

In the PMP exam, distractor answers that appear plausible are common.
Cultivate the skill of identifying and disregarding these distractors through
practice. This ability is pivotal for accurate decision-making during the
exam.

Don’t rush through questions:

Exercise meticulous attention when reading both questions and answer

choices. Misinterpreting a question can readily steer you toward an
incorrect response. Careful reading is instrumental in selecting the right
answer.
Beware of breaks:

Keep in mind that time keeps ticking during the exam. While breaks are
possible at a testing center, taking breaks during a home-based exam can
be more challenging due to monitoring requirements. For an online exam,
you'll need to log in 35 minutes before the exam and have your computer
camera on to prevent unauthorized assistance. Always remember,
regardless of the setting, the clock does not pause during the exam.

Types of Exam
Questions
Situational

During the exam, you assume the role of a project manager. The questions
present scenarios related to project initiation, execution, monitoring, and
closure. You'll encounter various situations that challenge your application
of course content and your capacity to employ your conceptual
understanding. Your ability to navigate these scenarios effectively will
determine your success on the exam.

Questions that follow process

These principles hold paramount importance and have broad applicability

across the entirety of the course material.

Extraneous info

Be prepared for the possibility of encountering entire paragraphs of

information that might not be directly applicable to your exam. Stay focused
on identifying and extracting the relevant details to answer the questions
effectively.

Made up terms

Expect direct and straightforward questions that might include fictional

terms intended to confuse you. Maintain your composure and carefully
analyze these questions to identify the underlying concepts being tested.

Multiple Choice / Hotspot

The exam will feature questions where you'll need to either select the
correct option from multiple choices or fill in the blanks appropriately. Be
prepared for both question formats during your exam.

Through our program, you'll acquire the skill to efficiently identify necessary
information to answer questions accurately, while also recognizing what
information is unnecessary for the task at hand. This ability is essential for
successful exam performance.
Some tips
When giving the
exam?
 Evaluate Before Acting: Prioritize evaluation before taking action.
Follow the process to arrive at the correct solution.
 Address Problems Promptly: Proactively address problems instead of
delaying, as unresolved issues tend to escalate.
 Embrace Servant Leadership: Adopt a servant leader approach,
emphasizing mentoring and coaching over authoritative direction.
 Distinguish Approach: Determine whether the question pertains to
Agile, Traditional, or a hybrid project management approach.
 Prioritize the Project: Put the project's interests first when making
decisions.
 Guard Against Change: Safeguard projects by managing and
mitigating changes effectively.
 Adopt PMI-ism: Choose answers that align with PMI-isms, which
reflect the specific language and principles of the PMI.

During your preparation phase, learning from incorrect answers is as

valuable as learning from correct ones. When taking mock exams or
responding to practice questions, ensure that you understand why you
answered a question incorrectly. This approach contributes significantly to
your overall understanding and readiness.

Once you've completed your preparation, don't delay. Seize the moment
when the information is still fresh in your mind. When you feel ready, take
the exam without hesitation. Trust in your preparation and give it your best
shot.

In Summary
Indeed, every candidate must accumulate 35 Professional Development
Units (PDUs) to meet the qualification criteria for the exam. These PDUs
signify a commitment to ongoing professional development within the field
of project management.

Absolutely, seeking guidance from an expert trainer or mentor can be

incredibly beneficial. They can help clarify complex concepts, provide
valuable insights, and offer guidance on selecting the right study materials.
Their experience can significantly enhance your understanding and
preparation for the PMP exam.

While independent preparation has led many to success, enlisting the

support of a PMI certified partner can greatly aid in reaching your goal. The
PMP certification holds transformative potential, making the effort
worthwhile. With an expert trainer's guidance, your probability of passing
the exam significantly rises, enhancing your journey to success.

If you're pursuing independent preparation, diligently adhere to the study

plan. Complete 2-3 mock exams and strive for a minimum score of 80%
before attempting the actual exam. This ensures a robust level of readiness
and increases your chances of success.

Best of Luck

Team iCertGlobal