PMP Exam Preparation Course Instructor Guide

Project and Program Management

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Exam Preparation Course release 2.0.0

Project Management Professional (PMP®)

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www.ITpreneurs.com

Copyright © 2013 ITpreneurs. All rights reserved

Copyright Copyright and Trademark Information for Partners/Stakeholders. PMP® is a registered trademark of Project Management Institute Inc. “PMI” is a service and trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc. which is registered in the United States and other nations. “PMP” and the PMP logo are certification marks of the Project Management Institute which are registered in the United States and other nations “PMBOK" is a trademark of the Project Management Institute, Inc. which is registered in the United States and other nations. More on: www.pmi.org

Copyright © 2013 ITpreneurs. All rights reserved. Please note that the information contained in this material is subject to change without notice. Furthermore, this material contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. No part of this material may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior consent of ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. The language used in this course is US English. Our sources of reference for grammar, syntax, and mechanics are from The Chicago Manual of Style, The American Heritage Dictionary, and the Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications.

PMP® Exam Preparation Course, release 2.0.0

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Contents List of icons Vii

List of ActiVities Viii

AcknowLedgements ix

foLLow us xi

moduLe 1: course introduction 1

Introduction to the Session 2

Course Learning Objectives 3

Module Objectives 4

Modules covered in the course 5

Course Agenda 6

Module Summary 14

moduLe 2: guideLines for the PmP exAm PrePArAtion 15

Let’s Get Started 16

Module Learning Objectives 17

2.1 Exam Prerequisites 18

2.2 Exam Details 19

2.3 Application Procedures 20

2.4 Tips to Prepare for the PMP Exam 22

2.5 Tips to Take the PMP Exam 23

2.6 Tips to Prepare for the Exam 25

2.7 Recommended Books 27

Module Summary 28

moduLe 3: Project mAnAgement frAmework 29

Let’s Get started 30


3.1 Project Overview 32

3.2 The Project Life Cycle 38

3.3 Introduction to Project Management 45

3.4 Organizational Influence on Projects 61

Check your Understanding 70

Module Summary 72

moduLe 4: Project integrAtion mAnAgement 75



Overview 78

Processes 79

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4.1 Develop Project Charter 80

4.2 Develop Project Management Plan 90

4.3 Direct and Manage Project Work 103

4.4 Monitor and Control Project Work 115

4.5 Perform Integrated Change Control 128

4.6 Close Project or Phase 138

Case Study Connect 148

Check Your Understanding 150

Module Summary 154

MODULE 5: PROJECT SCOPE MANAGEMENT 155



Defi nition of Scope 158

Product Scope Versus Project Scope 159

Triple Constraint 160

Overview 161

Processes 162

5.1 Plan Scope Management 163

5.2 Collect Requirements 173

5.3 Defi ne Scope 186

5.4 Create WBS Process 197

5.5 Validate Scope 208

5.6 Control Scope 219


Check your understanding 233

Module Summary 235

MODULE 6: PROJECT TIME MANAGEMENT 237



Overview 240

Processes 241

6.1 Plan Schedule Management 243

6.2 Defi ne Activities 255

6.3 Sequence Activities 266

6.4 Estimate Activity Resources 282

6.5 Estimate Activity Durations 292

6.6 Develop Schedule 304

6.7 Control Schedule 321


Module Summary 336

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MODULE 7: PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT 337



Overview 340

Processes 341

7.1 Plan Cost Management 342

7.2 Estimate Costs 352

7.3 Determine Budget 368

7.4 Control Costs 380



Module Summary 405

MODULE 8: PROJECT QUALITY MANAGEMENT 407



Overview 410

Processes 411

8.1 Plan Quality Management 413

8.2 Perform Quality Assurance 432

8.3 Control Quality 443

Case Study connect 454

Check your understanding 458

Module Summary 464

MODULE 9: PROJECT HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 465



Overview 468

Processes 469

9.1 Plan Human Resource management 470

9.2 Acquire Project Team 482

9.3 Develop Project Team 492

9.4 Manage Project Team 506



Module Summary 525

MODULE 10: PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT 527

Let’s get Started 528


Overview 531

Processes 532

10.1 Plan Communications Management 533

10.2 Manage Communications 546

10.3 Control Communications 559

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Module Summary 575

MODULE 11: PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT 577



Overview 580

Processes 581

11.1 Plan Risk Management 582

11.2 Identify Risks 594

11.3 Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis 606

11.4 Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis 620

11.5 Plan Risk Responses 634

11.6 Control Risks 647



Module Summary 662

MODULE 12: PROJECT PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT 663



Overview 666

Processes 667

12.1 Plan Procurement Management 668

12.2 Conduct Procurements 684

12.3 Control Procurements 698

12.4 Close Procurements 710


Module Summary 723

MODULE 13: PROJECT STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT 725



Overview 728

Processes 729

13.1 Identify Stakeholders 730

13.2 Plan Stakeholder Management 740

13.3 Manage Stakeholder Engagement 750

13.4 Control Stakeholder Engagement 760



Module Summary 776

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MODULE 14: PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY 777



14.1 PMI’S Code of Conduct 780

14.2 Maintaining Certifi cation and PDUs 786

14.3 Cultural Awareness 789

14.4 Ethics in Project Management 791

Module Summary 795

APPENDIX A: CASE STUDY 797

APPENDIX B: GLOSSARY 801

APPENDIX C: ANSWERS (REFER TO STUDENT HANDBOOK) NA

APPENDIX D: RELEASE NOTES 817

INSTRUCTOR FEEDBACK FORM 819

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Copyright © 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. vii

LIST OF ICONS

Refers to content that is meant for the instructor to lecture in class

Refers to content that is meant for the student to read on his/her own in class or at home

Refers to information items that are not covered by the instructor in class but help the student understand a particular topic in detail

Refers to a Scenario-Based Activity that the student must do in class or as homework after the completion of a topic or in between a topic

Refers to an important snippet of information that the instructors should remember to touch upon while conducting an activity or during a lecture

Refers to an extra piece of information that is not very important but still good to know

Refers to space for the students to take notes

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Copyright © 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.viii

LIST OF ACTIVITIESThis course uses a variety of delivery techniques. Each of these techniques is designed to help students not only learn the material but also apply the information. The various techniques used are:

ICON NAME

Activity Time

Critical Thinking Activity

Brainstorm Activity

Teach Back

Round-Robin Discussion

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Copyright © 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. ix

Acknowledgements

We would like to sincerely thank the experts who have contributed to the development of the ITpreneurs PMP® products.

Author Douglas W. Bowers

Douglas W. Bowers lives in Seattle, Washington with his wife and son. He received an MBA from Indiana University in 2005 and earned his PMP certification in 2008. He has been a project manager for Regence Blue Shield, Group Health Cooperative, and Premer Blue

Cross. Prior to earning his MBA, he participated in many projects at Kaplan Financial where he began learning project management skills. In his spare time, he enjoys writing fiction and hiking in the mountains. Co–Author

Neal Rowland

Neal Rowland has been a Project Management Professional (PMP®) for over seven years. He began instructing others immediately after. Holding Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and conducting doctoral work in Educational Technology, Neal also holds certifications in IT Service Management (ITIL) to the Expert level

and Agile Project Management (PMI-ACP®). Beyond instructing PMP® courses worldwide, Neal is a presenter, instructional designer, app designer, and project manager. Most of his recent project management consulting has been at Microsoft and Qwizdom Interactive Technology. He has lived in Seattle for the past 8 years, but recently relocated to Detroit, Michigan, USA. Alpha Reviewer

Christine Aykac

Christine Aykac is PMP, PMI-RMP, PMI-ACP Certified. Christine Aykac has 10 years of experience in developing and delivering Project Management and PDU courses, including PMP, PMI-RMP, and PMI-ACP exam preparation.

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Copyright © 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.x

Review Board Members Zachy Olorunojowon

Information Systems Governance Training & Consulting

Klaus Nielsen GBD

June Folk Computer Sciences Corporation

Gloria Quintanilla Osorio Actio Tecnología SC

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Copyright © 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. xi

www.ITpreneurs.com

Copyright © 2013 ITpreneurs. All rights reserved

Follow us

Before you start the course, please take a moment to:

“Like us” on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ITpreneurs

“Follow us” on Twitter http://twitter.com/ITpreneurs

"Add us in your circle" on Google Plus http://gplus.to/ITpreneurs

"Link with us" on Linkedin http://www.linkedin.com/company/ITpreneurs

"Watch us" on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/ITpreneurs

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Module1Course Introduction

Copyright © 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved. 1

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PMP® Exam Preparation Course

INTRODUCTION TO THE SESSION

1

PMP® ExamPreparation

Welcome!Share with the class:

Your name

Your profession

Your role

Your background in project management

Your familiarity with PMI’s PMP Certification

Your expectation from the course

Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Preparation CourseCourse Introduction

1. Welcome the participants to the training and introduce yourself.

2. Share your experience and background in project management and PMI’s PMP Certification with the class.

Delivery Instructions

Copyright © 2013, ITpreneurs Nederland B.V. All rights reserved.2

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Instructor | PMP® Exam Preparation Course | Course Introduction

It is important to understand each participant’s level of knowledge because during the training participants may face the following challenges:

● Difficulty in understanding the concepts taught during the training. ● Too much influence of their own experience and resistance to the thought-pattern changes

required for the PMP exam.To help the participants overcome these challenges, you must question the participants about their expectations from the course.

You can record the participants’ expectations on a flip chart. The expectations may range from passing the exam to wanting to implement the changes in their organization. As you record them, you can begin to manage their expectations within the scope of this training. You can also use this exercise to start introducing the key concepts of the course.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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At the end of this course, you will be able to:Explain the key features of the PMP exam.

Identify the steps for gaining approval from PMI and preparing for the exam.

Describe the fundamentals of project management.

Implement the project management practices related to project management processes.

Define the goals, tools, and techniques of the ten Project Management Knowledge Areas.

Practice answering PMP-style exam questions based on the covered topics.

Introduction to the Session: Course Learning ObjectivesCourse Introduction


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All of you have certain expectations. Let us now look at how this course is going to help you. Let’s have a look at the objectives of the course. The first module of this course will explain how we are going to meet these objectives.

MODULE OBJECTIVES

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At the end of this module, you will be able to:Identify the PMP knowledge areas.

Define the course structure.

Use the Participant Handbook to enhance learning.

Understand the course mock exam process.

Introduction to the Session: Module ObjectivesCourse Introduction

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

● Identify the PMP knowledge areas. ● Define the course structure. ● Use the Participant Handbook to enhance learning. ● Understand the course mock exam process.


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MODULES COVERED IN THE COURSE

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Modules covered in the course:1. Course Introduction

2. Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation

3. Project Management Framework

4. Project Integration Management

5. Project Scope Management

6. Project Time Management

7. Project Cost Management

8. Project Quality Management

9. Project Human Resource Management

10. Project Communications Management

11. Project Risk Management

12. Project Procurement Management

13. Project Stakeholder Management

14. Professional Responsibility

Introduction to the Session: Modules CoveredCourse Introduction

There will be 14 modules in this course. The modules are:

1. Course Introduction

2. Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation

3. Project Management Framework

4. Project Integration Management

5. Project Scope Management

6. Project Time Management

7. Project Cost Management

8. Project Quality Management

9. Project Human Resource Management

10. Project Communications Management

11. Project Risk Management


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12. Project Procurement Management

13. Project Stakeholder Management

14. Professional Responsibility

1. Review the five-day Course Agenda with the participants.

2. Refer to Appendix A for the Course Agenda.

3. Inform the participants that there will be a one-hour or forty-five minutes lunch break each day. Lunch is available on site.


COURSE AGENDA

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PMP® ExamPreparation Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda

Course Introduction

Pre-Course Self Study Module Module Name Start End Total Time

(in hours)

Online Assessment Pre-Course Mock Exam 01:00


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PMP® ExamPreparation Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda – Day One

Course Introduction

Day 1Module Module Name Start End Total Time

(in hours)

Morning Refreshment 8:00 8:15 0:15

Module 1 Course Intro 8:15 8:30 0:15

Module 2 Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation 8:30 9:00 0:30

Module 3 Project Management Framework 9:00 11:30 2:30

Case Study Discussion 11:30 12:00 0:30

Lunch 12:00 1:00 1:00

Module 4 Project Integration Management 1:00 3:00 2:00

Module 5 Project Scope Management 3:00 4:00 1:00

Evening Refreshment 4:00 4:15 0:15

Module 5 Project Scope Management 4:15 5:30 1:15

Effective Classroom Learning Hours 8:00

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PMP® ExamPreparation Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda – Day Two

Course Introduction


(in hours)


Module 6 Project Time Management 8:15 12:00 3:45

Lunch 12:00 1:00 1:00

Module 7 Project Cost Management 1:00 3:15 2:15

Module 8 Project Quality Management 3:15 4:00 0:45





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PMP® ExamPreparation Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda – Day Three

Course Introduction


(in hours)



Module 9 Project Human Resource Management 9:15 12:00 2:45

Lunch 12:00 1:00 1:00

Module 10 Project Communications Management 1:00 4:00 3:00



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PMP® ExamPreparation Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda – Day Four

Course Introduction


(in hours)


Module 11 Project Risk Management 8:15 10:15 2:00

Module 12 Project Procurement Management 10:15 12:15 2:00

LUNCH 12:15 1:00 0:45

Module 13 Project Stakeholder Management 1:00 3:30 2:30

Module 14 Professional Responsibility 3:30 4:00 0:30




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PMP® ExamPreparation Introduction to the Session: Course Agenda

Course Introduction

Post-Course Self StudyModule Module Name Start End Total Time

(in hours)

Online Assessment 1 Post-Course Mock Exam 4:00

Online Assessment 2 Post-Course Mock Exam 4:00


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Overview

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PMP® ExamPreparation Introduction to the Session: Overview

Project Management

Process Groups

Initiating

Planning

Executing

Monitoring and Controlling

Closing

Course Introduction

Through these 14 modules, this Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Preparation Course will assist you in acquiring the knowledge required for passing the exam. You will understand and implement the project management practices related to project management processes. These processes are categorized into five groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing Process Groups. This course also covers the fundamental principles of project management, project organization, and the project life cycle.


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PMP® ExamPreparation Introduction to the Session: Overview

Course Introduction

Project Management Knowledge Areas

Human Resources

Scope

Quality Cost

Communication

Stakeholder Management Risk

Time

Integration Procurement

The PMP Exam Preparation Course will also cover the activities, tools, and techniques related to the Project Management Knowledge Areas:

● Project Integration Management ● Project Scope Management ● Project Time Management ● Project Cost Management ● Project Quality Management ● Project Human Resource Management ● Project Communication Management ● Project Risk Management ● Project Procurement Management ● Project Stakeholder Management

A more detailed understanding of the exam and each of these areas will be provided in the successive modules of this courseware.


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Student Reference Material and Student

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PMP® ExamPreparation Introduction to the Session: Student Reference Material

Course Introduction

Student Reference Material contains the concepts that are covered in the class.

Now, walk through the student materials with participants. Explain where they will find all required information.



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Mock Exams

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Pre-Course Mock Exam:40 multiple-choice online exam questions. These 40 questions check the current level of knowledge of the participants and recommend focus areas for the course. Participants can take the online pre-test from any location.

2 Post-Course Mock Exam each having:200 PMP-style, multiple-choice exam questions. These are also an online exam.

Introduction to the Session: Mock ExamCourse Introduction

There are two sample exam sets associated with this course, Pre-Course Mock Exam and Post-Course Mock Exam. These are provided as self-study kits. Through these exams, you will become familiar with the format and strategy of PMP exam questions and will be well prepared for the exam.

You would have already taken the Pre-Course Mock Exam. The Pre-Course Mock Exam, as you noticed, contains a set of 40 multiple-choice exam questions and includes a rationale with each correct answer. These 40 questions check your current level of knowledge and recommend focus areas for the course. You can take the online pre-test from any location. The Post-Course Mock Exam contains two sets, each of 200 PMP-style multiple-choice questions with correct answers and rationale. On the last day of this classroom training, you will have the opportunity to attempt the Post-Course Mock Exam questions. This is also an online exam.


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MODULE SUMMARY

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Introduction to the Session:This course covers the project management process groups and project management knowledge areas through 14 modules.

There are two sample exam sets associated with this course, Pre-Course Mock Exam and two sets of Post-Course Mock Exam.

Module SummaryCourse Introduction

Here are the concepts that we covered in this module.


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Module2Guidelines for the PMP Exam

Preparation

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LET’S GET STARTED

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Guidelines for the PMP Exam PreparationLet’s Get Started!

Let’s go through the PMP exam preparation guidelines for preparing and taking the PMP exam!

This module will guide you in filling out the PMP exam application form and provide tips for preparing and for taking the PMP exam.

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Instructor | PMP® Exam Preparation Course | Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation


MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

2


Guidelines for the PMP Exam Preparation

At the end of this module, you will be able to:Identify the prerequisites of the exam and exam details.

Identify the steps required to enroll for the PMP exam.

Practice applying the exam tips.

Identify the recommended books for taking the exam.

Module Learning Objectives

This module will help you identify the prerequisites of the exam, exam details, and steps for filling out the PMP exam application form. The module will also provide tips for preparing and taking the PMP exam and list of books recommended for taking the PMP exam.

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2.1 EXAM PREREQUISITES

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Official approval from PMI for taking the exam is based on:

For further details, refer to the following website: http://www.pmi.org/

Exam Prerequisites

Education Project Management Education

Project Management Experience

Experience

Four-year bachelor’s or global equivalent degree

Thirty-five hours 4,500 hours of leading or directing projects

Three years

Secondary high school or global equivalent diploma

Thirty-five hours 7,500 hours of leading or directing projects

Five years

Exam PrerequisitesTo take the PMP exam through the Project Management Institute (PMI), you must gain official approval from PMI. Approval is based on a set number of documented professional experience hours and verification of your formal education. You need thirty-five hours of project management education. This course satisfies this requirement.

For further details, refer to the following website: http://www.pmi.org/

This course assumes that you have some project management work experience.

Just Concluded T R A N S I T I O N

2.2Exam Details

2.1Exam Prerequisites

Coming Up

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2.2 EXAM DETAILS

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Guidelines for the PMP Exam PreparationExam Details

Duration: Four hours

Questions: 200 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four answer options.

Scoring scheme: One point for every correct answer

• Initiating—13 percent

• Planning—24 percent

• Executing—30 percent

• Monitoring and controlling—25 percent

• Closing—8 percent

Total number of scored questions—175

Total number of unscored questions—25

Overall score— Pass or fail

Format: Online and paper format

Domain knowledge ranking: Proficient, Moderately Proficient, and Below Proficient

Contact hours: Thirty-five hours formal training with Accredited Training Organization (ATO)

Personal study hours by PMI: Twelve hours

PMI no longer publicly announces a passing score for the exam. Passing is determined on the basis of the rank of the candidate. There are three ranks: Proficient, Moderately Proficient, and Below Proficient. These ranks again are based on the proficiency in the tested domains. A candidate should get at least a Moderately Proficient rank in a majority of the domains for passing the exam.

Explain the exam details shown on the slide. Encourage participants to aim for a score of 75 percent or higher so that they get well prepared for the exam.



2.3Application Procedures

2.2Exam Details

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2.3 APPLICATION PROCEDURES

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Applying through the PMI online process helps you check your status throughout the process of earning and maintaining the PMP certification. The processing of paper-based application takes 10-14 days while online application processing takes around 5 days. Submit the fee only after the application is approved by PMI. In case of filling the online application form, pay the fee through credit card. Fill the application form in English only.

Application Procedures

The PMI paper-based application process

The PMI online application process

You can fill the PMP application either on paper or online. Applying through the PMI online process helps you check your status throughout the process of earning and maintaining the PMP certification.

Each participant has to sign in the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct program and agree to adhere to a high standard of ethical behavior.

For details on the PMP Certification, fee structure, and application procedures, refer to: www.pmi.org

Before moving to the next slide, discuss a bit about the Experience Verification form to familiarize the participants with the form that each one has to fill in and submit to PMI.


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The Experience Verification FormThe Experience Verification form indicates the number of hours the participant has worked in each of the five process areas: initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing.

Each candidate has to document and report the project management experience in the Verification Form for each project. The form should be filled accurately and submitted within the required timeframe.

The following documents should be entered on the application:

1. A copy of degree or diploma certificate.

2. Proof of completing a PM education class. It is only required if audited.

Application Procedures

Each participant has to document the experience in leading or handling projects in all domains within 200 words or less. The following documents should be entered on the application:

1. A copy of degree or diploma certificate.

2. Proof of completing a PM education class. It is only required if audited.

For electronic submissions of the application, your documents may be audited at two predetermined junctures: first, immediately after submitting your application and second, after PMI’s approval of the application on the basis of payment for the exam. A minority of applicants are randomly audited. In case your application is rejected, provide hard copies of your experience declarations signed by the sponsor or supervisor.


2.4Tips to Prepare for the PMP Exam

2.3Application Procedures

Coming Up

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2.4 TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE PMP EXAM

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Study tips

Tips to Prepare for the PMP Exam

Plan a study schedule that includes practice test time for each day.

Create Learning Maps by drawing pictures you can easily remember for each knowledge area.

Familiarize yourself with the content outline for the PMP exam.

Devote time in group study along with your friends and colleagues who are preparing for the PMP exam.

Read the PMBOK and additional books recommended in this module.

Solve as many possible PMP sample questions as you can.

Here are the points you should keep in mind while preparing for the PMP exam.


2.5Tips to Take the PMP Exam

2.4Tips to Prepare for the PMP Exam

Coming Up

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2.5 TIPS TO TAKE THE PMP EXAM

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Here are the points you should keep in mind while taking the PMP exam:

Tips to Take the PMP Exam

Read each question thoroughly before answering it. Remember that there will be qualifiers such as NOT and BEST.

Read all answer options even if you see the correct answer. Identify and eliminate the distracter options.

Skip the questions that you are not sure of and review them later.

Use your PMBOK knowledge in selecting the best answers. When in doubt, listen to your gut feeling and mark the best option. You will not lose points for providing the wrong answer.

Time should be monitored as you have to complete all questions in four hours.

Create a brain dump sheet consisting of formulas, theories, knowledge areas, processes, and so on.

Here are the points you should keep in mind while taking the PMP exam:

● During the first 15 minutes of PMP exam, create a brain dump sheet consisting of formulas, theories, knowledge areas, processes, and so on. You can quickly refer to this sheet during the exam and efficiently manage your time. This will not count towards the 4 hours you have to take the test.

● Read each question thoroughly before answering it. Do not assume that you know what is being asked. Remember that there will be qualifiers such as NOT and BEST.

● Read all the answer options even if you see the correct answer while attempting the questions. There could be more correct answers available. Identify and eliminate the distracter options.

● Skip the questions that you don’t have answers for right away and come back to them later. However, you can also mark or flag such a question with an answer, so that you can revisit the same before the final submission of the exam. This will help you give the potential answer as per the current thought process and revisit it later to check and validate the thought process.

● Use your PMBOK knowledge in selecting the best answers. When in doubt, listen to your gut feeling and mark the best option. You will not lose points for providing the wrong answer.

● The PMP exam is about problem solving. The questions are worded as “you are a PM, your project is broken, fix it.” The key to fixing the problem in a project is always applying a PMP tool or ethical concept. You have to know the model, the tools and rules, and how to apply them.

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● Time should be monitored as you have to complete all questions in four hours.

Ask the participants not to get stuck on a question, mark it and come back on it again. It may be a question that is not even scored and coming back to a question with fresh eyes may help them understand the question clearer.


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The PMP exam tests your ability to apply knowledge and skills for analyzing different situations. Here are some of the strategies for understanding the types of question:

Situation-based questions

Questions with nonrelevant information

Questions that have more than one correct answer

Questions based on a known topic but with a new approach

Lengthy questions filled with jargon

Question Strategies

The PMP exam will not test your memory, but your ability to apply your knowledge and skills to analyze different situations. Most of the PMP exam questions are situation-based, taking clues from the real world.

Tips

● Use your analytical skills in answering the questions. ● Recall lessons learned from your projects and real-life experiences. ● Do not overstrain yourself by memorizing all the information in the books at one time, though it is

useful to memorize definitions and concepts. ● Expect around 10-12 questions based on definitions, concepts, and general management

knowledge.

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● Learn the formulas properly because 8-10 questions are formula-based. ● Seek out and remove distracters.

● You can expect 4–8 earned-value questions that could include some degree of calculation.

● The exam will spell out all acronyms to avoid confusion.


2.6Tips to Prepare for the Exam

2.5Tips to Take the PMP Exam

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2.6 TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAM

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Here are some important tips for the exam:Schedule time to study and review the study material.

Schedule an exam date and commit to it.

Review the syllabus in your course material.

Use the syllabus to focus on the corresponding chapters in PMBOK.

Make note of the unique business situation presented.

Tips to Prepare for the Exam

Here are some useful tips for the exam:

● Schedule time to study and review the study material to prepare for the final exam. The PMI recommends twelve hours of personal study time in addition to the assigned classroom study time. The content to support such personal study for this course has been provided in the Student Reference Material.

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● Schedule an exam date and commit to it. Participants who have a predetermined date to sit for the exam, even if they change it later, are more likely to take and pass the exam than those with no clear target or commit date.

● Review the syllabus in your course material. ● Use the syllabus to focus on the corresponding chapters in A Guide to the Project Management

Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). ● Make note of the unique business situation presented. This business situation or the scenario may

point you in the direction of the best answer from the list.

You may direct the participants to do a mind-map exercise to review the concepts they learned during the day. Advise them to schedule time each day to read through the sections covered in class on that day. This will refresh their memory and reinforce the concepts learned in class.

Refer to Appendix B for a sample mind-map exercise and instructions on how to do this exercise. The exercise will help the participants discover gaps in their understanding. You may utilize breaks at the start or end of the class to discuss these gaps and clarify the concepts.

Advise the participants to use homework time to attempt the sample test questions.

Tell them to read the PMBOK. It is the definite source and basis of the exam. However, the exam goes beyond this base material. The PMBOK, fifth Edition, is best read after completing or during the corresponding modules, although there is no harm in reading or skimming it beforehand.

The PMBOK is included in electronic form with the PMI membership. Encourage participants to become a PMI member for the first year because they will get a discount greater than the membership fee. They will also receive the e-format PMBOK, monthly periodicals, and other resources.

The PMBOK, fifth Edition can also be procured in paperback from bookstores.

Remark:

While these suggested ideas for structured personal study will significantly contribute to the participants’ learning, it is not mandatory to follow these ideas.


2.7Recommended Books

2.6Tips to Prepare for the Exam

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2.7 RECOMMENDED BOOKS

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The recommended books for the PMP exam preparation are:PMBOK Guide, Fifth Edition, by Project Management Institute

The PMP Exam: How to Pass On Your First Try, by Andy Crowe

PMP Exam Prep, Eighth Edition, by Rita Mulcahy

PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide by Kim Heldman

Head First PMP: A Brain-Friendly Guide to Passing the Project Management Professional Exam by Andrew Stellman and Jennifer Greene

Recommended Books

For preparing for the examination, it is necessary to know about the recommended books and reading materials that you should read before appearing for the examination.


2.8Module Summary

2.7Recommended Books

Coming Up

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MODULE SUMMARY

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In this module, we covered the following concepts:Prerequisites of the exam and exam details

Guidelines for filling out the PMP exam application form

Study plan for covering maximum content in a stipulated time

Exam tips for preparing and taking the PMP exam

Recommended books and reading materials

Module Summary

This module has covered the prerequisites of the exam and exam details along with the steps for filling out the PMP exam application form. The module also covered the tips for preparing and taking the PMP exam and the recommended books for the exam preparation.

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Documents

PMP Exam Preparation Course Instructor Guide