Do you think a PMP study schedule is important for passing the certification exam?
I am sure you do. You are a project manager and you would know the importance of planning.
A formal PMP exam prep schedule is an essential ingredient for passing the certification test. You must prepare it, if you want to pass the exam in your first attempt.
I have created a sample study schedule for the PMP aspirants like you. It is available as a part of my free exam prep guide. You can download the guide by clicking on the button below.
After downloading the guide, you should customize the schedule to suit your study needs.
PMP Study Schedule
Most Exam Have Deadlines
Do you remember your school days?
You always had a definite date for the exams. You didn’t have unlimited time for any exam preparation.
Did you pass your school exams when you studied well? I am sure you did. Otherwise, you would not be reading this mail. 🙂
You should treat the PMP exam like a regular school exam. You should set a target date for yourself and prepare a well-defined study schedule.
PMP Exam is a Project
You would know that passing the PMP credential exam and attaining certification is a project. And, every project should have a firm deadline.
A project is not a project without a hard objective and well-defined deadline. It is just a hobby.
Now, you might be wondering why a study schedule is so important. Let me tell you the main reasons for preparing a schedule.
Why You Should Prepare a Formal Schedule for the PMP Exam Prep
- Exam preparation without a time bound objective is not studying. It is just wasting time.
- Parkinson’s Law states that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. PMP exam (or any other thing that you may want to pursue in life) will never be completed if you allocate unlimited time for it.
- Human mind is extremely powerful but it needs constant exercise. You can give it constant exercise by doing a regular study. Your mind won’t retain the studied knowledge, if you study one day and don’t study the next.
- Your motivation and confidence will increase as you study regularly. On the other hand, delaying and postponing the exam will increase your difficulties.
- There are tangible and intangible benefits of getting PMP certified. The benefits won’t accrue till you attain the certification.
- You cannot track and monitor your progress unless you have a schedule.
- PMI salary survey suggests that “those with a PMP certification garner a higher salary (23% higher on average) than those without a PMP certification”. You are losing money by delaying your certification.
You should prepare a formal schedule to meet your study objectives – something that you can track periodically.
A plan in your mind is not a plan. It is just a dream.
Final Thoughts
There is an old adage “failing to plan is planning to fail”. Do you want to fail in your exam? I don’t think so. Rather than prepare to fail, you should prepare a formal PMP study schedule.
Over To You
Did you find the sample schedule in my free PMP Exam Prep Guide Useful? Have you customized it for your study needs?
I welcome your comments below.
Very useful thoughts
Dear Mr Praveen,
Thank you so much for your guide. It is quite helpful so far. Please i need your advice on how to get the 35 hours training requirements. I have read it in your study guide. I need assistance
Thanks Philemon, You can one of the top two training programs from the review article – https://www.pmbypm.com/best-pmp-online-training-course/. Let me know what do you need.
BR, Praveen.
Very useful guide
Thanks Eric.