The Project Management Professional (PMP) exam is known for its rigorous demands, testing not only your project management knowledge but also your ability to apply it in complex scenarios. While preparing extensively is often the standard advice, is it possible to pass the PMP with no traditional studying? According to David McLachlan, who has helped over 30,000 people pass their PMP through his Udemy course and YouTube videos, the answer is yes—but with a strategic approach. Here are seven proven strategies that can help you conquer the PMP exam without traditional study sessions.
1. Understand the Structure of PMP Questions
The majority of PMP questions are scenario-based and multiple-choice, often presenting two or three seemingly correct answers. These questions assess your ability to analyze project management scenarios and choose the most appropriate course of action. Recognizing this structure is critical to approaching the exam strategically.
2. Highlight Key Words in Every Question
Every PMP exam question contains all the information you need to find the correct answer. Start by identifying and highlighting the keywords that indicate whether the scenario is predictive, agile, or hybrid. For example:
- Predictive keywords: Change control, risk management, contingency reserves.
- Agile keywords: Sprints, iterations, product owner, Kanban boards.
- Hybrid keywords: Elements of both predictive and agile approaches.
By understanding the methodology the question refers to, you can quickly narrow down your options.
3. Identify the Topic or Principle
Determine what the question is asking you to address. Is it focused on risk, procurement, change control, or another principle? Once identified, eliminate any answers that don’t align with the topic or methodology. This drastically increases your chances of selecting the correct answer.
4. Strike Through Incorrect Options
When faced with multiple plausible answers, start by striking through those that do not address the project methodology or principle identified. For example, if the question is about risk, eliminate answers related to procurement or change control. This process often leaves you with just one or two options, making the final choice significantly easier.
5. Answer Every Question
Never leave a question unanswered. If you’re unsure, flag it for review and move on. You may gain insights from later questions that clarify earlier uncertainties. Remember, unanswered questions guarantee no points, but a guess might still score you a correct answer.
6. Manage Your Time Effectively
The PMP exam consists of 180 questions to be completed in 230 minutes. This gives you roughly 1 minute and 15 seconds per question. The exam is typically divided into three sections with two 10-minute breaks. To stay on track:
- Complete the first 60 questions with 155 minutes remaining.
- Complete the next 60 questions with 80 minutes remaining.
- Use the remaining time for the final 60 questions and review flagged items.
7. Apply the Strategies Through Practice
To see these strategies in action, consider the following example:
- Scenario: You are working as a product owner in an agile team, and during a risk review, the team uncovers risks that need to be mitigated as soon as possible.
- Keywords: Agile, product owner, risk review, mitigate risks.
- Process: Eliminate answers that do not focus on risk mitigation or agile practices. Prioritize responses that align with an agile approach, such as adjusting the backlog to address risks immediately. By using this method, you can confidently select the correct answer.
Fast Track Your Preparation
David McLachlan Udemy course offers a “PMP Fast Track” module designed to bring you up to speed in under an hour. This module focuses on practical test strategies, allowing you to leverage these techniques effectively. Combined with the required 35 contact hours, these strategies can help you pass the PMP without extensive studying.
Conclusion
Passing the PMP exam without traditional study sessions is achievable if you focus on mastering test strategies. By understanding the structure of the questions, highlighting keywords, identifying principles, eliminating incorrect options, and managing your time effectively, you can significantly increase your chances of success. With these strategies and a strategic mindset, acing the PMP is within your reach. Are you ready to give it a shot? Start applying these methods today and take your project management career to the next level.
