Test Advice

I don't know many people who enjoy taking tests, especially when the tests are a big part of a grade or determine a pass or fail on a major certification, like the PMP exam. Below are some resources/review games related to project management, some basic advice on studying and testing, and some good references.

Resources/Sample Tests:

• Text Sites: The companion Web sites for my books include some interactive multiple-choice questions that are similar to questions you'll find on the PMP exam. There are also Jeopardy-like games to help study as well.

• Appendix B: This link includes a pdf file with Appendix B from my 6th edition, Advice for the Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam and Related Certifications. This appendix includes 20 sample PMP questions and 10 sample Project+ exam questions and references for several free resources and sample tests. Note that it is based on the PMBOK® Guide, Fourth Edition, published in 2008. PMP exams taken starting July 1, 2009 will be based on this edition. There will be more exam changes starting August 31, 2011, as described on PMI's Web site at http://www.pmi.org/en/Certification/Project-Management-Professional-PMP/Updates-to-PMP-Certification-Exam.aspx.The changes are mostly based on making professional responsiblity questions part of the five process groups instead of separate questions. The last percentage I have seen required to pass was 61% (106 correct out of the 175 scored questions). 25 of the 200 questions are not scored.

• Free sample tests are available from the following sites:

www.pmstudy.com
www.bestsamplequestions.com
http://www.free-pm-exam-questions.com
www.preparepm.com
www.pmhub.net

• Brief summary of differences between the PMBOK® Guide, Fourth Edition and Third Edition. There really weren't that many, so don't worry if you studied based on the last edition. Remember that PMI members get a FREE copy of the  PMBOK® Guide from www.pmi.org under Resources. Students get a great discount for joining PMI, too.

Basic Advice on Studying and Testing:

• Prepare: If you're taking a course in project management (or any other topic), READ the materials before class, take notes on items you think are important, and write down questions you have about materials you don't understand. Be sure to ask questions in class until you do understand that material. Try to related the materials to stories or examples that you can relate to.

• Go to class and pay attention: Pay close attention to what your instructor emphasizes in class. If he/she asks the class questions, be sure to jot them down and be sure you can answer them before a test.

• Use sample tests: Take sample exams so you know what they'll be like.

• Space your studying: Don't just cram the night before a test. Research shows that spaced practice/study is better than massed practice/study.

• Focus, focus, focus: Don't psych yourself out by worrying or going into an exam exhausted. Focus on the exam during the exam, and get a good night's rest.

Links with good studying and testing advice

• Tips on taking multiple-choice tests (from social psychologists)

• Studying and testing advice (from academictips.org)

• Multiple-choice tips (from Collegeboard)

Contact me at schwalbe@augsburg.edu.