Success Story of Vikas Srivastava PMP !

Success Story of Vikas Srivastava PMP !

When did you decide to get PMP® certification? (e.g. your work description and motivation for becoming PMP ) *
Nothing is difficult in this world to achieve until you prepare your mind and heart to achieve it. My hunger to achieve this PMP® started in the mid year of 2014.I completed the 35 hrs PDU by that time and even gave my first try to crack the PMP® exam. I couldn’t clear at my first attempt due to lack of proper guidance and support which is the first most important factor to pass this exam.But the hunger to achieve this PMP was always in my mind.I kept trying to manage time from my hectic office schedule but was not able to maintain the consistency which is the second most important factor required for passing the PMP® exam.So I was trying and trying to set the chord correctly and in between I was also engaged in clearing other certifications.
What was your overall strategy? (Your daily or weekly plan to take the preparation) *
it was a do or die situation for me as the hunger to achieve PMP was increasing day by day and finally I decided to quit my job and focus on PMP and I took the final call.Its not necessary all PMP aspirants to do the same as it depends upon the nature of job and how much time you are getting to study.In my case I was not.Friends, PMP requires time and dedication. I studied for 5-6 hrs on weekdays then full day on weekends.Focus was to complete PMBOK®Guide sixth edition first along with a reference book.I opted for Joseph Phillips and read it twice end to end alongwith PMBOK®GUIDE.
Which PMP® Simulator you have used and how did it help you? (Which feature help you to take your preparation) *
Friends lots of simulator are available in the market but I recommend PMASPIRE for a very simple reason as it covers PMBOK end to end and also good collection of questions which helps you to deeply understand the concept which is very important from the real exam perspective.Even I was thinking alot which simulator I should buy but PMAspire team especilly Michael Fletcher build that confidence and told me that you will surely pass the PMP.I took his words and purchased PMAspire simulator.Trust me it really build the confidence and I was just following the mocks and videos till a week before my exam.The simulator gives a very clear picture about your progress,your weak areas to work upon and on which area to focus.
What are the Challenges and hurdles you have faced during your PMP® journey? *
As I mentioned earlier time and dedication is required to pass the PMP.These two mantras along with proper guidance and consistency makes the circle complete.
How was your PMP® Certification Exam Day? (Location, Date, Day Time, your first experience about PMP exam Interface, did you take any break, mark or unmark question etc.) *
Practically i was nervous a day before and set a strategy to deal with the 200 questions and in one word i can describe this and the word is CONFIDENCE. No need to get scared,no need to loose hope as some questions appear to be difficult but once you try to decode it you are bound to opt for the right option.I found the 200 questions moderately difficult and very tricky.So i decided to reread the questions and try to understand what PMI PMP is actually looking for.One most important tip I would like to give is on the exam day your attitude should be of a Project Manager.You guys need to think like you are Project Manager and are going to solve or deal with 200 problems of various or similiar organizations. I didn’t took any break as I was just focusing on the timer running on my screen. I flaaged some 15-20 questions for review.I was left with some 20- 25 minutes then I started looking for the flagged one.Lastly i reviewed all my 200 questions and finally submit.
How much actual effort you have put to pass PMP® Exam? *
I prepared a 90 days plan and followed it very seriously with an average of 5-7 hrs per day sometimes more.Over weekends 10-12 hrs. More attention was towards undrstanding the concepts and then giving mocks.Initially my score was in the range of 65-68% which gradually increased to 75-80%.Once you achieve this range consistently its good time to appear for the exam.
How are you improving your community? (e.g. your knowledge sharing to any person like colleague , lecture or involving your PMP chapter ) *
Along with my preparation I am associated with few groups over facebook and whats app where I used to share my thoughts process and discuss my understanding level to get the concepts more clear.Still I am mentoring few PMP aspirants and hope for success for them too.
Any other experience you want to Share
There are plenty of resources available over internet and offline too.you need to select the right material for the right thing.No need to overload yourself with enough of stuff. I found PMP aspirants running alot to get the material. What i will recommend is read PMBOK twice end to end alogwith a good reference book and just practice and practice mocks till you get above 75%