Are you ready to take your career to the next level by becoming a certified Project Management Professional? The most critical part of obtaining this credential is passing the 200-question exam, so you need to get ready to put your head to the grindstone to study for this test.
As you prepare for the exam, you have a number of options to guide your study. You could go it alone. Purchase some study materials, set up a schedule, and get to it.
You could also look for study partners to motivate you if necessary. If you are dedicated and driven, it is possible to successfully pass the exam on your own.
But it is easy to get distracted by other things and lose your focus. You may also need additional input to thoroughly understand all the material required for the exam.
There are a wide variety of online resources that you could purchase to guide your study. These may provide more perspective on the material and some guidance for your study.
They often include diagnostic tests, study guides, practice test questions. Some even include remote access to an instructor. As good as these online programs are, there is sometimes no substitute for the personal element that a live classroom experience provides.
PMP Boot Camps
If you really want to give it your all, you will want to consider the benefits of a PMP boot camp. These are three to five-day classes that provide intensive instruction to bring you to the top of your game for the PMP exam.
In addition, these classes provide the 35 hours of instruction required for the PMP certificate.
They can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few a thousand dollars, but in many cases, the investment is worth it.
It is possible that your employer will reimburse you for the course once you pass the exam. In addition, many boot camp classes offer money-back guarantees if you do not pass the PMP exam.
You will want to check into these details before enrolling in a particular boot camp.
Benefits of an Instructor at PMP Boot Camp
One of the key benefits of a PMP boot camp is your instructor. PMP boot camp instructors have experienced project management professionals with years of experience to share with you. They know the exam inside and out so that they can provide the best guidance to pass the exam.
Your instructor will provide a systemic explanation of the material covered on the PMP exam. You will not have to worry about any holes in your knowledge because your instructor will make sure that you completely cover the body of knowledge that you are expected to master for the exam.
Your instructor can also help you by providing insight into your work as a project manager.
Instructors make sure that the knowledge you acquire connects to the day-to-day practice of project management.
Your experience at boot camp yields more than book knowledge. You will be better equipped to apply this knowledge in the field.
Your instructor can also pass on invaluable information about the exam itself. They can prepare you for how the exam will go so there will not be any surprises on test day. Access to a live instructor for a few days is one of the most important benefits of a PMP boot camp.
Benefits of the Study Resources at PMP Boot Camp
The second major benefit of a PMP boot camp is the study resources that are provided. There are a number of study resources that are required for anyone who wants to effectively study for the PMP exam.
For example, the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge is the standard text for this certification exam.
It is going to be hard to get a handle on what to study without this text. A good PMP boot camp will include a copy of this text in the course.
At boot camp, you will also receive other study materials to guide you through this exam.
These will include a variety of training materials, sample questions with explanations of answers, diagnostic tests, and other study guides.
These materials are excellent for your ongoing exam preparation. The time in the boot camp will demonstrate where you are strong and what areas need improvement so that you can continue to study effectively up until you are ready to take the exam.
Some boot camp courses might even provide online access to study materials to reinforce what you learned in the class. You can use these materials for further study as the test approaches.
The Importance of a PMP Boot Camp
The benefits of a PMP boot camp make it well worth the expense. Having an experienced instructor to go over the information helps you to master what you need to know. All the proprietary study resources that you acquire add value to the boot camp as well.
There are many different boot camp providers so you will want to shop around to find the best one for you.
For starters, you will want to make sure that the boot camp is run by a Registered Education Provider with PMI. Then you can compare cost and other quality indicators to choose the best boot camp for you.
Passing the PMP exam and becoming a certified Project Management Professional is an important career move. You should seriously consider taking a PMP boot camp as part of your preparation for the PMP exam.
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