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Archive for December, 2007

How to earn 15 free PDU? - Company Training/Orientation Course

Monday, December 31st, 2007

You can earn free PDUs in various methods and sources. One of such source is Orientation Course or Project Management Courses conducted by your organization to train you about the in-house project management methodologies.

You claim claim such PDUs under the category of 2 SDL. Under this category you can claim maximum 15 PDUs per CCR cycle. Refer to get document evidence such as course certificate from your organization. This will be handy if PMI Audit/request arises.

Refer CCR Handbook - Page 7 for details.

-Posted by Dhana

Exam Tips 2 - Key Formulas for PMP Exam

Monday, December 31st, 2007

Memorize some of the important formulas well. This will be handy while solving the questions.

Variance Calculation

1. CV = EV - AC
2. SV = EV - PV
3. CPI = EV / AC
4. SPI = EV/PV
5. VAC = BAC - EAC

Forecasting

1. EAC = AC + ETC ( Re-estimating at NORMAL scenarios)
2. EAC = AC + (BAC-EV)  ( Re-estimating at ATYPICAL scenarios)
3. EAC = BAC/ CPI  ( Re-estimating at TYPICAL scenarios)
4.  ETC = EAC - AC

Three Point Estimation

1. EV* = Optimistic + Pessimistic + {( 4 * Most Likely)/6 }
2. SD =  (Pessimistic - Optimistic )/ 6

Acronyms

PV = Planned Value
EV = Earned Values
AC = Actual Cost
BAC = Budgeted At Completion
EAC = Estimate At Completion
ETC = Estimate To Completion
CV = Cost Variance
SV = Schedule Variance
CPI = Cost Performance Index
SPI = Schedule Performance Index
VAC = Variance At Completion
EV* = Expected Value
SD = Standard Deviation

-Posted by Dhana

More exam tips

Exam Tips 1 - Formulas & Definitions
Exam Tips 2 - Key Formulas for PMP Exam
Exam Tips 3 - Key terms for PMP Exam
Exam Tips 4 - Key approach to observe in PMP Exam
Exam Tips 5 - Situational Question in PMP Exam
Exam Tips 6 - Question Marking

What is Closing Process Group

Sunday, December 30th, 2007

We will start with simple term first, Closing process group means, offically closing the project by getting the formal approval, acceptance from the project sponsor and stakeholders. Secure and store all documents related to the project. Document the lessons learned, issues and store for future referrals. And it states that the project is ready to move to next phase which is usally the operational phase.

PMBOK 3 definition

Closing brings a formal, orderly end to the project phase or to the project itself. Once the project objectives have been met, the Closing process group starts, it is an important processes that collects all the project information and stored for future reference. Contract closeout occurs in this process group, and formal acceptance and approval are obtained from project stakeholders.

Objectives

The objectives of the Closing Project domain are as follows:

1. Obtain Final Acceptance for the Project
2. Obtain Financial, Legal, and Administrative Closure
3. Release Project Resources
4. Identify, Document, and Communicate Lessons Learned
5. Create and Distribute Final Project Report
6. Archive and Retain Project Records
7. Measure Customer Satisfaction

Knowledge Areas & Processes

Knowledge Area Processes
Integration 1. Close Project
Procurement 1. Contract Closure

-Posted by Dhana

How can I earn 5 free PDU?

Saturday, December 29th, 2007

You can earn 5 PDUs freely by working as Project Manager and performing Project Management services to your employee. This PDUs must be claimed under category 2H

To claim this 5 PDUs you must satisfy the below conditions

1. Must practice minimum 1,500 hr of project management services per calender year i.e Jan-Dec
2. Maximum 15 PDUs per 2H category per CCR cycle.

Refer CCR Handbook - Page 7 for more details.

-Posted by Dhana

Do I need to become a member in www.pmi.org?

Friday, December 28th, 2007

It is recommended to become PMI member at least first year to avail following benefits.
1. Discount for the Exam Fee.
2. Access to online Exam and Study materials.
3. Monthly PM Network Magazine.
4. Easier online submission of PDUs during Continuous certification Requirements (CCR) cycle.

-Posted by Girish

What is the PMP exam pattern?

Friday, December 28th, 2007

In Computer based testing, there will be 200 multiple choice questions, out of which only 175 questions are scored. 25 questions will be randomly placed throughout the examinations for statistical analysis and those 25 questions are unknown.Passing score is 131  out of 200 Questions (Including unmarked questions). Total duration of the examination is 4 Hrs.Total number of Questions from each Domain/Topic is as per the table below.Refer PMP Hand book page no 8

Domain / Topic Percentage of Questions Number of Questions
Initation 11 % 19
Planning 23 % 40
Execution 27 % 47
Monitoring and Controlling 21 % 37
Closing 9 % 16
Professional and Social Responsibility 9 % 16
Total 100 % 175

-Posted by Girish

PMP Exam Retake

Thursday, December 27th, 2007

If you fail PMP exam, you can Retake the exam for maximum two times, during one year eligibility.

If you fail the exam three times (1 Exam + 2 Retakes) during one year eligibility, you must wait for one year to reapply for exam.

CBT
PMI Member - US $ 275.00

Non-PMI Member - US $ 375.00

PBT
PMI Member - US $ 150.00

Non-PMI Member - US $ 300.00

-Posted by Girish

Exam Tips 6 - Question Marking

Thursday, December 27th, 2007

1. Don’t take more then a minute for a question, if you are not sure mark and move on.
2. Answer questions you are sure on first pass. Answer without looking at the choices first.
3. Mark the unsure questions to review. Answer questions, think you know in second pass and guess answers you are not sure in third pass.

-Posted by Girish

 More exam tips

Exam Tips 1 - Formulas & Definitions
Exam Tips 2 - Key Formulas for PMP Exam
Exam Tips 3 - Key terms for PMP Exam
Exam Tips 4 - Key approach to observe in PMP Exam
Exam Tips 5 - Situational Question in PMP Exam
Exam Tips 6 - Question Marking

 

 

Recommended Study Materials

Thursday, December 27th, 2007

Recommended Study Materials1. PMBOK Version 3

2. Project Management Professional Study Guide, 3rd Edition (Paperback) by Kim Heldman

# Book
# Sample Questions
# CD which contains PDF of the entire book and exam engine for sample questions

3. PMP® Exam Prep Book - Fifth Edition by Rita Mulacy

# Book
# PM Fastrack - CD
# Hot Topics - Flashcards

4. PMP Exam Practice Test & Study Guide - 5th Edition by J. Leroy Ward

5. Project Management, A systems approach to planning, scheduling and controlling, by Harold Kerzner, Ph.D

6. www.4pm.com

7. www.boson.com/Product/75.html

This is our recommendation, don’t restrict only to these materials. Keep exploring and decide on your own.

-Posted by Girish

How much it costs to take the exam?

Thursday, December 27th, 2007

Two types of exams, Computer Based Testing (CBT) and Paper Based Testing (PBT) are available and exam charges are accordingly. If CBT is not available in your location and within 300 Kms, then you can look for PBT center in your location.

CBT
PMI Member - US $ 405.00
Non-PMI Member - US $ 555.00

PBT
PMI Member - US $ 250.00
Non-PMI Member - US $ 400.00

PMI’s testing administration partner, Prometric, conducts PMP examination.

Refer the PMP Handbook - Page 9 for more details.

-Posted by Girish