Here are some lessons I have learned from my own experience:
ITTOs are extremely important and you must be aware of them to score well in the ITTO-related questions. ProThoughts MindMaps can be used to quickly understand and recall the ITTOs.
To find your weak points and to understand the pattern of questions, you should attempt at least 5 mock tests. This will help you manage your time and plan. (I have tried about 12 mocks.
I have completed two rounds of Rita Mulcahy’s reading and referred PMBOK to any areas that required clarification.
Mock tests include questions that are part of the Rita Mulcahy question bank. It is a good idea to try Rita Mulcahy questions after you have finished the book. This will help you better understand the question and the answers.
Elimination is the best way to find the best answer, as almost all possible answers may be right in most cases.
You should be able to comprehend concepts such as Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RACI matrix), Staffing Management plan (SMP), Resource Breakdown Structure, work breakdown, etc.
It is important to remember the significance of work authorization system (PMIS), Record management system (RMS), etc.
Keep in mind the motivation theories. Mock exams should have at least two questions. These questions were not covered in the main exam.
I was asked about network diagrams, which focused mainly on identifying the critical path. These are not difficult but time-consuming.
There are approximately 5-6 questions about SPI and CPI. Be very clear about these concepts.
All formulas relating to time and cost must be memorized. These questions were related to EAC, EEV, and TCPI calculations. These questions go beyond the CPI and SPI.
The procurement management chapter is extremely important. This chapter answers many questions.
There will be questions about conflict management, but one question must be on conflict sources. It is important to remember the order in which conflict sources are listed.
One question must be asked about the number of communication channels.
I felt that Integration Mgmt and Quality Management, Procurement Management needed multiple revisions because there is so much theory. The other chapters are easier to follow and understand.
A couple of questions are must of professional and social responsibility/ethics.
Mock exams asked questions about inputs and outputs. They were more difficult in the main exam. They were situational-based, so it is important to understand what the question is asking for.
Flash cards can be used to quickly review the highlights of RMC books after at least one reading.
Few practice links provided to Mr. Arvind Nahata that can be used for mock exams.
Other topics worth reading include time, cost and scope management.
These are some general guidelines to follow:
I forgot mine but borrowed one from the center. Although the examination center has calculators, it is better to have your own.
The exam will be held in Kapil Towers, Financial District. This is the only center located in Hyderabad. This may be something you already know.
You will be asked for your arrival at the exam center by 1 hr. Check-in would take approximately 15 minutes. If you are available, you can immediately begin the exam. This would be prior to the scheduled time. You can finish the initial check-in and wait in the waiting area before you can start the exam. After waiting for 15-20 minutes, I stepped into the exam area. This will help you to get used to the exam center environment.
The first 25 questions took me around 30 minutes. Later, I became more comfortable with the environment and completed the exam in 3.5 hours. The last 30 minutes I used to review the tagged questions.
The exam is continuous, there is no break. Even for water, you must come out. Time will ticking. I took a 5 minute break after 2 hours which was very helpful.