I work full-time as a Sr. Program Manager in the gaming industry and have about 4+ years of experience as a program manager.
I recently discovered I'm neurodiverse, so this meant I had to adapt a lot of my studying routine to better suit my learning style + processing abilities.
(see: using a visual timer to prevent hyperfocus/tunnel vision while studying, trying to build consistency into my studying routine (an hour each day + studying while working out), and incorporating things like aromatherapy to help get my brain to shift in study mode)
I most recently completed the Coursera Google Project Management Certificate Course ($49) (6 months self-paced) and my Scum Master certificate via Scrum Alliance (over a few days).
My work paid for my CSM course/exam and will reimburse me for my PMP exam fee once I get the full report/certificate in a few days - definitely take advantage of this if your work offers any learning + development courses!
I actually applied for the PMP and got approved well before I intended to take the exam - approximately 10+ months ago as my exam deadline was fast approaching for this July 2024.
I didn't actually look at/know of any of the application criteria, so I just completed it to the best of my ability + didn't go through any audits or issues.
Some of the resources I'll list (such as Andrew Ramdayal's Udemy course) provide a great breakdown into the application process and give context around what to include + tips to keep in mind while filling out the application.
I'd estimate that I studied well over 100+ hours - including two 35+ hour bootcamps/courses - and I would try and study an hour a day + 6-7 hours on Saturday's + Sunday's with breaks.
After each mock exam/quiz, I would review what I got wrong and catalog it to understand why - referencing notes from the bootcamp/Third3Rock to solidify my understanding + mentally tracking if I read a question too fast, didn't understand it at all, etc. I also simulated the real exam by taking 10 minute breaks after 60 questions.
<aside> ✏️ I also observed I was finishing mock exams within 2-2.5 hours, I rarely used the full time but I made a mental note that the exam could be different.
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