KR-PM Training Solutions Kevin W.

Reilly, PMP, CSM, CSPO

Kevin W. Reilly, (kevin.reilly@kr-pm.com) KR-PM Training SolutionsPMP, CSM, CSPO
PMP Exam Prep Suggested Study Tools and Links
Overview
1) This document has been created to help project managers to organize and structure the activities necessary to properly apply for and pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Information in this document is presented in the following forms; A) Pertinent PMP Exam Prep information, B) References to other documents, and C) Web links for additional information and tools. This information is organized into the following sections: PMI Global & Chapter Organization Information PMP Exam Application Information The PMI PMBOK Guide Version 4.0 PMP Exam Prep Study Guides PMP Exam Prep Audio/Visual Study Aids PMP Exam Prep Brain Dump Study Aids PMP Exam Prep Workshops Sample PMP Exam Prep Study Project Plan PMP Exam Prep Dos and Donts Information and Tips About Taking the Exam How to Maintain Your PMP Status After You Pass the PMP Exam

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PMI Global & Chapter Organization Information

1) PMI Global Membership Benefits There are a multitude of benefits associated with becoming a PMI Member. For more information, go to the PMI website www.pmi.org. Following are some of the main benefits of joining the Project Management Institute: Leadership and volunteer opportunities through PMI Communities, Certification Programs, Research Programs, Standards Program and other areas. Quality publications to keep you informed, delivered to you via email, snail mail or by logging on to the www.pmi.org web site including; PMI Network, PMI Today, PMI Friday Facts, PMI Credential Post and PMI Community Post. PMI Consultant Registry An online directory that helps organizations find Project, Program and Portfolio Management consulting firms, and helps them to embrace the profession of project management, and attribute their success to it. Exciting New Ways to Earn PDUs with Communities of Practice (CoPs) Expanded PDU categories by the PMI allow participants more ways of earning those must-needed Professional Development Units (PDUs). Check out www.pmi.org for the new PDU category list to maintain your certification(s). eReads & Reference - This is an online members-only book service you can use to connect with other members with similar reading and research-gathering interests. Tell Us what You Think - Take an active role in improving the Project Management profession by participating in a survey. By doing this, you will help to shape future Project Management standards. Professional Development Go to the www.pmi.org web site and click the Professional Development tab. Plan your next step with the Knowledge Assessment and PathPro features.

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How to Join PMI Global To join the PMI, go to the www.pmi.org web site and click the Membership menu option on the Home page. The Membership page will display. This page contains all the information you need to become a member of the PMI. How to Join Your Local Chapter To join your local PMI chapter, go to the www.pmi.org web site and Page 1 of 9

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click the Membership menu option on the Home page. The Membership page will display. Click the Get Involved Link and then click PMI Chapters. This page allows you to select the specific chapter you would like to join and walks you through the entire membership enrollment process. Note: You must become a member of PMI Global before applying for membership at a specific chapter. 4) PMI Social Networking Using LinkedIn Groups LinkedIn is the most powerful networking social media on the planet for project management professionals. If you are not currently a member of LinkedIn, I highly recommend that you join it and set up a Professional Profile as soon as possible. This can be done for free at www.linkedin.com. You will also find that each PMI Chapter has their own LinkedIn Group that you can join to stay current on the events occurring at the chapter nearest to you either at work or at home. To join one of these groups, log on to LinkedIn, click the Groups menu option on your Home page and enter your nearest PMI chapters name in the Search Groups field.

PMI PMBOK GUIDE Version 4.0

1) Why You Need the PMBOK Guide - You will definitely need a copy of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide). Almost 90% of the material on the PMP Exam is taken from this guide. You will also want to keep the guide as a reference after you have passed the PMP Exam. There are many times that I still refer to it when I am starting a new project or have a question about the proper process to use for a specific project management activity. You will also want to make sure that you get the latest version (4.0) of the PMBOK Guide. Where to Purchase the PMBOK Guide You can purchase a copy directly from the PMI on the www.pmi.org web site or on any internet book site, such as www.amazon.com (which is normally cheaper). How to Get a Downloadable eBook Version of the PMBOK Guide for Free - As a PMI member, you are entitled to download a free digital edition of the PMBOK Guide. This is an eBook in PDF format that is personalized for you (you need to set up a security password to open the document) and that is also electronically searchable. This has served me very well on many occasions as a study guide and also in my different Project Management Training consulting assignments. Following is how you can download this document in PDF format: Log on to www.pmi.org Click the PMBOK Guide and Standards menu item Click the A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) Fourth Edition link The Secure PDF Download page will appear. Just follow the directions for downloading this electronic version

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Note: You will need to enter your password each time you open this PMBOK Guide electronic copy.

PMP Exam Application Information

1) Overview PM Experience The amount of formal education you have received will dictate the amount of Project Management Experience hours you will have to document in order to sit for the PMP Exam. Bachelors Degree or Global Equivalent - A minimum of 3 Years/36 Months (during the last 8 years) of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience during which at least 4500 hours are spent leading and directing the project. YIKES!!! Dont worry This process may be tedious and time-consuming but you probably have more than 4500 hours already - You just dont know it yet. High School Diploma, Associates Degree, or Global Equivalent - A minimum of 5 Years/60 Months (during the last 8 years) of unique non-overlapping professional project management experience during which at least 7500 hours are spent leading the project. DOH!!! Once again, dont worry This process may be tedious and time-consuming but you probably have more than 7500 hours already - You just dont know it yet. Contact Hours 35 Contact Hours of formal education. There are a couple of different ways you

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can receive these hours. These include Cornelius Fichtners PM PrepCast and also taking a multi-day PMP Exam Prep Boot Camp or Workshop. These boot camps or workshops are available in different formats, depending on your study needs and availability. (More information will follow on these two choices) Application Submission Following is a high-level overview of the steps necessary to be performed in order to apply to sit for the PMP Exam. Complete & Submit the Application On Line at www.pmi.org OnLine applications are processed within 5 business days Applications are subject to PMI audits to verify information PMI sends eligibility notification via email Submit Payment OnLine at www.pmi.org CBT Test: PMI Member $405 NonMember $555 Paper Test: PMI Member $250 NonMember $400 Processed after application has been approved PMI sends eligibility notification via email Schedule Your Exam PMI sends scheduling instructions via email Tests offered at Prometric Test Centers Audits The PMI conducts random audits of the PM Experience Hours and Contact Hours for about 5% of the individuals who apply to sit for the PMP Exam. You never know if you will get audited, so it is important to do the following: Accuracy The PM Experience hours you put on your application must be as accurate as possible and must be broken down into the 5 Process Groups, as outlined in the PMBOK Guide. Agreement from Individuals at Past Companies, Associations, Etc. You will want to treat this like a job interview in that you will need to speak to every person that you have worked for/with and send them your estimate of the total hours you have spent in that position in each of the 5 Process Groups, and get their agreement that these totals are accurate. I cannot stress this enough because if you get audited, the PMI will contact each of these individuals and verify the hours that you entered on your application. Accurate Contact Information You must have recent and accurate contact information on each person you list on your application so that the PMI can contact them if you do get audited. Special Notes The PMI Exam Prep application process can seem very overwhelming and daunting. This is on purpose so that only qualified individuals who are serious about passing the exam and serious about Project Management will be able to successfully complete the process. Having said that, keep the following in mind as you are going through this process: PM Experience Hours Relax!!! Yes, it is a very tedious and time-consuming process but it can be done. Start your process early and space it out over time. When you first apply for the exam on the PMI web site, you will have 90 days to finish you application. Start it now by going to the www.pmi.org website and just put in your name to start. By doing this, you have psychologically put a timeline on your studies and given yourself a goal Very powerful stuff!!! Unique Non-Overlapping Experience Once again, Relax!!! When you start to enter your PM Experience hours on the PMI web site, the software application will automatically determine this for you. You do not have to do this manually!!! Application Tools You are not alone in this process since hundreds of thousands of people have previously completed this process. There are some tools listed in the next section but the important thing to remember is to document all of the information you need in a local document or spreadsheet and then use that to enter it into the Live application on the PMI web site. Formal Jobs Versus Volunteer Work I have found that the reason most people dont even start the process of applying to sit for the PMP Exam is because they believe they cannot claim nearly enough PM Experience hours to pass this initial qualification. One thing to keep in mind is that these PM Experience Hours do not necessarily have to be with an organization where you were paid for your services. If you volunteer your time for any organization and you can document specific PM Experience Hours for that position, do it! This is not cheating as long as these are truly hours you spent in one of the 5 Process Groups, and also hours that can be verified. CAPM vs. PMP Exam The CAPM (Certified Associate Project Manager) is another certification offered by the PMI. This is geared more toward students and individuals who have

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chosen project management as a career but truly only have limited PM Experience Hours. It is also often taken by project team members to illustrate that they have a basic understanding of the PMI Project Management Framework outlined in the PMBOK Guide. My suggestion is to complete all the tasks in order to sit for the PMP Exam. If you find that you still dont have enough hours to sit for the PMP Exam, then take the CAPM instead. The test preparation is the same for both, so why not become a PMP instead of a CAPM if you can? Visit the www.pmi.org website for more information on the CAPM certification. After Your Application is Accepted You have one year to take the exam after your application is accepted. You may take the exam up to three times during this period. Most applicants will take the computer-based PMP exam. The exam is 200 multiple-choice questions with a 4-hour time limit. (More information to follow about the exam at the end of this document.)

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Application Information, Documents and Templates Following are documents that I have used in the past that have helped with the PMP Exam application process. PM PrepCast PM Experience Verification Worksheet Cornelius Fichtner created this spreadsheet to help aspiring PMPs document their PM Experience Hours for the exam application process. PMI PMP Application Form This is an example of the actual application form you would fill out to sit for the PMP Exam if you do not do it on line. It illustrates the type of information for which the PMI is looking when you fill out your PMP Exam application.

PMP Exam Prep Study Guides

1) Overview There are a variety of different PMP Exam Prep Study Guides that are available on the market today. Which one you choose is going to depend on which of the following two factors are most important when you are studying for the PMP Exam. Do you want a study guide that only contains the material you need to successfully pass the PMP Exam? In other words, is your only goal for purchasing the study guide to pass the exam and you never expect to pick it up again except for occasional clarification on PMBOK Guide principles? OR Do you want a study guide that not only contains the material you need to successfully pass the PMP Exam but also contains other general project management information? In other words, is your goal for purchasing the study guide not only to pass the exam but also to use it as a Desk Reference for general project management principles after you pass the exam?

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If you want a study guide that only contains the material you need to successfully pass the PMP Exam and nothing else, then I highly recommend you purchase the following book: The PMP Exam How to Pass on Your First Try (Velociteach Andy Crowe) http://www.velociteach.com

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If you want a study guide that not only contains the material you need to successfully pass the PMP Exam but also contains other general project management information, then I highly recommend you purchase one of the following books: Achieve PMP Exam Success, 4th Edition (Core Performance Concepts, Inc. Diane Altwies) http://www.coreperformanceconcepts.com

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PMP Exam Prep, 7th Edition (RMC Project Management, Inc. Rita Mulcahy) http://www.rmcproject.com

PMP Exam Prep Audio/Visual Study Aids

1) FREE 8 Videos on 8 Steps to Your PMP Exam (OSP International LLC - Cornelius Fichtner) This is a set of videos that Cornelius has created that will walk you through all of the specific information you need to apply for and successfully sit for the PMP Exam. You will find the first video at the link below. To obtain the subsequent videos, subscribe to the PM PrepCast Newsletter while watching this video and get upto-the-minute updates on this material. FREE 8 Videos on 8 Steps to Your PMP Exam 2) The PM PrepCast (OSP International LLC - Cornelius Fichtner) This is one of the best resources available to you to use as a study tool for the PMP Exam. This includes MP3-formatted Audio/Video lessons that you can listen to while you are driving, and that you can listen to and watch if you travel using mass transportation, or any time. Cornelius makes the PMP material (which can be very dry) exciting and interesting. The PM PrepCast also includes a newsletter, some excellent exam tips and other add-ons that you will find very useful. The PM PrepCast Note: I am a compensated affiliate of the above product and will earn a commission if you click and buy using the above link. 3) Exam Simulator # 1 The PM Exam Simulator (OSP International LLC - Cornelius Fichtner) This is the PMP Exam Simulator that is offered by OSP International, LLC. and is top-rated. The first link brings you to a FREE version of the Exam Simulator so you can test out the questions and see if they will fit within your study plans. It contains three 30-question sample exams. The second link is the one that brings you to the PRACTICE version of the Exam Simulator with 8 full 200-Question practice exams and another 200 Question practice exam that concentrates on the ITTOs (Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs) of the 42 processes outlined in the PMBOK Guide. PM Exam Simulator 3-Day FREE Trial Version The PM Exam Simulator 90-Day PRACTICE Version Note: I am a compensated affiliate of the above product and will earn a commission if you click and buy using the above link. 4) Exam Simulator # 2 - PM FASTrack PMP Exam Simulation Software (RMC - Rita Mulcahy) - This is the PMP Exam Simulator that is offered by RMC and is also top-rated. Rita Mulcahy is a legend in the PMP Exam Prep World and this Exam Simulator is a testimony to her dedication to her students. The first link brings you to a Free Demo Version of the Exam Simulator so you can test out the questions and see if they will fit within your study plans. The second link is the one that brings you to the actual Exam Simulator with 8 full 200-Question practice exams. PM FASTrack PMP Exam Simulation Software Version 7 (Free Demo Version) PM FASTrack PMP Exam Simulation Software Version 7 (Full Version) Page 5 of 9

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Exam Simulator # 3 - Pass the PMP the First Time (Velociteach - Andy Crowe) - This is also a toprated PMP Exam Simulator and is offered by Velociteach. This has proven to be the PMP Exam Simulator whose format and questions most closely match the actual PMP Exam as compared to all of the PMP Exam Simulators on the market. It offers 8 full 200 Question practice exams, separate exams for each PMBOK Guide Knowledge Area, and a series of exams that have 50 or 100 questions, instead of 200 questions. The following link brings you to the Exam Simulator page so you can purchase the Exam Simulator. You can also watch a quick video and get a look at the Exam Simulator by clicking See Inside the Testing Lab on the Home page. Pass the PMP the First Time

PMP Exam Prep Brain Dump Aids

1) 1-Page PMBOK Guide 4 Edition Brain Dump Description This is one of the most important tools th to use as you study for the PMP Exam and comes from the matrix on page 43 of the PMBOK Guide 4 Edition. You will want to take a blank piece of paper and draw 10 horizontal lines and 6 vertical lines. In the top left box, draw an X. Along the top, write in the names of the 5 Process Groups. Along the left side, write the names of the 9 Knowledge Areas. Then fill in each process is the individual Process Groups and Knowledge Areas much as you can from memory. In order to successfully pass the PMP Exam, you will need to be able to fill in all 5 Process Groups, all 9 Knowledge Areas and all 42 Processes from memory within the first 10 minutes you are in the exam room. Note: The best way to do this is find a PMP Exam Prep Boot Camp that shows you how to do this and makes you practice it, and then do it before each full 200 Question Practice Exam you take before the actual exam. 1-Page PMP Exam Prep Formula Brain Dump Description I have created a one page formula cheat sheet that I memorized and used as the second part of my brain dump for my studies. This consisted of the 49 formulas that I could not commit to memory as part of my normal studies. The important thing is that only you can create your one page formula brain dump cheat sheet because certain formulas you will not be familiar with and must literally memorize. For example, I took quite a few Statistics course previously, so I understood these formulas and did not take too much time understanding them, and basically no time memorizing them since I was already familiar with them. But not everyone is a Statistics wiz, so you will have to determine what formulas you want to place on your formula brain dump. Having said all this, its Cornelius Fichtner to the rescue once again! I highly recommend you purchase the OSP International PMP Exam Formulas product and carry the one-page Cheat Sheet Pocket Guide that is included. I have listed the link to the PMP Exam Formulas below. http://www.project-management-formulas.com/ Note: I am a compensated affiliate of the above product and will earn a commission if you click and buy using the above link.
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PMP Exam Prep Workshops

1) Overview There are a variety of different PMP Exam Prep workshops and boot camps available in different formats, depending on your study needs, location, budget and availability. These are offered by private training organizations, public educational institutions and also by your local PMI Chapters. Following is an overview of the different types of Live In-Class courses that are available. 3-Day Programs (3 days in a row, either during the week but normally Fri/Sat/Sun) 4-Day Programs (4 days in a row, either Mon-Thu or Tue-Fri) 5-Day Programs (5 days in a row, Mon-Fri) 6-7 Week Programs (either on a weeknight or on a Saturday)

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Note: There also many organizations offering Online PMP Exam Prep courses. Your best bet would be to search the internet using the keywords PMP Exam Prep and your city or zip code to find the next course offering (either Live on Online) nearest your work or home location. 2) PMI Chapter-Sponsored Workshops If you check the websites of each of your local Southern California PMI chapters, you will find PMP Exam Prep Workshops offered multiple times during the year. Some consist of intense 3-Day Boot Camps, while others offer these workshops one night a week or on a Saturday over the course of 6-7 weeks. These workshops are normally given by PMI Chapter volunteers who are PMPs in their own right. Note: Be sure to verify that the instructors that are teaching the PMP Exam Prep Courses are PMP Certified. You do not want someone teaching you how to pass the PMP Exam who has not already done so themselves. www.pmicie.org (California Inland Empire Chapter Rancho Cucamonga, CA) www.pmi-la.org (Los Angeles Chapter Culver City, CA) www.pmi-oc.org (Orange County Chapter Costa Mesa, CA My Chapter) www.pmi-sd.org (San Diego Chapter Del Mar, CA) www.pmi-4c.org (California Central Coast Chapter Thousand Oaks, CA)

Sample PMP Exam Prep Study Project Plan

1) Overview One of the most important steps to successfully passing the PMP Exam on the first try is to actually create a study plan and stick to it. It needs to have all of the specific steps outlined, in order, by date, broken down by estimates of the number of hours it will take you to complete each activity. Wow!!! That sounds like a Project Management Plan, doesnt it? Well, thats exactly what I did. 11-04-30 KR PMP Exam Prep Project Plan by Date I actually created a project plan using Excel that contains every step that I needed to take to successfully pass the PMP Exam on my first try. You do not have to use this as a template but feel free to use if you like. The most important thing is that you create a plan and that you stick to it. It will be worth it when you pass the PMP Exam on the first try.

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PMP Exam Prep Dos and Donts

1) Do Purchase Cornelius Fichtners PM PrepCast Once again, I cant say enough about this tool. Cornelius includes many dos and donts within these tools and in all his blogs and newsletters. Sign up for everything! Top Personal Dos that Worked for Me: 3) Do start your application for the PMP Exam TODAY! Do create a plan, put specific times in it and follow it. Do purchase a copy of the PMBOK Guide Version 4 (remember as a PMI member you also get a PDF eBook version for free). Do take a PMP Exam Prep Workshop. You will get all of the study materials you need to pass. Do purchase one of the Exam Simulators described above and Do take those practice tests Do get at least one study partner and periodically check each others progress. Do join a PMI chapter and start networking with other PMPs and students studying for the Exam. Do realize that when you Do all these Dos, you will be Done because you will be a PMP!

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Top Personal Donts that Worked for Me: Dont borrow other peoples materials Get your own! Dont worry As long as you follow your plan, you will be successful. Dont be overwhelmed by the application process. Yes, it is tedious but you only have to do it once. Dont worry about the amount of material. You can master whats necessary by following your plan.

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Information and Tips about Taking the PMP Exam

1) Top Tips that Worked for Me Before the Exam: 2) Read the PMBOK Guide at least once, including the Glossary. After that, you can concentrate on reading the Study Guide that you have chosen. Take at least 8 Full 200 Question Practice Exams. Once you have scored an 80% or better on two or more exams in a row, you are ready to take the actual exam. When you take the Practice Exams, treat them like you are actually taking the test. Dont study the night before the exam. After 5:00 PM, relax and get a good nights sleep. Schedule the exam in the morning if you can. This way, you wont be worrying about it and you can enjoy the rest of your day after you pass. Take the day off from work. Dont take the exam in the morning or afternoon of a work day. Bring water, a banana, granola or some other high energy food to the test for when you take breaks. Take breaks during the exam (very important)

Top Tips that Worked for Me During the Exam: First of all, everyone has a different way of taking tests. The most important thing to do is to determine what strategy works best for you and stick to that strategy during the exam. Heres what worked for me (only a suggestion you dont have to do this): When they first sit you down, and you click Start Exam, you will have 15 minutes to read the instructions on How to Take the CBT Exam. This actually only takes about 5 minutes. DURING THIS TIME, SPEND 8-10 MINUTES BRAIN DUMPING YOUR PMBOK GUIDE PROCESS MATRIX AND FORMULAS. st 1 Pass I read every question but I Marked for Review any question that was more than 2 sentences long or had a formula. I took a 10-minute break. nd 2 Pass I went back and reviewed each of the questions that I previously Marked for Review. I tried to answer them as best I could and then I moved on. If I couldnt answer a question, I guessed and then I Marked it for Review. I took a 5-minute break. rd 3 Pass - I went through the remainder of the questions that I Marked for Review, spent about 1 minute maximum on each, took a guess and moved on to the next question. I took another 5-minute break. th 4 Pass I made sure that all questions were answered, that none were Marked for Review and I clicked End Exam. After I passed, I called my wife, my PMP Exam Prep Workshop Instructor and Cornelius (in that order) and then I celebrated!

How to Maintain Your PMP Status After You Pass the PMP Exam
1) Overview Once you pass the PMP Exam, you have to continue to obtain Professional Development Units (PDUs) at the rate of 60 every three years. For more information, visit the www.pmi.org web site and look up the section titled Continuing Certification Requirements (CCRs). PM PodCast (Free Service) Once again, Cornelius Fichtner has made it easy to obtain your PDUs. Check out his PM PodCast at http://www.project-management-podcast.com. PDU PodCast (Payment Required) Cornelius Fichtner has made it easy to obtain your PDUs. Check out his PDU PodCast at http://www.pdupodcast.com. Note: I am a compensated affiliate of the above product and will earn a commission if you click and buy using the above link. 4) The PDU Insider (Free Service) You guessed it! Cornelius Again. You can get tips on how to get free PDUs at http://www.pdu-insider.com.

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Roeder Consulting This is a private company that offers a free 1-PDU Webinar once a month. For more information, visit http://www.roederconsulting.com/. PMI You can find many ways to obtain PDUs on the www.pmi.org web site and also from your local PMI Chapter, so Get Involved!

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Additional Documentation Mentioned in this Document

I have made references to quite a few additional documents in this particular document. All of these are available to you as follows, and will be included as an attachment when you receive the email from me that contains this document. Links I have included functional links in this document. Therefore, anything you see that is highlighted and italicized will contain a link to more information about that particular topic. Tools Any documents that are tools you can use to help you in your PMP Exam Prep process will be contained in a zip file titled PMP Exam Prep Tools.zip. Information Any documents that contain information to help you in your PMP Exam Prep process will be contained in a zip file titled PMP Exam Prep Information.zip.

Thank You from Kevin Reilly

When I first got serious and started studying for my PMP Exam, I was scared, nervous, excited, worried, overwhelmed and a plethora of other emotions, both positive and negative. However, one thing I found all around me at all times throughout my journey to becoming a PMP was helpful, friendly people. People that had been through what I was going through. People who were experiencing the same emotions as me because they had gone through the same process. Most importantly, people who were willing to share their knowledge. I wanted to say thank you to all those people that helped me throughout my journey. I believe in paying it forward. Therefore, all I ask of you is to also pay it forward. If you ever find yourself in a position where an aspiring PMP is asking for help or advice, please give it to them. The rewards will be returned to you tenfold. I know they did for me. Sincerely, Kevin Reilly Kevin W. Reilly, PMP, CSM, CSPO Senior PM Training Consultant KR-PM Training Solutions www.project-management-exam.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwreilly

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