How to pass PMP in 2-3 months
- Sharon Wang
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
I originally tried to share my experience on Reddit, since I found a lot of helpful information there during my PMP journey. Unfortunately, my posts kept getting deleted for some reason, so I eventually gave up on posting there. Instead, I’ve decided to share everything here on my blog. Hopefully, it will be helpful to others who are preparing for their PMP certification.
My Study Plan
Months 1 & 2 – Part-Time Study
I studied for a couple of hours here and there.
Read the PMBOK Guide, Agile Practice Guide, and Process Framework.
Took detailed notes using Google Sheets. Since copy/paste isn’t allowed, I used screenshots as references.
Googled concepts I didn’t fully understand and added those explanations to my notes.
Practiced with free mock tests — often scored 50-60%, which felt discouraging.
When morale was low, I searched online and found Reddit. It helped a lot to see others in the same boat. I also learned that it’s more effective to focus on DM, SH, and T3R than trying to memorize the textbooks.
Last Two Weeks before Exam – Full-Throttle Mode (Midnight Study + No Weekends)
David McLachlan (YouTube, Free)
Helped me understand the PMI mindset and how to focus on keywords.
Watched all three of his long videos — paused before he explained, answered on my own, then listened to his reasoning. His “You can do it!” really lifted my spirits.
Each video is 5-6 hours, but with pauses, it took me double the time.
Saved key Q&A to my Google Sheets.
Third3Rock (T3R, ~$20)
Excellent for understanding the exam mindset and key concepts.
Read it quickly the first time, then re-read it the night before the exam.
Highly recommend for those new to project management.
Study Hall (SH)
Only bought this in the final week — wish I’d gotten it sooner!
Initially had trouble accessing it — emailed support and learned to check the “Not Yet Started” tab.
Played a few games, but didn’t focus much due to time constraints.
Reviewed all flashcards — didn’t need to memorize them as I already knew most content, but they’re great for reinforcement.
Practice questions:
1st try: ~70%
2nd try: ~90%
Full-length mock exams:
Mock 1: 70%
Mock 2: 70%
Mock 5: 63%
Mock 3: 70%
Didn’t complete Mock 4 (heard T4 & T5 are harder and more “expert-level” than what’s needed for the actual exam).
Tried to analyze weak areas using Google Sheets, but results varied by test — not very consistent.
Day Before the Exam:
Re-read Third3Rock (3 hours).
Reviewed and highlighted key notes in Google Sheets (3 hours).
Went through all failed/reviewed SH questions again — hid the answers and tested myself. If I was still wrong, I memorized them.
Exam Day:
Booked the exam 2 days in advance and chose a test center to avoid potential home distractions (e.g., internet issues).
Smooth process: no food/drink allowed, bring two IDs.
Took two short breaks (5-6 minutes each).
Tip: Bring a small snack or chocolate — I didn’t, and I was starving!
My Experience:
The actual exam felt easier than the SH mocks — same concepts, fewer words, and clearer answers. Or maybe I was just more prepared!
Got 6 drag-and-drop questions (be sure to understand those concepts), and 1 simple calculation.
Used the REVIEW function for flagged questions — finished each set of 60 questions first, then reviewed. I didn’t change many answers, but it gave me peace of mind.
Finished all 180 questions and reviews with about 50 minutes to spare.
Practicing long mock exams is important just to build stamina — during early practice sessions, I felt so nauseous I wanted to quit!
During the real test, especially the second half, I felt my heart racing and even felt like throwing up — but I kept telling myself, "You can do it!"
Result: I passed! Walked out, collected my stuff, and got the “Congratulations!” slip. Received the certificate in a week.
Final Thoughts: Study hard, don’t give up, and lean on the community when you’re feeling low. If I can do it, so can you!
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