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Episode 521: How to Get PMP Certified (Free)

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Episode Summary

Preparing for the PMP exam can feel overwhelming, but the right strategy and mindset make all the difference. In this episode, recent test-taker and now PMP-certified professional Rich Rushlow shares his journey to certification, offering firsthand insights into the study materials, resources, and techniques that worked best for him.

Rich discusses how he structured his study schedule, what tools he found most useful, and how he approached the PMI exam simulator compared to other preparation resources. He also highlights the importance of understanding the PMI mindset, handling exam-day stress, and managing time effectively during the test. Whether you're just starting your PMP prep or refining your study plan, this episode provides practical guidance to help you succeed.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • How to create and stick to a structured PMP exam study plan.
  • Which study materials and resources are the most effective for PMP preparation.
  • How the PMI mindset influences exam success and how to adopt it.
  • Strategies for managing stress and staying focused on exam day.
  • What to expect from the PMP exam format, including agile and hybrid questions.

Resources Mentioned

Quotes from This Episode

  • "Sticking to a study schedule is key—don’t skip topics just because you think you already know them." - Rich Rushlow
  • "The PMI mindset videos completely changed the way I looked at PMP exam questions." - Rich Rushlow
  • "The best way to manage exam stress is to breathe, stay focused, and trust your preparation." - Rich Rushlow

Connect with Rich Rushlow

Time-Stamped Show Notes

  • [00:00] - Introduction and overview of the episode.
  • [02:10] - Rich’s PMP certification journey and what he would do differently.
  • [04:13] - Study materials and resources that made a difference.
  • [10:46] - Choosing the right PMP prep products.
  • [12:30] - How to structure a study schedule effectively.
  • [16:23] - The role of agile and hybrid concepts on the PMP exam.
  • [23:05] - Understanding and adopting the PMI mindset.
  • [26:19] - Exam day logistics: online vs. test center experiences.
  • [35:46] - Stress management techniques before and during the exam.
  • [40:48] - Final recommendations for PMP aspirants.

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Cornelius Fichtner
Cornelius Fichtner
Cornelius Fichtner, PMP, CSM, is the host and the author at The Project Management Podcast. He has welcomed hundreds of guests and project management experts to the podcast and has helped over 60,0000 students prepare for their PMP® Exam. He has authored dozens of articles on projectmanagement.com and PM World 360. He speaks at conferences around the world about project management, agile methodology, PMOs, and Project Business. Follow him on Twitter and connect with him on LinkedIn.

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