The following are commonly asked questions concerning the PMP Preparation Courses. If you have other questions not answered here, simply contact Tim directly through email or phone.
What is your pass rate? For public classes, it is usually around 95% but can vary between 90%-100% depending on the class. This is the rate for first time writers. I haven’t had anyone fail the exam if they have to write it the second time.
Do we really write immediately after the class? Yes. Although many people take an extra few days to do another review by themselves, it is very important to write within a week of the final class. This course is structured so that you are ready to write when the course ends.
Is there any pre-preparation required? No. Just show up the first day with your PMBOK Guide and paper and we take it from there. We also advise you on how to fill out the application, whether you should join PMI, etc.
What course materials are provided? All course materials are provided including handouts, access to the question database, baseline tests, etc.
What must the participant provide? Each participant buys their own PMBOK Guide and this should be ready for Day 1. As well, because the course involves a lot of note taking, a 2 in. binder, notepaper and 14 tabs for the binder are needed. This turns into the participant’s study guide.
Are other textbooks or materials needed? No. Indeed it is highly recommended that no other resources (online or books) are used because many of these are out of date or simply wrong.
Can these hours be applied to the education requirements for the exam? Yes. However, in many cases this requirement is misunderstood and most participants already have the required education. We advise all participants on this area so the application can be done quickly and easily.
Can you help us on the application? Yes. This is a big part of the first couple of weeks, to make this process easy. It is recommended that you do not start this process until it is explained in class. I will even review your application and make suggestions on it prior to submission.
How much homework is required? This is an intensive course that requires, on average, 1 hr. per day (5-7 hours per week) throughout the life of the course.
Is it possible to miss a week? Yes. Many people do and in some cases it can act as a break to refresh the mind. However, the participant is expected to catch up on their own time.
How does this course differ from others out there? The biggest difference is the focus on a process flow (Tim’s View) as opposed to the nine knowledge areas. This helps the participant put the material in perspective because it resembles how projects actually run. Other differences are the use of real life examples to explain concepts; layered approach of the material; baselines and constant feedback; and the constant updating of the course to ensure it stays current.
How can some others prepare me in 3-5 days but you take 10 weeks? In the past (particularly with the exam based on the first PMBOK) it was sometimes possible to prepare people in 5 days of intensive study (although this often included some pre-work as well). The exam now is much more intense and requires that successful candidates understand and are able to apply the material, as opposed to simply memorize a bunch of definitions. Many of the shorter courses subtly mention that the participant will have to do work prior to, or after, the course on their own time. We do it all in the course.
What happens if I fail? You write it again in two weeks and pass. I work with you until you do, but in ten years I have never had anyone fail a second time if they immediately write it again. However, let’s not think that way and come prepared to write and pass!
