PMP Study Plan - In Progress…
Introduction
Getting my PMP will be the first project documented on this blog. This post will be updated over time as I work through a process that I developed and will share. The goal of this blog, and using this project as the first example, is to practice my meta-learning. How do I acquire these skills with only the highest leverage actions using the least amount of effort and time, so I can move on to the next project? I image the processes I share will get better and more sophisticated over time, and I hope there is some value in seeing that progression throughout future projects as I get better at efficiently up-skilling.
Why the PMP?
In the world of professional certifications, the Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI stands out as a badge of competence, a ticket to credibility, and a tool for growth. I do not have any fantasies of this study material being a holy grail that separates project managers by a mile. In my assessment at the end of this process, I will cover where on the spectrum I think the PMP lies between useful as a doctrine to the profession of project management, or just one of those things the industry uses as a check-in-the-box to weed out applicants for jobs.
The Value of the PMP
Credibility Without the Commitment of a Degree
Wherever the PMP ends up on my scale, it is a fact that the industry values this credential. It is a single test, which for the purposes of my greater project with this blog, allows me to work through a very singular goal, versus a degree program, or a more guided course. I will get to exercise my own ability to consume the content and try passing the test at my pace.Direct Correlation to My Work
I’m a project manager. I don’t need to learn about what project management is—I live it. The PMP validates what I already know while sharpening my understanding of processes, methodologies, and tools that can elevate how I manage people, tasks, and outcomes.Opportunities for Growth
Beyond salary increases or job opportunities, earning the PMP is an exercise in discipline and strategic thinking. The process itself builds skills: focus, prioritization, and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
Why Now? Why Not Something Else?
The alternatives—MBAs, Six Sigma certifications, or long-term academic programs—are valuable in their own right, but they’re not the right fit for me at this moment. Here’s why the PMP wins:
Shorter Timeline: A clearly defined process that can be tackled in weeks, not years.
Focused Outcome: No fluff, no filler—just actionable knowledge and skills.
Practical Application: Unlike some degrees or certifications, this one is hands-on, directly improving how I do my job every day.
For Me, It’s About Control
Taking on the PMP is an opportunity to take charge of my professional trajectory. It’s not just a goal—it’s a milestone in a longer journey toward mastering this profession.
The ASCEND Method
I will be using a method I am developing myself and will tweak over time. This blog and these projects are as much about the development of the system of learning as it is about the content I exercise it on. The first iteration of this will be called the ASCEND method.
Aim - Define a goal with clarity and reduced to the most singular focus possible.
Select - Using Pareto’s Law (80/20 principal), work out the highest leverage subjects needed to reach a basic literacy in the subject.
Cultivation Plan - Lower the dial on efficiency and plan the learning required for deep, foundational knowledge in this subject.
Equip - Tim Ferriss said that a chef can cook a bad meal if the recipe is wrong, and the opposite it true. Carefully chose the right resources.
Navigate- This is the execution phase. Effective before efficient (do the right thing versus doing a thing fast), but efficient is important for basic literacy before we spend more time going deep. This experiment is to see how quick and efficient I can skill-stack over time.
Distill - Reflect and report how it went. Document and improve on the next iteration.
The plan will unfold below over the next four weeks. The meat and potatoes will be in the Navigate section.
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Goal: Pass the PMP exam with less than 4 weeks of focused study.
Reason: The PMP directly aligns with my current role as a project manager and validates my skills.
Long-Term Value: Adds credibility to my expertise and opens opportunities for career growth.
Why Now: It’s a manageable, high-impact goal that fits into my schedule without requiring a long-term commitment.on text goes here
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Efficient Focus: Building Base Literacy
Using Pareto’s Law (80/20 principle), I’ll prioritize the 20% of PMP content that delivers 80% of the value for achieving basic literacy and passing the exam:Process Groups & Their Flow:
Understand the interactions between Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring/Controlling, and Closing.
Agile Basics:
Focus on Agile principles, Scrum framework, and hybrid project management.
High-Yield Knowledge Areas:
Scope Management, Schedule Management, Risk Management, and Stakeholder Engagement.
Key Formulas:
Memorize and apply Earned Value Management (EVM) formulas.
Exam Strategy:
Learn to analyze situational questions, eliminate wrong answers, and manage time during the exam.
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Deep Knowledge: Strengthening the Foundation
To ensure my PMP knowledge is robust and enduring, I’ll go deep into topics that support mastery and long-term application:Integration Management:
Develop a deeper understanding of how all knowledge areas connect across project phases.
Leadership & Team Management:
Explore conflict resolution, team dynamics, and stakeholder communication in depth.
Agile Methodologies:
Go beyond the basics and master Agile tools like Kanban, backlog prioritization, and velocity tracking.
Advanced Risk Management:
Learn qualitative and quantitative risk analysis and mitigation strategies.
PMI Ethical Framework:
Study the Professional Responsibility section to align with PMI’s code of ethics.
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Resources:
Andrew Ramdayal’s Udemy course for structured, actionable guidance.
Rita Mulcahy’s book for deeper insights and strategies.
Cheat sheets for formulas and ITTOs for quick review.
Tools:
Dedicated study schedule to ensure consistency and progress.
Practice exams to identify weak areas and refine knowledge.
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Notes throughout the process
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Monday - 12/9/2024
The focus for week is to speed through memorization of key concepts. Full understanding can come later. Like studying the publications for my aircraft when I was a loadmaster, memorize the numbers, build the understanding after.
Studying the PMP Cheat Sheets by Yassine Tounsi.
Watching several sections of Ramdayal’s Udemy course. Skipping anything that comes off as fluff.
Saturday -12/14/2024
I am about 40% of the way through the Udemy course.
Focusing on memorizing the 49 process groups and their places in the chart along the knowledge areas.
Have not gotten into formulas yet but that is coming.
Split the week about 25/75 between watching the Udemy courses at 1.25x and working on memorizing items in the books.
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Monday 12/16
This week’s focus will be on memorization of the process groups and formulas. I will be using flash cards to focus on base memorization. I will also continue to Udemy course. The goal there is to get through the 9.5 hour section on Process to Manage a Traditional/Predictive Project. More to come.
Friday 12/20
I am most of the way through the above 9.5 hour section. I spent most of my time this week working on memory of the 49 processes.
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Monday 12/23
This week will be light due to the holiday. I will continue the memorization and work my way into formulas.
I ordered Process Groups: A Practice Guide. This will be my primary study resource outside of the Udemy course for the next couple of weeks.
