This document provides information about techniques for successfully passing the PMP exam. It introduces Elaine Jackson and Carla Fair-Wright, the CEO and executive director of a project management consulting firm, who have helped many study for and pass the PMP exam. The document then outlines 15 exceptional study techniques for the PMP exam, including choosing a study program and date, managing time, using study hours effectively, creating cheat sheets, developing a positive mindset, exercising, mind mapping, taking mock exams, managing nutrition, limiting distractions, studying with music, managing sleep, using test taking strategies, and controlling stress. It provides guidance on implementing each technique to optimize exam preparation.

1. Passing the
PMP Exam
From Distress to
Success

2. About Us
Elaine T. Jackson, PMP
CEO, Holistic Project Management Consulting
Elaine Jackson is a highly proficient and dedicated Project Management Coach
who enjoys teaching project managers techniques that lead to passing the
Project Management Certification Exam with total confidence!
Elaine Jackson achieved her Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certification in 2008. Elaine has perfected the PMP Exam study process and
has a closing rate of 95%. Elaine Jackson’s mission is to assist Project
Managers world-wide, in virtual and face-to-face environments, to be most
ready for the PMP Certification Exam
She holds a BS in Biology from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY and is a
graduate from the Entrepreneurial Business Training Program in Andover, MA.

3. About Us
Carla Fair-Wright, PMP, ASQ CSQE, MCP
Executive Director, Optimal Consulting LLC
Carla is an ASQ Certified Software Quality Engineer and Microsoft Certified
Professional with a BS in Computer Science, and Associate Degrees in
Electronic Technology and Technical Management.
She has more than 20 years' experience as a project manager and software
professional in the computer industry. Carla achieved her PMP certification
in 2009 and is a longtime member of the Project Management Institute
(PMI). She is a founding member of the Project Managers of Houston
(PMOH), a non profit organization that assists nonprofits to provide greater
social impact.

4. From Distress to Success
15 Exceptional Study Techniques
for passing the PMP Exam
• Studying for the PMP exam is very demanding.
• We offer some great suggestions on how to make the process
easier, fun, and complete.
• Our technique goes one step further than most PMP Preps because
we also teach you how to manage your emotional well-being
during the exam.

5. PMP Roadmap
Preparation
• Determine Your Approach
• Set Your Calendars
Study Plan
• What, When, Where
• 360 Strategy
Test
• Before the Exam
• During the Exam

6. Session Outline
Tip 01 - Not All PMP Programs Are The Same
Tip 02 - Choosing Your PMP Exam Date
Tip 03 - Master Time Management
Tip 04 - Study Hours
Tip 05 - Cheat Sheets Really Do Work
Tip 06 - Develop A Positive Mental Attitude
Tip 07 - Exercise -The Easy Way
Tip 08 - Mindmapping
Tip 09 - Mock Exams - Take Or Don't Take
Tip 10 - Nutrition And Brain Power
Tip 11 - Stop Telling Everyone Your PMP Business
Tip 12 - Studying With Music
Tip 13 - The Power Of Sleep
Tip 14 - Test Taking Strategies
Tip 15 - Control Stress

7. Are All PMP Programs Equal?
Which program is best for your studying needs?
Compare schools and programs!
Which program agrees with study style?
Should you just look at cost?
Graphic design from collection of Oliver Lehmann

8. Get Correct Information
Graphic design from collection of Oliver Lehmann

9. Study Hours
• How much studying is enough?
• When are you ready to take the PMP Exam?
• What if you are not ready to take the exam?
• Strange feelings I get when I think of the PMP Exam?

10. Mindmapping
•Prepare to expand your memory
•Test day acrobatics
•Mental acquisition of your cheat sheet
•What learning material stimulates for greater learning:
schematics / graphs/ charts/ text / colors
Start small
Expand to more intense areas of training material
"How do you eat an Elephant ? one-bite-at-a-time!”
Memorization based on colors in the long and mid wavelength ranges
of the color spectrum.

11. Cheat Sheets Do Work
• Are you studying to your best advantage?
• Are you stuck on some topics?
• How to understand everything for the exam?
• Approaches to an intense test.

12. Mock Exams
How To Validate Mock Exam Sources?
Are Mock Exams Prior PMP Exams?
How Many Mock Exams are needed?
Mock test scores to measure exam readiness

13. Should you be talking?

14. Your PMP Business
• Limit information sharing
• Don’t allow others to interfere with your study time
• Add study time onto your calendar as an event
• Only cancel study for really urgent issues
• Announce test date when ready

15. Your PMP Exam Date
• Choose training program based on end date
• Don't be afraid to change your PMP test date
• Schedule time off from work before your exam date

16. PMP Roadmap
Preparation
• Not All PMP Programs Are The Same
• Choosing Your PMP Exam Date
• Master Time Management
• Study Hours

17. PMP Roadmap
PMP Study Tips
• Cheat Sheets Really Do Work
• Develop A Positive Mental Attitude
• Exercise -The Easy Way
• Mindmapping
• Mock Exams - Take Or Don't Take
• Nutrition And Brain Power
• Stop Telling Everyone Your PMP
Business
• Studying With Music
• The Power Of Sleep

18. Positive Mental Attitude
• Emotions are tied in with memory
• Negative thinking can impact your ability to recall
• Being positive causes sharpens your focus and you
think clearer.

19. Positive Mental Attitude
Positive Thinking Techniques:
1. Write It Down 5. Use A Vision Board
2. Replacement 6. Circle of Encouragement
3. Positive Affirmations 7. Celebrate The Small Steps
4. Visualization

20. Exercise -The Easy Way
• What is the best remedy for any fears or anxiety
about taking the PMP Exam: EXERCISE.
• Aim for Aerobic exercise such as
walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling for 30-60
minutes every day.
• Aerobic exercise helps improve blood flow which
transports oxygen and glucose to your brain.

21. Nutrition And Brain Power
• What you eat can affect how well you study.
• A diet rich in essential fatty acids, fruits and
vegetables does wonders for your brain power.
• Relationship of Glucose and cognitive performance

22. Master Time Management
• Studying for the PMP is really about time -
management, discipline, and perspective
• These are things within your control.
• Develop a long-range study plan

23. Studying With Music
• Studies have found that music can:
• Reduce Stress
• Aid Relaxation
• Alleviate Depression
• Help you store and recall information

24. The Power Of Sleep
• Sleep is crucial for your Brain
• Sleep Hygiene Tips
• Maintain A Regular Sleep Routine
• Avoid naps if possible
• Don’t stay in bed awake for more than 5-10 minutes.
• Exercise regularly

25. PMP Roadmap
Taking The Test
• Test Strategies that Work
• Controlling Stress

26. Test Strategies
• Are you prepared mentally?
• Things to bring with you.
• How to take the test.

27. Control Stress
• Stress is Good?
• Your goal should be "Stress management" and not
stress elimination.
• Techniques for Controlling Stress
• Breathe
• Stretch
• Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

28. Passing the
PMP Exam
From Distress to
Success

29. Questions

30. Focus Group
Like to part of our focus group for our book?
Send your name, email address, phone# to carla.fair@hotmail.com
In the subject line: FDTS Focus Group