Self-Study Battle Rhythm
Developing a successful study battle rhythm for PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) wasn’t easy. Honestly, I concocted about 25 different strategies before finally getting it right. To avoid this, I recommend feeling out a study strategy that aligns with you. Give yourself about 1 week before committing completely to it. Second, give yourself enough time. In my case 4 months was enough studying time, but everyone is different. Still, anyone with a 40+ week schedule, understands that burning out is a possibility. There were definitely times, I felt on the verge of it. So recommend pacing yourself. Ultimately, you want your score to reflect your knowledge level.
Taking the exam is a 3 hour mental marathon–not a sprint.
Healthy battle rhythms gives you time to reread material, ask questions on LinkedIn group boards, watch float equations on YouTube, quiz yourself, and etc.
Self-Study Material Criteria
For me, selecting training material was trial and error. There were too many paid and unpaid material available for preparing for the CAPM/PMP. Depending on your time frame, you may just stick with studying the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK). For those with time however, I recommend developing a criteria for your study material. For me there was absolutely no logic in purchasing expensive books, building a strategy, and not following through with the material.
Training material should fit your lifestyle and study habits.
My Criteria
- Accessibility – Digital versions of training materials can be read at home, work, and during commutes
- Affordability – Set an affordable budget for self-studying material
- Reliability – Exam questions should mimic the ones on the exam
Just Do It
Fortunately candidates are given 1 year to pass the exam. I had been kicking the can for months.
Then on my last eligible test day Monday, February 2 —I passed.
My point is never give up. Test anxiety, rescheduling, and work commitments should not be deterrents. Your hard work and sleepless nights can and will pay off. Even if it’s your last eligible testing day, you owe it to yourself to try.
My Self-Study Material
| Cost | Website | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Management Institute (PMI) | Free* | PMBOK® Guide |  |
| Joseph Phillips | $28.58 | Amazon |  |
| CAPM Online - Gold Plan | $79.00 | Website |  |
| Rita Mulcahy | $61.00 | Amazon |  |
| Brainbok - Premium Plus | $49.00 | Website |  |
* This book is only free with a PMI Membership
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