How I Passed the PMP Exam: My 3-Month Study Plan

Are you preparing for the PMP® exam? You’re not alone. For many project managers, earning the PMP feels like the next logical step, but the exam itself can seem intimidating. The good news? With the right mindset, resources, and structure, it’s absolutely achievable.

Here’s how I did it.

Setting the Goal: December 2023

Like many people, I ended 2023 by setting goals for the new year. One of mine was to take my project management career to the next level by earning the PMP certification. I gave myself two months to study intensively, take practice exams, and, if I felt ready, schedule the real thing.

Study Phase: January – February 2024

I kicked off my study plan with Andrew Ramdayal’s PMP Exam Prep Simplified, a widely recommended resource. I read the book cover to cover twice and completed all of the practice quizzes.

Having earned my CAPM® in 2021, I was already familiar with the five process groups and many core concepts. But Ramdayal’s book helped me shift into the PM mindset; a way of thinking that's key to answering situational questions on the exam.

Deep Dive: March 2024

I dedicated March to reinforcing what I’d learned. I spent hours watching David McLachlan’s YouTube videos, where he walks through practice questions step-by-step. His explanations of why each answer is correct (or not) helped me solidify my critical thinking for exam day.

I also purchased the PMI’s PMP Exam Prep Simulator, which proved to be a game-changer. These practice exams were tough, but they pushed me to apply what I’d learned under test-like conditions. Once I consistently scored 70% or higher, I knew I was close and scheduled my exam for early April.

Exam Day: April 2024

I walked into the testing center feeling nervous but prepared. I’d averaged five hours of studying per week over three months. In true project manager fashion (and maybe a little superstition), I wore blue, widely considered the “PMP exam lucky color.”

To my surprise, the real PMP exam felt more manageable than the simulator. I stayed calm, trusted my process, and finished feeling confident.

The Results

✅ Above Target in People and Process
✅ On Target in Business Environment

Final Thoughts

The PMP exam is challenging, but passing it is one of the most rewarding milestones of my career. If you’re on the fence or feeling overwhelmed, know this: consistency, strategy, and the right resources make all the difference. You’ve got this.

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