| Subscribe via RSS

BrainBOK™ - ITTOs, Flashcards, Quizzes, Exam Simulator

PMP and CAPM Certification Simulator Sample Questions Flashcards ITTO

5 Popular Myths about PMP Exam Passing Score

Posted by Harwinder on Wednesday, December 02, 2009 - 129 comments  |  Readability Mode


I'm a huge fan of the popular science television series, MythBusters, and today I'm going to play the MythBuster and take on 5 popular myths about PMP exam passing score. This is part 2 of the series on PMP exam passing score. I suggest you read part 1 - PMP Exam Passing Score - Not a Number Game anymore, before proceeding further.

Disclaimer: PMP exam scoring criteria is a black box. While I've made all effort to provide the most accurate and complete information, I provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of furnished data. Please use this information at your own discretion.

Myth 1: PMP exam pass percentage is 61%

As I mentioned in Part 1, this is history and not true anymore. The passing percentage used to be 61% until 2006. Back then, the percentage was clearly specified in the PMP Handbook. But now, you would not find any official PMI document that specifies a passing percentage. You can also confirm this with PMI Customer Care.

Myth 2: A fixed passing score is applicable to all candidates

This is what the PMP Handbook says on this subject:

Establishing the Passing Score

The passing score for all PMI credential examinations is determined by sound psychometric analysis. PMI uses subject matter experts from across the globe to help establish a point at which each candidate should pass the examination(s) and the examination point of difficulty. Data that show how candidates actually performed is cross referenced with the subject matter experts to ensure that the point of difficulty on each examination is healthy.

In sound psychometric analysis system, there is no documented set mark or percentage you must achieve to pass the exam. The minimum mark or pass percentage varies for each exam, and is based on the exam’s difficulty and on all the student's scores achieved globally. It also means that if you get lots of easy questions on the exam, your pass percentage may be higher compared to the pass percentage if you get tougher questions correct. So one candidate may pass the exam scoring just 55%, and the other may fail despite scoring 65%.

Myth 3: Every question carries equal weightage

This is essentially the same as the previous point. If you get the tough questions correct, you may pass with a lower overall score. So the point is that tougher questions carry higher weightage.

Myth 4: There's a percentage score associated with each Proficiency level

The myth floating around goes on to specify the exact minimum percentage for each proficiency level. For example, Proficient = 80% (or above), Moderately Proficient = 61% (or above), and Below Proficient = Below 61%.

Interesting, isn't it? I call this The Kidney Heist of PMP certification. It is pure speculation. If it's not mentioned in the PMP Handbook, I don't trust it, no matter what anyone says or writes.

Myth 5: You need to score at least "Moderately Proficient" in all 6 domains in order to pass the exam

In other words, it means that a single "Below Proficient" grade in any domain will shut the doors on you. This isn't true either. In part 4 of this series, I'll show you real data (score results) gathered from successful candidates, that proves this wrong. People have scored "Below Proficient" in one or more domains and still passed the exam.

Now that we have separated facts from fiction, you might ask, what percentage should I really "aim for" while preparing for the PMP exam? I can understand your dilemma and fully empathize with you. The target was clear when PMI used to publish a fixed passing percentage for the exam. But now the situation is a bit murky. You do not know what is a good score on mock exams, what is the right strategy, and when you are ready for the exam.

I'll address these concerns in part 3 of this series. I would also like to hear your stories, things you might have heard or experienced on this subject. Feel free to add your comments and complement this information.

Image Credit: Flickr / tsmall

Related articles:

Bookmark and Share
Filed under: , , ,

129 comments:

  1. Thanks Harwinder for another interesting article..

    As per the L-Ls of the folks who cleared the exam, it is reflected that if one is scoring 75/80% or more in the Mock exams like Rita, pmstudy etc, then one can consider him/herself good to go !

    Any comments on this ?

    Actually after reading this article one may get a bit scared that one can never know inspite of scoring good in the practice exams that he/she is prepared for the exam..

    Your views appreciated !
    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi DFB,
    I think I can offer some solid data that might refute at least some of the myths you think you have busted.

    In our 90 day long, graduate level, blended learning courses, we conduct three benchmark exams. These benchmark exams are administered to all of our students. Which means I have 15+ years of results from our benchmark exams.

    More importantly, for those years PMI published the actual scores on these students received on their PMP exam.

    Which means that I have literally thousands of data points which correlate the scores on my benchmark exams to the scores received on the PMP Exam.

    And based on that database, I am able to predict the score on the PMP Exam +/-3 points based on the results of the Benchmark Exam results.

    So, what does that mean? It means because my benchmark exams have not changed significantly, I am able to use them to predict what the score on the PMP Exam is or was, regardless of whether PMI publishes the numbers or not....

    What can I tell you?

    1) It appears to me that PMI has kept the same passing point of ABOUT 61%, +/- 3 points. (Passing grade range of 58% to 64%.

    2) Our 15 year, running average, first attempt pass rate for English as Second Language has been 86%. Since the change over, our pass rate has not changed, and our training materials has only been updated to reflect the relatively minor changes in processes and vocabulary, meaning that PMI has not made the exam more or less difficult. It is substantially the same as what it was before the change.

    3) PMI has a long established history of "dumbing down" the PMP. When I took mine back in '88 or '89, it consisted of 320 questions, over 7 hours, with 5 (not 4) possible answers; and you had to pass each knowledge area individually with a score of 70%; then they dumbed it down to 200 questions over 4 hours with only 4 possible answers and a passing score overall (total, not per knowledge area or process grouping) of 70%. Then they dumbed it down still further, to only 175 questions that count, and requiring only 106 (60.6%) to pass. And now they did away with the numerical grade and replaced it with a qualitative score instead.... I hate to be a skeptic, but.....

    Unless PMI has changed, they were using the Modified Angoff method to score the exams, meaning that not all questions are of equal value. Some are harder, some are easier the the weighting given to the easy questions is less, while the harder questions is more. This is appropriate. My complaints and my concerns lie with the fact that the questions continue to be inconsistent with recommended practices in writing test questions. (while we do not seek out specific questions, it is unrealistic and naieve that PMI can expect people not to remember certain questions and discuss them after the exam....) http://www.testing.wisc.edu/Handbook%20on%20Test%20Construction.pdf

    So while much of your Myth Busting analysis is accurate, you to are perpetuating some of the myths that PMI might want us to believe, despite the fact that my numbers prove otherwise.

    FWIW, on another forum, I have offered to make my data available to a few bonafide researchers to analyze it further.

    Bottom line- PMI is not known for "truth in advertising" (despite credible research to the contrary, PMI still insists that project management is a profession) so just because PMI says something, does not mean it can be taken as proof. As with anything else, the people who have the most at stake are those who hold your PMP, and having watched the PMP being "dumbed down" for many years, I remain skeptical that PMI has suddenly made it more challenging....

    My best advice in closing? CAVEAT EMPTOR!!

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.getpmcertified.com
    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello Dr. PDG,

    I must say that this is fantastic information and probably one of the best comments I've received. Even your criticism is a compliment for me.

    I read through all your comments and I don't see any point that contradicts what I said. Let me go through the 5 points again:

    1. PMP pass percentage is not exactly 61% anymore - you also agreed to it. It could be +/-3 point or +/-5 points, it doesn't matter. Why? I'm going to post my views in part 3 of this series.

    2. PMI uses the Modified Angoff technique and the exam passing percentage varies with each exam. Both of us agree on this.

    3. Every question doesn't carry equal weightage. You agreed to this.

    4. There's no 1:1 relationship between Percentage score and Proficiency level. And how can it be if the passing percentage varies with each exam?

    5. One doesn't need to score "Moderately Proficient" in all 6 domains to pass. I have the data to prove this.

    So, I'm not sure where we disagreed. Anyway, I'm not done yet. I have a few more points to share on this topic, and I'm sure you'll have even more interesting comments :) I enjoy your comments and especially your love-hate relationship with PMI :)

    Thanks for your contribution and being a good mentor for aspiring Project Managers.
    ReplyDelete
  4. I guess the missing comments bug is back to haunt Blogger platform.

    Folks, you might see some of the comments missing temporarily.

    Sorry about that !
    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi BW,
    Maybe it was how you phrased some of your postings?

    Myth 1- You simply said it was no longer 61%, which implied two things:
    1) At one time it was 60.6%, which it never was, and;
    2) it is now something else.

    My response was it never was EXACTLY 61%, but around 60.6%, subject to adjustments due to the Modified Angoff method.

    My second point was that the exam passing score is still 61%, +/-.

    But the 3 points I spoke of are not from PMI, but the predictive margin of error if you use my database to calculate or predict what your real score was.

    If people email me privately, pauldgphd@gmail.com, I will send you a simple excel spreadsheet model that you can use to convert your QUALITATIVE score into a numeric or QUANTITATIVE score, with the understanding my excel model is only accurate to +/-3 points.

    Other than Myth 1, I don't see any significant differences between what I know from experience and what you wrote.

    But because this is a website where wannabee PMP's come, I feel a professional obligation to counteract the false and misleading "myths" that PMI intentionally or unintentionally have allowed to build up around the PMP.

    The most destructive is that having ones PMP means you are a professional project manager. Absolutely false. The PMP was designed back in 1983-84 to be a way to establish or benchmark that people coming from functional areas had sufficient knowledge of the terminology to be able to be assigned to project teams and not be lost. Thus it was designed to be an ENTRY LEVEL credential, and nothing more. And having done this kind of training for 20+ years now, I don't see that the FOCUS or INTENT of the exam has changed one bit......

    Meaning it is still testing for EXACTLY the same thing it was originally designed to test for..... Basic vocabulary and a few concepts.

    The only thing that has happened is, as I noted previously, PMI has dumbed it down over the years, and I see no evidence they have reversed that process....

    Glad you enjoy my willingness to speak out against PMI. At one time, I was an extremely loyal foot soldier until the organization stopped reflecting the beliefs and values I hold as a life-long practitioner and advocate.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.getpmcertified.com
    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello again Dr. PDG,

    I respect what you said, but I have seen the older copy of PMP Handbook (from 2006 or so) that clearly states 61% as the passing score. If you are suggesting that PMI was not truthful about it then that's a different story. Let me see whether I still have that copy. If I find it, I'll post a link to it so everyone can see it.

    In my opinion, PMP 'complements' real project management experience, not 'substitutes' it.

    I don't shy from calling a wrong, a wrong. For example, I agree with you on many aspects like the "dumbing down" of the exam.

    You and everyone else is welcome to express their opinions and share insights, as long as it provides value to the readers.

    Thanks again.
    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi BW,
    As PMI has used the Modified Angoff method since the mid 1990's or maybe even before, then their own posting of 61% was not totally correct.

    And to be accurate, it was 106/175 or 60.6%, BUT to my knowledge, (long discussions with Paul Grace, former Director of Certifications) the actual score varied, based on the MA weighting factor.

    And I wouldn't be so vocal in speaking out against PMI, except for the fact I believe they are causing more damage than good to my life's work, and as a professional practitioner, I feel morally and ethically obligated to speak out.

    Bedtime here in Jakarta....

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.getpmcertified.com
    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello Dr. PDG,

    I visited your website and something that caught my eye and really made me curious was the PMI-REP logo. Can I ask you why your company is a PMI-REP when you do not hold very favorable opinion about PMI? You can ignore this question if you do not want to answer it.

    Thanks so much for your invaluable contribution to this blog.

    I'm obliged to add a link to your website APMX - ASEAN Project Manager's Center of Excellence to my Blog Roll section.

    Have a good night and create a great day tomorrow.
    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi,
    Yes, Harwinder you're right it is no more no game. I did very good on rit's fast track getting 90% and at PMSTUDY.Com 75% but when I took exam on Dec 15, I got all domains "Moderatly Proficient".
    I am happy that I passed, but I guessed I get Proficient.
    ZEE
    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello Zee,

    Congratulations on passing the exam and thanks for sharing the good news.

    If you get time, email me your lessons learned from the exam, and I'll post it for others to read. Alternatively, you can directly post them (as a comment) on this page:

    Lessons Learned

    All the best !
    ReplyDelete
  11. Really interesting information,which destructed all wrong foundation in my mind.
    That wrong myths direct me to fault ,and therefore I assessed exam more easier that it really is.So my first exam in September 15th failed,even though I had been assured that will pass.
    by the way I got 4 moderate and 2 below in ethics and monitoring & control.
    And now,I am a little bit confused ,how is my actual level.
    Just I figured out that need more study and NOTHING else.
    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Salza,
    According to the model I created (based on 15+ years of exam results compared against my standardized sample exams) which converts PMI's Qualitative score to a QUANTITATIVE value, based on what you described, your score on the PMP exam was 61%, +/- 3 points. Which means, that unless PMI has changed the passing point used previous of 106/175 or 60.6%, you just barely failed....

    My best advice? Try again in 30 days and just be sure to study more on earned value and anything to do with project controls.

    Professional ethics is a tough one, but just download any major, Fortune 500 company's ethics policies and you get a good sense of what is and what is not ethical that PMI is likely to ask you about....

    Hope this helps you?

    Happy Holidays!!!

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Salza,

    As Dr. PDG said, you are not too far from the mark. You can pass the exam even if you score moderately proficient in all 6 domains. Alternatively, if you get Proficient in one high-weightage domain like Planning or Executing, you can still pass by scoring below proficient score in one of the domains.

    Professional & Social Responsibility domain is a bit strange. Some people find it very easy, while others, very difficult. I got 100% in this domain in my exam.

    I hope you have gone through this topic in the PMP Handbook. Apart from this, I'll give you a simple tip for the exam - a PM does everything by the book, follows every rule, no matter what. For example, even if your real brother does something wrong, you report him to the authorities, no matter what the circumstances are. Follow this simple rule, and you can many more questions right.

    Moreover, follow Dr. PDG's advice, and you should be able to ace the exam.

    All the best.

    Regards,
    Harwinder
    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for the myth-busters.

    Hint: Aim for a score of 100% on 3independent sample exams and you will have nothing to worry about on the real exam.
    ReplyDelete
  15. I took Rita's exams 6 - 8 times, scoring 54 - 62, then a 69. and passed PMP with 2 belows, 3 moderately, and 1 proficient. If you score 80 on Rita's, you're good to go.
    ReplyDelete
  16. One more thing to add: The only area I was Proficient in was Executing, was moderately in 3 others and Below in Closing and Social, and I passed. If you score 80 in practice, you will have no problems.
    ReplyDelete
  17. @ Anonymous:

    That's an astonishing result - passed with 2 Below Proficient scores !

    That goes to show that if you do very well in a high weightage, you can afford to miss out even on two lower weightage ones.

    Thanks for sharing this valuable information. I also invite you to share your detailed lessons learned here:

    Lessons Learned from PMP Certification Exam

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  18. Folks, don't forget you can download a free excel spreadsheet model that will convert your qualitative PMP exam score to a QUANTITATIVE (numeric) grade.

    It is accurate to +-3 points, and to date, I have not heard of any false positives (people who showed they passed using my model but failed the PMP) or false negatives (people who passed the exam who showed they failed using my model) being reported.

    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com/download-page/

    Enjoy!!

    Dr. PDG, Tembagapura, West Papua, Indonesia
    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello Dr. PDG,

    Finally I was able to download your excel sheet and review it.

    I'm a bit lost on how to use it. Let me take the example of the result posted by the anonymous reader above, to explain what I understood. He/she scored:

    Initiating - MP
    Planning - MP
    Executing - P
    M&C - MP
    Closing - BP
    Prof. Resp. - BP

    So, as per your excel sheet, I should substitute these values in column F:

    Initiating - 65%
    Planning - 65%
    Executing - 80%
    M&C - 65%
    Closing - 50%
    Prof. Resp. - 50%

    If I substitute these values, I get a score of 66%. So, our anonymous reader scored somewhere between 63 to 69%.

    Is that a correct interpretation? If not, please explain how to use it using the same example.

    Thanks for your continuous support and contribution.
    ReplyDelete
  20. Yes, Harwinder...... You have explained EXACTLY how to use the scoring model.

    NOW, be forewarned, IF PMI changes the ratio of questions then this model will have to be revised.....

    But so far, it has proven to be exceptionally reliable.....

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Tembagapura, West Papua, Indonesia
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  21. does anyone know what percentage of PEOPLE pass it on their first try?

    fyi: I meant to say I took the PM Fastrack exam 6- 8 times in my comments earlier.

    thanks
    ReplyDelete
  22. @ Anonymous:

    Accordingly to my guesstimate, about 60-70%, or roughly 2 in 3.

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  23. We have a 15 year long, running average first attempt pass rate of 86% for our English as Second Language (ESL) professionals and 99%+ for native/near native speakers of English.

    However, understand that our courses are not 5 day long "cram" courses, but are a full 90 day long, graduate level blended learning (combined face to face and distance learning mode)

    We have not, do not, will not "teach to the exam". We believe in teaching "best practices" of project management, and much of what we teach goes well beyond the PMBOK Guide.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, GAPPS Workshop, Bali, Indonesia
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  24. I comment you that, although I thought that I was going to pass the test until the last second during it, I failed on my first try.

    My score was the following one:

    Initiation: Below Prof.
    Planning: Moderately Prof.
    Executing: Moderately Prof.
    Controlling: Below Prof.
    Closing: Below Prof.
    Prof. Resp.: Moderately Prof.

    I am thinking to take the exam again in one or two months.

    What do you recommend me?
    ReplyDelete
  25. @ Anonymous:

    I'm really sorry to hear that.

    But, you know what, you maybe just 3 answers short of passing the exam. Here's how:

    You need at least "Moderately Proficient" in all 6 domains to pass the exam. Even if you are one answer short of getting into the "Moderately Proficient" bracket, you'll end up into "Below Proficient". So, it is possible that you could be just one answer short in each of the 3 domains where you scored "Below Proficient".

    So, don't get disheartened. Sometimes, it's a matter of luck too.

    Now to recommendations, I need to get some background first. What is your experience level in project management? What kind of training did you undergo to get your 35 contact hours? Which study material did you use? How much preparation did you put in?

    If you prefer to respond privately, you can send me an email from the Contact Me page.

    Good luck.
    ReplyDelete
  26. I am how failed on his first try...

    I am a PM Jr. I have one year experience.

    I read the following one:

    PMBOK Guide), Fourth Edition (PMI)PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, Fifth Edition (Kim Heldman)
    ReplyDelete
  27. @Anonymous:

    If you meant that you have a total of 1 year of project management experience, then I appreciate your honesty, but I'm sorry to say that you may have misunderstood the PMP exam eligibility criteria. You need to have at least 3 years of project management experience to apply for PMP certification.

    So, that's probably the first and most important reason you did not pass. I'll suggest that you look at the CAPM certification for the time being, and when you get the required experience, you can go for PMP again.

    Feel free to write back, if you have further questions.

    Good luck.
    ReplyDelete
  28. I meant a full year of experience using that title.

    I have the required time of experience, I have proof of that, but not using the title of PM.
    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous,
    If you would take the time to download the PMP Handbook http://www.pmi.org/PDF/pdc_pmphandbook.pdf, I think many of the questions you are asking here will be answered.

    I have my concerns and complaints with PMI, but the instruction manuals they produce are fairly straight forward and understandable. (And the vast majority of the people I teach are English as Second Language)

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  30. @ Anonymous:

    Sorry for the misunderstanding. I had no intention to offend you.

    Now coming back to the point, you haven't provided lot of information about your preparation. I'll give a few general suggestions (not in order of importance):

    1. Don't panic.

    2. Don't rush to take the exam again. If you have time (before your 1 year eligibility ends), take time to study thoroughly and let the content sink in.

    3. Get another good exam prep book. My personal favorite is Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep.

    4. Try lots and lots of sample questions. If you can afford, invest in a commercial sample exam set too.

    5. Take note of the questions you got incorrect "on the first attempt" specially the situational questions. Analyze them thoroughly and understand where your thought process went wrong. Bridge the gap.

    6. Read the PMBOK Guide very thoroughly. It can help you answer many more questions correctly.

    7. Try to recall your exam experience and write your own lessons learned. Try to fill in the gaps.

    8. Read some lessons learned posts from successful candidates and see if you missed something.

    9. Learn the PMIisms. Rita's book is a good source for them. You need to answer the exam questions in the PMI-way to pass.

    10. Try to read some supplementary material. I have tons on them on <a href="http://tips.deepfriedbrainpmp.com>PMP Certification Tips</a> site.

    All the best.
    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello Dr. PDG,

    You made an interesting point about having "English as a second language".

    Some of my colleagues, who are not native English speakers, told me that sometimes they find it hard just to understand what the question is asking because of one or two words in the question, which they are not familiar with. So if they get even 5 questions wrong because of language problems, that can make all the difference between passing and failing.

    What are your suggestions to such candidates?

    I know that PMI offers language aids in 12 languages, but I'm not too sure how they work. Do you have any information how language aids work? Do you advise your students to opt for language aids, if they are not too comfortable in English?

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Harwinder,
    As I think you know, I am not a big fan of either PMI or their PMP.

    IMPO, I think the English used by PMI for the PMP Exam is tricky enough for a native speaker, much less someone who is speaking English as a Second Language. (ESL)

    I do not believe the PMP should be a quasi TOEFL test, yet that is exactly what it has become. Prior to 2000 or so, PMI used to allow standard English Language dictionaries (i.e. Websters or Oxford) to be used by non-native speakers of English. For whatever reasons, they stopped allowing that which is but one of the reasons I have switched my loyalty from PMI to AACE and INCOSE.

    Those alternative organizations not only offer credible certifications equal to or more technically sophisticated than what PMI offers, but those organizations are, IMPO, more "user friendly" to ESL professionals, as their certifications are more focused on PROBLEM SOLVING rather than VOCABULARY and look more at COMPETENCY than merely passing written examinations.

    Unfortunately, until or unless people are willing to stop "following the crowd" and start to perform some due diligence on the credentials they are seeking out, organizations such as PMI will continue to amass hundreds of millions of dollars based on the false promise of what is nothing more than an entry level, vocabulary based credential.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta, Indonesia
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  33. What do you think about the book "Head First PMP"?
    ReplyDelete
  34. @ Anonymous;

    Thanks for your question.

    I request you to post your question on the "Books" page (link available in the top menu) to keep the comments relevant to the topic.

    I'll post a complete review of the Head First PMP within this week.

    P.S.: I'll delete the comment from this page after 7 days.

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  35. I am currently studying for the PMP. In reading this and many other sites, I am finding the ~61% score to be the benchmark. Regardless of it being 61% or 64% or even 70%, it seems a little low, no? Maybe it is harder than I am giving it credit for, but it is a low sounding percentage.
    ReplyDelete
  36. Anon,
    PMI has had a history of "dumbing down" the PMP Exam.

    When I took mine, circa 1988 or 89, it consisted of 320 Questions, with 5, not 4 possible answers, was 7 hours long and required 70% passing grade on each knowledge area......

    Everyone has to understand that first and foremost, PMI is a BUSINESS, complete with a CEO..... The organization (last time I looked) had over 100 MILLION USD in liquid assets....

    The PMP has, IMPO, become a grossly over-rated knowledge based test, which at best, measures an understanding of PMI specific vocabulary and nothing more.

    Unfortunately, what was originally designed to be a benchmark to see if people were knowledgeable enough to be able to move from working in a functional organization to being able to serve on project teams and not be totally lost, has been distorted into being a measure of ones ability to be a competent project manager, which is totally false.

    The worst of it is, PMI is unwilling to stand up and make this clarification, which to me, amounts to false and misleading advertising at best and blatant fraud at worst.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  37. Anon,

    Just in Jan 2010, 6300+ people added PMP suffix to their name. Guessing from that rate, passing the exam isn't all that difficult.

    Thanks for your comments.
    ReplyDelete
  38. I have been doing technical team lead work on IT projects, and just took the PMP exam because it opens more doors with prospective clients. I read the PMBOK, bought an online course, studied for a week, and passed with 4 P and 2 MP. From my point of view, the designation is not such a big deal and the exam is not that hard. Anyone who has the requisite education and experience to sit the exam should be able to pass with flying colors because the material is just a bit of new terminology and formalized knowledge on top of what you should already know and practise. The thousands of dollars charged by some companies for PMP preparation courses are a big scam IMO.
    ReplyDelete
  39. I just passed my exam with all MP scores. I studied for 4 days, one time PMBOK, one time Rita and tested myself on simulator and scored 79.9% on full 4 hrs 200 qs test. Thought I cam ready and finally cleared it, though I would have liked some P's.

    As far as exam was concerned it was ok, only I was surprised by too many questions about Quality & Risk tools & techniques, which unfortunately I could not memorize and since I m also not familiar with these tools, I just guessed the answers for these questions incorrectly.
    ReplyDelete
  40. Hello Anon,

    Congratulations. Passing the exam with 4 days of prep is an incredible feat. Thanks for sharing your experience.

    Best regards.
    ReplyDelete
  41. i have taken the exam twice now with 3MP's and 3BP's and its really disheartening and the striking clause in it was that the exam i took the first time was exactly the same as the second one. i am confused as to if to write again within this month or wait till next month. moreover i prepared using rita's 6th edition book and pmpbok
    ReplyDelete
  42. Hello twice shy,

    I'm sorry to hear that. It's indeed strange that you had the same set of questions on the exam on both occasions. On one side, it sounds like a bad thing, but the other side of it means that you had known (at least some of) the questions beforehand, and had a better chance of cracking them.

    It suggests that your study approach didn't change after the first attempt. I suggest that you review the approach with someone who has already passed the exam, before you go for another attempt. Take time to prepare and not rush for the 3rd attempt. Don't give up.

    Note: You have 1 year from the date of your application approval to pass the exam (in max. 3 attempts).

    You can drop me a note (through the "Contact Me" page) if you want to discuss further.

    Thanks for sharing your experience, and good luck.
    ReplyDelete
  43. Dr. PDG,
    Thank you for the spreadsheet!
    I passed the test on Tuesday and my scores were:
    Initiation - MP
    Planning - P
    Executing - P
    Controlling - P
    Closing - MP
    Prof Responsibility - MP

    This came to 76% according to your spreadsheet, which is pretty much in line with what I had guestimated myself, (75-80).

    I think this thread shows that people have a need for a quantitative assessment. It's good to know how well one did against other people, but it's not enough.

    I found many questions poorly written (such as using "they" when referring to the project manager in a scenario) and in at least one case there was a typo - "produce specification" instead of "product specification." I had to read that one several times before I realized what the problem was.

    The other thing that I don't find very helpful is that the percentage of questions and proficiency scoring are based on process groups while the PMBOK (and the exam prep course that I attended) is arranged by knowlege area. I think this would make it harder to know exactly where you might need extra study. However, I suspect other course providers might teach it differently. Personally, I think that learning by process groups makes more sense than by knowledge area - but I can sort of see why it's organized by knowledge area.
    ReplyDelete
  44. FWIW, we have never taught the PMP Exam based on the knowledge areas. It never made any sense to us.

    BUT, now that you have your PMP, don't stop there.....

    You really think you are good? Then go for the AACE or INCOSE credentials.... Those are twice as technically demanding as the PMP.

    We have a 6 month long, graduate level, blended learning class kicking off in Jakarta after Lebaran on 23 September, then another course in Lagos, Nigeria on October 4-11 and another starting in London, UK on 13-17 October.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  45. Dr. PDG --
    Go for AACE or INCOSE? I think I'll have a rest first.
    ReplyDelete
  46. Hello Ros2004,

    I suggest that you take the matter offline with Dr. PDG, and help me keep the discussion thread relevant to the topic. You can contact Dr. PDG directly from his website. I'll delete the comment after couple days. I'll appreciate your understanding.

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  47. Sorry Anonymous, you don't have any time for a rest!!! ;-)

    Your competition in China, Indonesia and India are already looking beyond the PMP, which, IMPO, has largely been commoditized.

    So if you want to be able to differentiate yourself from "the rest of the crowd" you need to always be running to keep ahead of them.....

    Just a simple fact of life....

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  48. Dr. PDG,

    Interesting posts, and I agree with your assessment/attitude 100%. I passed my PMP yesterday - and came out of the exam feeling more angry than anything else.

    I'm a native-English speaker living in Malaysia. I found the exam to be:
    a) dumbed down;
    b) a test of the English language as much as a test of PMBOK;
    c) a violation of PMI's own code of ethics in that it:
    - is not transparent (scoring scheme/scam?)
    - is not culturally sensitive (again, many questions are certainly targeted against non-native speakers)
    - does not contribute to building knowledge (if I don't know what I got wrong, how can I learn?)
    - is not fair (luck should not be a factor - but it is!);
    d) poorly written. I would love to have the opportunity to debate some of the questions based on nuances in the language used. I seriously question how seriously they've formed their questions (pun intended). Is it supposed to be a test of knowledge or a test of tricks?

    All said, I will need some time to reflect whether the process was worth the cost. I would do a cost/benefit analysis, but PMI didn't teach me how to do it, just what it is.

    Regards,
    Disgruntled PMP
    ReplyDelete
  49. Dear Disgruntled,
    Some of your Malaysian colleagues just passed their AACE exams in the last couple of weeks and there are 3 or 4 of them starting our next class in Jakarta after Lebaran.

    And I will PROMISE you, that when you earn your AACE credentials, you will have every reason to be justly proud of having done so.

    Email me pauldgphd@gmail.com to find out more information.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  50. Hello Disgruntled,

    Congratulations on passing the exam, and thanks for sharing your comments.

    I agree with you on many aspects. If you view PMP as a knowledge based certification, it's not bad, but as a competency based certification, it is far from it. Also, PMI is not doing it's due diligence in many areas.

    But I think you went into the exam with very high expectations, and were bound to get disappointed or should I say, disgruntled. And some of the comments like "PMI did not teach me" seemed melodramatic to me :)

    If there are good alternatives, they will get their due share sooner or later.

    Anyway, I'm sorry to hear about your experience, but appreciate your comments.

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  51. Dear Ros2004,

    I read your email. First of all, my unconditional apologies for not making you feel welcomed on this blog. Congratulations on passing the exam.

    I have been moderating the comments through my phone for the last few days. Due to the limitations of the Blogger platform, it's very difficult to post and respond to comments through the phone. Somehow, even before I had a chance to congratulate you, Dr. PDG and you had responded with follow-up comments.

    Generally, I do not delete any comments, unless they are spam. But, I do want to keep the conversation on target. As long as the comments are on PMI / PMP, positive or negative, I encourage them.

    So, please forgive me if I offended you. I encourage you to post your lessons learned and share your experience. In future, if you do go for AACE or other certifications, please come back and share your thoughts on their merits and demerits compared to PMI certifications.

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  52. Dear Dr. PDG,

    Thanks again for your comments. Do you have any classes in Singapore? If yes, I think you should give me a free seat in your class so that I can come back and post a review of AACE on the blog :)

    It will give the readers a 'neutral' comparison of the two programs. Who knows, one day I may have an AACE Blog too !!

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  53. To all:

    I may now be spamming my own blog :) but I want to highlight that Dr. PDG's Weighted Score Calculation template may have a feel good factor, but it has some limitations.

    Dr. PDG can correct me on these points.

    1. Even if you score 0% on the PMP exam, the spreadsheet will give you a score of 50%. Similarly, even if you score 100% on the exam, the spreadsheet will never give you a score of more than 80%.

    2. The spreadsheet is really simple, and there's no magic as such. It assigns a percentage score to your proficiency level. For example, P = 80%, MP = 65%, and BP = 50%. These percentages are calculated from statistical analysis, which is explained above by Dr. PDG. If you know the domain-wise distribution of exam questions (which is published in the PMP Handbook), you can do the same calculations using a simple calculator.

    3. PMI's proficiency levels are based on a band of (percentage) scores. For example if you score above 75% in a domain, PMI would say you are proficient. But it won't tell you how proficient you are. A person with 76% and another with 100% are put into the same bucket - Proficient. The spreadsheet cannot take care of this problem.

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Harwinder,
    Essentially, yes..... As I think I explained some time back, my model (available for anyone to download http://www.build-project-management-competency.com/download-page/) only measures a BAND of +/- 3 standard deviations above or below the mean.

    Which means that it has proven accurate to +/- 3 points (sigma = ~1) meaning (as I hope all of you do) that it covers ~98% of those who take their PMP Exam.

    Are their outliers? Yes, of course, but the data I have for the years that PMI published the actual grade, the lowest score anyone who took our course got was a 48% and the highest anyone scored was a 92%. Which means that my model ignores the two tails of the distribution for no other reason that my 17 years of data indicates that at least for those who take our training, NEARLY 100% consistently fall between 50 to 80 %.

    Bottom line- does my model work for EVERYONE? No it does not. It does not work for those who score very high or very low. But again, since the "new" system went into place, we have maybe trained 1,000 people and no one has scored all below proficient nor has anyone scored all proficient.

    Hope that makes sense to everyone?

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  55. PS: Harwinder, on point #2, you cannot calculate the score only by using the the data PMI provides to you. In order to be able to calculate what PMI's real passing number is, would be if you had the actually passing grades from when PMI published that information. Because we record that in our records and track it (we still do, btw) we have sufficient data to know that PMI has not changed the passing point from 61.6%. Because we also created standardized benchmark exams of our own, and administer 3 of them to each class, we can very easily correlate the relative difficulty of our exams to the actual score on previous PMP exams and the accuracy of our Benchmark Exam #3 correlates almost perfectly since the changeover. If and when PMI changes the ratio of questions or changes the passing point, we will have to modify our model, of course. But used as a benchmark, we will be able to tell if PMI dumbs the PMP exam down much further than they already have or not.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi Again Harwinder. This same AACE certification class we just finished resulted in two Singaporeans (and one Thai) getting their AACE credentials as well.

    It is a 6 month long, graduate level class, which provides for 2 semesters of graduate level credit. (6 US or 10 EU credit hours)

    We conduct it both face to face and distance learning mode (Blended learning) and it is POSSIBLE (but not recommended) that people can take it distance learning mode only.

    And not, I cannot and will not offer "free" seats, but I will be more than happy to put you in contact with recent graduates, most of whom already have their PMP and to quote one of them just recently "AACE wins, hands down". If you email me privately, pauldgphd@gmail.com, or my boss, Yani Suratman (who is in S'pore right now if you want to meet her) yanis@ptmc-apmx.com will provide you with the information you need.

    Now, this is a BRUTALLY tough course..... But based on the excellent work you've published here, I have no question you (Harwinder) could make it.

    But ultimately, the best is to introduce you to people who hold BOTH the PMP and the AACE credentials and let THEM tell you which one they are most proud of holding.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  57. Folks,
    You may wonder why I post on this blog, seeing I tend to be so negative about PMI and the PMP?

    First, Harwinder has impressed me with the quality of the work he has produced here. I see a LOT of garbage published, some of which is downright WRONG. So his blog is one of the very best.

    Secondly, project management is my life's work. I am not an "accidental" project manager. It was what I wanted to be when I grew up 40+ years ago and it is STILL what I want to be when I grow old(er).

    So when I tell you the PMP is nothing more than an entry level credential and that IF you consider yourself to be a "professional practitioner" you need to look to INCOSE or AACE, I am not doing this to make money (I have enough of that). The reason I am doing it is because of my committment to project management and the great pleasure I get out of passing along what I have learned over the years to people like you.

    Put it this way- what I teach you is exactly the same as what I teach to my kids and grandkids.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta, Indonesia
    http://www.build-project-management.com
    ReplyDelete
  58. Hi Dr. PDG,

    Thanks for your responses. I've read all your comments above and will answer them one by one. Unfortunately, Blogger doesn't allow threaded comments. So, we have to bear with what's available.

    I want to challenge the model on behalf of my blog readers. Please do NOT take it in the wrong sense.

    a. The model is based on scores of "your students". The benchmarking and correlations were established for students who took your course. You mentioned that for "your students", the lowest score was 48%. But you'll agree that not everyone takes your course for the PMP exam, and not all courses are created equal. I'm pretty sure that there are much lower scores on the PMP exam than 48%. On the same lines, the +/-3 point accuracy is applicable to your students, but it may not be applicable to others. So, I believe that the model "fits" your students more than others.

    b. You had previously mentioned that the mean score in your model is 66.1% with a standard deviation of 2.65%. That makes anyone scoring below 58% (-3 sigma) and above 74% (+3 sigma) as an outlier. If we step backward and try to understand who needs this information most, isn't it the people who fail the exam? The person who fails the exam really wants to know the "margin" by which he/she fell short. This person is very likely to score below 58% and be an outlier in your model. So, in my view, this model won't help "most" people who fail the exam.

    c. The Benchmarks and the (+/- 3 point) accuracy were established during the days when PMI used to provide the percentage scores. After they moved to the proficiency based system, how do you validate the accuracy of the benchmark and hence the model? What if PMI has changed the exam content or the difficulty level in last couple years? The +/-3 point accuracy may well have changed to +/-5 or 6. I admit that it may be a reasonable to assume that the exam hasn't changed, but it's still an assumption.

    d. I didn't understand how you got the figure of 98%. What does that figure indicate?

    I want to know your thoughts.

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi Dr. PDG,

    On #2, I think you might have misinterpreted my comment. I meant that the domain-wise distribution is publicly available through PMI. So, if we use "your model" and get the percentage for each proficiency level, we can calculate the score using an ordinary calculator. The excel sheet doesn't have any embedded intelligence as such. It's the percentages from the model, which matter.

    Hope this clarifies it.

    Regards.
    ReplyDelete
  60. Hello again Dr. PDG,

    Thanks a lot for the confidence you've shown in my abilities. That "free seat" comment was supposed to be a joke. I'll definitely pay the full fee if I take your course. I'll get in touch with you offline on that.

    Regards.
    ReplyDelete
  61. Hello yet again Dr. PDG,

    Let me say a BIG "thank you". Your comments are the BEST compliment I've EVER received. I wish I could frame it and hang it on my office wall.

    I really appreciate the contribution you have made and are making to the profession. However, there's one question I always wanted to ask you.

    You are the biggest critic of PMI that I know of. Then why does your company endorse PMI certifications and provide PMI certification courses? Why is it a PMI Registered Education Provider?

    Thanks again. I'll remember your compliments forever.
    ReplyDelete
  62. Fair enough question, Harwinder about why we complain so much about PMI and the PMP yet still teach courses.

    First, we have NEVER, do not now, nor will we ever in the future "teach to the exams" be it the PMP other PMI credentials or any of the AACE certifications.

    As our URL indicates, it is our objective, our mission to produce more COMPETENT PRACTITIONERS. http://www.build-project-management-competency.com/about/

    So we teach "best practices" in project management which, if you actually UNDERSTAND them, will easily prepare you to sit for ANY of the PMI or AACE certifications.

    The reason we have been able to stay in business for so long (this is our 15th year based here in Jakarta, (with collaborative offices in Singapore, Johannesburg, Lagos, London and Anchorage Alaska) is because the graduates of our program are in fact competent practitioners. Which is really what our client companies want.

    And we no longer participate in or support PMI at all. Yani dropped our Global Chartered REP (one of the very first REP's)in 2001 and I dropped my PMP (#740) in 2003, because PMI no longer represented the values I subscribe to as a life-long practitioner. If you look at our website, we are an AACE Approved Education Provider (AEP#2007) and we are also Endorsed by the Global Alliance for Project Performance Standards to assess practitioners against the GAPPS COMPETENCY standards. http://www.globalpmstandards.org/index.php/project-manager-standards/download-latest-update.html . But we are no longer members of PMI. We do belong to IPMA and asapm, as well as INCOSE and the Systems Dynamics Society (SDS) But we shun PMI.....

    We provide competency development first and foremost, which, oh by the way, is more than adequate for people to pass their PMP Exam. Our price does not include membership in PMI nor does it include the PMP Exam fee. Those decisions are between the client and PMI.

    This way, I can feel good that the people we turn out actually know what they are doing, and are not just good at passing exams.

    Explained another way, our commitment is to the practice of project management and NOT to creating more PMP's.

    Does this help answer your question?

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  63. Hello Dr. PDG,

    Yes, you addressed my question well.

    I'm quite sure that I saw the PMI-REP logo on your site until about 6 months ago, but it's no longer there. Correct me if I'm wrong. I also remember posting a similar question to you at that time (on one of the other blog posts), but don't recall getting an answer.

    Anyway, my comment has been addressed, and I'll be surely looking into your recommendations.

    Thanks, and have a great week ahead!
    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi Harwinder,
    The 98% represents +/- 3 sigma. (97.73%)

    And it doesn't matter whether the model was created using only our students. The qualitative values have been turned into quantitative values, which are valid within +/-3 sigma. (We had two last week who passed and one who failed and their QUANTITATIVE scores matched almost perfectly. The two who passed did so with scores calculated using our model between 62% and 65% and the second passed between 65% and 68%, while the guy who failed scored between 58% and 61%. So here is a perfect example of samples which exactly bracketed PMI's old passing score of 61.6%.

    Oh, and the 2.65% is for English as Second Language (ESL) participants. For native/near native speakers we have a 99.9% first attempt pass rate with a sigma of <1%.

    Bottom line. If you are willing to accept that for 98% of people who take the PMP exam our scoring model works and for the outliers beyond +/- 3 sigma our model does NOT work, I think you will agonize less over it. Explained another way, IF (and it has never happened) someone scored all "Proficient" we would say to them that they scored 80% or better on their PMP exam. Likewise, for anyone who score all "Below Proficient" (which also has never happened to us) we could say accurately that they scored 50% or less on their PMP exam. In between +/- 3 sigma, we can tell them their score to any degree of reliability they desire.

    Again, don't agonize over the model. It is to give a "reasonably accurate" estimate of the actual grade and the model has been validated by both our students and others who are not our students.

    Tennis time......

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  65. Pak Harwinder,
    If you want to catch up with Yani, she will only be in S'pore until Wednesday night.

    She is on her Blackberry, so you can either email her, yanis@ptmc-apmx.com or phone her, +6281-6187-3992.

    I think it would be great to get to know her and understand what we do and how we do it....

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    ReplyDelete
  66. Harwinder,

    Thanks for the reply. Oh, and as Dr. PDG pointed out, good job on the website.

    You're right - it's a general test of PMBOK knowledge without regard to compentency. They should print this in bold letters at the top of the certificate.

    However I'm still angry that they made me study their model of communication - i.e., Transmit-Encode-Decode-Receive and noise, but then proceeded to write convoluted sentences that are difficult to understand! IMHO, PMI needs to look at its own belly button for awhile.

    Any advice for getting these views to PMI? It's a shame that such a good concept and great idea appears to being corrupted. Perhaps someone should start a blog on this topic alone in hopes of creating more awareness.

    In fact, I read PMI's code of ethics again just to see if questioning PMI's activities goes against the code. I didn't see anything. If anything, the OPPOSITE is required:

    2.2.1 - We ... take action on best interest of the society...
    2.2.6 - We uphold this Code and hold each other accountable to it.
    2.3.3 - We bring violations of this Code to the appropriate body..
    3.2.3 - We approach directly those persons whom we have a disagreement...
    5.2.1 - We earnestly seek to understand the truth.

    I guess the last one is the kicker.

    Cheers!
    Disgruntled.
    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi Disgruntled,
    Rest assured- you are not alone in your disdain for PMI.

    With 100 million USD in the bank, how the organization gets away calling themselves a "not for profit" is a question that never ceases to amaze me.

    There is little you can do to fight it, other than express your dissatisfaction, then "vote with your feet" and join other organizations.

    As I have said i previous postings, AACE, INCOSE and AIPM all have credible credentials.

    This is the best I can offer you help you decide...http://www.pmforum.org/library/papers/2010/PDFs/feb/FP-Giammalvo-PMCertsCompared.pdf

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  68. I came across this article today through Twitter that is somewhat on the same lines as what we have been discussing:

    Certifications Don’t Make Project Managers

    BTW, I'm also a part of the industry built around PMI certifications. So, you can say that I'm a culprit too :)
    ReplyDelete
  69. Harwinder, thank you for your welcome and also thank you for this informative and interesting blog.

    I wish I had come across this site sooner but unfortunately I did not find it until after I had sat for the PMP exam. I was trying to figure out the percentage equivalents of the proficiency scores when I came across this discussion and Dr. PDGs spreadsheet. While I realize that any such model cannot be completely accurate, it gave me exactly what I was looking for. My scores were “Proficient” for Planning, Executing, and Monitoring and “Moderately Proficient” for the other three areas. Using the spreadsheet, it came to 76%, which was pretty much confirmed my WAG of 75 – 80%.

    Prior to finding this tool, I was intending to try and calculate the score using the same approach – i.e., by multiplying the number of questions in each category by a percentage equivalent for P and MP, but I did not know what percentage values to use. The spreadsheet provided the basis. I’m not sure what the psychology is behind the need to quantify the results but there definitely is the need. I had also used another tool using 85%, 50%, and 25% values for each question based on your confidence in the answer and arrived at estimates between 75% and 78%.

    On another topic also addressed by several people in this thread, I agree that the PMP exam doesn’t test project management skills but just knowledge of PMBOK language. But what really gets me is that it’s not even a test of your understanding of PMBOK concepts – it’s just a memory test. For most questions, you cannot arrive at the answers using reasoning or experience. You just have to remember the PMBOK definition of the specific term and whether it’s a process or an input, output, or tool/technique associated with a process. For example, most people are familiar with “ground rules” but why is it a tool for Develop Project Team but not for Manage Project Team? And why are organizational process assets considered inputs, not tools?

    I didn’t find the test quite as difficult as I expected, mainly because the questions were not as wordy as the practice tests I had taken. The formula-based questions were especially easy as long as you knew the formulas, which I did. I don’t think any of them even required calculation. However, there were a number of questions that asked about inputs to a process and although I had memorized a lot of the T/Ts and outputs, I ran out of time before I got to inputs (which were the hardest for me to remember). Another question that gave me trouble was one that asked what was considered a successful project. I was stuck between “Project is delivered on schedule and within budget” and “Customer approves the project deliverables.” I really couldn’t choose between the two because I would have thought both would need to be true to be successful. What’s the “correct” answer?
    ReplyDelete
  70. Harwinder, thank you for your welcome and also thank you for this informative and interesting blog.

    I wish I had come across this site sooner but unfortunately I did not find it until after I had sat for the PMP exam. I was trying to figure out the percentage equivalents of the proficiency scores when I came across this discussion and Dr. PDGs spreadsheet. While I realize that any such model cannot be completely accurate, it gave me exactly what I was looking for. My scores were “Proficient” for Planning, Executing, and Monitoring and “Moderately Proficient” for the other three areas. Using the spreadsheet, it came to 76%, which was pretty much confirmed my WAG of 75 – 80%.

    Prior to finding this tool, I was intending to try and calculate the score using the same approach – i.e., by multiplying the number of questions in each category by a percentage equivalent for P and MP, but I did not know what percentage values to use. The spreadsheet provided the basis. I’m not sure what the psychology is behind the need to quantify the results but there definitely is the need. I had also used another tool using 85%, 50%, and 25% values for each question based on your confidence in the answer and arrived at estimates between 75% and 78%.

    On another topic also addressed by several people in this thread, I agree that the PMP exam doesn’t test project management skills but just knowledge of PMBOK language. But what really gets me is that it’s not even a test of your understanding of PMBOK concepts – it’s just a memory test. For most questions, you cannot arrive at the answers using reasoning or experience. You just have to remember the PMBOK definition of the specific term and whether it’s a process or an input, output, or tool/technique associated with a process. For example, most people are familiar with “ground rules” but why is it a tool for Develop Project Team but not for Manage Project Team? And why are organizational process assets considered inputs, not tools?

    I didn’t find the test quite as difficult as I expected, mainly because the questions were not as wordy as the practice tests I had taken. The formula-based questions were especially easy as long as you knew the formulas, which I did. I don’t think any of them even required calculation. However, there were a number of questions that asked about inputs to a process and although I had memorized a lot of the T/Ts and outputs, I ran out of time before I got to inputs (which were the hardest for me to remember).
    ReplyDelete
  71. I have studied for 4 months using Rita's book and I went to take the exam last friday (July 22th, 2011). My score in simulations were around 70%. When I was answering questions in exam I had a feeling that everything was going extremelly right because I was controlling time, answering and understanding where I was in the process... I had a trully feeling that when I finish the exam I will be pass without problems but, unfortunately, I failed and what dissapointed I am now... I really could not understand what was wrong and need to take another exam. Thank you for your articles, it let me understand why I have failed;;;
    ReplyDelete
  72. Hi McLeverson,
    You didn't mention whether or not you studied the PMBOK Guide itself?

    Rita's book alone is not enough. You have to read over the PMBOK Guide 3-4 times as well.

    Be sure to hurry before the end of August, as the exam will be changing and HOPEFULLY, PMI will be making it more difficult, but I doubt it.

    Also, have you been to www.PMHUB.net yet? If not, be sure to go there as there are lots of "lessons learned" that should help you.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta, Indonesia
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  73. Hello McLeverson,

    I'm sorry to hear that. I guess it could be bad luck. What was your proficiency levels in various domains?

    As Dr. PDG said, focus on the PMBOK Guide and read lessons learned (click on the "Lesson" button in the top menu bar of this page). Attempt lots of sample questions (click on the "Exam" button at the top). You could also try brainBOK to get your head around ITTOs.

    And I hope you know that you have time until Aug 30 to take the exam in the current format. After that it's going to change. And I've also heard that if you take the exam from Aug 31, you'll have to wait 4-6 weeks to get your result. This will be the case for the first 2-3 months where PMI will evaluate the results and adjust the exam content, difficulty etc. based on how the candidates perform.

    I wish you good luck and hope that you'll come back here with the good news pretty soon.

    - Harwinder
    ReplyDelete
  74. I took the test 16 of september.
    A total of 5 areas. I scored Moderatly Proficient in 3 and Proficient in 2. I failed and don´t have a clue what went wrong. All questions where made in Rita´s book with an average of 78% before.

    Does anybody know what it takes to pass?
    ReplyDelete
  75. Hello Anon.,

    I'm really sorry to hear about your result. It's shocking to hear that you failed despite scoring 2P and 3MP. It is however possible that PMI has changed the definition of P, MP and BP. For example, maybe now they require everyone to score P in every domain. I'm not sure yet because you are only the second person that I've come across who has got the result on the new format.

    If I was in your situation, I would follow the PMI Appeals Procedure (given in the PMP Handbook) and challenge the result.

    Let me know if you decide to take that route, and the outcome.

    Don't lose hope. Good luck.
    ReplyDelete
  76. Hi

    My name is Johan as the anonymous who didn´t pass September the 16th.
    I have spoken to my teacher at the preparation course and he hadn´t heard about failing with 3MP and the rest as P. I´ve sent a letter to PMI, but honestly what can be done? The test result was sent to me 3 weeks after the exam so you don´t get it right away. Perhaps the process is manual and the decision is made in an other way than before?
    ReplyDelete
  77. Hi Johan,

    I think it's a mistake. So, let's hope for the best.

    I'll try to check the proficiency levels with other folks who are passing the exam on the new format. If I find something, I'll post it here. You can subscribe to the comments on this thread, if you haven't already done so, so that you get updates via email.

    Regards.
    ReplyDelete
  78. Hi Johan,
    PMI changed the exam on August 1st and just a GUESS, but I have a suspicion they have made it more difficult to pass.

    Based on the latest PMP Exam specifications, it APPEARS as though PMI is moving the PMP towards being a competency based credential, similiar to their PgMP.

    This is a good thing, even if it means fewer PMP's.....

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Lagos, Nigeria
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  79. Dr. PDG,

    I hope they make the exam more difficult, but how can 2P + 3MP = Fail?

    If their new criteria is Proficient in all 5 domains, then they should just have 2 levels - "Proficient" and "Not Proficient".

    I'm checking with another person who got his result today and passed. We'll find out soon.

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  80. Hi Harwinder,
    As noted to Johan, I don't know for certain, but based on commercial intelligence I gather, it surely looks like PMI is responding to complaints about the PMP having been "dumbed down" and while I doubt they will make any announcement, based on what I have seen and comments from "people who are in the know", I think you may very well see a higher passing grade being required and more difficult questions. I also suspect you will start to see some sort of more robust verification of the work experience.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Lagos, Nigeria
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  81. Hi Dr. PDG,

    Thanks for sharing your insight. All those are steps in the right direction. So I hope it turns out to be true.

    Regards.
    ReplyDelete
  82. Hi Harwinder,
    Again, just a GUESS but previously, the passing point was 106/175 or ~62%.

    What I suspect PMI may have done is to RAISE the passing score.....???

    IF that is the case, you may need to get "Proficient" in 4 out of 5 or maybe even "Proficient" in all 5.

    Again, this is nothing more than speculation on my part, but it makes sense given other pieces of information I have been receiving.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Lagos, Nigeria
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  83. Hmm, interesting analysis Dr.PDG and Harwinder. http://www.pmzilla.com/date-pmp-22sep11
    Please check the comments in that link. Looks like no one knows what is going with PMI or what their grading scale is. Ha! I have mine scheduled on the 17th. I am not sure if I even want to take this exam any more at least at this point of time.
    Oh well, lets see!!
    ReplyDelete
  84. Hello Joy,

    Thanks for sharing that information with us. Here's the clickable link: PMP - 22 Sep 2011.

    We need a few more results to really make sense of the situation.

    Good luck for your exam whenever you take it :)
    ReplyDelete
  85. Hi Johan,

    I received your previous comments but did not approve them because you had too many specifics in there. I suggest that you rephrase and re-post that message.

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  86. Johan here again
    I can understand if they change the testscore. But why doesn´t PMI announce that?
    From my point of view:
    I´ll take the preperation course. They are telling me that with your knowledge and the testresults shown there should be no problem to pass the test. Almost everyone passes after this course.
    They are not aware of that changes have been made to make questions harder and that it is a higher passing score.

    I´ll just say that if this is the case I think I´ve been cheated.

    I can´t understand if they change the passing score, why keep the BP, MP and P. It tells you nothing, like in my case: You are above average but you fail anyway. Strange.
    ReplyDelete
  87. Harwinder: from Johan
    Interesting link, thanks.
    Passing is possible with???:

    Initiation - Proficient
    Planning - Moderately Proficient
    Execution - Moderately Proficient
    Monitoring/Control - Proficient
    Closing - Below Proficient

    My score is the same with the differense that I have Moderatly Proficient in one area, this testaker had below:
    My score:
    Initiation - Proficient
    Planning - Moderately Proficient
    Execution - Moderately Proficient
    Monitoring/Control - Proficient
    Closing - Moderatly Proficient

    How does this make sense?
    ReplyDelete
  88. I hate to appear to be a cranky old man, but most of you are totally missing the point.

    Passing the exam means almost NOTHING if you are not capable and at least marginally competent professional practitioners.

    I dropped my PMP (#740)because PMI changed their policy allowing "Rita. Cheetah and PMP Exam for Dummies" et al to "teach to the exam" rather than teaching how to be more COMPETENT project managers/

    Bottom line- your focus should NOT be on passing the exam but on becoming the best possible project manager you can be, and if you do the latter, the former will become very easy.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, back in Jakarta
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  89. Hi Harinder,

    As per the new exam, I got 1 Proficient and 4 moderately proficient and still managed to pass it.

    Thanks for all the articles on your blog. They were really helpful to understand the concepts.

    -Amit Paliwal, PMP
    ReplyDelete
  90. Hello,

    I would like to provide another data point.

    I failed with the following:

    Initiating - Below Proficient
    Planning - Moderately Proficient
    Executing - Moderately Proficient
    Monitoring and Controlling - Proficient
    Closing - Moderately Proficient

    I am having trouble understanding this result as Initiating is the second lowest weight domain with 13% in the latest distribution.

    There is definitely something new to the scoring system...
    ReplyDelete
  91. Hi Amit,

    Congratulations on passing the exam!

    Thanks for sharing your result on my request. I really appreciate that. I'm glad you found the blog useful. Hopefully, that'll encourage me to start updating it again.

    Good luck and savor the success.
    ReplyDelete
  92. @Anon,

    I'm sorry to hear about your result. In the previous system, you would have passed with that score because the P in M&C would have compensated for the BP in Initiating. Actually you might also have a case to file an appeal with PMI. If I were you, I would try my luck.

    All the best.

    P.S. Please avoid posting your message as "Anonymous" because things can get really confusing if there are too many Anonymous posters. At least put a pseudo-name, if not your real name.
    ReplyDelete
  93. Hello! I'm Riccardo from Italy.
    I add other results.
    I failed with: 4ModProf+1Prof in Monitoring&controlling.
    According to the previous system,I woluld have failed?
    In general the results says that I'm not under the average....
    What do you think about?
    ReplyDelete
  94. I took the test September 15th and was notified that I failed. I was "proficient" in Planning and moderately proficient in the other four areas. So I failed with 1 "P" and 4 "MP," while Amit passed with the same numbers. I really wish PMI would come out and explain how the new scoring works.
    ReplyDelete
  95. Hi Ric and Jenn,

    My opinion is that you may have "passed" with the previous system. But, there are folks with 2Ps and 3MPs, who've also failed.

    I feel bad hearing such reports from folks who were brave enough to take on the new exam, and patient enough to wait 4-6 weeks for the results, but ultimately had to go through the misery of failing the exam despite doing reasonably well.

    I have no problem with PMI making the exam more difficult (in fact, I think they should). But what I don't understand is the feedback that they are giving you with those proficiency levels, which, as it's turning out, mean almost nothing.

    I just hope that these are system errors, and all of you, who've at least scored MP in all domains, will get an email from PMI that you've PASSED, and your previous results were incorrect.

    Otherwise, I think you should file an appeal against the result and at least give yourself a chance.

    Good luck.
    ReplyDelete
  96. As the results are pouring in, it's becoming increasingly difficult to track them. I've created a new survey form to capture the results. Please use the form below to post your results:

    New PMP Exam 2011 - Results Survey

    There's a link at the top of the form for the summary of responses.

    I'll find a more prominent location on the blog to post the survey form, very soon.

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  97. Thank you Harwinder for your support.
    I wrote to the costumer care of PMI looking for some explanation....I spoke with my teacher and he has never seen exams failed with noone below proficient.
    I'm considering also your advice to file an appeal.
    P.S. I saw your Results survey and there are a lot of similar exam failed. I don't know how to give sense to that.
    ReplyDelete
  98. I have just received a letter from the PMI. My previous fail is now a pass (4 PM, 1 P). Apparently there has been an error in the scoring and they have rechecked all the exam results under the new process.
    Hope that everyone else with similar scores has received the same mail.
    Thank you Harwinder for your support!
    ReplyDelete
  99. Hello stepka,

    WOW, this is an awesome news. Congratulations!!!

    I said the following in my post just yesterday, and today it came true:

    "I just hope that these are system errors...you'll get an email from PMI that you've PASSED...".

    Call it a blessing or a curse, but things that I say spontaneously, good or bad, often come true even in my personal life :)

    But I cannot quite comprehend how "PMI - the World's Leading Professional Association of Project Management" can make such glaring errors. Is all the knowledge of good project management only in books? I feel they should issue an apology and compensate you guys for all the agony they've caused you in the past few days.

    Anyway, I'm really happy for you and hope that more good news will pour in soon.

    Enjoy your moment!
    ReplyDelete
  100. I also received the "we (excuse me, their vendor) screwed up and you passed" e-mail. Given the problems I've heard about the last time PMI changed the exam, I'm surprised that they made the same mistake again.
    ReplyDelete
  101. theThis is probably NOT a good sign.... This is what PMI did the last time they changed the exam.

    Just a guess but I would doubt it was an accident (especially if there are multiple changes from fail to pass) but a sign that PMI has dropped the passing point.

    Time will tell......

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, IPMA/AIPM/GAPPS Conference, Brisbane, Australia
    ReplyDelete
  102. Johan from SwedenOct 10, 2011 10:29 PM
    Yepp I recieved the mail today - Passed! Over all I´m happy. I have to cancel my test 31 of okt. Refund I hope... I´ve studied day and night since friday and my wife cancelled her travel to Scottland this week to take care of the kids. We both realize that I wouldn´t become normal until I pass the test. Now she will have to work doubble next week. But I´ll do anything to support her. I hope you will recieve the same mail!
    ReplyDelete
  103. Hello Dr. PDG,

    Whether they made the exam more difficult is another story.

    The point here was that people were failing despite scoring Ps or MPs across all domains. That just didn't make sense.

    As you said, time will tell whether the exam or passing percentage has really changed or not.

    Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  104. Johan - congratulations! You must be a relieved man today. Enjoy your time with your family.
    ReplyDelete
  105. Johan from SwedenOct 10, 2011 11:08 PM
    Thanks Harwinder!
    In this mess... you (and this site) have been the only light. At least trying to find an explanation. Everywere else people are just shaking their heads and feeling a bit sorry for me.
    Now I´m on my way to Malmö in Sweden and will have a seminar with an audience of 200 people. I´m not shure if I will start the seminar with a dance-performance or sing a song about love, piece on earth and hope...
    ReplyDelete
  106. Hi guys!
    So do I, I receive the e-mail from PMI. I PASSED
    "We apologize for the concern and trouble this incorrect exam report may have caused you. An error in exam processing occurred because exams were originally scored by an erroneous scoring process so that some candidates’ pass/fail result was calculated incorrectly".
    It's very strange, but it was nonsense to fail with noone BP.
    And it was nonsense that my collegue had the same result as me and he passed.
    Maybe PMI calculated the score twice and they made confusion when they decided to maintain the same general percentage of successful exams as before change?
    Anyway...thank you for all Harwinder!
    ReplyDelete
  107. PMP failed utterly in their own project management? Irony of life :). Looks like they have to revisit their quality control and also update their lessons learned ..:).

    Congrats to all those who went on this roller coaster ride.

    And Harwinder - I am taking the exam on Oct 17th ;). And please tell me that I WILL PASS. Say it with me - "Joy will pass". Looks like things you say do come true..:).
    ReplyDelete
  108. Hi guys,
    I just received "The E-mail" too and I PASSED!!

    Thanks to everyone who contributed to this blog and special thanks to Harwinder. You guys have been a great support group for me through this difficult process.

    Congrats to all passed and best of luck to all waiting for news or preparing for the exam.
    Quattro
    ReplyDelete
  109. Congratulations to all who've passed.

    You are welcome. I'm glad to be of help, though I didn't do much.

    I can understand how difficult the last few days must have been for you. But now is the time to celebrate! Don't miss out on this opportunity. Take your family and friends out, and have a party!

    Joy - I wish you all the best. If you've put in the hard work, you'll pass :)
    ReplyDelete
  110. Harwinder,
    Thank you so much for your blog, tools and insights this has been very useful for my exam prep and understanding the scoring process. Keep up the good work and inspiring those who are working towards getting certified. I sat for my exam on 10/7/2011. I did not expect immediate results at the prometric center however when I saw the Congratulations message on the screen I was suprised to see it and relived at the same time. I have not received my email confirmation from PMI.
    The exam questions were very long. In my preparation I did numerous 4 hour practice tests and always completed these tests within 2-3 hours. The exam was long with very wordy questions and wordy answers. I finished my first pass on all 200 questions with 3hours 45 minutes on the clock. I had 15 minutes to review all marked which was not enough time. I unchecked all very fast to make sure I would end in the allotted time. I did not have time to review marked questions properly to validate my selected answers.
    My results

    Initiate P
    Planning P
    Executing MP
    M/Controlling BP
    Close MP

    Thanks again.
    ReplyDelete
  111. Continuous process improvement is part of PMBOK Quality. Even the REPs are expected to show continuous improvement by taking feedback from students.

    Should not PMI practice what it preaches??

    Based on past exam experience and feedback, should the PMI not improved the exam instead of repeating the problems!
    ReplyDelete
  112. Hello Judy,

    Congratulations on passing the exam, and thanks for your comments.

    You are the second person to report that the exam questions were wordy, after the change. Maybe there's a shift in pattern there. The previous exam had only a few wordy questions.

    Thanks for sharing your experience.

    Good luck for future.
    ReplyDelete
  113. Hi Ramesh,

    It'll be interesting to see whether PMI publishes a statement on the goof-up, and if they do, what they have to say about it.

    Such mistakes could be potentially fatal. What if a sensitive person like me had committed suicide after seeing the false report? :)

    On the positive side, at least we didn't hear a PASS change to FAIL (though it's surprising in a way). Hopefully, next time the lessons learned will not be forgotten ...

    Thanks for sharing your comments.
    ReplyDelete
  114. Thanks Harwinder! I will need all the luck there is.

    I started my prep for PMP on Sep 13th because of security reasons as mentioned in Maslow's theory :).

    And I have to finish off the test ASAP. Oh well, I will know in a week's time!

    I do not know if I am taking too much risk by taking the PMP in such a short period of time esp with the new format and all the changes. Just a month of preparation...

    Any case, thanks for all your insights and your blog. You are doing an amazing work, kudos to you!

    I will come back and update you about my result after 17th.

    Best,
    Joy
    ReplyDelete
  115. Hi Harwinder,

    For most of us, failure is not an option!
    Also, after having put up so much effort and feeling confident on passing, if the result is incorrectly mentioned as FAIL, there is huge disappointment as well as mental pain. No matter the decision is overturned, still the pain we go through can never be compensated.

    Regards
    Ramesh
    ReplyDelete
  116. Hi Ramesh,
    As you will come to find out, PMI is NOT a customer focused organization. (They were sued by a blind English woman back about 3-4 years ago for discrimination against the handicapped and when they LOST, they APPEALED the guilty verdict and the $3000 fine!!!)

    So if they treat the handicapped this way, do you think the really care what anxiety or stress you suffered.

    What you and the others experienced seems to be "deja vu" of how PMI handled the last changeover..... They are using you as the "guinea pigs" to determine how "hard" the test is and they will adjust the passing grade accordingly. (The last time it started out at 70% and then PMI dropped it down to 62% (106/175) when not enough people were passing.

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Brisbane, Australia
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  117. Thank Harwinder. All the best to you as well and please continue wih the good work and support you provide.
    ReplyDelete
  118. Hi Dr.PDG,

    I'm yet to take the exam and have scheduled to take it on 27th Oct. Hopefully, this will be sorted out by then.
    Unfortunately, whatever be the issues with PMI, this is what expected by the employers/clients here. So, have to do it.
    ReplyDelete
  119. Hey Harwinder,

    I just wanted to let you know that I cleared the exam.P,MP,P,P,MP.

    Thanks so much for all your help! Your blog has been my no.1 place to look for any concepts that I could not understand.

    The questions in the new pattern are tricky and also little more wordy than what I was expecting. I took PMP for the first time, so I do not know how the old pattern was. Any case, thanks again for all your support!

    And keep up the good work!

    Best,
    Joy
    ReplyDelete
  120. Hello Joy,

    Congratulations! That's a wonderful news. It seems like you indeed worked hard to achieve that level of proficiency!

    Thanks for your kind words. These days when I get such comments, I feel a bit guilty because I haven't been updating the blog as regularly as I want to. My entire focus is on BrainBOK. Anyway, I'm really glad to make some contribution in your success.

    The feedback I'm getting on the exam seems to indicate that the difficulty level of the exam has increased slightly, and the questions are more wordy now. When I took the exam in 2007, I don't remember getting a lot of wordy questions.

    Thanks again and keep in touch (my FB, TW and LinkedIn contacts are in the footer section).

    All the best for future.
    ReplyDelete
  121. A good post from a PMP exam taker,

    Here goes:
    I Took The New Pmp Exam. It Was Reasonably Tough

    http://forums.oreilly.com/topic/51571-i-took-the-new-pmp-exam-it-was-reasonably-tough/page__gopid__73729#entry73729
    ReplyDelete
  122. Hey there,

    just passed my PMP exam on Monday with P, P, MP, MP, MP. I expected more tough questions but had numerous quite easy definition questions to answer instead.

    I'm so happy!

    Greets from Germany and good luck to all exam candidates!
    ReplyDelete
  123. Hi all,

    I passed PMP today! 3Ps, and 2MPs, it could have been all Ps if only i had food with me!!
    The exam was very easy.
    I finished in 2 and 1/2 hrs and after lost concentration due to hunger!!

    Regards
    Ramesh
    ReplyDelete
  124. Hi,
    I failed with result as follows.
    any advise how harder I need to try - I was confident that I d pass,

    MP,MP,MP,BP,BP
    ReplyDelete
  125. @ Anon.,

    I'm sorry to hear that. I would say that you need to try a little harder to convert those two BPs to MPs or couple of MPs to Ps.

    Sometimes, you just need a little more luck to cross the line. Good luck for your next attempt.

    Best regards.
    ReplyDelete
  126. Hi Anonymous,
    I am not a believer in "luck".... Hard work and better preparation is the underlying basis for much of what passes as "luck" in today's world.

    Ultimately, it all comes down to practice, practice, PRACTICE.

    Have you been to the PM Net yet? If not, start there. www.pmhub.net

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta, Indonesia
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  127. Dr. PDG,

    I don't recommend the site, which you mentioned, to anyone. It's a commercially-driven, overly-moderated portal where you see the world through their lens. Any external link to good and helpful content, not feeding into their interests, gets blocked out.

    I have better recommendations here:
    PMP Certification Online Forums

    Apart from this, PM Zilla is a good alternative too. Until about a year ago, the Head First PMP Forum also used to feature on my list, but it has been dropped now. It's a shame that PMI-REPs and other PMP Training Providers have completely ruined it with spam.

    Best regards.
    ReplyDelete
  128. Many thanks, Harwinder for sharing your experiences and alternatives.

    Yes, I agree that the PM Hub has become overly commercialized, but then, isn't PMI as well? Like mother like daughter?

    I like the site because they are open enough to enable me to publish my rather critical perspectives of PMI and the PMP, and I also think the "lessons learned" are pretty appropriate.

    But I have another PMP Prep class starting in late January and I will refer them to the alternate sites you provided.

    Many thanks.......

    OBTW, I also have another AACE Certification class kicking off in Jakarta, the week of 16-20 January... Whenever you are ready to challenge yourself to some really TOUGH credentials, it would be great to have you......

    BR,
    Dr. PDG, Jakarta, Indonesia
    http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
    ReplyDelete
  129. Thanks, Dr. PDG.

    On the topic of classroom training, I'm going to conduct my first PMP classroom training in Singapore for a small group of friends and colleagues, next month. Looking forward to a new experience ...
    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

New Reader Poll (Started Feb 6, 2012)



See results of all previous polls here.