PcM Pass!!

I just received my official passing score report today. I took the exam through Pro Proctor. Regarding ProProctor Exams:

Make sure to purchase a high resolution webcam with autofocus. No need for a fancy, expensive one just make sure it checks these two boxes. Here is the Amazon link to mine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_W1RNKFKPZ9NDF42G802C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 

These were my study resources and the sequence in which I used them. I created a two phase plan.

Phase 1- STUDY : Phase 2- PRACTICE

STUDY PHASE- 2 weeks

1. BALLAST ARE EXAM REVIEW. This lays down a great foundation. Perfect as a first introduction to the material. The pop quiz questions throughout are great for testing your comprehension.

2. AHPP. This should be the core of your study material. Everything else should be layered on top of this. The ARE Handbook lists this as the main resource for a reason.

3. SCHIFF HARDIN LECTURES/CONTRACTS. The lectures are incredible for explaining the law language of the contracts and simplifying the concepts. I listened to A201 & B101 once as they are very long. After that, I read the contracts over and over without the lectures. He doesn’t provide a C401 lecture but make sure to include this in your studies. B101 & C401 are crucial for this exam. 

4. HYPERFINE PcM & PjM COURSE W/ FINANCIAL WORKBOOK. These videos do an incredible job of explaining the financial side of running a firm/project. All the formulas you need to know are covered in the financial workbook.

PRACTICE PHASE- 2 weeks (This phase was completely dedicated to practice problems/quizzes and tests.)

1. BALLAST PRACTICE QUESTIONS. Ballast practice questions are excellent shorts tests.

2. DESIGNER HACKS. These are great and inexpensive! Continue to retake the full length timed exam until you score above a 90%.

3. We ARE via HYPERFINE. Another great resource of practice quizzes, tests and a full length exam.

4. BALLAST MOCK EXAM. To me, this exam was best in preparation for the ARE.

This forum helped me tremendously, so I want to be here to answer any questions you have about this study plan.

TEST TAKING STRATEGY. After my unsuccessful first attempt at project management, I developed a test taking strategy that helped with both time management and efficiency.

1. Start with the case study questions first. These are the most time consuming being that you need to read the scenario and most questions require flipping between the resources and possible answers. I wouldn't leave these at the end because by the time you approach the case studies, you don't want the time remaining to intimidate you, causing you to rush them. You want to be relaxed as you read through the case studies.

2. Flag all math problems and finish these at the end. This does not include the case study math problems. I would highly suggest finishing the case studies completely before starting the multiple choice portion of the exam. The reason for flagging the math problems and finishing them at the end is because, like the case studies, they are time consuming. Remember, every question carries the same weight. You don't want to get stuck on a math problem and waste your precious time. Doing so will only cause you to rush the rest of the easier multiple choice questions which may result in mistakes. When first glancing at a math problem, it may be tempting to jump right on it, but unless math is incredibly easy for you, I would highly suggest following this strategy.   

Put in the time, own the content and you will be just fine!

GOOD LUCK!