Unlocking PMI-ACP Certification: Proven Strategies for First-Time Success

I’ve been approached by numerous individuals on LinkedIn inquiring about the PMI-ACP certification preparation. Inspired by these interactions, I decided to pen down a blog post detailing my journey and strategies for this exam. If you’re considering taking the PMI-ACP certification or are already in the process, I invite you to delve deeper into my experience.

I’m proud to share that I cleared the exam on my first attempt, achieving an “Above Target” score across all sections. Below, I’ve outlined the 5 pivotal steps I undertook, which I believe can guide others toward similar success:

1. Choosing the Right Material: The internet is flooded with resources across various platforms. With countless training institutes and trainers offering courses, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to opt for. My advice, Don’t scatter your attention. Choose a resource that aligns with PMI standards and dedicate yourself to it.

My Approach:

• • I reviewed PMI’s “Agile Practice Guide” to grasp the overarching concepts and curriculum.
  • I enrolled in a course on Pluralsight, conducted by Chuck Cobb.
  • I studied Mike Griffith’s “PMI-ACP Exam Prep” and diligently answered the questions at the end of each chapter.
  • I utilized Udemy’s question bank, which included two mock tests comprising 150 questions each.

2. Commitment: Dedicate specific hours during the weekdays and weekends based on your availability, ensuring you remain consistent.

My Approach:

• • I allocated 1-2 hours daily post-work, barring a few exceptions due to unforeseen commitments.
  • On weekends, I dedicated 2-3 hours on both Saturday and Sunday.

3. Practice Makes Perfect: Regular practice is the cornerstone of success. The dilemma often lies in selecting the right practice tests. While many claim to have the best question bank, I emphasize choosing tests that provide explanations for every answer choice, both correct and incorrect.

My Approach:

• • I practiced questions from Mike Griffiths’ book.
  • I attempted the Udemy question bank, which provided detailed explanations for each question.

4. Synchronize Your Biological Clock: I advocate for aligning your mock test timings with your actual exam schedule. This ensures you’re at your optimal performance level during the exam.

My Approach:

• • My mock tests were scheduled at the same time as my actual exam (11:00 AM IST), but you can adjust this based on your convenience.

5. Strategize: Enter the exam with a clear strategy. For example, aim to tackle a specific number of questions in the initial hour, and set aside time towards the end for revisiting complex questions.

My Approach:

• • I set a target for the number of questions to attempt in the first hour, based on my mock test performance.
  • I marked challenging questions to review later, ensuring I didn’t dwell too long on any single question.
  • I reserved 20-25 minutes at the end for a final review.

By adhering to the above guidelines, I believe you too can ace the PMI-ACP certification on your maiden attempt. Wishing you the best of luck!

Note: If you’re seeking insights on other examinations, please feel free to drop your queries in the comments section.