How Mock Tests Help You Pass the PMP Exam?

The most difficult yet crucial exam for aspiring project managers is PMP. Just 4500 hours of work experience in this industry and the basic knowledge about project management don’t guarantee that you will pass the exam and become the next best project manager.

It requires endless hours of study, a deep understanding of all core concepts in the PMBOK guide, several hours of hands-on training, and knowledge of the latest project management methodologies and principles.

Each individual tries different methods to pass the PMP test, but the most common and ideal way to pass this challenging test is by taking mock tests. Let’s learn more about mock tests, what they are, and how they are helpful in clearing your PMP test.

Overview of the Mock Test

Mock tests are the most popular exam preparation tools. For an aspiring project manager, taking a mock test gives you a better idea of the kind of questions that might be asked in the PMP certification exam. The test covers your entire syllabus and follows the latest exam pattern. These simulate the actual PMP test, preparing you for the examination. The questions asked in a mock test can be totally random or based on the previous year's exam patterns.

The mock test increases your knowledge about different concepts, especially the ones introduced recently in the PMBOK guide. Practicing a couple of mock tests before you appear for the PMP examination can help you do better in the actual examination. While there are dozens of tips for preparing for the PMP certification, the best way to do better is by taking the rehearsal tests that give you insights into the type of questions asked frequently in the PMP exam and what is the actual complexity level of the test. There’s also a chance some questions from the mock test can be asked in the actual exam.

Why Should You Consider Taking Mock Tests?

Have you seen the cricketers practicing continuously before the match day? Well, they do it to prepare themselves for bowling, batting, fielding, and wicketkeeping. They hone their skills through practice. They don’t just read theories, but they gather in the same stadium to understand the pitch type, the length of the ground, and other factors so they can perform better on match day. A student taking a PMP examination also needs the same level of practice.

While theory is important, hands-on practice is equally important. Understanding the exam pattern won’t only prepare you for the exam, but it will also release stress. Knowing the type of questions that will be asked, the format, the numbers dedicated to each question, and the total time you get to finish the paper are all crucial for finishing the PMP test successfully.

Here’s how a mock test can help improve your preparation for the PMP exam.

Type of Questions

PMP exams consist of 180 multiple-choice questions, and you are allotted 230 minutes to answer each and submit your paper. These questions the five core concepts of project management-Initiation, Planning, Executing, Monitoring, and Closing. These questions are also based on the various variables a project manager has to oversee when working on a project.

They include scope, schedule, budget, human resources, risk, communication, and procurement. You can attempt a mock test that tests your knowledge of the formula-based questions. These tests are designed to help you learn all the formulas and variables before taking the actual test.

Self-Assessment

The main purpose of a mock test is to understand how much we’ve learned and where we need to improve. The test consists of questions covering a vast range of subjects. You can assess your knowledge from your scores on these tests. For instance, if you have answered all or most questions related to project execution incorrectly, you know what you need to improve.

Mock tests help us assess our answers, match them with the correct answers, and identify our strengths and weaknesses. You can base your study plans according to these tests. You should attempt mock tests until you score at least 80%. The higher your score in mock tests, the higher the probability you will do better in the actual exam.

Things to Consider When Choosing Mock Tests

A mock test makes a difference when it follows the same pattern as the actual PMP exam and has the same set of questions, sections, and marking criteria. While there are tons of these tests available today, you should choose one that helps increase your knowledge and prepare you for the PMP exam. Here’s what to consider when attempting a mock test.

Types of Questions

The PMP exam covers a wide variety of subjects, all of which help you become a pro at project management. When choosing a mock test, you should pay special attention to the type and variety of questions asked. Are they similar to the questions asked in the previous PMP exams? And does the test cover all core subjects?

Full-Length Test

A mock test is a practice test. But it doesn’t just test your knowledge of project management. You need to have excellent time management skills to pass the PMP exam. So, the mock test you select must be a full-length test that you have to finish within 230 minutes. It must ask 180-200 questions in multiple-choice format.

The Same Outline

The purpose of taking a mock test is to understand the exam outline. So, this rehearsal test must have the questions from each subject in the same proportion as the actual PMP test. For example, if the PMP exam has 15% of the questions from the Project Initiation concept, then the mock test must have the same percentage of questions. Knowing how many questions will be asked from each subject and the difficulty level will help you prepare for the final exam more efficiently.

So, why wait? Take multiple mock tests to prepare for the PMP examination and improve your results. It also gives you the confidence to take PMP tests.