How to Pass the New CAPM Exam

Introduction

• This presentation provides an 8-week study plan to earn the CAPM certification.
• Study plan and resources are available for free at alvinthepm.com.
• Encourage engagement with a community for support.

Keys to Success on the CAPM Exam

• Focus on the "CAPM Exam Content Outline."
• Exam content is divided into domains:
  • 35% on Project Management Principles
  • 27% on Business Analysis Frameworks
  • 20% on Agile
  • 17% on Predictive Methods
• Use the 80/20 Pareto Principle:
  • Focus on Project Management Principles and Business Analysis (60% of the exam).

Study Resources

• A free Notion study template is available with:
  • Visualization of the CAPM certification
  • Countdown to exam day
  • Study notes organized by domain
• Use color-coding in Notion to understand concepts:
  • Green for understood concepts
  • Red for needing review

8-Week Study Plan

Phase 1: Building Infrastructure

• Weeks 1-2:
  • Complete an exam prep course (e.g., Joseph Phillips' CAPM course on Udemy).
  • Quickly skip sections 23-44 of the course as they are irrelevant.
  • Use the Notion template to organize study notes.
• Week 3:
  • Submit PMI application.
  • Read "Agile Practice Guide" and "PMBOK Guide 7th Edition."

Phase 2: Practice and Pivot

• Weeks 4-6:
  • Start practicing with Pocket Prep questions:
    • Use modes like "Question of the Day," "Quick 10-Question Quiz," and "Self-Constructed Exam."
  • Use the CAPM PrepCast simulator for full practice exams on weekends.

Phase 3: Cranking It Up

• Weeks 7-8:
  • Continue using Pocket Prep to refine knowledge.
  • Prepare an exam report for weak areas.
  • Review all notes and focus on weak points.

Exam Day

• The exam lasts 3 hours and consists of 150 questions, allowing more than a minute per question.
• 10-minute break after the first 75 questions; review flagged questions before the break.
• Consider taking the exam at a physical testing center to avoid technical issues.

Conclusion

• Following this plan should lead to success on the first attempt.
• Emphasize the impact of the CAPM certification on your career.
• Encourage belief in yourself and utilization of available resources.