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The goal of this phase is to build a working understanding of the PMP framework. You're not trying to memorize anything yet. You're trying to understand the landscape so that deeper study in Phase 2 has context.
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What You're Doing
Building vocabulary, understanding the three domains, and getting familiar with how PMI thinks about project management. By the end of this phase, you should be able to explain the difference between predictive and agile approaches, name the five process groups, and understand why PMI cares about servant leadership.
Week by Week
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Week 1: The Big Picture
- Watch an overview course (Andrew Ramdayal's Udemy course is the most popular and effective option, covers the 35 contact hour requirement)
- Read through the PMI Examination Content Outline (ECO). This is the actual exam blueprint. Everything on the exam comes from this document.
- Start a running glossary of terms you don't know. You'll add to it throughout your study.
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Week 2: Predictive Framework
- Study the five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing
- Understand ITTOs at a conceptual level (Inputs, Tools & Techniques, Outputs). Don't memorize them. Understand the logic of why each process needs what it needs.
- Read the PM Mindset page. Start training your brain to think like PMI.
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Week 3: Agile and Hybrid
- Study Agile methodology: Scrum framework, Kanban basics, Lean principles
- Understand key Agile roles: Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team
- Learn Agile artifacts: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment
- Understand when to use predictive vs agile vs hybrid approaches
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Study Approach
During this phase, study for 1 to 1.5 hours per day. Split it roughly:
- 45 minutes: video course or reading
- 15 to 30 minutes: review notes and glossary
- Optional: 10 to 15 practice questions per day to start getting comfortable with the question style (don't worry about scores yet)
If You Have PM Experience
Your experience is an advantage but also a trap. You'll understand concepts faster, but you'll instinctively pick the "real world" answer instead of the "PMI way" answer. Read the PM Mindset page carefully. The exam isn't testing whether you can manage a project. It's testing whether you know PMI's framework for managing a project.
Definition of Done
- [ ] Completed an overview course (or made significant progress)
- [ ] Can explain the three domains and their approximate exam weight
- [ ] Understand the five process groups and how they relate
- [ ] Have a basic understanding of Agile/Scrum/Kanban