What was not on my test (questions I had expected);

1. There were no questions on how to calculate seller price based on different types of contracts.

2. I expected many questions re the inputs/techniques/outputs of each phase;there were only a few questions.

The bottom line:I thought the test was difficult.I had studied in the range of 90-100

hours for the test, and received a 167/200 score (83.5%).You need 70% to pass.

[An informal poll of IBMers indicate the following correlation of study hours and exam scores: 30-40hrs: 70;50-60hrs: 80;80-100hrs: 85. This same data indicates an average intense study time of 50 hours yields an average of 90% pass rate for IBMers.]

My recommendation re studying:

1. Complete the paperwork on the w3.project.ibm.com web site to apply for the test.Submit to PMI using procedures on the web site.If they accept your application, you will receive a note with a letter of eligibility number.Then you have 3 months to take the PMI test (for the first time).Note:60% of the folks taking the test pass on the first attempt.Then call the 800# referenced in the acceptance documentation, and schedule the test at Sylvan.Give yourself at least one month to study (I studied for 6 weeks).

2. Bring a simple calculator.Questions used straightforward math, but if you are like me, taking a test is stressful, and having the security of a calculator was important.

3. Bring snacks or drink and leave in your locker. During the four hour test there are no scheduled breaks.You can leave the test room by notifying the proctor.I took one break at the halfway point.At about test question 185, I still had plenty of time left to finish the exam, but found I was not concentrating well, so I took another break, and had a snack.Came back refreshed, and much more confident.

4. Re the test/facilities, etc.I took the 4 hour PMI test at the local SylvanTechnologyCenter in White Plains, NY.My test was scheduled for 11:30;I needed to be there 30 minutes before.This time is needed for the test proctor to verify your eligibility (bring your letter from PMI), your IDs (two forms, one of which needs to be a picture ID), and store all your belongings in a locker.I walked into the test with a sweater (just in case), a watch, and a simple calculator.Pencils and scrap paper are supplied.The proctor gives you an orientation to the computer, and a tutorial is available for taking the test on-line.And then when you are ready, you press the button to begin the exam.

5.As soon as the test started, I wrote down the Earned Value formulas on the scrap paper.Then I started the 200 questions.My strategy (which I did not deviate from during the test), was to answer each question in the sequential order in which the questions were presented.I left no questions blank.Note:other folks may use the strategy of answering only the easy questions first, and then going back and working on the hard questions, but I wanted to know that when I answered the 200th question, I was done.You can go back and forth within the test, and mark questions that you definitely want to review again.

6. Another strategy I used was to work backwards in some of the math problems.For example, there was a question re renting or leasing equipment, and I wasn't sure how to proceed.So I took each of the 4 answers, and worked backwards to determine the correct answer.

7. After about 3 hours I had answered the 200 questions.I then spent 30 minutes rereading each of the questions, and my answers.I changed 2 answers (follow-on questions gave helpful hints for those 2 questions).And then I pressed the END EXAM key, and after about a minute, my score was flashed on the screen.I collected up my belongings, received a note from the proctor congratulating me on passing the exam, and immediately called my husband to share my good news.(Preparing for the test is a family effort...knowing the local take-out numbers is essential!).

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