My lessons learned to pass PMI-PBA
On the 6th of December (a Sunday), I passed online the PMI-PBA. It was a long and rewarding journey. It was my first online PMI certification.
1. PREPARATION
1.1. Books
I bought the two PMI guides recommended:
The PMI Guide to Business Analysis
Business Analysis for Practitioners
1.2. Course
To get the 35 contact hours, I bought the course https://knowledgeadapters.com/ by Cheryl Lee.
This course is very well structured and presented visually. It helps to remember the concepts well. Cheryl Lee is helpful and available by phone and email to help and clarify topics. ThIt looks like a private course. There is also a section to share the feedback from the exam, and Cheryl updates the course materials accordingly.
1.3. Practise Tests
I always need to use practice tests to feel confident and also to identify gaps in the knowledge and to review. The more, the better!
I read the blog of Rami Kaibni (https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-post/52635/PMI-Professional-in-Business-Analysis--PMI-PBA--- ), and he recommended some practice tests and I bought them.
For PMI-ACP, I used RMC fast track that prepared me very well. So, I used the BA Fast Track simulator: https://rmcls.com/pmi-pba/.
And of course, I made some flashcards, and I took many notes.
2. ONLINE EXAM
It was my first PMI certification online, and the experience was smooth. It is very straightforward to book a slot for the online exam. It seems there are many availabilities. During this Covid19 crisis, I thought it was a safer way. I strictly followed PMI recommendations: a four-walled room, the PC connected via the cable to the box. I was not sure if I could use my headphones and in fact, tI couldn't. Fortunately, on Sunday morning, all is quiet, but it is worth taking into account when you book a slot. You are recording from the registration to the exam.
You can see your face, but very small in the center, and it does not disturb during the exam.
3. MY RECOMMENDATIONS
In PMI-PBA, there are two parts: the first part with 89 questions or so, and then you can choose to take a 10-minute break. You cannot review the first part. Then you can begin the second part. Devise a strategy before the exam: for instance, the first part in 100 minutes, time to review, etc. You will feel more confident on the day of the exam.
When I do not know how to answer or you are unsure, mark the question but try to answer it.
There are some tools recommended by one of the students in Cheryl Lee's groups: highlight and strikethrough. I did not figure out how they work, but when it works, it could help to highlight some words in the text.
The questions are situational, but you need to have done your homework: going through the books and relate them to personal experiences, relating information in a bigger context.
As always, a PMI certification is a fantastic way to network and learn.
4. SUMMARY OF THE RESOURCES I USED
https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-post/52635/PMI-Professional-in-Business-Analysis--PMI-PBA---
https://knowledgeadapters.com/
PMI-PBA Exam Simulator - Accelerated Support in Your PMI-PBA® Exam (izenbridge.com)
https://rmcls.com/pmi-pba/
GOOD LUCK!
#PMI #PMIBA #BusinessAnalysis #Leadership #KnowledgeSharing #ContinuousLearning #WritingLetters
