PMI- ACP taking the exam during the pilot period (Sep 2015) II: lessons and materials


In summary my lessons learned are:
1) Using paid material does not mean that it is aligned to the exam or that it is of a higher quality.
2) PMIisms by Mike Griffiths / RMC: the most valuable "hidden" learning material.
3) When preparing for the exam think PMP-style.
4) Prepare your own notes for it utilizing different sources / materials.

Please note that below is relevant as of Sep 2015. It seems that it would be outdated pretty quickly.

1. Mike Griffiths: PMI-ACP Exam Prep, Premier Edition


I liked: comprehensive guide combining all the books you need for the exam. Therefore the new edition will be out in Oct 2015. My recommendation is to wait for it.

It's an excellent if not the best resource for PMI-ACP exam preparation.

2.Mike Griffiths: PMIisms
Free pdf downloadable from RMC website once you register your book (http://www.rmcls.com/)

I liked: this is what the book doesn't tell you. Very relevant even for the new exam version.


I liked: the structure that I didn't find in Mike's book (if those two are combined that would be the best material ever), links for further information and it is updated as per the latest Exam Content Outline.

My mistake: I spent too much time researching terminology. That remains for my own benefit.

Materials that were somewhat relevant:
  • 360 PMO (http://www.360pmo.com/): Material is not fully aligned with the current exam, but their tests  run smoothly on Android smartphones. If they improve the content and provide a report on which areas you need improvement (per each domain), I would highly recommend it. They also reference books from the Examination Outline, not their own materials.
  • ProplanX (http://www.proplanx.com): exam set 3 - good, but not aligned to the new exam format. All test questions were referencing their prep courses.
  • Simplilearn (http://www.simplilearn.com/): at the point that I took the contact hours and the exam it wasn't aligned; that might have changed. Test questions were referencing their exam prep course.
Materials that were not relevant (as per my experience):

Note on LinkedIn support groups:
  • My opinion is that postings like "I cleared the PMI-ACP today" add zero value....just junk. Nevertheless that is what most support groups are full of.
  • Old posts should be ignored.
  • PMI-ACP with Mike Griffiths: good group with (the only) relevant content. It needs some moderation / cleanup in my opinion but it is the best out there.
  • PMI-ACP℠ Support Group: no relevant / recent material at the time I was writing this post.

    Good luck!.