1. Introduction to PMP and project management

• Understanding Project Management: Exploring the definition of a project, the role of project management, and its importance in achieving organizational goals.
• PMI and PMP Certification: An overview of the Project Management Institute, its certifications, the benefits of PMP® certification, and the certification process and requirements.
• Project Life Cycle and Organizational Influences: Understanding different project life cycle models (predictive, iterative, incremental, agile), project phases, and how organizational structures and culture impact projects.
• Project Management Context: Understanding projects vs. operations, program management, portfolio management, and the role of the Project Management Office (PMO).
• Agile and Hybrid Approaches: Introduction to Agile principles, values, and methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban), and how they are integrated into project management alongside traditional (predictive) approaches. 

2. PMP exam domains and tasks

The PMP exam is based on the PMP Exam Content Outline (ECO), which is currently structured around three performance domains:  

• People (42%): This domain focuses on the leadership skills and team collaboration necessary for effective project management.
  • Building and Leading a Team: Forming teams, setting ground rules, empowering team members, and supporting performance.
  • Managing Conflict: Interpreting the source and stage of conflicts and determining appropriate conflict resolution solutions.
  • Communicating with Stakeholders: Engaging with stakeholders, managing expectations, and optimizing alignment.
  • Coaching and Mentoring: Providing guidance and support to team members and stakeholders.
  • Applying Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions to promote team performance.
• Process (50%): This domain covers the technical aspects of project management and the execution of project work.
  • Project Management Knowledge Areas: Understanding the ten knowledge areas as defined in the PMBOK Guide: Project Integration Management, Scope Management, Schedule Management, Cost Management, Quality Management, Resource Management, Communications Management, Risk Management, Procurement Management, and Stakeholder Management.
  • Agile and Hybrid Approaches: Applying Agile principles and practices, facilitating Scrum events, and tailoring methodologies to project needs.
  • Managing Changes: Anticipating and embracing the need for change, determining strategies to handle change, and executing the change management strategy.
  • Assessing and Managing Risks: Identifying, analyzing, planning responses for, and monitoring project risks.
  • Planning and Managing Budget and Resources: Estimating budgetary and resource needs, utilizing benchmarks and historical data, and preparing schedules.
• Business Environment (8%): This domain focuses on the broader organizational context and external factors influencing project management.
  • Aligning Projects with Organizational Strategy: Understanding how projects contribute to business goals and strategic objectives.
  • Managing Compliance Requirements: Confirming and classifying project compliance requirements (e.g., security, health and safety, regulatory).
  • Evaluating Project Benefits and Value: Identifying and tracking benefits, evaluating delivery options, and appraising stakeholders of value gain progress.
  • Supporting Organizational Change: Assessing organizational culture, evaluating the impact of organizational change on the project, and determining required actions. 

3. Exam preparation and techniques

• PMP Exam Structure: The exam consists of 180 questions to be completed in 230 minutes, The questions are a combination of multiple-choice, multiple-response, limited fill-in-the-blanks, and hotspot types. About half of the exam questions represent predictive approaches, and the other half represents agile or hybrid approaches.
• Study Strategies and Resources: Utilizing PMI's (ECO), PMI study materials, and practice exams to prepare for the certification.
• Time Management and Test-Taking Strategies: Techniques for managing time effectively during the exam and answering questions accurately.