Hi,

I would like to share my “Success story” with you all, I like to call it “path to success” story, as I am still in my early stage/steps towards success..


Name: Saad A. AlHermi
Country: Bahrain
Working for: Ericsson AB (Bahrain Branch)


I am a young ambitious professional working as a Customer Project Manager for Ericsson AB. I have done my Bachelors degree in Network Technology from University of Northumbria in Newcastle.

I first started my “Mr. PMP plan” in year 2008! It was my first attempt, in which I was very little far from passing! (they used to show percentages at the time),, however most important, I passed my PMP on the 3rd attempt.

Nothing to be ashamed of to be honest, at the time I was 24 and full of energy as they say, want to become the youngest in Bahrain, wanting to become first PMP in my company, friends and obtain it before my 55-years old uncle hehe! I was competing with my uncle, believe it or not.. For those whom wondering, he let go of the PMP; he claims he is too busy!! Pressure was there, which now I can say you should not pressurize your self at all,, not pressure factors like the ones I had on top of my head.

I have learned something during my “Mr. PMP Plan”, important one is, there is no point in becoming a PMP without proper experience and knowledge! PMP is an add-on, sparkles on the borders of your CV, what really matters is the core to function, ethics to practice project management and own the right to say proudly that “I AM A PMP”! I have started my Project management career late 2006 and by 2008 I thought I am ready…

Anyways, lets try to make this useful, enough talks about my story.. I will share with you some important things to concentrate on (in my point of view) and some tips for the colleagues with “MR. PMP” plans.

- its better to do some reading on PMP before the course.
- its preferred to have the application submitted as soon as you complete the course.
- try not to leave a big gap between your exam date and the course, not longer than 8 weeks.
- No rush to become a PMP! Don’t rush, take your time and prepare your self.
- You can have 1 hour of reading on working days.
- Make it 3 hours on the weekends. (no harm in loosing some fun time)
- make sure that you complete 2 chapters each week.
- after completing a chapter, do some exam questions related to the chapter it self only.
- Always keep the PMBOK next to you and I suggest reading the materials provided by Simplilearn and also the book. Refer to the book every now and then, even a quick look.
- When you will have 2 chapters to go, register for the exam, with 2-3 weeks.
- By the 6th week you will be done with the book and materials, or even before that!
- During your reading, am sure you will highlight things that you find tough or needs elaboration. Now since you done with everything, it’s the right time to revise them. Check online, simplilearn’s website, send an email to your tutor, seeks help of other PMPs, colleagues, ASK ME! I will defiantly love to help
- now that you are done, concentration is required, proper one! Try to take a leave, 10 days or 2 weeks.
- the first thing you do, is to go through the materials submitted by Simplilearn (handout) it should take you 2 days max to complete the document.
- once done, you will do nothing but exams/test questions! Until you set for your exam! Probably 100 questions a time, 2 – 3 times a day. By end of the 2 weeks you already memorized and done over 600 – 800 differnet questions!! (better to use a simulation software)
- I would allow 2 days before the exam to relaxingly read some materials/information here and there.
- the night before the exam, go out! Seriously go out for dinner with your beloved ones/friends,, relax and have some good time. That you are mentally prepared!
- Sleep well and get up early for the test, don’t over speed or rush, don’t read on the test day and eat breakfast, something light!
-- this takes us to wishing you all the luck

Good books/materials to read to prepare are..
- Simplilearn handout
- PMBOK, of course!
- I liked one book I read, Head’s First PMP. Big book but found it interactive and useful.
- Rita’s book is good too
- Rita’s simulation (Fast track) PMP software is very useful, very!

For those whom achieved their PMP, marinating your PMP is next!!
its better to maintain your PDUs on yearly basis, ie 20 PDUs per year!
Don’t leave this to the 3rd year as it will be too late and you will be under pressure!

After you pass, you will need to add more PDUs, these PDUs can be found/gained in many ways.. You can write articles, do a course by PMI, gain a proffisional certificate even if its by another organization (as long as its recognized or related to one of the knowledge areas), attend siminars and conferences related to Project mgt or done by your local PMI chapter, do reading and research on PM, work as a project manager, and more.

how you can maintain your PMP effictivly and in an organized way? Here you go..
Working as a PM will give you 5 PDUs per year, that is 15 PDUs in total.
Doing the MS Project Course (provided by Simplilearn) will give you 45 PDUs.
Attending 4 Seminars/gatherings by local chapter that is 8 PDUs per year, equals 24 PDUs.
Attending 3 site visits/activities by local chapter gains you 6 PDUs per year, equals 18 PDUs.
Higher education (MBA) Gain a certificate, such as Six sigma, or attend courses; gives your average of 20 PDUs.

Now if we calculate the above, 15+45+24+18+20 = < 120 PDUs!!!
This means that your PMP is valid for the next 9 years!! or so...

The above is based on my knowledge, if you find any information that might not be correct please let me know and share the correct information, but this is what i have been gathering in my little head for the past couple of years!

Most important is not only PDUs or becoming PMP to polish your business card, its that you maintain your knowledge, ethics, competence, change others & your organization, ways of working and keep developing as this is your responsibility as a Project manager; to excel!

My next step is to gain more experience and work on more projects, while maintaining my competence. I will be concentrating Leadership skills and by end of the year, I will be going for CMI’s “Chartered Manager” certificate, then probably next year set up my MBA or MSC in Project Management, still to be decided!

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any information or help, I will be more than happy to help and assist.


Good luck all!
Saad (that’s my name, am happy don’t worry hehe)

Thanks for sharing your practical experience and insight..Appreciated.

Wow, very inspiring.. thanks..

comon gents, share your stories!