John:

Well first, make sure your laptop has a wireless connection.

They’re usually pretty good here with internet access. 

I have PMCAMPUS.com in a window and PMI.org in another window.

Chris:

Okay.  I’m connected too.  Where on PMI.org do we need to go?

Chris:

Got it.  It opened a PDF document in the browser window.

John:

Alright, open a new browser window and to go to PMCAMPUS.com, then go to the More Info link under the 23H CAPM Exam Prep heading.

Chris:

Got that too. Hey John, what are we doing?

John:

Let’s start with the CAPM Handbook.  It has the application for the examination.

Michael had recommended that we look at it to get an idea what’s needed.

He said that it’s faster to apply online through PMI.org, and that it would be easier to do if we looked at the paper app first.

Chris:

Well in section I, it talks about the eligibility requirements…

John:

I think we covered that the other day.  We are both eligible. 

But it does say that after PMI approves our applications, then we will receive an authorization to test letter (ATT) by email. 

Chris:

You are assuming they will approve our applications…

John:

Yes, I guess I am assuming that.  We are qualified. 

We just need to be accurate in our applications. 

There is a section in here that says CAPM applications are subject to audit by PMI, so let’s do this right.

Chris:

Section II says the certification exam is 150 multiple choice questions, and that we have three hours to complete it. 

I know I should be used to that, but that scares me a little bit. 

It also has a section on Re-Examination!

John:

Don’t worry about that Chris.  We’ll get to that in a second when we look more closely at PMCAMPUS.com. 

Be confident, we will not have to take a repeat examination! 

Remember, Michael said that PMCAMPUS.com is that good.

Let’s finish reviewing the CAPM Credential Handbook.

It looks like the rest of the handbook has information on things like policies … and … procedures … and oh, the Code of Professional Conduct, I know we need to study that!

Chris:

Yeah.  I heard that’s really important. 

What about the examination application?

John:

Here it is.  It starts of with basic name, address, city stuff…also contact information…here we go, the Experience Verification Form. 

Chris, I will fill this out because I have the necessary experience. 

The directions say that you can skip this section and move on the Project Management Education form.

Chris:

So because you can fill in the Experience form, you won’t need to fill in the Project Management Education form to document 23 contact hours, right?

John:

Boy, you are college kid with a short memory. 

Remember, we discussed this – we will both sign up for the online course at PMCAMPUS.com to prepare for the test. 

We both need the practice and preparation, but only you need the contact hours.  (I already have the 1,500 hours of experience!)

Chris:

Okay, now I remember.  It can be one or the other; experience or education.

John:

Almost Chris!  It can be both too. 

Even though I do not need the contact hours to be eligible to take the exam, I do need the preparation and the practice.

Chris:

Can we move on to PMCAMPUS.com and see what we need to do?

John:

Let’s look at what they have.Hmmm. 

A 23 Contact Hour certificate that is updated real-time as you work through the online course…

A Training Road Map.  We sure can use a structured course…

Study Material that includes condensed notes of important project management concepts…

The e-SIM simulator looks like it emulates the look and feel of the actual exam – it even has a digital clock, and the ability to mark questions for later review…

e-SIM also analyzes your weaknesses in the various PMBOK Knowledge Areas and Process Domains.

There is lots of other stuff!  What do you think Chris?

Chris:

I’ve taken online courses since I started college, but I haven’t seen one quite like this. 

I think it is structured the way people normally learn.

There are online readings and practice questions.

It looks like the Baseline simulators focus on specific areas like Knowledge Areas and Process Domains as defined by Project Management Body of Knowledge.  (I guess that’s where the word PMBOK comes from…)

Then there are Mini-Exam simulators, which are at more of an intermediate level. 

It looks like when you get to the Full-Exam simulator, you are nearly ready to take the real exam.

John:

Remember Chris – you need to complete this online course to satisfy the required 23 contact hours before you can even apply to take the test. 

But, yes, I think that once you get to the Full-Exam practice test, you’re just about ready. 

Michael had told me that PMCAMPUS.com makes it possible to take the practice test more than once so you can start sharp for the real exam.

Chris:

Did you see this John?  It also says there is access to an Online Expert!

John:

I’m going to get another scone and coffee, then sign up with PMCAMPUS.com. 

Are you ready Chris?

Chris:

Yeah.  Let’s do it.  But I’ll pass on the extra scone and coffee.  

I can get more at my dorm using my residence hall meal card.

John:

Chris, it was your turn to buy!  …  That’s okay, but you still owe me a coffee.