Project Management Academy

Excellent training preparation program and materials for the PMP certification exam. In comparison to the DC area alternatives, PMA offers much more resources to its students includes post-​class tutoring and webinars! Thanks to the classroom small group size and in-​depth course review, i successfully passed the PMP on the first try!

My instructor, Crystal Richards, helped me memorize the materials via funny mnemonics. That helped me tremendously! She really did an excellent job in advising us on what material we needed to focus on/​memorize. I memorized that matrix for the 47 processes, as she had suggested, memorized the formulas, focused on the outputs and how they were inputs to other processes, reviewed the training materials, and read the PMBOK based on how it corresponded to the PMA training slide deck. The strategy guide was also a fantastic study aid. It truly clarified some common misconceptions, as I had confused the terminology, myself. If I hadn’t read that, I know I would’ve gotten a lot of answers wrong. Crystal was a knowledgeable instructor and a great communicator. After about 10 minutes into her class, I said to myself, «That woman is going to get me my PMP.» I think her guidance on what to focus on and what to memorize verbatim from the PMBOK/​PMA training materials was the key to my success. Crystal’s energy also made the class/​material memorable. I took the class at the beginning of May 2016 and passed the test 2 weeks later. I cannot thank PMA and Crystal enough.

PMA was recommended to me by a former coworker who had studied for the exam once and failed, but after taking PMA’s course, he moved forward to pass the PMP exam and received job offers immediately following his certification.
Moved by his story, I went ahead to sign up for the PMP Boot Camp offered by PMA. I took the course in early April 2016. The location was ideal. There was ample parking, and it was super easy to find. The venue was comfortable and accommodating.
Crystal Richards was my instructor, and she was engaging and really helped me remember the concepts and key information. She was really dedicated in sending us emails to follow up our sessions, even when our class had some challenging questions. In between the sessions, I even was able to get some career advice from her.
I passed the exam several days ago. PMA provides all the information that you need to pass the course and helps you zone into the areas that you need to understand better. All you need is your own dedication in understanding and memorizing the material given to you.
If your goal is to pass the PMP, take this course. I’m not sure about the other instructors, but Crystal was definitely an effective instructor. She kept me interested and engaged throughout the course. I know that she really knows the material and helped me pass the exam.

I poured quite a bit of research into searching for the best PMP prep course, and PMA did not disappoint. Crystal Richards was my instructor and did a phenomenal job of preparing me for the exam. Her knowledge of all things PMBOK is truly fascinating, and the course structure made what could’ve been a painfully boring week actually quite fun. Crystal was incredibly engaging, ensuring everyone participated and got the most out of the course.
I was impressed with how well I retained the information — I didn’t end up taking the exam until about 6 months after the course, although I reviewed the course material exactly as it had been presented during the prep course, following all of Crystal’s helpful study tips, and (thankfully) passed the exam on my first try. The online resources were extremely helpful during my preparation, especially the practice exams. This course goes beyond reviewing the PMBOK material to know for the exam — it offers helpful study tips, life-​saving exam taking techniques, and clearly distinguishes easily confused concepts that PMI is known to trip students up on. Thank you Crystal & PMA! This course is well worth the investment.

PMA does a great job of preparing you for the PMP exam. Their online resources and the handouts you receive will really help you pass.
Michael Strachen was my instructor, and I was really surprised the first day when it was actually an interesting class. The material they need to cover is not that fascinating, so it really takes a lot of talent to not only keep everyone awake but actually entertained as well. He really knows the material, and explains it in a way that makes it easy to understand AND remember. I can’t have asked for a better instructor!

This is an amazing course that I took on January 25 – 28, 2016. My colleagues took a different course and this one is by far a better course than any of the ones they took. They had no supporting documents which to me added value. You get timed practice exams which simulate the real thing which to me added to the experience. Crystal is the instructor that provided us the course and I have to admit, she was a rock star!

Recently completed a PMP bootcamp with Mike Strachan. It was an amazing course. Mike did not simply read the slides, but rather conveyed the information in a relatable manner that made it easy to comprehend. He took the time to ensure everyone understood the material and even stayed late to go over anything anyone might have had questions on. All of the material given to us was great and very useful. I would definitely recommend this course for anyone serious about passing the PMP examination.

I attended the class taught by Michael Strachan, PMP, from March 7 – 10, 2016. I enjoyed the class very much. It is a worthwhile first step for learning the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge — PMBOK and achieving the training requirement to apply for and eventually take the test to earn the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. The materials are well done and helpful, but what made my class worthy of 5 stars was the instructor. Michael is an experienced project manager and expert and entertaining public speaker. I had anticipated that the classes would be long and boring, but Mike’s engaging approach made time fly. The four days were over in no time and I learned a lot. Major kudos to Mike for making the class interesting! I strongly recommend you take the class, and with Michael, if you can.

I just finished the 4 day PMP bootcamp with Mike Strachan — and I feel ready to take the exam! The Project Management Academy materials are very helpful study guides — and Mike did a great job explaining all of the concepts in real-​world terms. He clearly goes above and beyond for his students — tutoring before and after class, reviewing PMP applications, and offering help after the end of the course. I am planning to take the test in the next few weeks — and I definitely feel prepared! I highly recommend Mike’s course to anyone looking to take the PMP.

If you’re looking for proper PMP training then look no further, The Project Management Academy is the right place for you. The instructor Crystal Richards is absolutely amazing! She is full of project management knowledge and experience. The way she designed her curriculum around the PMBOK makes understanding the material easy. Crystal gives many tips and tricks not only to remember certain concepts but also key techniques on taking the exam. The class was engaging and very informative. Never a dull moment! I would highly recommend PMA & Crystal to anyone who is thinking about getting their PMP. Totally worth investment!

My company coordinated a bootcamp through PMA, instructed by Mike Strachan, and the training was very comprehensive and useful. The PMA material, both online and in the classroom, was organized well and insightful, going well beyond a regurgitation of the PMBOK. Mike really made the class as good as it gets, though, as he offered years of PM experience as a practitioner and instructor, relating through examples and providing key strategies to assist us in mastering the exam material. I would recommend PMA and especially Mike for any of your PMI training needs.

I have been doing project management for over 6 years. Like many others I decided to try getting my pmp, I studied for 7 months and failed. Several months later I started a new job and the firm paid for me to attend Project Management Academy. The instructor (Crystal Richards) was AMAZING!
The class is well structured and it helped me to build upon my base of knowledge and pass the test (true determining factor). I took the class Feb of 2016 and passed the test 4 days later. If you can afford it I would recommend it.

I had a great experience with PMA. Some of the days were challenging but I learned more in the 4 day boot camp I took than in 3 months of studying on my own. They provided a plethora of amazing materials: cheat sheets, slide deck, PMBOK, and much more. I’ve taken boot camps previously that did not have a full 200 question mock exam. As much as I hated doing it, this was one of the most important parts of the class for me. It helped me to gauge exactly where I was with my PMP knowledge and told me where I need to be and helped me to formulate a study plan. I would most definitely recommend Project Management Academy to anyone looking to take the PMP.

I took PMA’s boot camp and it was great. The days were long and jam-​packed with information, but it was definitely worth it. Our instructor Crystal Richards was awesome. She facilitated some great discussions and answered questions (during and after classroom hours); it was clear that she had mastered the PMBOK.
I took the course July 27 – 30 and passed my exam on August 13.
5 Star /​/​A+ ratings for the instructor and for the course as a whole.

I took the PMP Exam on Friday (1÷9÷15) and PASSED!
For the record I’d like to say — I highly recommend the Project Management Academy program for PMP Exam Preparation.
I did the PMP Boot Camp the first week in December (2014) in Arlington. Jim Stewart was the instructor and did an outstanding job running the course, keeping the attendees on point and delivering the information within the scope of the purpose of the course — which is passing the test.
I was very familiar with the PMBOK going in, but not necessarily «Comfortable» with it — however the course really brought together how the process groups work in context. There was a TON of information to get through in the 4 days and Mr. Stewart did a very good job in keeping the classroom discussions on-​point, and would cut off «bunny-​trail» conversations as needed to keep the class focused on the point of the course.
Mr. Stewart recommended the «sweet spot» for sitting for the exam was 4 – 6 weeks after the boot camp course. This proved to be Spot-​On! as it provides time to use the online resources provided by Project Management Academy — which were outstanding — and included is a video version of the full class material, mock exams and a recommended study plan. I found these to be extremely helpful in identifying my knowledge gaps and keeping me focused.
I did have to put in the work and I did followed the recommended Study Plan — but by the time I sat for the exam I felt fully confident and prepared.
BTW — I spent MY OWN MONEY on this — no company sponsorship — so I went in with a critical view and a very high expectations threshold for them to meet for me to agree that I did indeed get my money’s worth. And I can say, without a doubt, all expectations were met and exceeded

I want to thank the Project Management Academy and my instructor, Gregg Richie, for preparing me to pass the PMP certification exam on the first try!
I took the course the last week of July 2014, and took the test 3 weeks later. I don’t recommend waiting that long, or be sure to keep studying if you do. The tips and techniques that Gregg taught, along with the approach to the material helped tremendously. And the study guide handouts provided in class, along with the online resources really made a difference!

Gordon taught my PMA class out of the Washington, DC area. What a great experience it was! He was extremely knowledgeable, and presented PMBOK v.5 with precision and clarity. He taught us the essentials, but also represented useful ways to retain the information. There are hundreds of things you must memorize in order to be successful (terms, processes, inputs, outputs, formulas, etc.).
My frustration from first taking the PMP examination was that I did not have a baseline, nor know where to weigh myself against to know my weaknesses. PMA continuously evaluates your knowledge throughout the course so when you leave and might not understand 100% of the material, you are pointed in the right direction and have online consulting aides to ensure you have the knowledge retention.
This course is what you put in to it. The 4-​day course is meant to give you full exposure to the PMBOK! The online materials you gain access to include a fleet of videos and exams to make you proficient, if not already gained from the in-​person course.
I would absolutely, 100% recommend this course and Gordon to anyone wanting to get full exposure to the PMBOK in prep for their exam. PMA wouldn’t be around if they did not guarantee your success on the PMP.

Today I took the PMP exam and passed. Whoo hooo! Thank you Project Management Academy and my preparation course instructor, Gordon Young. I passed on the first try.
For anyone about to take the test, know your inputs/​outputs/​tools & techniques.
The questions won’t be cut and dry like the practice exams. Be prepared for vague descriptions and you will definitely need to know in what situation to apply the tools/​techniques. Also, you will see terms that you will swear were not in the PMBOK.
The formulas were not as bad as I thought they would be and were actually easier than the other questions.
I documented my plan of attack in regards to studying and taking the exam:
1. Read the PMBOK multiple times.
a. Read it aloud and record yourself
b. Play back while driving
c. Read it again
2. Other books & apps:
a. The PMP Exam (How to Pass on your first try) by Andy Crowe
b. iPad apps: PMP Exam Prep & PMP Process Game
c. Droid app: PMP flashcard (for when I was at work/​lunch)
3. Distractions: I allowed for noise and distractions while studying. I knew I would be in a room with others and there are outside/​external distractions. I forced myself to focus on studying with the distractions. I’m glad I did.
4. PMP Prep Course (Project Management Academy): There are many and choose the one that is right for you.
a. Take notes about the scenario the instructor used. This will come in handy when you see the actual exam.
b. Listen carefully to the instructor for tips/​tricks:
i. Answer the PMBOK way; not how you do things at work.
ii. Read the questions multiple times, the questions are meant to trick you
iii. Too long to be wrong: If all answers are short and there is one really long answer, it’s probably the correct one
iv. If 3 of the 4 answers state: Never, always, must, etc. Those are probably incorrect. Since when does PMBOK states «you must always»?!
v. Process of elimination: Disregard the answers that stand out as being absolutely wrong. Now you have a ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ shot.
vi. Do NOT second guess yourself. Go with your gut or first selection; do not go back and change your answer unless you know for a fact that you were wrong.
5. Practice your brain dump: I didn’t use the standard brain dump as taught in the prep course.
During the practice exams I kept having issues with Qualitative vs Quantitative, certain formulas, a few charts & inputs/​outputs. Therefore, my brain dump was focused on my problem areas.
a. Formulas (7 formulas) — I already knew 5
b. Quick definition of:
i. Qualitative/​Quantitative (Ratio/​Rank vs. EMV/​math)
ii. Work performance information (input 90% of the time)
iii. Work performance measurement (output 95% of the time)
iv. Quality Assurance vs. Quality Control
c. Charts
I studied for a month, an hour a night, at least 12 hours on weekends, and two days before the test, I took time off from work and studied 10 hours a day.
1. Exam Day:
a. If you do better in the morning and tend to be brain dead in the afternoons, schedule the exam for the morning session.
b. Get a good night’s sleep
c. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
d. No jewelry is allowed in the exam room
e. Do not take headphones, they will provide them (they are cleaned after every use)
2. During the exam:
a. Brain dump
b. Take breaks if you need too but you can’t just get up and move around the testing room
c. Read the questions carefully (filter out the garbage or useless information)
d. Do not waste time: If one question is taking too long, click «marked» (marked for review) and go back to it after you finished the other questions.
e. Breathe and stretch. Close your eyes for a few minutes. It helps.
It took 3 ½ hours for me to take the test. During my practice exams, I was able to do in under 2 hours and 45 minutes.

I took the PMA Bootcamp taught by Jim Stewart. The class was superb in teaching what is needed to pass the PMP exam.
I believe the Bootcamp made the difference in passing the PMP exam. –Sue H.