How to Pass PMI ACP Exam? A Complete Guide

Are you preparing for the PMI-ACP examination? If yes, you need to learn two things: first, How to Pass PMI ACP Certification exam? Second, how to pass this exam with high grades? 

Did you know that the passing percentage for the PMI-ACP exam is 70 per cent? With such a high percentage, most students become nervous about even appearing for the exam. 

Therefore, it becomes crucial to find answers to the earlier-mentioned questions. But you need not worry; your questions will be answered here. Follow the steps given in this blog to get better results in the PMI ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) exam and pass on your first try. 

Table of Contents 

1) Pro tips on How to pass PMI ACP exam 

   a) Go through PMI-ACP Handbook 

   b) Use the PMI-ACP Examination content outline document 

   c) Take up a PMI-ACP certification course 

   d) Take a 21-hour PMI-ACP training 

   e) Prepare using PMI-ACP study guides 

   f) Practice sample questions 

   g) Appear for mock tests 

   h) Join online discussion boards 

   i) Make proper use of the available resources 

   j) Develop a PMI-ACP exam preparation routine and adhere to it 

   k) What to do on the day of the exam? 

2) Conclusion 

Pro tips on How to pass PMI ACP exam 

Examination pressure can envelop candidates from all sides and cause them to lose their cool. Thus, it is important that they seek a little help and advice to help them become exam ready. But where can they seek help? What can they do to prepare for the exam and succeed confidently? Worry no more. Here are some professional tips to pass the PMI-ACP exam: 

Go through PMI-ACP Handbook 

The first practice of all is to have a look at the PMI-ACP Handbook. It is one of the most valuable materials containing guidelines and requirements for the PMI-ACP exam. The document is available online and is divided into various sections. The first section of this handbook talks of the best Agile practices important for Project Management. Further, it also guides the candidates to understand the implementation of those practices. 

In the following sections, the candidates can find clearly documented eligibility criteria for appearing in the PMI-ACP exam. It also contains an exam blueprint to familiarise the candidates with examination patterns, domain questions and allocation of marks. Additionally, the handbook provides information about the application process and exam schedule. 

The last section, on the other hand, covers information regarding the maintenance of PMI-ACP Certification. In simple terms, the PMI-ACP Handbook can become a true helping hand for candidates to kick-start their exam preparation. 

Use the PMI-ACP Examination content outline document 

The PMI-ACP exam outline document is another helpful resource that candidates must check before starting their exam preparation. PMI offers this document on its official website, which contains documents and study materials necessary for exam preparation. 

The document offers information regarding Agile Tools and methods, which is essential for the examination. The course outline given in the document can prove helpful and save the candidate’s time if they know how to make the most of this document.
 

Take up a PMI-ACP certification course 

Today, many accredited institutes provide PMI-ACP certification courses to prospective candidates. These courses are designed to provide the candidates with detailed knowledge of Agile methodology and how to implement its various tools, frameworks and techniques in real-time projects. Also, what’s interesting is that they span over three-five days. Therefore, candidates preparing for PMI’s ACP Certification exam will find them helpful. 

Moreover, they offer interactive live sessions, doubt-clearing sessions, practice tests and feedback on performance. Therefore, they can further help the candidates improve as they learn. 

Attend a 21-hour PMI-ACP training 

Although, it is a compulsion to attend a 21-hour training to be able to sit for the PMI-ACP exam. Ensuring that the candidates attend this training with full dedication and attention is equally important. The training is helpful because of the following reasons: 

1) Exposure to best practices and current trends in Agile Project Management 

2) Learn new tricks and techniques in Project Management activities 

3) Invest less and learn more 

4) Self-paced 

5) Boosts resume 

Prepare using PMI-ACP study guides 

PMI-ACP study guides are another perfect way to prepare for the exam. There are more than 10 study guides and exam preparation guides provided by PMI that can help the candidates understand complex topics in detail and practice exam questions. These guides are available both online and in offline stores. Each book provides the following: 

1) A detailed explanation of different topics 

2) Topic-wise summaries 

3) Glossaries comprising important Agile terminologies 

4) Practice questions 

5) Sample papers 

6) Tips on preparing for the exam 

Few of these books are dedicated to one topic entirely. Therefore, an important thing to remember is to make proper use of these study materials and guides. As the guides may contain additional or extra information that a candidate might not be interested in or may not hold a lot of weight in the exam. So, it is better that first, you study the most required materials thoroughly. Some of the best PMI-ACP study guides are as follows: 

1) Agile Estimating and Planning by Mike Cohn 

2) Agile Practice Guide (The official study guide of PMI) 

3) Agile Project Management: Creating Innovative Products by Jim Highsmith 

4) PMI-ACP Exam Prep by Mike Griffiths 

5) PMI-ACP Agile Certified Practitioner All-in-One Exam Guide by Joseph Phillips

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Practice sample questions 

Merely memorising and not practising the material can bring one’s efforts in vain. Practising sample questions regularly also gives the candidates an idea of the examiner’s perspective and what kind of answers they expect. 

Once you’re done with memorising the topic, you can start practising questions and even return to these questions to keep track of your progress. Practising questions regularly can instil self-assurance and confidence in the candidates. 

Therefore, sample questions provided in the study guides and those on other websites can work magic to help the candidates pass the PMI-ACP exam with high grades. 

Appear for mock tests 

Want to pass the PMI-ACP exam? The key is knowing the exam inside out. But how to do that? Well, the answer to this question is simple - give as many mock tests as possible. Mock tests are practice exams designed to help the candidates grasp the gist of the actual exam. They are helpful in self-assessing, improving and building confidence before the examination. 

Mock tests are available on the internet across websites. PMI also offers a lot of mock tests for the PMI-ACP aspirants. But it is crucial to practice at least 120 to 150 mock tests that are new and updated. It prepares the aspirants to align with the trend and prepare accordingly. Each mock test comprises 30 to 50 questions. Therefore, the candidates have a vast sea to explore. 

Join online discussion boards 

Online discussion boards allow candidates to connect with fellow examinees and mentors. These boards are available on social media like Facebook and LinkedIn; nowadays, Discord groups are also gaining popularity. Candidates can not only connect with their peers but can solve their queries regarding the examination. They can consult experienced fellows (those who have already gone through the entire process), trainers and mentors. This way, they can get the most from other people’s experiences. 

Candidates can find several people with the same feelings about the examination and share their thoughts. Not only that, they can find helpful study plans, tips and tricks to prepare for and pass the exam. Many times, PMI-ACP professionals are also a part of these online groups and boards.  

Further, if anyone is lucky enough to connect with these professionals, try to make the most of it. Ask questions, clear doubts, and get a readable and understandable answer to every query. Networking also provides an opportunity to learn about other people’s PMI-ACP success stories, which can motivate oneself. Some of the best online boards to solve queries related to PMI-ACP are as follows:

Make proper use of the available resources 

As mentioned earlier, there are abundant resources available (online and offline) to help you prepare for the exam, ranging from study guides to online discussion boards. Today, besides conventional resources, many other resources, such as YouTube, are also available. 

With so many resources available simultaneously, candidates might ask – Where to study from? What should they seek first? What can be the best resource to study? Making it crucial to find answers to these questions to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam – not just prepare but prepare the right way. Here are some tips that will help the candidates prepare for the exam the right way: 

1) Spend time reading materials that PMI has suggested. This includes course outlines and handbooks. Half of your queries would be solved then and there. 

2) Then, jump on to the study guides and prepare notes. Remember to mark the important points using flashcards. This would help the candidates avoid wasting time on unrelated topics. 

3) Practice as many questions as possible. This would help understand the answer structure and types of questions generally asked. 

4) If these techniques do not help, join the discussion boards to seek the help of mentors. 

5) Further, one can join certification courses if they want a better understanding of the topics. 

6) As and when the exam is approaching, get back to handmade notes and flashcards for revision. YouTube videos can also become a helping hand for quick revisions. 

7) Lastly, start sitting for mock tests, track progress and revise the topics that you’re not very confident about. 

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Develop a PMI-ACP exam preparation routine and adhere to it 

The most important practice or technique to pass the PMI-ACP exam is to develop a routine and stick to it. Good Time Management and preparing an achievable study plan are essential to ensure that the candidate prepares well for the exam.  

Usually, the PMI-ACP exam preparation needs 100-150 hours. This means the candidates must take out four-five hours daily to complete their preparation on time and correctly. It would also allow them to take time for practice questions, mock tests, or study from external resources.   However, it also depends upon the candidate’s capacity to study per day. They can add or subtract the hours of studying according to their capabilities. But remember, whatever plan you follow, completely stick to it till the end.


 

What to do on the day of the exam? 

Even after practising sincerely for the exam, many candidates get petrified upon seeing the question paper. However, using the right tricks to answer the questions can save them from going aghast. Here are a few tips and tricks that would be beneficial to answer the question paper correctly and within the time limit: 

1) Read the instructions carefully before answering the questions  

2) If stuck on a particular question, mark it for review and come back to it later 

3) Do not spend time brainstorming on questions that are completely out of the box 

4) Focus on the questions asking what shouldn’t happen 

5) Do not spend time calculating marks to see if you got passing marks because 20 out of 120 questions aren’t even marked 

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Conclusion 

How to pass PMI ACP exam with high grades? This is one of the questions that candidates ask. The only answer to the question is prioritising daily tasks and setting an objective, seeking assistance and self-confidence. Following these practices can result in the successful completion of PMI-ACP Certification. 

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