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Newsletter Editor’s Note: Preparing for a certification can feel both exciting and overwhelming - and who better to learn from than colleagues who have just gone through the process? In this new Q&A series, we highlight recently certified team members who share their personal journeys, study approaches, challenges, and tips for success. Their real-world experiences aim to inspire and support anyone preparing for their next exam, offering practical insights and honest reflections from those who’ve been right where you are. At the end of each feature, you’ll also find a short author bio to help you get to know the voices behind the stories.

My PMP Journey: From Preparation to Certification

When I first considered pursuing the PMP® certification, the motivation was clear: I wanted external validation of my project management skills. In many job postings, employers specifically request the PMP credential, making it a valuable benchmark in today’s competitive market.

I set a three-month preparation plan and stuck to it rigorously. My journey began with a formal Project Management course to earn the necessary 35 PDU points. Following that, I subscribed to Pocket Prep and PMI Study Hall, committing to 30 minutes of daily practice across different domains. In the final month, I shifted to full-length practice exams, dedicating four hours for each test exam to simulate real exam conditions. I paid particular attention to questions I got wrong, ensuring I understood the reasoning behind the correct answers. Additionally, I watched daily YouTube videos from David McLachlan and Andrew Ramdayal, both were incredibly helpful in reinforcing key concepts and further shaping the PMP mindset.

If I could give one piece of advice to others preparing for the exam, it would be this: plan your study and stick to it. Without a plan, you’re essentially planning for failure. Use multiple resources, videos, apps, practice questions, and don’t get discouraged if progress feels slow. Consistency is key. Another tip: trust your first instinct when answering questions. Overthinking and second-guessing often leads to mistakes. If you’ve studied and have experience, your initial choice is usually correct.

Earning the PMP has already had a tangible impact on my career. It’s a clear signal of my skills and knowledge to peers and potential employers, and I’m excited to put the practices I’ve learned into daily work.

The most challenging part of my journey wasn’t the content itself, it was resisting the urge to review and change my initial answers during the examination. Discipline and trust in my preparation were essential to overcoming this. Throughout the whole process, the motivation came naturally, fueled by my desire to belong to a community of certified project management professionals and my goal-oriented nature.

For anyone unsure whether to embark on this journey, studying for the PMP is not something done overnight. Assess whether you have the time, energy, and resources to commit to a realistic plan. If you do, go for it. The journey is demanding but rewarding, and the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.

Author’s Bio

Marta Kijanka, PhD, is a seasoned medical biotechnologist with deep expertise in CMC and project management. As the founder and managing director of MK Bio Consultancy, based in Oss, The Netherlands, she supports CMOs and biotech companies on vendor selection, technical transfers, process scale-ups, validations, and provides tailored on-demand trainings. Before founding MK Bio Consultancy in 2021, Marta built her career through a mix of scientific and operational leadership roles. If you’re looking for a partner who combines strong scientific credentials with practical experience managing complex development and manufacturing projects, connect with Marta on LinkedIn.

Newsletter Editor’s Note: Feeling inspired? We’d love to spotlight your journey next. If you’ve recently achieved a certification or are proud of the path you took to get there, reach out to editor@pmi-nl.nl. We’ll support you in shaping your story so it can motivate and guide others on their own certification path.