PMN study plan

Distinguish predictive, iterative, and hybrid life cycles and state which planning artifacts each produces

Build a work breakdown structure for a 60-activity sample project and verify the 100 percent rule at every branch

Sequence the WBS into a network diagram using finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, and start-to-finish dependencies

Compute critical path, total float, and free float for the sample network by hand and confirm with a second method

Estimate activity durations and costs using analogous, parametric, and bottom-up techniques, and label each estimate's accuracy range

Calculate expected monetary value and contingency reserve from a risk-adjusted cost estimate

Apply three-point (PERT) estimating and compare the triangular and beta-weighted results

Construct a cost baseline with a time-phased S-curve and identify funding requirements by period

Interpret earned value metrics (PV, EV, AC, SV, CV, SPI, CPI) and explain what each sign or ratio implies for the forecast

Forecast EAC using both the budgeted-rate and current-performance formulas and justify when each applies

Apply schedule compression (crashing, fast tracking) and resource leveling to the sample network and quantify the trade-offs

Track a two-week simulated status cycle and record variance against the baseline

Map the organizational structures (functional, matrix, projectized) to the project manager's authority, resource control, and reporting lines

Draft a project charter that states objectives, success criteria, high-level scope, and named sponsor authority

Perform a stakeholder analysis using power/interest classification and assign an engagement strategy to each quadrant

Differentiate the roles of sponsor, project manager, PMO, and functional manager in a governance scenario

Build a risk register with probability, impact, and risk score, and assign an owner to each entry

Select response strategies for threats and opportunities and justify each choice against the risk profile

Evaluate a make-or-buy decision and choose a contract type (fixed-price, cost-reimbursable, time and materials) that matches the scope certainty

Distinguish quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control activities and place each in the project life cycle

Analyze a change request end to end: log it, assess impact on scope, schedule, and cost, route it to the change control board, and update baselines only after approval

Design a communication plan that specifies audience, message, channel, frequency, and owner

Apply issue log management and escalation paths to resolve a simulated conflict between two functional managers

Evaluate team development stages and select the leadership response appropriate to each stage

Sequence the closure activities: verify scope acceptance, transfer deliverables, release resources, and archive records

Compile lessons learned into actionable recommendations rather than narrative summaries

Define benefit realization metrics, baselines, and the measurement timeline that extends past project closure

Prepare a final performance report reconciling the cost baseline, EVM results, and accepted scope

Complete two full-length timed practice exams and log every missed question by domain and error type

Re-derive the earned value, float, and PERT formulas from memory without reference

Review the three weakest domains using your own error log and rewrite each missed concept in your own words

Rehearse a decision framework for ambiguous scenario questions: identify the process group, then the knowledge area, then the best next action