In each issue, Cheetah News features an individual who shares his or her ideas, insight, and experience with Cheetah Learning's Methodology.

Put Your Anxiety Away
Carolyn P. Dalen, a project manager in Renton, Wash., had recently completed her master’s degree and was looking at pursuing her PMP^® certification – down the road a bit. But last year, the corporate offices of her employer, which develops and markets public-sector software to local government agencies, determined all project managers in Carolyn’s division had to become PMP certified, and Cheetah Learning was chosen as the education provider.

“I was excited when I heard about my employer’s plan,” Carolyn explains. “I didn’t know about Cheetah, but I was ecstatic to find that everything I needed to become PMP certified was available in just one, four-day class for a very competitive price.”

Carolyn wasn’t disappointed when she got to the class, either. “Cheetah took the entire body of Project Management knowledge and transformed it from a theoretical, academic dialogue to real-world application – practical, daily, operational skills and tools that I could apply immediately.”

Learning how to change her perspective and immersing herself in the class really helped Carolyn prepare for the PMP exam. “I was already familiar with Project Management concepts, having worked in the field for six years, but my instructor was wonderful at helping me see the PM world from PMI’s perspective. I also liked the total-immersion style of Cheetah’s program, right down to helping you concentrate and retain knowledge more effectively through specific, healthy-lifestyle changes leading up to – and continuing through – the examination.” Carolyn’s biggest challenge, though, was getting her test-taking anxiety under control. Using a variety of Cheetah test-taking techniques, her instructor showed her how to control her anxiety and pace herself through the exam.

After becoming PMP certified in November 2007, Carolyn received a raise and a promotion that were tied directly to her achievement. “I’ve also found that my professional opinion seems to carry a bit more weight within my organization than it did previously, as well as commanding more respect from clients. I have more confidence in my skill set, too, and am more comfortable now that I have a common set of tools, as well as a common language, based on the PMBOK material.” Being able to immediately establish that common ground allows Carolyn to quickly and easily express her ideas with clients and peers.

Looking back on her experience, Carolyn suggests giving all the main PMBOK concept areas equal attention because the exam draws from all aspects of the material. Be prepared for situational questions, too, that ask you to draw upon your knowledge to solve scenarios derived from the text material.