Author Interview: Joseph Phillips

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GoCertify: Does your book cover everything that is needed to pass the PMP and CAPM exams (besides experience)?

Joseph Phillips: My book covers all of the exam objectives, formulas, theories, terms, and exam jazz you’ll be tested on. My intent with this book is to prepare the reader to pass the PMI exam, but also to learn how to apply project management. To take the PMI exam you’ll need more than what my book offers, however. In addition to the required project management experience you’ll need training contact hours to sit for the PMI exams. For the CAPM exam the candidate needs 23 contact hours of training or 1,500 hours on a project team. The PMP candidate needs 35 contact hours of project management education. PMI is very liberal on when you completed this training – there is no time limit.

GoCertify: You have included a CD with video and practice exams. How is the best way to use the CD and the book? How long will it typically take to prepare for the exam?

Joseph Phillips: Each chapter in my book has a corresponding video on the CD that explains some of the tougher project management topics in more detail. As you read the book hop out and watch the video for a more in-depth explanation. I’ve heard all sorts of approaches on using practice exams – though I recommend readers use the CD practice exams as the last part of their study efforts. A practice exam is a good indicator of what you’ve retained, where your weaknesses may be, and in what areas you are strongest. Then go back and attack those weaknesses to prepare to pass the live exam. As far as how long it’ll take to prep for the exam that varies from person-to-person. I’ve met some folks that have studied over six months and others that have crammed for a week. I personally believe the longer you take to study the easier it is to get distracted from your goal of passing the PMP exam. I highly recommend that readers set a goal to pass the exam no more than eight weeks out from when they start their studying efforts. 12 weeks or more is just too long, in my opinion. When people challenge me on this I always ask them what they were doing three months ago. Who remembers things completed 12 weeks ago let alone six months ago? Use some laser-like focus, pass the exam, and then get back to life. There’s no sense in elongating the pain.

GoCertify: You have an extensive teaching background. How has that helped you with formulating this book?

Joseph Phillips: I am a talker. I love to talk with people, to hear their stories, discuss their lives, goals, and experiences too. As a teacher I get to talk, but I also get to learn about lots of different businesses, meet people from all over the world, and constantly learn about new things. Teaching has opened doors to consulting in lots of different industries and I am very thankful for that opportunity. As a writer I consider that I’m still talking. I try to write just like I’d talk. For this book I relied on a journal I kept in my classes of what’s worked and what hasn’t worked for participants in my seminars and applied those lessons in this material. It’s a wonderful feeling to hear from a reader that has read my book, passed their exam, and to share in their excitement. They did all the hard work, but I’m honored all the same.

GoCertify: Ethics, fairness, and honesty seem to be neglected in the business world at times. What insight do you have on the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and how it applies to the work-world?

Joseph Phillips: What we’re experiencing in the US housing market is shaded with questionable business and personal ethics. I’m certain all of us have been duped by unscrupulous vendors. And I won’t broach politics in this discussion. The goal of the PMI Code of Ethics of Professional Conduct is an attempt to squelch the temptation of a project manager to do unsavory dealings. While I admire PMI’s attempt to create a code that project managers should adhere to, it all comes down to individual personal responsibility. Project managers are people, just as politicians, lenders, and pool hustlers are. An agreement to abide by a code of conduct is admirable, but it’s also idealistic.

GoCertify: What is in the future for Project Management? What changes are on the horizon at PMI?

Joseph Phillips: Project management isn’t going anywhere. It’s been around before the pyramids and it’ll be around long after we’re gone. Project management is project management. The biggest news from PMI is their new certification, the Program Management Professional certification. This certification is for program managers with years of experience. The certification process for this title is a bit more rigid than the PMP. I’m optimistic that this certification will get some traction.

GoCertify: What do you recommend as an exam strategy on the big day?

Joseph Phillips: Exam jitters are always a big issue. Use some breathing and stretching exercises to remain calm. Based on your study efforts and your personality you should know if you’re a morning person or an afternoon person – base your test start time accordingly. There’s no sense in taking an 8AM est time if you can’t think until noon. Get to the testing center at least 30 minutes early to check in, use the restroom, and to steel your nerves as you go into pass the exam – not just take it. I’m not a big fan of last minute studies; you’ll either know the material 10 minutes before test time or you don’t. Focus more on relaxing, taking your time, and being confident in your preparation. Of course once you pass the exam you should treat yourself to some kind of reward and celebration – you’ve earned it.br>

GoCertify: What other advice to you have for CAPM and PMP candidates?

Joseph Phillips: Prepare to pass the exam – not just take it. Keep an optimistic and hopeful attitude as you prepare. I’ve met some many folks that convince themselves they aren’t good test takers, they aren’t good at remembering, or they aren’t good at math. These are all permissions to fail the exam. Make a determination to pass and work hard to get there.

Joseph's new book includes more than 600 practice questions and detailed explanations. It is designed both as a study tool and as a valuable on-the-job project management reference.

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