PMP Exam Prep with Scott Payne

Nacho had a problem. She had to get the PMP in 6-weeks for a job interview. We partnered together to guide her to her PMP success before she stepped into the interview. This interview tells that story.  You will be able to use the lessons learned to refine your PMP skills and get ready faster. If you want me to guide you - I am one call away - 757-759-5282. Call or text me.  I will help you! Scott 

If the PMP exam feels random, frustrating, or harder than it should be — this episode will change how you see it. In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mistakes PMP candidates make: they try to solve every question instead of understanding what PMI is actually testing. Here's the truth most people miss: The PMP exam is not random. It uses the same few problems over and over — just dressed up in different words, industries, and scenarios. You'll learn: Why PMP questions feel chaotic (and why that's intentional) How PMI really evaluates your answers The PMO mental model that makes questions predictable The 3 decision lenses PMI consistently rewards — and why using them changes everything This episode isn't about memorizing more content or grinding harder. It's about learning how to think the way PMI wants you to think — before you ever choose an answer. If you've ever said, "I knew the material, but the questions got me," this episode is for you. 🎧 In the next episode, I'll show you how to identify the one dominant issue every PMP question is testing — and how that makes bad answers fall apart fast.

How long are you planning to study for the PMP? Most people don't have a real answer — they just keep grinding and hope they'll feel "ready" someday. In this episode, Scott Payne breaks down the real reason some PMP candidates pass in weeks while others struggle for a year or more — and it has nothing to do with intelligence, experience, or effort. You'll learn: The four levels of PMP study most people never realize they're stuck in Why working harder can actually slow you down The single biggest indicator of how long the PMP will take you How to move from memorization to judgment — the skill the PMP actually tests This episode will help you: Study smarter, not longer Build real confidence instead of burnout Become a better project manager while preparing for the exam If you've been putting in the hours but not seeing progress, this episode will change how you think about PMP prep.

Questions that compare the Project Manager role and the Project Lead role are some of the easiest places to get stuck on the PMP exam — especially when both answers sound reasonable. In this episode, I walk you through a simple 2-step decision framework you can use to solve these questions consistently: • Where does the problem live — inside the team system or outside of it? • Can it be handled at that level, or does it need to be escalated? We'll apply this thinking to practical scenarios and break down how PMI expects you to approach execution issues, authority decisions, and escalation — without memorizing job titles or overanalyzing org charts. This episode is about learning how to think, not what to memorize, so you can walk into exam day calm, confident, and in control.

If you've ever thought… "I can do the job, but I can't learn all this broad PMP stuff." "I read it twice and it still doesn't click." "I'm falling behind… so maybe I'm not cut out for this." "Agile vocabulary feels like another language." …this episode is for you. Chad CashDollar is a shipyard foreman who works long hours, has a chaotic schedule, and openly admits that reading comprehension and test endurance have always been his biggest hurdles. The PMP felt like a monster: 180 questions, 4 hours, and a ton of terminology. And then he passed. Not with perfect scores. Not with Above Target across the board. He passed with a mindset shift and a simple method that struggling students can actually copy: Start with what the question is asking Highlight only what matters Work it down to 50/50 Pick your answer and commit Don't treat "wrong" like a crisis—treat it like reps Keep moving forward (because there's no failure until you stop) This is the episode for the student who's tough at work… but doubting themselves at the desk.

If you want to ace the PMP exam, you have to master emotional intelligence — whether you realize it or not. The PMP exam doesn't just test processes and formulas. It tests how you lead when people, conflict, and pressure are involved. And emotional intelligence is often the hidden factor that decides between two answers that both look right. In this episode, I break emotional intelligence down in plain English — what it actually is, where it shows up on the PMP Exam Content Outline, and how PMI tests it inside real exam scenarios. I'll walk you through exactly how emotional intelligence becomes the tie-breaker in People Domain questions involving conflict, stakeholder resistance, motivation, and team performance. This isn't about being soft or emotional. It's about judgment, leadership, and choosing the best response when the situation isn't clear. If PMP questions sometimes feel unpredictable or frustrating, this episode will give you a powerful new lens to see what the exam is really asking — and start choosing better answers with confidence. Listen in, and learn how PMI tests leadership… not empathy.

Want me to coach you to your PMP? Join my 10-week PMP Cohort starting February 2nd. You'll get a dynamite, focused study schedule, two high-impact 1.5-hour evening Zoom coaching sessions with me each week, and full access to everything you need inside my online portal — videos, simulator, tools, games, and live support until you pass. Call or text me 757-759-5282 or email me at scott@allinpmprep.com  If the PMP exam feels confusing… If the questions feel vague… If you keep getting stuck between two answers that both sound right… This episode is for you. In this podcast, I break down how PMI actually expects you to think — not what most prep courses say the exam is testing, but what it's really grading underneath the questions. I walk you through the seven core thinking rules that drive almost every PMP question, across Agile, Predictive, and Hybrid scenarios. These aren't tricks or hacks. They're the patterns PMI uses when they design questions — and once you start seeing them, the exam slows down. We'll talk about: Why context matters more than tools Why there are no perfect answers — only the best decision right now Why PMI consistently rewards people before process Why fixing the system matters more than reacting to symptoms Why leadership beats authority Why long-term thinking beats fast action And why the PMP rewards judgment, not memorization Think of these rules like lenses. When you use the wrong one, the question feels blurry. When you use the right one, the answer becomes clear. If you've been studying hard but still don't trust your thinking yet, this episode will help you understand why — and how to fix it. And if you want to go deeper, this is exactly how I coach students inside my live cohorts: learning how to think through situations, not just memorize content.

Most PMP candidates don't fail because they lack knowledge. They fail because of something far more subtle—and far more dangerous: negative self-talk and second-guessing under pressure. In this episode, Scott Payne breaks down why even smart, well-prepared PMP candidates sabotage themselves during studying, quizzes, and the exam itself. Drawing from Agile thinking, Scott reframes negative self-talk as a mental anti-pattern—an action that feels helpful in the moment but actually hurts performance. You'll learn: Why fear and imposter syndrome show up specifically during PMP prep How stress hijacks decision-making, even when you know the material The difference between the threat voice and the operator voice in your head Why confidence is built during the study process—not after How to interrupt negative self-talk in real time The four pillars of the All-In PMP Success Mantra System: Control, Confidence, Consistency, and Support This isn't a motivational pep talk. It's a practical mental framework for staying steady, confident, and focused while preparing for—and taking—the PMP exam. If you've ever frozen on a question, changed an answer you originally knew, or walked away from a quiz feeling worse than when you started, this episode is for you. 🎯 Text or Call me and I will give you my All-In PMP Success Mantra System PDF so you can start replacing mental anti-patterns with habits that actually help you pass.

In this episode, I'm taking you inside a real All In PM Prep Accountability Call — a full 56-minute live coaching session where Waterfall finally clicked for a group of new PMP students. We break down Agile vs Predictive in plain English, simplify the entire Waterfall process, teach students how to read questions the right way, and walk through several PMP exam scenarios step-by-step. If you've ever felt confused about charters, business cases, stakeholders, matching questions, or baselines — this session will clear the fog fast. Here's what you'll hear: 🔷 Agile vs Waterfall — Explained the Way It Should Be I walk students through simple, real-world examples (apps vs bridges) to help them finally understand when to use Agile and when a predictive approach is the only smart choice. 🔷 Waterfall, Simplified We break down the entire predictive lifecycle: Why charters matter How stakeholder analysis actually works What the triple constraints really represent Why detailed planning gives you control How executing & monitoring go hand-in-hand This is the version of Waterfall every new PMP student wishes they had first. 🔷 Matching Questions — The Strategy PMI Never Taught You I teach students a faster, cleaner method for matching questions using a "long-to-short" approach that eliminates 80% of the reading. We solve a real matching set live so you can see the method in action. 🔷 Real PMP Situational Coaching We work through multiple PMP-style questions together: Handling concerns raised mid-execution Managing a new team member with "rumor-based" performance issues Responding to new compliance requirements after the charter is signed Understanding business case vs charter Applying servant leadership and escalation correctly You'll hear new students reason through their answers — and how I coach them toward exam-ready thinking. 🔷 How to Use My System I close the session by showing students how to use: The glossary The video library The course structure And how to stay confident as you hit the natural learning curve dips If you want to understand PMP foundations in a deeper, more intuitive way — this coaching call will accelerate your learning.

If you've failed the PMP exam, feel "blocked" by test anxiety, or keep getting passed over for roles because you don't have those three letters, this episode is for you. Reach out to me personally - I will help you - Scott@allinpmprep.com or 757-759-5282 In this powerful PMP success interview, Scott talks with Kader (Dr. G), a seasoned federal government program director with 20+ years of project and program management experience—who still couldn't get past the PMP exam. Despite leading 8 programs and multiple IT projects in the Washington, D.C. government contracting world, Kader: Failed the PMP exam twice Struggled through high-pressure bootcamps while juggling toddlers and a parent in heart surgery Had a boss who was blowing up her phone during class because work was falling apart Watched colleagues walk around like they were in an "exclusive PMP club" she didn't belong to Carried deep exam trauma, anxiety, and the shame of people using her failures against her Oh… and English is her fifth language. This was supposed to be her "last attempt". She told Scott, "If I don't pass this time, I'm done. I'm walking away from the PMP." Instead, Kader completely changed her relationship with the exam. Using the All In PM Prep 10-week, incremental, community-based approach, she stopped cramming and started building endurance, confidence, and self-trust: She realized her problem wasn't knowledge—it was four-hour exam stamina. She used 20-question, 45-question, and 60-question practice blocks to train like a marathon. She integrated self-care: nature walks with audio lessons, better mental space, and intentional rest. She leaned on coaching calls and classmates so she didn't feel alone in the anxiety. She applied her doctoral research in post-traumatic growth to exam trauma—recognizing fight/flight/freeze/fawn/flop patterns and working through them. When she finally walked out of the test center, holding that sheet of paper, she couldn't even find the result at first. Then she saw it, in tiny print: "Passed." She broke down in tears. Years of fear, shame, and feeling "less than" in her career lifted in a moment. In This Episode, You'll Hear: How someone with two decades of PM leadership still struggled to pass the PMP Why bootcamps failed her twice—and why cramming is the worst fit if life is already chaotic How exam trauma shows up (fight, flight, freeze, fawn, flop) and what it feels like in real life The difference between knowing PM and having the endurance and mindset to survive a 4-hour exam How incremental learning, repetition, and community helped her break through anxiety Why failing the PMP is not the end—and how to reframe your "failures" as stepping stones The emotional release of finally joining that "exclusive club" and how it changed her confidence If you work in government contracting, IT, or program management and feel stuck because you keep hearing "PMP required," this conversation will hit home. If you've failed before or feel like this exam is your last shot, you'll see yourself in Kader's story. Who This Episode Is For This episode is especially for you if: You've failed the PMP exam once or more and are scared to try again You feel paralyzed by exam anxiety or past test failures You're in government contracting where PMP is a "basic requirement" for leadership roles You're exhausted by bootcamps that cram everything into 4–5 days You're tired of feeling like everyone else can do it but you You're not broken. You're not alone. You just need a different plan—and a different kind of support.

Today, you're getting an exclusive early look at a brand-new series I'm building called PMP MythBusters — the definitive breakdown of the biggest misconceptions that hold people back from earning their PMP. In this sneak-peek episode, I walk through several of the most common myths I hear from students every day, including: "You must score 80%+ on every mock exam to be ready." "If your application isn't perfect, PMI will reject you." "Every PMP question has a trick in it." …and more. You'll get clarity, direction, and a taste of what's coming in the full MythBusters series. But more importantly — I want your help building this. What myths, fears, or confusing PMP questions do you want busted? 👉 Send your biggest myths or questions to me at scott@allinpmprep.com or 757-759-5282. Your submissions may appear in future episodes of the series.

If you need help passing the PMP — or you're stuck on Agile concepts like MVP, velocity, story points, or team-focused questions — I can help you. 📱 Call or text me directly: 757-759-5282 🎓 Or start our trial course: allnpmprep.com/trial Episode Description Welcome to a completely different kind of PMP learning experience. In this episode, you get a fly-on-the-wall look inside one of our live All In PM Prep coaching calls, where real students bring their toughest Agile questions — and try to stump the coach. You'll hear raw, unscripted coaching as we break down core Agile PMP exam topics, including: Velocity vs. Capacity Story Points (and why most students misuse them) MVP vs. MMF Agile roles and team behaviors How to handle people-focused PMP scenarios How to actually think through Agile questions instead of memorizing terms This session highlights our transformational Vanishing Data Dump method — the system where students write down everything they're unsure about (concepts, tools, processes, terms) and then attack each item using our: Agile glossary Video library AI deep-dive tools And live coaching with our team — including me You'll see exactly how high-performing PMP students build clarity, confidence, and exam mastery through real-time dialogue, honest questions, and deep reasoning. This isn't a lecture. This is the process of learning — live, authentic, and powerful. If you're struggling with Agile concepts, confused about velocity or story points, or overwhelmed by people-focused PMP questions… This episode will show you a simpler, smarter, clearer way.

Go behind the scenes with Jacob Henschel, a Program Manager at Collins Aerospace, as he reveals what it really takes to lead high-stakes programs in one of the world's most demanding industries. This interview explores how program managers operate at the intersection of engineering, risk, timelines, and multimillion-dollar customer expectations. Jacob shares the real story of program leadership — not the textbook version — including: How aerospace programs move from early concept to production-ready reality The balancing act between engineering rigor, schedule pressure, and budget discipline Managing cross-functional teams spread across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and customer support How program managers build trust, handle failures, and make tough calls under pressure The communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills required when the stakes involve safety, reliability, and global customers You'll hear candid insights on what separates average program managers from exceptional ones, how to drive alignment when everyone has competing priorities, and why program managers are the connective tissue in complex organizations. Whether you're studying for the PMP, leading projects, or simply curious about how aerospace programs actually work, this conversation gives you a front-row seat to one of the toughest and most rewarding roles in the industry.

If you failed the PMP exam — or you're terrified you might — I can help you. I'll get on the phone with you myself, listen to your situation, and build a plan that actually works for you. 📩 Email me: Scott@allinprep.com 🎟️ Or just join our trial: allinpmprep.com/trial Episode Description In this episode, you'll hear the magical story of Mikhaia — whose PMP journey started with heartbreak. She enrolled in a highly reputable college program, expecting clarity, structure, and guidance. Instead, she got vague lectures, scattered information, and zero direction. Her confidence collapsed, and when she took the PMP exam… she failed. And not just a small miss — a hard fail. It crushed her. She cried. She felt lost, overwhelmed, and ashamed. She truly didn't know what to do next. But then something changed. She listened to the podcast. She reached out. And I got on the phone with her — for twenty minutes — and laid out a new path. A real plan. A plan that fit her, her life, her learning style, and her pace. Five weeks later… 🔥 Above Target across the board. 🔥 Every domain crushed. 🔥 Confidence rebuilt. 🔥 Career unlocked. This is more than a success story — it's proof that failing the exam doesn't mean you are a failure. It means you need a better path, better guidance, and someone who actually cares enough to walk with you. This is Mikhaia's comeback. And if you're in the same place she was… your comeback can start today.

If you're serious about becoming a PMP and you want to experience how I teach, jump into the FREE trial of my PMP course right now: 👉 https://allinpmprep.com/trial You'll get instant access to lessons, coaching videos, and sample questions that show you exactly how I prepare students to pass. Get inside the trial today — don't wait. EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode, I break down the big announcement from PMI: a brand-new PMP exam is coming in 2026. Every time this happens, the internet freaks out… But you don't need to. I walk you through what's actually changing, why these updates are good for project managers, and how you can stay ahead no matter when you plan to sit for the exam. I've been through multiple PMP exam changes over the years, and I can promise you: we adapt, we adjust, and we win. KEY TAKEAWAYS: ✔️ 1. No, the sky isn't falling. PMI updates the exam every few years. I've seen it happen multiple times. Project management hasn't suddenly changed overnight — we just get a new way of talking about the same core skills. ✔️ 2. The new exam goes live in July 2026. There's a pilot in January 2026, and the global rollout hits in July. Translation: you have plenty of time. ✔️ 3. Here's the simple ECO shift I mentioned: Current Exam: People — 42% Process — 50% Business Environment — 8% New 2026 Exam: People — 33% Process — 41% Business Environment — 26% The biggest jump is the Business Environment domain — and honestly, I'm thrilled PMI is finally giving this the weight it deserves. ✔️ 4. AI + value delivery are officially part of the future. PMI is leaning into: AI-supported project work Strategic decision-making Value delivery Real-world adaptability These are things I already teach in my program. The new exam finally catches up to what's actually happening in modern projects. ✔️ 5. You're already ahead of the curve. My training is real-world focused. I teach the skills project managers actually use. So whether you take the current exam or the 2026 version, you'll be prepared. I'll make sure of it. WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR: Anyone studying for the PMP right now Anyone planning on taking the exam in 2025–2026 PMO leaders preparing their teams Anyone who feels nervous about PMI's update LINKS & RESOURCES: 🔥 Start Your FREE PMP Course Trial: https://allinpmprep.com/trial All In PMP Prep Website: https://allinpmprep.com

🎯 Want to try the 50/50 Game for yourself? Get instant access to the All-In PMP Prep free trial, including the 50/50 Game, a live coaching call to solve hard PMP questions, and awesome PMP lessons: 👉 allinpmprep.com/trial In today's episode, I pull back the curtain on one of the most powerful learning tools inside the All-In PMP Prep system — the 50/50 Game. This episode is different. Instead of just talking about Agile concepts, I play through real 50/50 Game examples live on the show. You'll hear me break down two commonly confused Agile ideas at a time, explain the logic behind the right choice, and show how this simple game exposes (and fixes) the uncertainty that trips students up on the PMP exam. You'll learn: How the 50/50 Game trains your brain to think the way the exam requires Why "close enough" Agile knowledge isn't enough — and how this game sharpens the details The hidden patterns that differentiate good Agile decisions from great ones How to use this tool to boost confidence and cut through confusion on exam day If you enjoy learning this way, jump into the trial and experience the 50/50 Game directly. It's fun, fast, and one of the most effective tools I've ever created for PMP students. 🎧 Let's play the game — and learn Agile the right way.

If you're looking to learn the PMP quickly without memorizing anything, reach out to me, Scott Payne, at 757-759-5282. In this episode, Peter Younes shares how he went from concepts to competence by applying PMP principles inside the Henrico, Virginia firefighter department. He breaks down how he tested ideas in the field, iterated fast, and built real systems—turning theory into results. You'll hear exactly how hands-on practice sharpened his decision-making, improved team coordination, and made him a stronger project manager and PMP. Listen in for a blueprint you can copy: pick a real problem, apply the tools, measure the impact, and level up—no rote memorization required.

Ready to Finally Pass Your PMP Exam? If you're studying for the PMP — whether you've just started, you're halfway through, or you're stuck — I'm inviting a few students to join our All In PMP Prep Program. It's invite-only, and every student gets a customized, guided plan that's more engaging than anything you've ever experienced. My team and I will stick with you until you pass — and we'll even help you earn all the PDUs you need after you graduate. 📞 Reach out to me directly: Call or text: 757-759-5282 Email: scott@allinpmprep.com 🔥 Episode: "Jonny's All In PMP Success Story" Johnny crushed the PMP exam — not by studying harder, but by focusing on what really matters. In this episode, you'll hear how he simplified his approach, built unstoppable confidence, and executed his plan to perfection. His story is proof that with the right guidance and mindset, you can do the same. Tune in, get inspired, and then take the next step toward your PMP success.

Need Help on Your PMP?  Call me at 757-759-5282. I will design the ideal PMP path for you!  In this podcast I show you how to finally finish your PMP journey!  You will learn the 3 Enemies of Your PMP Momentum.

If you need help simplifying PMP concepts in a way that really makes sense, reach out and I'll teach you and create a plan that works for you: 757-759-5282. Did you know Peyton Manning — Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champ, commercial star — threw 28 interceptions as a rookie? That's the all-time record. He started as a massive failure. But he never dropped his head, never backed down, and kept learning until he became one of the greatest of all time. That's exactly why I love when PMP students miss tons of practice questions. Because every miss is growth. In this episode, you'll learn: Why mistakes are the fastest teacher in PMP prep What my Chief Engineer taught me about the best engineers having the best mistake stories How wrong answers expose blind spots and create sticky learning Why failure is rehearsal — and the path to exam-day confidence Funny, real-world analogies (meatballs, Mario Kart, gutter balls) that make this lesson unforgettable 📌 Key takeaway: Missing isn't failure. Missing is growth. Every mistake is a rep toward mastery. 👉 Want Scott to help you turn your misses into a clear, confident PMP study plan? Call or text 757-759-5282.