PMP Exam Prep with Scott Payne

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.

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. Too many people think Scrum roles are job titles: Scrum Master = meeting scheduler Product Owner = requirements writer Developers = order-takers Wrong. In this episode, I'll break down what the Scrum Guide actually says about these roles — and why they're designed as shared accountabilities, not silos. Here's what you'll take away: Why the Scrum Master is really a coach and capability builder, not a project manager How the Product Owner drives value and vision while relying on collaboration Why Developers aren't "just coders" — they self-manage and own the increment The secret exam hack: PMI rewards answers that show overlap and collaboration, not isolation 📌 Key takeaway: Agile roles aren't about hierarchy. They're about shared accountability. 👉 Want me to help you crack Agile and hybrid PMP questions with clarity and confidence? Call or text 757-759-5282.

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. Most students think PMP prep is about cramming until the last second. But the truth is, the final 24 hours before your exam are the most important — and they're not about studying. They're about tapering down, protecting your clarity, and showing up at your best. In this episode, Scott lays out exactly how to use the last 24 hours before exam day to win: Why studying past lunch the day before is a mistake What to lock in 2–3 days early so you're not scrambling last-minute How to spend exam-eve recharging with family, fun, and pump-up rituals Why sleep, rest, and relaxation are the hidden weapons of PMP success The Lego-at-2AM analogy you'll never forget (and why cramming backfires) 📌 Key takeaway: The last 24 hours aren't about adding knowledge — they're about trusting your prep, tapering down, and protecting your clarity. 👉 Want Scott to help you build a complete PMP study plan so exam week feels calm, not chaotic? Call or text 757-759-5282.

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. So many students tell me: "Scott, the PMP exam is trying to trick me." The scenarios feel unrealistic, the answers all look half-right, and it seems like PMI is playing games. But here's the truth: the exam isn't trying to trick you. It's trying to help you see the bigger picture. In this episode, I'll show you how to flip your perspective and finally understand what the exam is doing. We'll cover: Why PMP questions feel "tricky" and what they're really testing The shift from task-level thinking to system-level leadership Common situations where students feel trapped (risks, stakeholders, change requests) and the bigger-picture lessons inside them How to stop arguing with the scenario and start asking: "What is PMI really testing here?" Practical mindset hacks to slow down, zoom out, and pick the best answer, not just the "okay" one 📌 Key takeaway: The PMP exam isn't a trap — it's training your lens. Every question is an invitation to see like a project leader, not just a task doer. 👉 Want Scott to help you practice these mindset shifts and build a plan that gets you to the finish line? Call or text 757-759-5282.

In this episode, Scott sits down with Kate, a PMP® student whose journey wasn't picture-perfect — and that's exactly why it's so valuable. Kate failed her first attempt at the PMP exam. She came close, but nerves and overwhelm got the best of her. Instead of letting that setback define her, she regrouped, worked with the All In PM Prep program, and came back just weeks later to absolutely crush the exam. This is an honest, transparent conversation about what really happens when the pressure of the PMP exam hits. You'll hear: Why nerves derailed her first attempt (and how she recognized it) The simple changes she made in her prep the second time around How she shifted her mindset to walk into the exam with confidence Encouragement for anyone who feels overwhelmed or is doubting their ability Kate's story proves that failing once doesn't mean you're done — it means you're learning. If you're preparing for the PMP exam, this episode will give you a real-world perspective and the motivation to push through to success.

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. Three little words trip up more PMP students than almost anything else: Risk, Issue, Assumption. Get them confused on the exam, and you'll wreck a question you could have nailed. In this episode, Scott unpacks these concepts with clear definitions, fun analogies, and exam-focused insights so they finally stick. You'll learn: The simple difference between risks, issues, and assumptions (Clouds, Rain, Park) Why positive risks (opportunities) matter as much as threats How risks, issues, and assumptions flow into one another on real projects The common exam traps PMI uses to confuse you — and how to avoid them Real-life scenarios (including a funny Mickey Mouse napkin example) that make it unforgettable 📌 Key takeaway: Risks, issues, and assumptions aren't the same. Each has its own log, timing, and process. Get them straight, and the exam questions suddenly become obvious. 👉 Want Scott to help you master confusing PMP concepts and build a plan that fits your life? Call or text 757-759-5282.

If you need help simplifying PMP concepts in a way that really makes sense, call or text me at 757-759-5282. I'll help you create a plan that works and gets you exam-ready. PMI's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct isn't a side topic — it's a core exam filter. On test day, PMI is asking: Can I trust you to lead this project with integrity? In this episode, we break down the four values — Responsibility, Respect, Fairness, and Honesty — with vivid examples, red lines, and the common traps that cause students to stumble. You'll learn: The gold standard behaviors PMI expects you to demonstrate. The absolute NOs that always eliminate answer choices. The common confusion points (gifts, bribes, favors, cultural practices) — and how PMI wants you to think about them. The exam "common sense" tools: the Front-Page Test, the Law → Policy → PMI ladder, and the 4D Rule (Disclose, Decline, Document, Delegate/Recuse). A mini quiz of real exam-style scenarios where we walk through the right and wrong choices together. 👉 Bottom line: Skills make you a project manager. Ethics make you a leader. And on the PMP exam, ethics can make the difference between passing and failing.

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. In this episode, you'll hear the inspiring success story of Craig, who transitioned from the military to PMP-certified professional. Craig put in the work, stayed disciplined, and in the process discovered how to make even the most complex PMP concepts simple and clear. Craig drops ginormous value bombs you can use right now: How to approach the PMP exam like learning a new language Why simplicity is the key to retention and confidence The study practices that gave him clarity and speed on exam day How to take what he learned and apply it directly to your own journey Craig doesn't just tell his story — he leaves behind a roadmap anyone can follow. If you're preparing for the PMP and feel overwhelmed, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to push through. 📌 Key takeaway: You don't need to overcomplicate PMP prep. With focus, discipline, and the right strategies, you can simplify the language, master the mindset, and succeed on exam day. 👉 Want Scott to build you a study plan, review your weak spots, or coach you all the way to PMP success? Call or text 757-759-5282.

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. This is Part 2 of our deep dive into procurement, inspired by a listener who texted me after struggling with procurement questions on a mock exam. In Part 1, we broke down the contract families — Fixed Price, Cost-Plus, and Time & Materials — and made it clear who benefits and why. We even cleared up the biggest confusion point: Cost-Plus vs. T&M (Receipts vs. Rate Card). Now in Part 2, we take it further and uncover why PMI often wants you to pick the process answer instead of the contract answer. We cover: Why the exam loves "use the organizational procurement process" Breaking down the acronyms: make-or-buy, sourcing plan, RFX, evaluation criteria, and MSA (with simple, fun analogies) What multi-tiered contracts really are and why PMI includes them The top exam traps in procurement and how to avoid them Quick-fire scenarios that tie it all together 📌 Key takeaway from Part 2: PMI doesn't want cowboy project managers freelancing contracts. They want you to know when to lean on the organizational process, and how risk, governance, and structure create trust and clarity. 👉 Want Scott to build you a study plan, review your weak spots, or coach you all the way to PMP success? Call or text 757-759-5282.

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. This episode kicks off a two-part deep dive into procurement, inspired by a listener who texted me after struggling with procurement questions on a mock exam. In Part 1, we cover: Why procurement feels so confusing on the PMP exam The three contract families — Fixed Price, Cost-Plus, and Time & Materials Who benefits and why under each type (buyer, seller, or both) A direct comparison of Cost-Plus vs. T&M (Receipts vs. Rate Card) A quick-fire exercise with real (and funny) scenarios to lock it in I wrap Part 1 by teeing up what's next, because procurement isn't just about contracts — it's about process. In Part 2, we'll break down: Why the exam loves "use the organizational procurement process" The make-or-buy decision, sourcing plans, RFX, evaluation criteria, and MSA (explained in plain English) Multi-tiered contract structures and why PMI loves them The most common exam traps and how to avoid them 📌 Key takeaway from Part 1: Contracts are just risk-placement tools. Know who's holding the hot potato, and you'll know who benefits. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll finish the journey and connect it back to how PMI wants you to think on exam day. 👉 Want Scott to build you a study plan, review your weak spots, or coach you all the way to PMP success? Call or text 757-759-5282.

If you need help with PMP questions and you want to pass the PMP exam, call me, Scott, at 757-759-5282 and we'll talk through a plan for you. In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mistakes smart professionals make when tackling PMP exam questions: they fight the system. Instead of stepping into the role of a project leader, they slip back into an individual contributor mindset—arguing about how unrealistic the question is, or how the team "should have done it differently." But on the exam, and in real project management, your job isn't to nitpick the system. Your job is to conduct the orchestra. I walk you through an example to show how shifting your perspective—from player to conductor—completely changes how you approach questions and situations. Once you stop fighting the question and start thinking like the orchestrator, the right answers become clear. Tune in to reframe how you think, approach PMP questions with confidence, and start leading like the conductor your team (and your exam) needs.

If you want the same kind of help James got to crush his PMP exam, call me directly at 757-759-5282. This episode is pure fire. 🎤 James just passed the PMP Exam and came back to drop straight knowledge bombs on one of our Hard Questions Made Easy calls. He breaks down exactly how he studied, how he stayed confident, and how he kept his mindset locked in all the way through exam day. All I had to do was throw him a few questions—James did the rest. His insights on how to overcome fear, build confidence, and master the exam will get you pumped up and ready to succeed. If you've been wondering how real students make it to the finish line, this conversation will give you the clarity, energy, and belief that you can do it too. Tune in, take notes, and let James show you what's possible.

What separates students who pass the PMP from those who give up or stall out? It's not talent. It's not luck. It's the tiny decisions they make — every single day. In this episode, Scott shares a raw, real-life moment and unpacks the daily discipline that fuels real success. You'll learn: Why "just one day off" can kill your momentum How to shift from chasing results to building habits Why you should celebrate small wins like a maniac The weight-loss metaphor that explains why your progress feels invisible 5 small things you can do today to stay in the fight This episode is a wake-up call and a roadmap. Listen in, lock in, and recommit to the daily habits that move the needle — even when it's dark, cold, or you're just not feeling it.

If you love these stories and want more, reach out to me at 757-759-5282. Ever waited at a restaurant while everyone's food was ready except one steak — and the whole table had to wait? That's the critical path in action. In this episode, Scott Payne breaks down how a dinner out mirrors the reality of project schedules. You'll learn: Why the slowest task (the "steak") determines when the whole project is done How dependencies create chains that can make or break your timeline The role of float (wiggle room) in keeping things flexible What Goldratt's "Herbie" teaches us about bottlenecks How to spot and manage your own project's critical path By the end, you'll see how understanding your critical path — and focusing resources where it matters most — keeps your project moving and your team finishing strong.