Prepare PMP with flashcards
PMP (Project Management Professional) is one of the most recognized project management certifications worldwide. The current exam (2021 version) assesses 3 domains: People (42%), Process (50%), and Business Environment (8%). It requires mastering PMBOK Guide and Agile Practice Guide terminology, plus the 49 project management processes organized across 10 knowledge areas and 5 process groups.
Priority cards for PMP
The 49 processes: each process deserves its own card. Format: "Process name → process group (initiating/planning/executing/monitoring and controlling/closing) + knowledge area + primary goal". These 49 cards are the backbone of a PMP deck.
Earned Value formulas: EV, PV, AC, SV (Schedule Variance = EV−PV), CV (Cost Variance = EV−AC), SPI (Schedule Performance Index = EV/PV), CPI (Cost Performance Index = EV/AC), EAC (Estimate at Completion = BAC/CPI). Each formula deserves a card with meaning and interpretation (SPI > 1 = ahead, < 1 = behind).
Terms and definitions: each PMBOK term with its precise definition. PMP examiners are highly sensitive to terminology precision — a stakeholder is not just a generic actor; it is any individual, group, or organization that may affect or be affected by a project.
Prepare ITIL 4 Foundation with flashcards
ITIL 4 Foundation covers core concepts of the Service Value System (SVS): 7 guiding principles, 4 dimensions, 34 practices, and the service value chain model. ITIL terminology is precise, and exam questions often test subtle distinctions between close concepts.
Contrast cards: the key ITIL tool
ITIL 4 introduces conceptual distinctions that frequently trap candidates. Contrast cards — cards comparing two concepts — are especially effective: "Incident vs Problem in ITIL → Incident = unplanned interruption. Problem = cause of one or more incidents. A problem may produce workarounds and remains unresolved until known error handling is complete." This format anchors distinctions better than isolated definition cards.
The 7 guiding principles in flashcards
All 7 ITIL 4 guiding principles are directly tested. Each should have a card with official definition and a practical example: "Focus on value → every decision is evaluated against customer and stakeholder value. Example: before releasing a new IT feature, ask what concrete value it creates."
Prepare Prince2 Foundation and Practitioner
Prince2 is structured around 7 principles, 7 themes, and 7 processes. Foundation exam tests structural memorization; Practitioner tests scenario-based application.
Each of the 7 Prince2 processes deserves a card with objectives, key activities, and associated management products. The 7 themes (business case, organization, quality, plans, risk, change, progress) are also directly tested in Foundation.
Typical planning by certification
PMP: 3 months (including mandatory 35 training hours). 15 new cards/day for 2 months, then consolidated reviews + 2 full mock exams (200 questions) per week in month 3. Estimated total: 300–400 cards.
ITIL 4 Foundation: 2 to 3 weeks. 10 to 15 cards/day. Volume: 100–150 cards. Foundation is accessible, but precise terminology and concept distinctions are critical.
Prince2 Foundation + Practitioner: 4 to 6 weeks. Foundation first (2–3 weeks), then Practitioner. Foundation cards remain useful for Practitioner — keep the deck active.
FAQ
Is PMP certification worth the preparation time?
From a memorization perspective, PMP requires significant effort (often cited between 300 and 500 hours). Its value depends on your industry and career goals. This guide cannot decide that for you — but if you have chosen to pursue PMP, flashcards are one of the most efficient ways to master PMBOK terminology and processes in minimal time.
Can these certifications be prepared self-study?
Yes for ITIL 4 Foundation and Prince2 Foundation, where self-study is common and resources are abundant. For PMP, mandatory training hours can be completed via e-learning. The content can be learned independently with discipline. Flashcards effectively complement manuals and video lessons.