PMP Exam Prep with Scott Payne

Inside the Mind of a PMP Coach Vol. 2 — Why Memorization is Killing Your Score with Coach Matthew 01.07.2026 34min

Most PMP students are studying the wrong way — and they don't even know it. In this episode I sit down with Coach Matthew Kohlmeier, program manager at Agilent Technologies and one of the most experienced coaches at All In PM Prep, for a deep conversation about what separates students who pass from those who keep spinning. Matthew came up through the military, managed labs at Brigham and Women's Hospital, earned his PMP, ACP, and PgMP all through this program — and now coaches the next generation of project managers. We get into the memorization vs understanding trap that kills more PMP candidates than anything else, what students actually need from their coaches, how Matthew spots a student who's ready vs one who's not, and what real coaching looks like when someone comes in thinking they already know everything. If you're studying for the PMP right now, this conversation will change how you approach the exam. Call or text me at 757-759-5282 or go to allinpmprep.com.

Learn PMP Live: The 50/50 Game 26.06.2026 18min

In this episode, I walk through one of my favorite learning tools: our 50/50 Game. As we play through real PMP concepts, I explain why your brain learns better when you compare ideas, eliminate wrong answers, and talk through your reasoning instead of simply reading another chapter. You'll hear how I think through concepts in real time, why active learning beats passive studying, and how small learning games can dramatically improve your understanding and retention. If you've ever felt like you're studying for hours but not remembering anything, this episode is for you. Let's learn smarter, I will help you. Just reach out. 757-759-5282

PMP Question Breakdown: Don't Make This Mistake 23.06.2026 20min

As your PMP exam gets closer, it's easy to fall into the trap of doing more. More practice questions. More videos. More study guides. More resources. But what if the answer isn't doing more? What if the answer is getting more value from the work you've already done? In this episode, I take you inside the All In PM Prep PMP Simulator and walk through how I actually use practice questions to build skill, confidence, and exam readiness. This isn't a feature tour or product demo. It's a coaching session on how high-performing PMP students think differently about practice exams. We'll review missed questions, flagged questions, hints, and AI coaching tools while discussing one of the biggest mistakes I see students make: treating practice questions like a scoreboard instead of a diagnostic tool. I also share a personal story that reminded me of an important truth: Doctors don't run tests to admire the results. They run tests to figure out what needs attention. Your PMP simulator should work the same way. If you're feeling overwhelmed, taking endless quizzes, or wondering why your scores aren't improving, this episode will help you shift your focus from quantity to quality and show you how to get more learning from every question you answer. 🎯 In this episode you'll learn: • Why more practice questions don't always lead to better results • How to use incorrect questions to identify knowledge gaps • Why flagged questions may be more valuable than correct ones • When to use hints (and when not to) • How AI coaching can accelerate your learning • The mindset shift that helps students build confidence before exam day Remember: passing the PMP isn't about seeing more questions. It's about becoming better at solving them.

Inside the Mind of a PMP Coach — What Coach Debbie Knows After 4.5 Years of Getting Students Certified 15.06.2026 48min

What actually happens inside a PMP coaching session? What does a great coach look for, listen for, and how do they know when a student is ready? In this episode I sit down with Coach Debbie — one of our most experienced coaches at All In PM Prep — for a raw, honest conversation about what it really takes to get PMP certified. Debbie's been coaching students since 2022 and has one of the highest pass rates on the team. We get into accountability, fear, bad test takers, what predicts student success, and the one thing most students do that kills their progress. If you've ever wondered what your coach is actually thinking — this episode pulls back the curtain. Want to work with Coach Debbie or one of our coaches? Call or text me at 757-759-5282 or go to allinpmprep.com.

PMP Exam Changing July 9th — Domain Weights Explained and What to Do Now 12.06.2026 10min

On July 9th, 2026, the PMP exam is changing — and if you're studying right now, you need to understand exactly what's shifting and what it means for you. The biggest change is in the domain weights. Business Environment jumps from 8% all the way to 26%. People drops to 33%. Process drops to 41%. In this episode I break down why PMI made this move, what they're actually saying through these numbers, and what you need to do based on exactly where you are in your prep. Whether your exam is before July 9th, you're just starting, or you're mid-study and starting to panic — I've got a specific plan for each of you. And honestly? This change is great news. I'll show you why. Call or text me directly at 757-759-5282 or go to allinpmprep.com.

Student Success: 3 Needs Improvement to 3 Above Target - Exactly How Ophira Did it! 29.05.2026 16min

Hey everybody, Scott Payne here. I want to share a story that I hope gives you a ton of encouragement. Just because you failed the PMP exam doesn't mean you can't succeed—sometimes far beyond what you ever thought possible. I recently had the privilege of working with an amazing student named Ophira. Before she found us, she had taken the PMP exam with another provider and received three Needs Improvement ratings. If you know the PMP exam, you know that's about as far away from passing as you can get. A lot of people would have looked at that result and thought, "Maybe this just isn't for me." But Ophira didn't quit. She kept looking for answers. She started listening to our podcast. She connected with our community. She changed how she approached the exam. And with the right support, the right strategy, and a lot of hard work, she turned things around in an incredible way. Not only did she pass—she earned Above Target in all three domains. Think about that for a second. She went from three Needs Improvement ratings to three Above Target ratings. That's not luck. That's what can happen when you have the right guidance, the right process, and people who truly care about helping you succeed. We are incredibly proud of Ophira, and I want you to hear her story because there are lessons in it that can help you create your own turnaround. If you're struggling, if you've failed before, or if you're wondering whether you can do this, I want you to know that your current situation does not define your future outcome. Ophira is proof of that. So listen closely, learn from her journey, and imagine what's possible for you. And if you're ready to stop struggling and start making real progress, reach out to us. Email me directly at scott@allinpmprep.com or call us at 757-759-5282. Stop waiting. Let's get going. Let's go.

The PMP Answer Pattern Nobody Teaches 27.05.2026 10min

In this episode, I share a wild coaching-call experiment that completely changed the way my students looked at PMP questions. The group was absolutely crushing difficult situational questions, so I decided to flip the process upside down: I hid the questions… and only showed the answers. What happened next revealed one of the biggest secrets behind PMP success. In this episode, I break down: Why great PMP students recognize patterns instead of memorizing The dangerous answer themes PMI wants you to avoid Why facilitation beats control on the PMP exam How leadership principles show up repeatedly in correct answers The "upside-down solving" exercise that sharpened everyone's thinking I also share the crazy poker story that inspired the whole thing — and why the answers themselves often tell the real story behind the question. If you want help learning how to think through PMP questions with confidence, reach out to me directly: 🌐 allinpmprep.com 📞 757-759-5282 Let's get you across the finish line.

Student Success: Scared to 3 Above Targets with One little Change = BIG Impact - How Vera Did It 16.05.2026 23min

PMP Rabbit Holes (Theory X, Maslow, and Other Stuff You Should Know - BUT NOT Too Deeply) 13.05.2026 19min

There are topics in PMP study that are super interesting, but you don't need to have a super detailed mastery of. Today I quickly explain those topics. After listening you will understand them enough to ace the "maybe 1" question the PMP exam has on the topics. Topics like: Theory X and Y, Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, McClelland's Theory of Needs, Power Types. If you want me to help you ace the exam. Text, call, or email me 757-759-5282

Master People, Process, Business Environment This Way 11.05.2026 12min

You've gotta ace People, Process, and Business Environment to pass the PMP exam. Pretty much every question falls into one of those buckets. Problem is… most people study them the wrong way. And that's exactly why they get confused, overwhelmed, and don't know what to focus on. Today, I fix that. I'm gonna flip how you study the PMP so it actually starts making sense. And if you want help saving time and passing faster, reach out to me directly. 757-759-5282 Scott@allinpm.com Let's do this."

PMP Clock Is Ticking: How to Get Across the Finish Line 06.05.2026 22min

You've got an exam date. The PMP exam changes are coming. And deep down… you're not sure you're ready. Maybe you've already taken a bootcamp. Maybe you've watched hundreds of videos. Maybe you've been hammering quizzes over and over again hoping your scores magically improve. But here's the truth: Your quiz scores are NOT the real problem. They're just clues. A 58… a 68… a 73… those are observable results. The real issue lives underneath: How you think through questions How you handle pressure How you make 50/50 decisions How you understand the material How you approach the exam mentally That's what real coaching fixes. In this episode, Scott breaks down why most PMP students stay stuck… and how All In PM Prep built an accelerated coaching system specifically for people who already have their exam date and need to get across the finish line FAST. We're already helping students through customized 2-week, 4-week, 6-week, and 8-week battle plans with: Live coaching Focused quizzes Video training Personalized study strategies Real accountability Decision-making training under pressure This is not about doing more random practice questions. This is about transforming the behaviors that create passing results. And here's the deal: Stop putting pressure on yourself. Put the pressure on us. You bring the commitment. We'll go to war with you. 📞 Reach out directly: 757-759-5282 📧 scott@allinprep.com No matter where you are right now — if you have the goal, we'll help you build the plan to get there.

Student Success: 3 Above Target PMP Domination (In the face of 12 Pick 3 Questions!) 30.04.2026 12min

Barry was a podcast listener like you! He didn't feel ready so he called me and we went to work. Next think he knew he aced the PMP exam with 3 above targets!!!! He has tons to teach you. Dive in and learn. AND if you feel like something isn't totally right and you might need help, call/text me at 757-759-5282 (or email scott@allinprep.com) We WILL ace your exam!!!!!

PMP Mindset: How Your Response to Failure Determines If You Pass 27.04.2026 6min

Most PMP students think failing a practice question is a setback. It's not — it's data. In this episode, I break down the single mindset shift that separates PMP candidates who pass from those who keep spinning: how you respond when you struggle. You'll learn how to turn missed questions into momentum, stop the negative self-talk before it derails your exam day, and build real confidence before you ever sit down for the test. If you're grinding through PMP prep and feel like you're not moving forward, this one will change how you study. Need a real plan? Call or text me directly at 757-759-5282.

Why Your PMP Study Plan Is Failing You (And What a Real One Looks Like) 23.04.2026 11min

If your PMP prep looks like a little of this course, a few random quizzes, a 35-hour checkbox, and scattered YouTube videos — that's not a plan, it's patchwork. In this episode, I break down why Frankenstein study plans fail and what a real PMP exam prep plan actually looks like — structured, progressive, and built to get you to exam day with confidence. Want a plan that actually works? Call or text me at 757-759-5282.

My PMP 'Bag of Tricks': How to Eliminate Wrong Answers Fast 17.04.2026 21min

Most PMP students are trying to find the right answer… But the real skill? 👉 Eliminating the wrong ones. In this episode, I walk through three real PMP-style questions and show you something different… Not just what the answer is—but how to think. I'm pulling a few tools out of my personal "bag of tricks"—the exact mental shortcuts I use (and teach my students) to quickly eliminate common trap answers that trip people up on the exam. Inside, you'll learn: How to spot answers that look right but are fundamentally wrong The patterns behind bad PMP answer choices How to narrow down options fast—even when you're unsure Why most students overthink instead of eliminating This is the difference between: ❌ guessing under pressure ✅ confidently working your way to the best answer And this is just a small sample… There's a whole system behind this that we build together inside the program. 📞 Want the full "bag of tricks"? Call or text me directly: 757-759-5282 Let's get you across the finish line.

How You Fail the PMP Before You Even Start (And How to Fix It in 7 Minutes) 15.04.2026 15min

Most people don't fail the PMP exam because they don't know the material… They fail because of what happens inside their own head. In this episode, I break down the idea of a 7-minute mental diet—a simple but powerful way to stop negative self-talk before it wrecks your performance on exam day. Then I bring on Amy, who just passed her PMP with strong scores, to walk through what REALLY happened during her exam. ➡️ She hit the same panic moments you will ➡️ She felt like she was failing halfway through ➡️ And she almost spiraled… but didn't Instead, she used simple mental resets, positive self-talk, and pacing strategies to take control—and pass. We break down: The exact moment panic kicks in during the exam What negative self-talk sounds like (and how to stop it) The phrases she used to regain control How the 150/75 timing strategy reduces anxiety Why mindset is just as important as knowing the content If you've ever: Second-guessed yourself during practice questions Felt like you're "failing" mid-exam Or let one bad question spiral into five… This episode will change how you approach the test. 📞 Need help getting across the finish line? Call or text me directly: 757-759-5282 Let's build your plan and get you to a pass.

Agile vs Waterfall Explained Simply: A PMP Lesson I Taught My 10-Year-Old 09.04.2026 26min

I've always said if you really understand something, you can explain it to a kid. So I tested that. In this episode, I sit down with my son Hunter and explain Agile vs Waterfall using something he actually cares about — building the fastest race car possible. Real questions, real confusion, real breakthroughs. If you've ever struggled to truly get Agile for the PMP exam, this one will make it click. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.

How Leo Passed the PMP After Doubting He Ever Could 07.04.2026 13min

Leo didn't think passing the PMP exam was possible for him. He doubted himself going in, hit a wall mid-exam, and almost let it beat him — but he didn't quit. In this episode, Leo breaks down exactly how he pushed through real exam-day fear, stayed in the fight, and walked away PMP certified. If you're struggling with self-doubt or wondering if the PMP is even worth it, this is the episode you need. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.

100 Days Until the PMP Exam Changes — What You Need to Do 31.03.2026 12min

You have 100 days until the PMP exam changes on July 9th. That might sound like a lot of time—but it's not. If what you're doing right now isn't working, it's not going to magically start working. This episode is a real conversation about where you are, what's holding you back, and what you need to do right now to pass before the exam changes. No fluff. No dabbling. Just clarity, commitment, and a path forward. If you're serious about passing, reach out to me directly. I'll talk with you, understand where you are, and build a clear plan to get you across the finish line before July 9th. 📧 scott@allinpmprep.com 📱 Call or Text: 757-759-5282 This is what we do at All In PM Prep. We don't dabble—we go all in, together. Let's get you there.

PMP Escalation Questions Explained: The One Question That Changes Everything 26.03.2026 8min

Most PMP students get escalation questions wrong for the same reason — they're asking the wrong question when they read them. In this episode, I teach you exactly how to reframe escalation scenarios so you stop second-guessing and start picking the right answer consistently. One simple shift, big results. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.