When it comes to free online resources, you get what you pay for. Not all of them are very useful or credible. Before you use any study materials (whether they're free and web-based or whether you pay for them), confirm that the content comes from a reputable provider and is based on the current version of the PMBOK Guide, which has significant changes over the previous edition.

The one online resource that I recommend are PMP exam discussion forums. These forums are a great place to interact with others who are also preparing for the exam. Many PMPs, including myself, continue to visit these forums even after we've become certified. We answer questions about our experience before and after the exam and help out with the practical application of the PMI framework. These forums are a great way to build your professional network so they're well worth your time and effort--as long as you don't use them as an excuse not to pick up your books and study. Try the forums at , and .

In my next article, I'll cover how to study for the exam. Since successful PMP exam takers studied, on average, 10 to 12 weeks, your time needs to be spent wisely. I will help you with that.

Cornelius Fichtner, PMP, is a noted project management expert with nearly 20 years of project management experience in various industries. He has helped over 11,000 students in their with The Project Management PrepCast, a downloadable and portable exam prep video workshop. A former PMI Chapter president, Fichtner is currently an active volunteer in his local PMI chapter and a member of PMI's New Media Council. He is also the host of the Project Management Podcast and the PDU Podcast.