8.1. Summary and Next Steps

Summary by phase:

• Phase 1 built the mental model: project vs. operations vs. program vs. portfolio, and predictive vs. adaptive as a spectrum of choices, not a binary rulebook.
• Phase 2 (Domain 1, 36%) went deep on life cycles, planning documents, roles, and problem-solving tools — the operating vocabulary every other domain assumes.
• Phase 3 (Domain 4, 27%) covered business analysis end to end: roles, communication, requirements gathering, roadmaps, and validating delivery — the domain most candidates underestimate.
• Phase 4 (Domain 3, 20%) covered adaptive suitability, iteration planning, adaptive controls, and the real structural differences between Scrum, Kanban, XP, and SAFe.
• Phase 5 (Domain 2, 17%) closed with predictive scheduling: WBS, critical path, and the earned value formulas that resurface across every other domain.

Next steps:

1. Work through the flashcard deck (built next) to reinforce recall on definitions and formulas before moving to scenario practice.
2. Work through the full practice question bank (built after flashcards), tracking your accuracy by domain — spend extra review time on whichever domain scores lowest, regardless of its exam weight.
3. Revisit this guide's Exam Trap callouts specifically in the 48 hours before your exam — they're concentrated, high-yield review, faster than rereading full sections.
4. Confirm your eligibility documentation (23 education hours, secondary degree) is finalized before scheduling, since registration processing and any audit selection can add time.