My Experience Preparing for the CPMAI™ v7 Certification

When I decided to pursue the Cognitive Project Management in AI (CPMAI™ v7) certification, I already had several years of project management experience. But in AI? Not much. My exposure was limited to ChatGPT in daily life and Copilot at work.

Still, I believed in the potential of AI and wanted to be ready to support or lead AI projects in my company. That’s what pushed me to start the journey.

The Training Journey

I started the CPMAI™ v7 course in June 2025. The training takes around 30 hours, but it is not light reading. The lessons are long, terminology-heavy, and you need to pass a quiz with at least 70% in each module to move forward.

In July, I took a short break for my summer vacation, then came back with renewed motivation. I studied intensively during August, often late in the evenings or early mornings, determined to finish and pass the exam as soon as possible, well within the 90-day window.

Balancing work and family meant that my study schedule was unpredictable; sometimes I only had 15 minutes here and there. And because there weren’t many testimonies, guides, or summaries available, it often felt like I was studying in the dark.

The Exam Process

At the end of the course, you unlock the option to book the exam. At first, I was stressed about the timeline: PMI’s site mentioned 3 months for “course + exam,” which sounded really challenging. In reality, I had 3 months to sit for the exam after finishing the course: a big difference.

I was also nervous about the “Start Exam” button, worried it might launch the test immediately. In fact, it simply opens the scheduling system. You can choose a proctored session or an exam center; I opted for a proctored exam and found slots available as soon as the same day. I booked mine two days later.

You are allowed up to three attempts in those 90 days, but I passed on my first try.

Preparing With Limited Time

With no AI background and a very limited schedule, I needed a way to study smarter.

I tested myself with AI-generated practice questions, though they did not always match the real exam style.

I focused on scenario-based thinking, since many exam questions are about applying knowledge rather than memorizing it.

Most importantly, I created my own cheatsheets: condensed notes with key terms, exam traps, and quick-review reminders.

Those cheatsheets became my lifeline. Whether I had 15 minutes free or an hour, I could review them and feel like I was making progress.

The Exam Experience

The exam itself was heavily scenario-based, with many single-answer questions and some multiple-answer ones. It tested understanding and judgment much more than definitions. Thanks to my focused preparation with the cheatsheets, I recognized patterns and felt prepared to apply what I had learned.

When I clicked “submit”… I had passed.

Important Update About CPMAI™ v7

If you are planning to take the CPMAI™ v7 certification, note that you can still sit for the current exam until December 30, 2025 (as stated by PMI here).

After this date, the new version (PMI-CPMAI™ will replace it.

• Current CPMAI™ v7 holders: You can upgrade to PMI-CPMAI™at no cost until 30 September 2026. Your CPMAI v7 certification remains valid.

• CPMAI™v7 candidates: You have 90 days from purchase to take the exam. After passing, you will have 12 months to opt in to PMI-CPMAI for free.

Why I am Sharing My Cheatsheets

Looking back, the biggest difficulty was not just the content : it was the lack of resources. There were no ready-made summaries, no real testimonies, no quick way to focus on what mattered most.

That is exactly why I have decided to share the cheatsheets I built for myself:

👉 CPMAI™ Cheatsheets per domain → structured, concise, easy to review, highlighting key concepts and exam traps.

They are designed for busy professionals, whether you are balancing work, kids, or simply do not have hours to spare, who want to prepare effectively and pass CPMAI™ with confidence.

✨ Ready to get started? Download the Domain I Cheatsheet for free.