Change & JoyCCMP StudyGuideWhat isyourpreferredlearningstyle?AuditoryAuditory learners best absorb information throughlistening, discussing, and verbal reinforcement.When learning something new, your preference maybe for spoken words, discussions, podcasts,audiobooks, verbal explanations, and recitation.VisualVisual learners best absorb information throughimages, charts, graphs, color-coding, and writtenmaterials.When learning something new, your preference maybe for seeing and reading materials, creating visualaids, and using visual reinforcement techniques.KinestheticKinesthetic learners best absorb information throughhands-on experiences, movement, and engagingphysically with the material.When learning something new, your preference maybe for active learning strategies, such as role-playing,physical activities, mock exams, and interactive studytechniques.Reading & WritingReading & Writing learners absorb information bestthrough reading materials, taking notes, andexpressing understanding through writing.When learning something new, your preference maybe for text-based learning strategies, such as readingbooks, writing summaries, taking detailed notes, andengaging in written exercises.
Auditory This is a study guide for the Auditory Learner, focusing on techniques that cater toauditory learning preferences. This guide prioritizes listening, discussion, repetition,and verbal cues.“I understand things better when I hear themexplained. Can you describe it me?”Pre-Study PreparationFind the CCMP Exam Breakdown in yourlearning platform to see the exam focus areasOrganize a study schedule that incorporatesaudio-based learning methods (e.g., recordedStudy Sessions and the Standard)Designate a quiet space for listening, minimizingdistractions2Active ListeningListen to the audio recording of the Standard andrecorded Study sessions, pausing to note keypoints and terms (note the recording‘s minuteand second for the points you want to listen toagain)Record summaries of key concepts or importantpoints in your own voice and wordsListen to the same material multiple timesPractice Oral MethodsUse voice-activated software (e.g., GoogleAssistant, Siri) to verbally quiz yourselfRead the practice questions and verbally answerthem aloud, either to a peer or a recording deviceSet up a mock oral exam with a study partnerwhere you both ask and answer questions aloudRepetition and RecallRegularly recite the more challenging sections toverbally reinforce your knowledgeVerbally teach the material to a friend toreinforce your understandingUse apps designed for active recall (e.g., Quizletwith audio features)ReinforcementVerbally recap what you learned from each StudySession and each section of the recordedStandard, especially concepts or terms are weredifficult to internalizeBreak down the Standard’s 5 Process Groups intointo smaller "process chunks" across the groupsand verbally review each chunk until it becomesclear and manageableTest Day!On exam day, reinforce key concepts by listeningto your recorded summaries and the recordingsyou’ve bookmarkedAnswer common questions or practice statingkey concepts out loud to stay calm and confidentUse calming verbal techniques, such as positiveaffirmations, to reduce your anxietyYou can do this!
Visual3This is a study guide for the Visual Learner, designed specifically for learners whobest absorb and retain information through visual aids such as charts, diagrams,written notes, videos, and other visual resources.“I need to see it to understand it better.Can you show me what it looks like?”Pre-Study PreparationFind the CCMP Exam Breakdown in yourlearning platform to see the exam focus areasand create a visual roadmap of topics andsubtopics to studyDesign a study schedule using a visual planningtool (e.g., Gantt chart, color-coded calendar,digital whiteboard templates); use different colorsfor topics, deadlines, and review datesVisual ResourcesCreate your own infographics and draw mindmaps to connect ideasWatch the recorded Study Sessions to revisit thestories and examples that were discussedUse apps and tools that aid in visual learning,such as Canva for study posters, Zoomwhiteboards templates for diagramming, andPrezi for interactive presentationsVisual StudyingAt the end of each study session, create a visualsummary or sketch of the most important points Create a timeline to visualize the flow of eventsCreate a “memory palace” by associatingconcepts with distinct images or locations in afamiliar placeOrganizing Visual InformationUse a physical poster to create a concept boardwith important terms, diagrams, an keywordsDraw or find images that represent key terms anddefinitions to create a visual dictionaryCreate flowcharts and process diagrams tointernalize the material in a logical progressionActive Visual ReviewCreate practice tests that incorporate visualformats such as matching exercises, labelingdiagrams, or sorting activitiesConvert your notes into relevant images anddiagrams as part your reviewClose your eyes and mentally visualize theconcepts, diagrams, and processes you’velearned; reconstruct visuals in your mind to yourreinforce memoryTest Day!Create a quick-reference visual sheet with themost helpful diagrams, images, and conceptsThe night before the exam, review your visualmaterials to reinforce key conceptsUse visual relaxation techniques: Imagineyourself confidently answering questions, ormentally walk into the exam space
Kinesthetic 4This is a study guide for the Kinesthetic Learner, focusing on strategies that involvephysical activity, hands-on experiences, and movement to engage actively with thestudy material.“I learn best by doing it myself. Can I try itout first to understand it?”Pre-Study PreparationFind the CCMP Exam Breakdown in yourlearning platform to see the exam focus areasConsider creating a tactile study map orflowchart to visually represent the relationshipbetween topicsCreate a study schedule that incorporatesmovement, breaks, and physical activity to keepyour body and mind engagedKinesthetic StrategiesAs you review the material, recall your case studyexperiences then create short simulations thatyou can role-play to integrate the conceptsUse hand and body gestures to act out theconcepts; walk as you recite the materialPractice using physical flashcards, rearranging thecards across process groups and subprocesses toconfirm your comprehensionIncorporating MovementInclude short, active breaks between studysessions to re-energize and refresh your mindWalk and listen to the recorded Standard orStudy SessionsTry standing while reading or studying in variouslocations to stimulate your body and mindPhysical PracticeCreate a physical representation of a process orsubprocess by arranging objects on the floor torepresent the concepts; try literally walkingyourself through each stepTeach concepts to a peer (or to yourself!) byincorporating physical props and visual aids thatrequire manipulation as you explain the materialUse timed practice tests involving walking orpacing as you think through your answers;challenge yourself to beat your best timeTest Day!The night before the exam, do one last round ofactive review, using physical props, gesturing, orexplaining key concepts out loudRecreate exam-like conditions through practiceexercises to help reduce your anxiety andimprove performanceEngage in light physical exercise, such asstretching or walking, before the exam to calmyour nerves and prepare physicallyUse deep breathing or movement-basedrelaxation techniques to stay groundedActive ReviewUse sticky notes or posters around your studyspace to provide visual remindersEngage in projects or tasks that apply your studymaterial in real-life scenariosPace around while reciting definitions or talkingthrough processes to integrate your memory
Reading & Writing5This is a study guide for the Reading & Writing Learner, focusing on strategies thatcater to individuals who best learn through engaging with written materials, takingnotes, and expressing understanding through writing.“I need to write it down to understand it better. Can I justread through the notes or the instructions?”Pre-Study PreparationFind the CCMP Exam Breakdown in yourlearning platform to see the exam focus areasOrganize these topics into a logical outline, eithersequentially or thematicallyDesign a study schedule that allocates time forreading, note-taking, and written exercisesBreak each study session into manageable chunksfor reading and writing tasksReading-Based StudyingEngage in active reading: Highlight, underline,and annotate key concepts as you readUse the SQ3R method: Skim the material beforereading; Create questions based on the headingsand other parts of the material; Read whileanswering your questions; Recite the main pointswhile reading; Review the materialWriting-Based StudyingCreate a "cheat sheet" for each section you readthat you can refer back to laterCreate detailed notes to break down theconcepts that are more difficult to rememberPractice writing the names and connectionsbetween and across processes and subprocessesActive RevisionAdd to the study guides you’ve created byincorporating bullet points, charts, and othervisual aids to support your understandingReorganize and review your study material byprocess groups, sub-process, and across sub-processes to confirm your comprehensionWrite daily or weekly reflections on what you’velearned, what you need to review, and how youplan to improvePracticeRegularly review and rewrite your notes toreinforce key conceptsFrom memory, write out definitions, inputs andoutputs, and key phrases to help with retentionFor quizzes you’ve passed, retake them this timeby writing down your answersTest Day!Before the exam, revisit the CCMP ExamBreakdown and review the written summariesyou’ve createdRevisit important sections, difficult concepts, andany areas that you’ve flaggedKeep a positive mindset: Remember how yourwriting and reading strengths have helped youbecome well-preparedYou’ve got this!
Getting right to it!Before making a plan, some like to take the practice quizzes first to see what theyalready know and decide where they need to focus. This may be a good strategy foryou if you’ve studied in the past and you’re just coming back to the material.First, a deep reviewSome like to read the whole Standard cover-to-cover and note the concepts thatdon’t make sense based on their experience. They create a study plan based on thisreview. If you have a lot of experience, this may be a good strategy for you becausemisalignment could trip you up during the exam.Connecting across process groupsWe recommend taking the practice quizzes for the 5 process groups, then using theflashcards to review similar subprocesses across the Standard to see how thelanguage changes (e.g., develop the communication strategy, develop thecommunication plan, execute communication plan). After that, it should be mucheasier for you to successfully pass the full practice exam that has all of the quizquestions mixed up.Then it finally clicksAs your study plan progresses, you’ll start to recognize the patterns in the materialand how to translate them against your own experience to answer the questions.Remember, the exam questions are not meant to trick you. They are designed toensure your experience translates to the Standard for Change Management. ACMPwants you to succeed and represent the profession well.Integration Path6
Silly StudyStory time! Try using objects in your home ascharacters representing the sections of theStandard and how they interact with eachother. Use a Zoom storyboard whiteboardtemplate to create memorable scenes with thematerial. It’s a unique way to remembersequences and connections.Love to learn by writing? Treat yourself to alittle reward with the Written? Kitten!website, which rewards you with a randomlyselected cat picture for every 100 words youwrite. It was created to help writers getunstuck when they’re feeling unmotivated. Ifyou love cats and writing is your learningpreference, this could be for you!Jump around! Another good technique is torecite while moving yourself around, like doingjumping jacks or dancing. Turns out thatreciting while walking backwards doessomething in the brain that makes it stick.Another technique: Sit down and read thenstand up and recite. If you’re a kinestheticlearner, these may appeal to you most.Sing it! Hearing yourself sing the Standard forChange Management may be the way tomake it stick -- because it’s just kind of weirdto do that! Turn the parts you find mostdifficult and dry into a jingle or the lyrics to asong you already know and love. Make thematerial memorable by making it fun to sing!“The word silly derives from the Greek word ‘selig’, meaning blessed.There is something sacred in being able to be silly.” -- Paul Pearsall, PhD, Super Joy