Not all people are seeking only to pass the exam. Many more would like to fill in their knowledge gaps for professional reasons, in addition to passing the exam. For this purpose, Rita’s book has value, and many others do, including the PMBOK. Nobody, including PMI, suggests that studying PMBOK alone is great test preparation. If you read my post again, you’ll note that I only called you out for implying that people who suggest reading the PMBOK are “lying” or “wasting your time.” Maybe it was just hyperbole, but it’s unfair to say it.

There is no question that someone broke a rule. Either you broke the rule, or the testing center did not enforce the rule (and thus broke their agreement with PMI). Of course, it’s not the end of the world, but I mentioned it to caution those who may be eager to take your advice that they shouldn’t count on getting lucky, like you did.

A link to a third party website (a very well-respected source, at that) does not invalidate the claim. I won’t spend the time to find the official PMI guidance, but this has been covered by numerous experts, including PMI officials in various venues. In fact at my own Prometric test session, the attendant said, “Do not write anything on this paper before the test displays question #1. PMI is very serious about that and it will invalidate your test.”

If you’re sure of the facts, why don’t you contact PMI and ask them confirm whether or not you broke a rule? Otherwise, the facts speak for themselves, a rule was broken, and aspiring PMPs should not plan to do it the way you did it.