You might look for the best PMP book and study guide for certification exam prep.
A PMP reference book is essential to study material for passing the credential test, and you should buy only a good one.
So, in this article, we will examine the PMP exam books available on the market and provide a list of the best PMP exam books for preparing for the PMP certification exam. In addition, you will understand which PMP study guide to choose that can best suit your needs.
But before that, let’s learn more about the PMP examination.
Why Should I Prepare for the PMP Certification Exam?
So what is the world’s most prestigious project management certification?
PMI provides PMP certification, without a doubt. According to the PMI’s Research, employees will need to fill nearly 2.2 million new project-oriented roles each year through 2027. As a result, employers currently have a high demand for certified PM professionals. This makes PMP certification increasingly significant each year.
You may work in project management for an extended period. You may have an exceptional understanding of project management theory. However, these are not enough to pass the PMP certification exam on the first try. PMP certification requires intensive and dedicated study, even with a project management background. Several project managers have managed hundreds of projects throughout their careers but sat for the PMP exam unprepared. Result? Failure in the majority of instances. Because the PMP certification exam evaluates your theoretical knowledge and practical experience in applying project management techniques to project management.
How can Books and Reading Materials Aid my PMP Exam Preparation?
Do you need to add reading to your list of study techniques if you’re already using flashcards, taking notes, an exam simulator, videos, and live training? Yes, you do!
Reading the PMBOK Guide and other PMP books will help you prepare for the exam. This is why:
- Reading aloud aids in recalling key details
- Learning enhances vocabulary and concentration
- Reading stimulates mental activity
A PMP exam preparation book will contain sections aligned with the PMBOK knowledge areas and numerous exercises, quizzes, and many other resources to help you prepare for the exam. We recommend that once you’ve selected a PMP exam book, you complete each chapter of the PMP book instead of a PMP study guide. After finishing the PMP book, you can register for the PMP exam.
What are PMP book options available on the market? Which PMP exam guide is superior? What is an audiobook on PMP? We will now investigate all of these.
How to Select the Finest PMP Exam Preparation Book?
The best PMP Exam Prep book is the one that meets your particular requirements. As individuals and students, it is essential to recognize that project management is an expansive field. Which areas of knowledge make you feel more confident as you approach the exam?
The PMP preparation book that best suits your needs should be chosen. You will know the areas you believe your preparation has been lacking. You can improve your knowledge in these areas by choosing books from these categories. For example, if you believe you are well-prepared but need more practice, you could choose books containing numerous sample questions or practice exams.
Now, we shall list those PMP books essential for taking the ‘PMP Exam.
BestPMP Exam Prep Books To Read in 2024
#1 PMBOK Guide
PMBOK Guide is the best study guide, in my opinion. To successfully pass the exam, I believe that preparation is essential. It is published by PMI, the governing body for the certification examination.
The PMBOK Guide will continue to serve as your primary reference. Certainly, the topics mentioned must be covered. While studying these topics, you may discover one or more that pique your interest and make you want to learn more. You will rely on other books to gain a deeper understanding of these topics. PMP Exam preparation books will emphasize preparing you to write the exam and ensuring that you are prepared to pass it when you take it.
Use the other reference books reviewed in this article and the Guide to increase your chances of success.
PMI members have access to a free electronic copy of the PMBOK Guide. If you are already a PMI member or plan to join shortly, you can also download a free PDF version of the Guide. It can be used for study on a `computer but cannot be printed. The PDF copy of the Guide is licensed exclusively to you; you may neither share nor distribute it.
If you do not feel comfortable studying on a computer, you must purchase the PMBOK Guide. It will aid your preparation for the CAPM and PMP examinations.
#2 PMP Exam Prep Simplified
Author: Andrew Ramdayal
Andrew Ramdayal, PMP, has more than 15 years of experience in IT project management, having worked on numerous IT projects throughout his career. He possesses additional professional certifications in IT and accounting, as well as a Master’s degree in management information systems with a concentration in project management.
The most recent Edition of PMP Exam Prep Simplified has been updated for the 2021 PMP exam with sections on predictive, agile, and hybrid project management, as well as video-based content from the PMBOK Guide, Seventh Edition. In addition, its 478 pages cover the various processes and knowledge areas, key project management terms, and a whole chapter on the new exam content outline.
PMP Exam Prep Simplified also contains:
- Chapter-specific questions and answers
- Ethics
- Exam tips
- A full-length practice exam
#3 PMP Prep Book by Master of Project Academy
Most PMP books on the market focus on outdated theoretical project management knowledge. In contrast to other PMP books on the market, the content of the PMP Prep Book by Master of Project Academy has been organized similarly to a real project.
You will be able to see the practical implications of theoretical knowledge while studying PMP exam content, which will make it easier for you to comprehend the specifics of PMP exam content. In addition, the PMP Prep Book by Master of Project Academy will assist you in passing the PMP exam on the first try. In addition, unlike other PMP book providers, Master of Project Academy provides a free PMP book sample for you to review before purchasing the PMP Prep Book.
#4 Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme, Hybrid, 8th Edition
Author: Robert K. Wysocki
Dr. Robert K. Wysocki has more than 45 years of experience as a project manager, business analyst, business process consultant, and trainer. He has created over twenty project management courses and trained more than ten thousand senior project managers worldwide. In addition, he has also written 24 books related to project management.
Effective Project Management book is also on the PMP recommended reading list, so if you’re considering sitting for that exam in the future, this book serves a dual purpose. First, it includes a companion website with case studies, exercises, and other materials to help you review and revise the material.
It covers a variety of agile approaches, such as Kanban, Scrumban, and powerful project management, as well as more traditional approaches, making it a comprehensive guide to project management.
Don’t miss out to check top 10 Project Management Books to read out in 2024!
#5 Head First PMP, 4th Edition
Authors: Jennifer Greene, Andrew Stellman
Jennifer Greene, PMP, and Andrew Stellman, PMP, are software engineers, O’Reilly authors, and former academic researchers and project managers. Stellman and Greene Consulting, which provides software development services and training to businesses and individuals, was founded in 2003.
The 4th Edition of Head First PMP has been updated for the 2021 PMP exam format. Its 924 pages cover the process framework and all other testable knowledge areas. In addition, it contains a chapter on the justification for certification, the significance of professional responsibility, a final review, and a sample exam.
Head First PMP is distinguished by its unique visual format, which makes learning more effective and memorable. The pages have a dynamic layout in which no two pages are identical to maintain the reader’s interest. In addition, its attention-grabbing graphics and balanced text-to-image ratio are intended to highlight new learning material and other essential information.
#6 PMP: Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide 9th Edition
Author: Kim Heldman
Kim Heldman (Denver, CO), MBA, PMP, is the Chief Information Officer for the Regional Transportation District in Denver, Colorado. She has over 18 years of experience in senior management positions and over 25 years of experience in project management.
The PMP: Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide, Ninth Edition by Kim Heldman, provides a comprehensive review of the PMP certification exam administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This new Edition of Heldman’s has been completely revised to align with the most recent version of the exam, which includes new tasks that reflect changes in best practices, the project manager’s role, and the increasing significance of agile and other adaptive and iterative practices.
The 6th Edition of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) is utilized to provide the most current information on critical topics. In contrast, hands-on exercises provide insight into real-world applications. In addition, receive one year of free access to the online interactive learning environment, which will provide you with excellent study tools, rigorous chapter tests, and two practice exams to help you gauge your readiness and avoid exam-day surprises.
To qualify, candidates must have extensive project management experience, but comprehensive study materials aligned with the PMBOK Guide Sixth Edition are mandatory for exam success. This study guide contains everything necessary for thorough preparation and exam day assurance.
Conclusion
The Project Management Professional (PMP) exam is difficult to pass. The crown you desire can be obtained through sufficient motivation and the proper resources like the right books. We hope you’ve reviewed the resources mentioned above and settled on one or two. Check out Invensis Learning website that will help you in advancing your career with industry-graded resources taught by domain experts.
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