Without a doubt, the best PMP prep book can assist you in obtaining a PMP certificate. What else will be of great help to get your Project Management Professional certification? The best PMP prep course which suits your learning style and fits the budget.
Although a PMP certificate is not mandatory, it helps you get recognition and credibility as a professional. Before you can become a certified project manager, there are several requirements that you must fulfill. One of the requirements includes sitting for and passing a certification exam. The test consists of 200 questions divided into five sections. Therefore, it requires thorough preparation.
With such a competitive exam, you will make the biggest mistake if you don’t conduct extensive preparation. Read this article for the best prep books that will help you ace the test.
What to look for while buying PMP prep book
What is a PMP prep book?
A PMP prep book is a book that contains concepts, questions, and answers that get you ready for the PMP certification exam.
PMP certification is vital for all project managers as it makes you more reliable and dependable. However, it has a lot of requirements, including passing the PMP certification exam. The exam is not the easiest, and you need thorough preparation if you want to give it in the first try.
A PMP prep book contains questions and concepts similar to what you’ll get in the actual test. It, therefore, helps you to prepare well before you can sit for the exam.
Best PMP Prep Books Reviews
1. [OVERALL BEST PMP PREP BOOK] Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep
Features
- Games and activities that make the preparation fun
- Practical tips that you can use on the job
- More exercises and sample questions that ensure you are fully prepared for the exam
- Enjoyable so that the preparation for the exam will not be overwhelming
- Intense research to offer practical solutions to the knowledge gaps
Preparing for your PMP certification will continue being overwhelming until you come across PMP Exam Prep by RMC Project Management. I knew that I would have problems preparing for the certificate. I expected an overwhelming preparation until I came across this PMP prep book.
The book is supposed to save the project manager’s time of looking for the best preparation book. The world’s best-seller PMP test prep book is as a result of intense research and hard work. Before writing the book, Rita Mulcahy went on a fact-finding mission, including looking for successful project managers who took the certification test and failed.
With the research and knowledge of the gaps, the author prepared the best PMP certification book to make taking the exam easy. The book is not only full of useful experiences, but it is also enjoyable. Instead of being overwhelmed by the PMP preparation, you will enjoy reading the book from page to page.
The author uses a friendly and casual language that not only keeps you glued to the content but also makes it easy for you to understand the concepts. When you know the concepts well, you have the confidence of sitting for the exam and passing.
Additionally, the book is not only helpful in preparing for the exams. I came across tips that are also crucial in the field while working on a project.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – Enjoyable to read – Helpful even in the field – Well-researched – Prepared by an expert in the field | – It can be expensive for some, but the knowledge is worth it. |
2. [BEST VALUE FOR MONEY] The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try
Features
- Margin space to help in making study notes
- One-week trial subscription to InSite for more insights and sample questions
- Insider tricks and tips to help you pass on the first try
- It contains all processes, tools, and outputs that you’ll encounter in the test.
- Glossary and definition of terms for reference
If you are still looking for a PMP certification preparation book, The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try by Andy Crowe, PMP is what you are lacking.
Andy Crowe, PMP, is an expert in the project management field who did the test and passed. He seeks to pass his knowledge and expertise to other project managers to ensure they pass during the first try.
What I like most about the PMP study book is its practicality. When you read the book, it’s almost as though you are taking the real test. This gives you the confidence you need. Besides, you’ll come across a simulated final exam and end chapter quizzes at the end of every chapter.
What’s more? The PMP exam book links to about 60 videos in which Andy Crowe is explaining concepts. The videos come in handy, especially if a concept is proving challenging to understand. I also like the fact that the videos contain practical concepts that you can use in the field.
The exercises in the book have a design that makes it easy for you to understand the concepts. With over 400 practice questions, you will be thoroughly prepared to face the real test.
If you buy the book, you will receive a one-week limited subscription to InSite, Velociteach’s e-learning portal. The subscription allows you an additional 100 simulated exam questions for practice. The book is designed to help in mastery of concepts, and it comes with a margin space where you can make some study notes.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – Offers insider tricks and tips for passing – Sample question to give you the necessary confidence – Tips from an expert – Practical concepts | -There is less content on the pages, which loses the grip to read though the extra space allows you to make notes |
3. [BEST VISUAL FORMAT PMP PREP BOOK] Head First PMP: A Learner’s Companion to Passing the Project Management Professional Exam
Features
- Games, exercises, and problems that make it enjoyable to read
- Casual language which makes it not boring
- Contextualization of concepts which makes it practical
- Visual format allows you to have a better picture
- Latest certification principles and objectives which makes it practical
Head First PMP: A Learner’s Companion to Passing the Project Management Professional Exam by Jennifer Greene and Andrew Stellman is an excellent book if you want to learn in a fun way.
We can confidently conclude it’s one of the best books for PMP. Also, what intrigued me about this book is the use of language. The book doesn’t only concentrate on offering you the best concepts. The authors use casual language to connect with you; this way, reading the book doesn’t feel like you are in a lecture hall.
They emphasize allowing you to learn deeply, more quickly, and pay attention to how you’ll pay attention. The attention-grabbing tactics help your brain to see what you are reading as really important.
In terms of content, the book doesn’t disappoint. I was inspired by how they put across the latest certification objective and principles in a fun way. They use a unique visual format that goes beyond specific questions and answers. Thus, not only do you memorize the concepts, but you also see the bigger picture in project management.
Additionally, the book stands out because of its ability to put the project management concepts into context. This makes it easy for you to grasp and use the concepts in the exam.
You will enjoy being entertained while learning using well-researched games, puzzles, exercises, and problems. You also get access to many practice questions and strategies that you can apply in the exam.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – Inspiring – Interesting – Relevant – Attention-grabbing | – You may come across some errors, but they are minimal |
4. PMP Exam Prep Book
Features
- 100+ must-to-remember masterpoints that give you the confidence to face the exam
- 200+ sample questions that give you a taste of the actual exam
- Flashcards that make the learning interesting
- Mapping practice for better preparation for the test
- Written in a friendly language for easy reading
PMP Exam Prep Book by Master of Project Academy is an excellent choice if you are looking for a PMP training book. The book contains the best insights from the founder of Master of Project Academy, Resit Gulec. Resit has seen 99.6% of his students passing the exam in the first attempt with the insights.
So, what makes the PMP exam Prep book by Master of Project Academy this effective?
First, when you buy the book, you’ll get access to over 200 sample questions that give you a feel of what to expect in the actual exam. You will also get more than 100 flashcards and mapping practice.
With the more than 100 must-to-remember masterpoints, you are sure to face the exam with confidence and come out with your certificate.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – Easy to read – Written by an expert – Practical – Interesting | – There are many grammatical and syntax errors though the book outlines helpful information |
5. PMP Certification All-in-One For Dummies Paperback
Features
- Comprehensive plan on how to manage a project
- Latest content on what you’ll expect in the test
- Tips that will help you hack the test
- Accompanying website that comes with practice questions for the best preparation
The PMP Certification All-in-One For Dummies Paperback by Cynthia Snider is an excellent choice of a PMP preparation book as it contains up-to-date content. PMP is a popular certification that is difficult to obtain and has a lot of stringent requirements.
Therefore, you cannot trust every other material you find online to use to prepare for exams. That’s why I would recommend the PMP prep exam book by Cynthia Snider as it contains the latest content from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
The book covers all project management domains, including human resource management, procurement management, integration management, communication management, cost management, etc.
The comprehensive PMP certification book stands out from the rest for offering an accompanying website. The website features a Dummies Test Engines with hundreds of practice questions. Therefore, you’ll be fully prepared to face the certification exam and pass.
Apart from helping you pass the exam, the book also makes you a professional in the project management field. The book also includes guidance on initiating a project, incorporating vital elements into your plan, managing interpersonal aspects, and reviewing the code of ethics and conduct.
The other information that you may find helpful in the book includes guidance on estimating the cost, staff needed, and project duration. You’ll also know about the application process, managing change in project progress, closing the project, and test-taking tips.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – Up-to-date content – Affordable – Practical guidance on project management – Dummies Test Engine | – The book may require more proofreading because of grammatical errors |
6. PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide: 2021 Exam Update 10th Edition
Features
- Covers 100% of the test objectives, so you know what to expect.
- Sample questions that give you a feel of the actual test
- Real-world scenarios that you can reference in your job
- In-depth coverage of concepts and strategies vital in facing the exam
- Outline of the actual exam for the best preparation
The PMP Exam Study Guide: 2021 Exam Update by Kim Heldman is a comprehensive study guide that is all you require to ace the PMP certification exam. The book will guide you into passing your exams, and after that, you can use it as a reference on the job.
The tenth edition study guide is updated with the recent changes to the exam. The updates in the book also include the skills and responsibilities that a project manager has.
Kim Heldman, a well-known author, makes it easy for you to face the certification exam. He provides you with in-depth coverage of what to expect in the exam, including concepts, key terms, and topics.
When you buy this book, you will receive material covering the entire outline of the exam. You also get access to a list of chapter objectives and their detailed discussion.
The book also presents a scenario of real-world applications and review questions.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – Relevant – Easy to read – Guidance from a professional | – A little expensive though with a lot of information |
7. PMP Practice Makes Perfect
Features
- Real-world scenarios for reference
- Sample questions to prepare for the exam
- Cross-references for doing more research
- The questions come with answers and explanations for better preparation.
- Insight from experts
PMP Practice Makes Perfect by James L. Haner et al., is the ultimate book when you want to have sufficient preparation and practice before sitting for the certification exam. The book results from experts who understand the exam’s format, content, and purpose.
As such, you will love the hundreds of sample questions in the book. The questions come with detailed answers and explanations, which makes it easy to understand.
I liked that the questions also come with cross-references. Therefore, you will not just get the answers to the questions, but you can also research further information.
The sample questions are also divided into categories, including short answer questions, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions.
The sixth edition book also presents real-world scenarios that make it excellent for reference.
| Things We Liked | Things We Didn’t Like |
| – Easy to read – Guidance from experts – Real-world application | – Not all questions are relevant though most of them are |
Criteria for selecting the right PMP book
You cannot rely on any material if you wish to have a thorough preparation for the test. You need to ensure you use the best material. How do you get the best PMP book?
Ease of language
The language used in writing a prep book matters a lot. Imagine if you come across a book written using a complex language. It would be challenging trying to understand complex concepts.
Alternatively, the writer may decide to use casual and friendly language. Thus, it will be easy for you to follow and stay interested in what is being taught.
The right PMP certification prep book should therefore have an easy to understand language.
Learning style
Some books present dry information that is hard to read and follow. It might be hard to understand all the concepts and pass the exam with such a prep book.
On the other hand, you’ll have a book with information divided into different learning styles. For instance, a book can contain charts, illustrations, cross-references, diagrams, and illustrations. Such a book will keep you interested in the topic. It also makes it easy to understand the content and apply it during the exam.
Exam practice
The reason why you need a prep book is so that you can prepare for the exam and pass. The right prep book should, therefore, help you prepare for the exam and pass it.
It should come with sample questions and concepts similar to what you will get in the actual exam. Additionally, the prep book should mock the real test even in times of difficulty.
Also, the questions should come with answers and illustrations. With that, you can refer to the answers after doing the question to assess whether you understood the concept. You can use the illustrations to do more research and understand the concepts better.
The prep book should help you get the necessary confidence in facing the exam. When you sit for the actual test, it shouldn’t feel like it’s the first time you see such questions.
Final Thoughts
If you want to prepare well for the PMP certification test, you need to use the best PMP prep book. The book should help you understand concepts easily and also offer sample questions that you can practice with. Here, we have a list of the best books that you can use in your preparation.
Drawing on her experience as a middle and high school teacher, Margaret Lipman strives to provide valuable insights for students when writing about scholarships and college application strategies in her articles for Scholarship Institute.
