PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide, 6th Edition 6th Edition

This book was the only book I used to study for the PMP exam. I used free full length exams to prepare after reading this book slowly, cover to cover. The exam questions in the book and on the CD are of medium difficulty; harder than the head first online exam, but easier than PMStudy's. The audio summaries for each chapter were very helpful in cementing the book content into my brain, and are convenient to use on a commute.The book is structured well enough to keep your interest. I found no reason to read the real-world scenarios or "applying this to your project" sections that take up 6-7 pages per chapter, and once you take those pages out, the book is quite condensed and to the point about what you need to know for the exam. The exam highlight blocks throughout each chapter were helpful. I did not open the PMBOK during my preparation because this book provided an explanation of the important pieces of the PMBOK. I tested Proficient in 4 of the 5 knowledge areas and Mostly Proficient in the 5th. I think that is strong evidence that this book is a worthwhile buy.

So today was my big day, and I'm now a PMP.Heldman's book was good. It cracked the ice for me - but I still had tough going until I signed up for an instructor-led course (through the local PMI chapter). Then Heldman's book made more sense - a LOT more sense - but her question style was still 'harder' for me to grok.I slogged through Crosswinds, and got scolded by Rita a few times. I did Heldman's CD chapter quizzes (and Assessment and PMP exams) basically daily. Crosswind's CD of ITTO's helped a ton, too (probably as much as the instructor-led class, actually, because I could 'guess' or 'deduce from the answers' the right answer. That forced me to really think about what I was looking at.) Rita's 'gotcha!' BS got old, but I *did* start looking at how to eliminate wrong answers and interpret the seemingly-nonsensical 'right' answer, which helped on the exam.BTW, I only used the PMBoK as a reference. From day one until I passed, the PMBok remained a cure for insomnia - in bright daylight.So... I recommend Heldman as an adjunct to other books.

I am truly divided on my opinion on this book. I feel that there are some wonderful things about it, beyond being a mere study/prep guide. At the same time, as a study guide, it cannot stand alone and I felt I needed additional books. Let me discuss both of these aspects.First, I will tell you that this is one of the most-read books in my household. Not only have I been studying for the exam for a long time, but I also use this book in my everyday work as a project manager. Why? Because the way it is written, it is almost like a guide to running your project. Each chapter proceeds in order of the activity as it would be pursued. It also includes an ongoing story or example about how that activity would be done, which often helps us remember. We learn best from stories, it turns out. I can easily skip these now as I review the materials, as they - like all other special sections of the book - are easily distinguishable and skipped. There is also a useful summery at the end of each chapter along with practice questions. The practice questions really make it clear - did you skim it or did you really absorb the material? Kim also has a category of things about applying this to your projects in real life. As I said, this was like my bible when I started out in my job (taking on many more PM responsibilities than in past PM roles).Now I've read the PMBOK too. the PMBOK is organized by process area. It's great for studying for the PMP exam itself. However, Kim's book is great for learning the PMBOK for applying to REAL LIFE.The Good:Look at everything that is included. It isn't just a book. The CD also includes flashcards (though you should make your own - the act of creating them is what counts), sample exams, chapter review questions in a digital format, a glossary of terms and audio content. I had owned this book for over a year before I realized the extra content on the CD was there.Kim includes some great ways to memorize things and I love the little call-outs that tell you that you really need to memorize something for the exam. I love that all the EVM formulas were put together, after being explained at length, and all the Quality methodologies. The whole book has call-outs that help you focus on what you really need to remember for the test.The Bad:The Test Engine that was included seemed to score some questions wrong. I found it frustrating to work with, and the answer keys weren't as descriptive about WHY the answers were right or wrong.The format of the book, though good for other reasons, is not good for study & review. If you realize that your main weakness is "Quality" or "Procurements", there isn't one chapter covering all aspects of these. You can't easily figure out the difference between Plan and Conduct Procurements. The Process Area knowledge is spread across the book in various chapters. Again, useful for every day application, but not so great for reviewing weak areas.

You don't really need to review the PMBOK if you memorize this book, just beware that there are new versions already in the market, so search for the newest ones.I liked that this one contains the MP3 of the lectures so you can actually listen to them while driving, going to the gym or anywhere at home.I even had them when I was sleeping to see if something works.. at the end and after 3 months of hard studying I have been PMP for 6 years already.

the questions were far more overloaded than what you get in the exam. however the subject explanation was somewhat ok. still not good enough.

Just passed the exam about an hour ago. This book was key to my success. I found it easy to read, well organized, and very effective in the way the author introduces and then reiterates topics in context throughout the book. I utilized the book, the audio, and the electronic exams on a continual basis for about 2 weeks. Reading a chapter at night, listening to the chapter audio several times during my daily commute,and then taking the chapter exam before reading the next chapter. Great book and tool for helping me pass the exam. Thanks!!!

There are a lot of PMP Study materials out there. This one is definitely worth your time and money!!I passed my PMP exam on the first try and found this book very helpful in my studies. It is very easy to follow. The supplemental practice exams, audio, flash cards were all 'spot-on'. She does a really nice job helping you integrate the materials by knowledge group and process area. I highly recommend this book!