In order to earn the PMP credential, candidates must pass the examination that assesses their knowledge and understanding of project management concepts as defined in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) combined with a solid understanding of Agile practices.

With such importance placed on this examination, it is essential that those preparing for it have access to reliable and trustworthy resources. We’ve compiled a list of the top seven project management professional preparation textbooks and provided a brief overview of each one below.

This study guide is well-written and one of the most up-to-date on the exam, Kim Heldman PMP includes many real-world examples to illustrate key concepts. The practice exam at the end of the book is especially helpful in preparing for the official PMP exam.

The four parts of this book are:

• Part I: provides an overview of project management and the project management process.
• Part II: focuses on Project Management Theory
• Part III: covers the five process groups: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing.
• Part IV: covers the nine knowledge areas: integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communication, risk, and procurement.
• Part V: covers the PMP exam, including exam tips and strategies.

This comprehensive guide by Darron Clark PMP covers all the topics necessary to prepare for the PMP exam. The book includes reviewing the PMP exam content, practice questions, and a full-length practice exam. It also includes a CD with additional practice questions and a link to an online test bank.

The four parts of the book are:

• Part I: Introduction and overview of the PMP exam and PMI. It also covers the different types of questions on the exam and how to approach them.
• Part II: Covers the PMP exam content. Each chapter covers one of the ten knowledge areas on the exam. The chapters include an overview of the content, key terms, and practice questions.
• Part III: is a full-length practice exam with the answer key at the book’s end.
• Part IV: has the appendices including a glossary of terms, a list of resources, and the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

The PMBOK® Guide is a great resource for ALL project managers. It provides a comprehensive overview of the profession and the latest thinking on project management practices and processes. In this edition, PMI has created a preeminent guide to the project management profession.

The PMBOK® Guide is a process-based approach to project management that incorporates the latest thinking in the field. This seventh edition of the PMBOK® Guide includes new and updated content on agile approaches, stakeholder engagement, and earned value management.

The Standard for Project Management is a book contained within the PMBOK guide. It provides an overview of the project management profession and how it is to be practised within organizations. It also defines the project management process and its associated knowledge areas.

It is structured as follows:

THE STANDARD FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Introduction
• A system for value delivery
• Project management principles

A GUIDE TO THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT BODY OF KNOWLEDGE (PMBOK® GUIDE)

• Introduction
• Project performance domains
• Tailoring
• Models, methods, and artefacts

In this decently organised book, Andrew Ramdayal PMP provides a wealth of knowledge and insight into what to expect on the exam. This edition is up to date with the current exam. It includes a practice exam but doesn’t have well-explained answers:

• project management basics
• the project lifecycle
• project integration management
• scope management
• time management
• cost management
• quality management
• human resource management
• communications management
• risk management
• and project procurement management.

Each chapter includes a review of the relevant concepts, followed by practice questions and answers.

Sohel Akhter PMP’s up-to-date book is designed to help readers prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Exam. One of its strongest features is its focus on the real-world application of project management principles. For example, the planning process group discusses different types of project planning methods and how to choose the most appropriate one for a given project.

However, The practice questions in this book have an average level of detail in the answer explanations. The organization and clarity could be better as well. Its four parts are as follows:

• Part I: Introduction to the PMP Exam- provides an overview of the PMP Exam, a description of the format and the types of questions that will be asked.
• Part II: The PMP Exam Process- covers the steps involved in taking the exam, including registering, scheduling, and taking the exam.
• Part III: The PMP Exam Content- provides an overview of the content covered on the PMP Exam, including the project management process, project management tools and techniques, and project management knowledge areas.
• Part IV: The PMP Exam Format- describes the format of the PMP Exam, including the number of questions, the time limit, and the scoring system.
• Part V: The PMP Exam Preparation- offers tips and advice on how to prepare for the exam, including studying for the exam, taking practice exams, and using study aids.

Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep is an excellent resource, well-organized but not as up-to-date as other textbooks. The process groups are described in detail with plenty of examples, which will be helpful for those who are not familiar with project management terminology.

Risk management and earned value management are well outlined and especially beneficial to those who are new to project management. The aids and references added to the book include a variety of resources that can be used both while studying for the exam and after becoming certified.

• Part I: covers the basics of the PMP exam, including the application process, eligibility requirements, and the exam format.
• Part II: provides a detailed overview of the project management process, including the project lifecycle, project management framework, and project management tools and techniques.
• Part III: offers a comprehensive review of all the exam content areas, including project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement management.
• Part IV: offers test-taking strategies and tips, including how to approach the exam, how to use practice exams, and how to overcome test anxiety.